Fundraiser Launched for Hospitalized Luthier Gary Vessel

The California-based luthier has suffered a severe stroke and faces immense costs for medical care

The California-based luthier Gary Vessel has been admitted to the hospital following a severe stroke, and his family has launched a fundraising campaign to help with the cost of his recovery. According to his son, Dylan, Vessel is lucky to be alive — and will require "intensive rehabilitation, long-term therapy, and full-time support."

Due to administrative difficulties with the state, Vessel was technically uninsured at the time of his stroke, and he and his family are therefore facing enormous costs for care.

All donations will go towards medical bills, the cost of inpatient rehabilitation and follow-up therapy, at-home care (including medical equipment and medications), expenses to support Vessel's business, and the cost of living while he is unable to earn any money.

A graduate of the Violin Making School of America in 1988, Vessel also spent time as an apprentice to Marcel Richters at Machold in Bremen, Germany. He first opened his own shop in Salt Lake City in 1991 and now runs Vessel Stringed Instruments in Modesto, California.

Vessel is the recipient of multiple awards from the Violin Society of America, and he has also served as a judge at a wide variety of competitions, as well as giving lectures on various topics related to instrument building. 

You can donate to Vessel's GoFundMe campaign here.

"If you know Gary personally, you know he would never ask for this kind of help himself," wrote the Vessel family in a statement. "So we’re asking on his behalf. Whether you’re a client, colleague, musician, or friend — your support means everything to our family right now."

"Thank you for standing with Gary in this incredibly difficult time. Every donation, share, and message of support helps more than we can say."