An anonymous donor offered the instruments to the Hobart-based music school on the condition they are played.

An anonymous donor has gifted 130 rare guitars to the University of Tasmania’s Conservatorium of Music on one condition – that they be played, not displayed.

“These instruments are meant for playing,” says Glen Hodges, the Conservatorium’s Deputy Head of Music and Head of Contemporary Guitar. “There are a number of items that are quite unique, such as a 1920s Harmony Parlour guitar, a circa 1885 Reliance five-string banjo, and Guild Finesses – two of only 11 made worldwide.”

The benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has been collecting guitars for decades. A Guild Finnesses guitar played by blues artist Phil Manning and a Santa Cruz previously owned by Melbourne blues artist Nick Charles are included in the collection. The new treasure trove of guitars also includes handmade guitars from Australian luthiers and instruments from famous brands such as Lowden, Tacoma and Martin.

The donor has promised to donate another 40 guitars in the future. The Conservatorium is already planning to feature the instruments in concerts, and will offer some as rotational scholarships for students to use while studying.