As New York City's old buildings are torn down or refurbished, Rick Kelly sees a chance to keep their memory alive.

The guitar maker takes discarded lumber like old flooring or roofing beams from the 1800s, and uses them to fashion instruments in his West Village shop.

Mr Kelly's guitars, some of which use wood from places like the historic Chelsea Hotel and the Chumley's pub, are used by musicians like Bob Dylan and Lou Reed.

He says using reclaimed wood offers one way to help preserve the city's architectural history.

Additional photos: Getty Images

Produced by the BBC's David Botti