Kenny Hill – 2009 Signature Double-Top

Description

Kenny Hill is one of the most accomplished, experienced and versatile classical guitar makers in the world today. He is recognized as a fine maker, player, teacher and innovator. He has worked as an individual luthier, in small workshops as well as in large factory settings, to bring fine guitars to thousands of players of all levels around the world. As President of Hill Guitar Company Inc., Kenny continues to develop the Hill Guitar line in Santa Cruz building fine classical guitars for the world market. This is the location where luthiers are making the entire range of Signature, and Performance model guitars. Kenny Hill has written many articles for various guitar magazines, including Acoustic Guitar, Soundboard, and American Lutherie.

The Signature Series are Hill’s finest and most prestigious guitars, each one custom made to the highest standards of excellence, featuring a so-called “double top”, sandwich of Nomex between two very thin layers of spruce and cedar. In this case the spruce is facing out and gives the sound its dominant character, while the inner layer flavors it. The sides of this guitar are laminated with Cypress. Kenneth Hill uses spruce for the lattice bracing that can affect a very quick response and fast playing as well as of course power. The machine-heads are by Sloane.

The Signature Model is built with an elevated fingerboard which not only changes the way that strings pull on the board, giving a firm and positive attack, but it also makes playing in the upper register more comfortable. Along with the elevated fingerboard, the shape of the neck and the thickness of the fingerboard makes it easy to play. Another feature is the two sound ports in the upper bout sides near the heel increasing airflow through the body which lets the soundboard move more freely. These extra sound ports not only increase the presence of the sound for the player but also add to the volume, clarity, openness, and depth for the listener. This 2009 Signature model is in very good condition with only some superficial playing marks and without any crack or repairs. The guitar has got a wide dynamic range and a beautiful color palette.