What do I do with my guitars?
I have a very nice collection of about 20 guitars. They are all high end instruments.
My life expectancy is not more than a few years. I have a relative who plays and I'll leave him one or two, but he's likely to just sell them.
I'd like the guitars to go to talented young musicians who cannot afford high quality guitars. My mobility is currently limited so seeking out new musicians is difficult.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how my guitars (and keyboards) can go to truly deserving young musicians with the potential to be great?
I don't want these instruments to be sold off. I want to donate them to deserving kids.
How can I find the best place and method to donate my instruments when I pass on?
I've already donated a Fender Nashville Tele and a Rickenbacker 330 to some outstanding youngsters. I admit those were the low end of my collection, but it made a very real difference for two very deserving young musicians.
(Please, no "I'll take them off your hands" comments.)
ADD: I'm overwhelmed with the responses. I'll try to get back to everyone's suggestions. I really appreciate the answers. This has been bothering me for almost a year and now I'm getting some terrific ideas. I have to go to PT, but I'll take some time out later to really absorb all the responses. Thanks to everyone for their positive feedback.
ADD2: Thanks for all the responses. There have been some great ideas. I want these to get into the hands of young musicians with great potential. Most of them are what I considered "guitars of a lifetime," so I don't want to sell them and have a lesser value to donate. I want some eyes to light up when the realization of what they're getting hits.
The guitars I have are mostly professional grade and date from the 1950s to a new PRS CE. I do have a few that could be prep school donations, but most are more academy of music type instruments. The nearest town has two high schools, I'll check with them. Las Vegas has a prep Academy of the Arts and two colleges. I used to hang out at the jazz and blues clubs there so I know quite few of the local musicians. I'm even a member of the LV Blues Society. Now that I think about it, I even know Grammy winners in Vegas. They'll probably know some good up and comers who are equipment poor.
Thanks again for all the wonderful Ideas. I have a few starting points now and feel more comfortable about my approach. I love the idea of a contest. Maybe we can get the two regional high schools to have a guitar battle for an instrument or two - maybe even start a tradition.
I'll try to get back on the DMs in the next day or two. Thank you.