ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- When Petty Officer Frank Barone was placed on temporary assignment at DLA Distribution Anniston, he looked for something to keep him occupied during his spare time.
As someone who has enjoyed woodworking for about 10 years, he turned his attention to Anniston Army Depot's Skills Development Center.
Since the center was well-equipped for almost any project he could envision, he decided a challenge was in order, so he set about building his first guitar.
He began the project in August and it took two months to complete.
"It takes a little while," he said. "I had to build all the jigs."
Barone purchased about $800 in wood, enough to build eight instruments, including the jigs needed to form the sides of each.
After spending another $200 for special tools needed for the project, he was ready to begin sketching out his ideas and cutting the pieces he would need.
Barone first learned to play the guitar at 15 years old, when his mother purchased one as a gift for him.
"I've never had any lessons. I just play by ear and play because it makes me feel good," he said.
Similarly, Barone has never had any lessons in guitar making. He researched the project online and in books, asked some of the more experienced carpenters for tips throughout the process, then learned through trial and error.
Barone has a talent and passion for carpentry.
"I built a lot of the furniture in my house. That's how I got started in woodworking," said Barone.
He arrived in Anniston in January 2016 in support of the wall-to-wall inventory being performed in DLA Distribution Anniston. At the end of the inventory, he was asked to remain and assist for the remainder of the year. His tour of duty will end in February.
He plans to use his spare time during the remainder of his assignment on the installation to construct four ukuleles and two more guitars. He believes he can finish most or all of the construction while here, since he already has the jigs he will need.
Florida is currently Barone's home, where he serves in the Navy Reserves and is a merchant mariner in the Gulf of Mexico's oil field.
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