Ballito’s Alec Mackay strikes the right chord

While some choose to spend their golden years peacefully, Ballito’s Alec Mackay is rocking out his days as a drummer by day and a guitar maker by night.

Born in Scotland, the 68 year old emigrated to South Africa in the mid 50s. While other boys were playing cops and robbers, a 12-year-old Mackay discovered his love for music and from then on was always in a band in one form or another. Although his first love is drums, he took a keen interest in making guitars – a hobby that keeps him out of trouble now that he is officially retired.

“I can string a chord or two but I am no guitarist. I just fell in love with the look of guitars and thought to myself one day that I should try to make them,” he said.

He started his hobby eight years ago while he worked at Sun International as a professional drummer.

Months of research and feedback from other musicians has now turned into a job of fixing and crafting musical gems that any guitarist would love.

“People bring in their broken guitars and I do my best to fix them. I also refurbish old guitars to make them look new,” said Mackay.

Mackay said that for musicians, their instruments are personal and dear to them. He is often left touched by some of the stories he hears from his clients.

“Recently a woman brought me a guitar that was nearly 30 years old. It was the first guitar that her husband had played and she wanted me to revamp it for his 40th birthday. Stories like that, the personal kind, inspires me to do what I do.”

The master crafter spends about six months on each individual piece. Although his talents are not limited, he does prefer making bass electric guitars. “People just tell me what they want and I personalise them according to their preferences. Instruments are an extension of oneself and I understand that.”

When the drummer is not at his workbench, he spends his time making music with his band Take Note.

Mackay can be contacted at: 082 824 3980.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.