Kenny Hill is one of the most accomplished and versatile classical guitar makers active today. He is recognized internationally as a skilled luthier, player, teacher and innovator. His work spans individual craftsmanship, small workshop production and large-scale factory design, bringing fine guitars to thousands of players worldwide. Hill began building guitars in the mid-1970s, first in Santa Barbara and later in the Santa Cruz area. In 1978 he received one of the first California Arts Council grants awarded to an individual artist for his work as a guitar maker and guitarist. During this period, he also taught guitar for three years at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
In 1995 he travelled to Paracho, Mexico as a writer for Acoustic Guitar magazine to cover a masterclass led by José Romanillos for local guitar makers. Through this encounter, Hill recognized the potential of Paracho’s craftsmen and began to consider how improved materials, information and access to international markets could further elevate their work. In 1996 he established a workshop in Paracho, employing several of the region’s finest artisans, introducing higher-quality materials and developing a sustainable market for these guitars over the next five years.
In 2006 he entered into a new partnership in China to create a workshop and factory dedicated to producing affordable, high-quality instruments for players unable to purchase his domestically made guitars. The workshop has since grown into a factory employing more than 200 people and producing over 50,000 guitars annually. This facility now manufactures New World Guitars following Hill’s designs, specifications and guidance.
As President of Hill Guitar Company Inc., Hill continues to develop the Hill Guitar line in Santa Cruz, where the complete range of Signature and Performance models is produced. He describes the work by saying that the guitars are exceptional and that their influence within the classical guitar community justifies the extensive effort invested. Over the past decade Hill Guitars have steadily increased in international recognition, with continued growth ahead.
Kenny Hill has contributed numerous articles to publications such as Acoustic Guitar, Soundboard and American Lutherie. He is an active member of the GFA, GAL, ASIA and NAMM, and has participated regularly in each association’s events.
Five Decades of Guitar Making
Hill began building guitars in the mid-1970s in California, initially inspired by the work of Torres and Hauser. He received one of the first California Arts Council individual artist grants in 1978 for his combined work as luthier and guitarist. After studying with Spanish master luthier José Luis Romanillos, he established his workshop in the Santa Cruz mountains of California, where his primary custom instruments are built. His Master Series guitars reference historical styles while incorporating modern refinements including elevated fretboards and True Temperament fret compensation. Hill's stated philosophy is to build instruments that respond to each musician's individual voice rather than imposing a particular sound. He represents one of the broadest ranges in guitar making — from high-end custom concert instruments to large-scale production — across five decades of sustained work.
