Co Antrim business auctioning poppy-themed ukulele to raise funds for Royal British Legion

A Co Antrim luthier is auctioning a poppy-themed ukulele in a bid to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
By Helena McManus
Published 4th Nov 2020, 12:06 BST
Updated 4th Nov 2020, 12:25 BST

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The ukulele is being auctioned on eBay to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.The ukulele is being auctioned on eBay to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.
The ukulele is being auctioned on eBay to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

The piece has been created by Carrickfergus-based BTLX Guitars, a producer of custom stringed instruments.

Based at Kilroot in the town, the business was founded by RAF veteran, Sam Knox.

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“I’ve always had a love of guitars, and had always tinkered with them, did repairs and modifications and well as being a mediocre player,” Mr Knox said.

The ukulele was created by BTLX Guitars.The ukulele was created by BTLX Guitars.
The ukulele was created by BTLX Guitars.

“I joined the RAF in 1994 and served nine years as a photographic interpreter, and after leaving in 2003 have worked mostly in the call centre circuit.”

Over the past three years, the local man had developed an interest in building guitars from scratch. “This year, I decided to take the plunge and set up my own brand, BTLX (pronounced battle-axe).

“The Royal British Legion have been good to me since leaving the RAF, and I really wanted to do something meaningful to give something back to them, hence the poppy ukulele was born.”

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The instrument is currently up for auction on eBay, where it has already attracted a number of bids.

The instrument in progress.The instrument in progress.
The instrument in progress.

“I haven’t set a goal or a reserve on the auction, as I’ll be happy no matter what it makes,” Mr Knox added.

“Obviously the more it makes, the better, but this isn’t about hitting a target. This is about giving something back and helping a worthy cause.

“This is the first fundraiser we’ve done, and I kind of got the idea from the guys at Crimson Guitars over in England. They recently ran a guitar building contest on YouTube, where they got luthiers all around the world to build guitars and auction them for charities.

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“They raised a huge amount and did a great job, but sadly I was too late to the party to join in, so I decided to run my own charity auction for a cause close to my heart.

Sam Knox pictured c. 1997 presenting a cheque to the Anthony Nolan Trust for money raised at a charity gig.Sam Knox pictured c. 1997 presenting a cheque to the Anthony Nolan Trust for money raised at a charity gig.
Sam Knox pictured c. 1997 presenting a cheque to the Anthony Nolan Trust for money raised at a charity gig.

“Both myself and my family have been lifelong supporters of the Royal British Legion, and I’m delighted to be able to give something back to them.”

For more information on BTLX Guitars, visit their website www.btlxguitars.com

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Related topics:CarrickfergusKilrootRAFYouTube