Woodworking’s in my blood.
Ken Casciato, who donated his hand-crafted electric guitar for a raffle fund-raiser for the Veterans History Museum.
Ken Casciato is a lifelong master woodworker of McKees Rock, Pennsylvania. His is retired from his position as a school district maintenance supervisor, and, for 35 years, also owned and operated a second business as a master plumber.
When thanked for his generous gift, the “little brother” of museum founder and curator Emmett Casciato, said, “Anything to help the museum.”
A Hand Crafted Guitar “worthy to honor veterans”.
Ken Casciato described the guitar: “It’s made from white alder and maple. It has gold-filled knobs, bridges, and tuners. The pickguard is graced with an American flag. I cut grooves under the pickguard to run the wires to the tuners, so they’re covered. The strap design is blue and white stars, just like our flag. Hollowood Music in McKees Rocks helped make this guitar top quality—worthy to honor veterans.”
This is the fifteenth guitar Casciato has made in the last 14 months. Customers buy them from the Hollowood Guitar Store nearby, or from his home workshop. Asked how he got started, he explained, “I just took a guitar down from its rack in the guitar store, laid it on a piece of paper, and traced its outline. That was my pattern. That’s all I needed.”
Asked if he plays, he said, “No, I don’t play, but Emmett does. I’m seven years younger than he, but I know he was good at it in college and plays pretty well now.”
Proceeds will go to the Toni Lee Casciato (TLC) Memorial Fund.
Proceeds from the raffle of this Telecaster electric guitar will be used to continue the funding of the Toni Lee Casciato (TLC) Memorial Fund. The fund was established in 2020 to honor Toni Casciato’s memory. TLC grants have been awarded to Blue Ridge Honor Flight, Transylvania County Marine Corps JROTC, Transylvania County Honor Guard, Transylvania American Legion Monroe Wilson Post 88, Highlands American Legion Post 370, Spartanburg Vietnam Veterans Association, Johnny Martinez Veterans Relief Fund, and VFW Post 4309.
In addition to the electric guitar, the raffle package includes an amplifier, cord, stand, and hard case, valued at $2000 altogether. Tickets are $5.00 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20.00. The drawing will be May 30 (Memorial Day). You need not be present to win.
Raffle tickets are on sale at the museum Wednesday – Saturday from 11am to 3pm.
Stop in soon to buy your tickets or call 828-884-2141 and we’ll put them in the mail!
Hi Kenny…Dean Arlett ( from Silverdale , Wa.)….it’s been a long time neighbor…just googled your name…and …Great job..!!!…woodworking…making guitars…and that charity work…😁👍….the Casciato’s….great neighbors…great people…tell Emmett…Judy…Gina…and everybody…your still in my heart and thoughts…😁👍