Canadian musician makes moose antler bass guitar

A Musical Craftsman’s Legacy: Lorne Collie’s Unique Instrument Creations

At 88 years old, Lorne Collie has spent over 30 years crafting musical instruments that not only produce captivating sounds but also showcase his creativity with unconventional materials.

Among his remarkable creations are a bass guitar and cello made from moose antlers, a baseball bat violin, ukuleles crafted from cookie tins, and guitars fashioned out of pitchforks, a shovel, and a rake.

Collie’s personal favorites include a frying pan mandolin and a banjo constructed from a motorcycle tire rim, adorned with stretched deerskin painted by his late wife.

Initially hesitant to sell his instruments, Collie’s perspective has shifted with age. With the assistance of his son, he has decided to part with some of his collection, including an electric bass guitar priced at $8,000 and a cello for $6,500.

The motivation behind selling his creations is to upgrade his electric car for better range and speed, allowing him to visit his extensive family scattered across Alberta and British Columbia.

Collie’s foray into instrument making began following a life-threatening brain aneurysm that forced him to retire from his machinist profession in the late 1980s. Prompted by a friend’s challenge, he ventured into crafting instruments from unconventional objects.

The turning point came when Collie combined a broken guitar with a moose antler, spawning his first successful antler instrument—a guitar that impressed with its durability and sound quality.

Despite facing challenges with certain materials, such as a failed snowshoe lap steel guitar, Collie’s experimentation has led to the creation of unique, functional instruments like the nearly eight-kilogram moose antler bass guitar.

Looking ahead, Collie aspires to craft a Celtic harp, requiring a sizeable antler with a deep curve. While not a performer himself, he envisions his instruments being enjoyed through group performances or individual appreciation.

Collie’s passion for craftsmanship remains unwavering, with a desire to see his creations bring joy to others. His journey as a musical artisan encapsulates a lifelong dedication to the art of creation.

This article was adapted from a report by The Canadian Press, originally published on December 21, 2024.