Some people rescue animals. As admirable as that may be, you don't want to live near an amateur dog rescue home where the "compassionate" souls who have rescued these unfortunates are too "warm and fuzzy" themselves to keep their wards from all barking 24/7. Don't ask me how I know.
But I occasionally rescue musical instruments. Here's the story of a 60-year-old-ish banjo that a friend was trying to make playable. I accomplished that, but to turn it into a "real" banjo would cost more than the thing was worth. Still, I thought keeping a record of our efforts would encourage other folks to take a "whack" at similar "project instruments."
http://creekdontrise.com/acoustic/back_ ... /brink.htm