JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville is mourning the loss of a local guitar maker and legend.
Local luthier legend Allen Chester, of "Allen Chester Guitars," passed away from colon cancer at 71.
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He was known for building and repairing guitars. He worked with many southern rock bands including Molly Hatchet, 38 Special and Lynyrd Skynyrd. He also made a custom “Axe" guitar for Molly Hatchet.
Allen Chester passed away Sunday. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Virginia; daughters Dabney and Laura; granddaughters Lilly, Madeline, Penny and Lane, and his mother, Edith.
He had other hobbies besides making and repairing guitars. Chester was a sailplane pilot and instructor (hang gliding), suba diver, and has been a local photographer for many years.