Help Ken Parker's family offset the costs of Ken's Cancer

Ken Parker, age 73, passed away peacefully at his home in Gloucester, MA on October 5, 2025, with Susan Kolwicz by his side. Your generous contributions have helped tremendously. However, Ken’s family is still faced with a great deal of debt. So, please, continue your contributions in Ken’s honor...they will be greatly appreciated.

Ken’s original statement:

Hi, I’m Ken Parker, and I’ve been building guitars for as long as I can remember. Throughout my life, I’ve done something that I love and am proud of—making guitars that advance the art, science and craft of building far beyond traditional methods. Most importantly, it has been a true joy and especially gratifying experience to see my guitars in the hands of all of you gifted and aspiring players, and I thank you for that opportunity.

In early 2023, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that has slowly been debilitating me. It hasn’t been easy living with this nasty disease, having chemo treatments that zapped my energy and slowly took away my ability to earn a living. Now, I’m on a breathing machine 24/7 and I’ve started to lose the use of my left arm. I humbly ask for your support to reduce the medical and personal debt that I’ve incurred and to help with my family’s expenses.

I know times are tough for all of us and I sincerely thank you for any support that you can offer.

With sincere thanks,

Ken Parker

From the Friends of Ken Parker

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Here's a video that we've found to be one of the best of Ken telling his story. It was filmed about a year ago. Thanks to D'Addario strings for making this.