Striking sustainable chords

ELECTRIC COMPANY: Bill Paukert, founder of Unified Guitar Works in Warren, displays two of his creations, which are made from sustainable materials. / COURTESY BILL PAUKERT
ELECTRIC COMPANY: Bill Paukert, founder of Unified Guitar Works in Warren, displays two of his creations, which are made from sustainable materials. / COURTESY BILL PAUKERT

Bill Paukert worked as an industrial designer for 16 years, for toymaker Hasbro Inc. Then he switched careers, applying his design and mechanical experience to a more grown-up object of desire: the electric guitar.

Through his business, Unified Guitar Works, Paukert designs, creates and sells custom-made electric guitars constructed of sustainable materials.

The three models he’s created feature bodies of bamboo and brushed aluminum, which are hand-cut, drilled and shaped.

The business, based in Warren, launched earlier this year after several years of research and design.

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The guitars are sold in Providence, at Empire Guitars, as well as through the Unified Guitar Works website.

The guitars are priced between $2,390 and $2,490, which reflects the hours of labor. Assembly takes about four to six weeks, said Paukert, who works in batches.

Their unique appearance is the first thing that catches people’s attention, he said.

“When these guitars hang in the store next to other guitars, they really stand out,” Paukert said. •

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