Craftsmen Propose International Guitar Center in Wilmington Delaware
The state’s best instrument craftspeople plan on building a world-class facility downtown

After 20 years in the musical instrument industry, and a marketing reputation around the world. Jim Cara has put together what he believes as the finest guitar consortium. This group is more than capable and dedicated to making Wilmington a world-class stop for guitar collectors, hobbyists, and students.

The group, headed by Cara, who has led many national marketing projects for music manufacturers, wants space where they can run a repair and hand-crafting facility, a Luthier (Instrument maker) Academy, and offer collector quality new, used, and vintage instruments for sale. The group also plans events that tie-in with the music and custom culture growing at the Kahuna and Waterfront Blues Festivals.

Cara has gathered Delaware’s best and is looking for space in the downtown area. This is the group that undoubtedly has what it takes to bring interest in the city by using their wide variety of talents, friends, and influences that span over one hundred years in the business.

Competing against each other was never something that Jim Cara, Nick Bucci. And Natividad Tirado ever did. Instead they all shared knowledge, customers and friends. They each specialize in what they do best, while recognizing the best in each other. For years, they’ve lived by that belief, and call on each other.

The city of Wilmington’s growth, especially in the waterfront and Market Street area, the welcome they have provided David Bromberg Fine Violins, and most recently the Rock School at the Grand Opera, has made the group pause carving, and concentrate on a full-fledged downtown Guitar Workshop.

Outside of Nashville, and New City, there are a dozen or so shops specialty shops that are tremendously successful, becoming nationally recognized places to see. The group no-doubt has the experience to match and believe that their friendship and respect in each other is something the others can’t match.

Background on the Group.

James Cara: Noted in Delaware for building, repairing guitars, selling, and handling thousands of instruments. He’s been the guy behind the counter of every musical instrument retail store in the city since 1978. Cara's incredible marketing talent accelerated both the musical instrument and motorsports industries. He consults industry giants as an expert in customer development and marketing. He’s written dozens of articles and conducted many seminars on the topic. Cara Guitars, Cara Hot Rod Guitars combine his love for both cars and instruments. more info here PDF file

Nick Bucci: Bucci Guitars, Claymont, Delaware. Nick worked for and later owned the areas first chain of music stores, “Mid Atlantic Music”. Bucci walked away from retail in 2000 and trained with world known builder, Natividad Tirado to specialize in making hand crafted electric and acoustic guitars. He is overwhelmingly recognized as the finest and busiest guitarist in the immediate area, and one of the most fluent in the country. Eddie VanHalen and Steve Howe have both sung praises of his playing style.

Natividad (Nate) Tirados: Nate’s been building guitars for over 50 years, coming to America in 1954 from PuertoRico where he wished to stay and finish High-School. He has taught the art of building acoustic instruments around the world, and is recognized in the American/ Latino community and one of the best builders alive. Nate has become an ambassador for the Luthier arts. He still trusts the old tools and ways of making instruments while inspiring young and old alike.