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In this episode of The Classical Guitar Corner Podcast, Simon interviews California-based luthier Kenny Hill. In truth Kenny’s projects take him around the world so he is truly an international luthier, and this conversation gets into a lot of those details, including how he got started building guitars, his different experiments and projects with building guitars, and how he got into composition. We even get to hear one of Kenny’s pieces performed by the composer himself at the end of the interview! So be sure and listen all the way to the end — then leave a comment to thank Kenny and leave any thoughts you have to join the conversation. You can learn more about Kenny and his projects at his website here.
Performance: “Stolen Moments” by Kenny Hill, performed on a Kenny Hill intonated guitar by Kenny Hill!
Kenny Hill is a great luthier from US and he is a good teacher too. I bought one Artisan guitar under New World label. The guitar called La Curva.
Kenny Hill is a wonderful luthier. I called him and talked before driving to his gallery and shop in Ben Lomond. He asked what I was interested in over the phone and when I arrived, he greeted us in his showroom and had sitting ready for me four models of 3/4 sized guitars to try. His gallery is as genuinely down to earth as is his love of guitar making. After a bit, I chose his New Century double-top with 640mm strings. As I very shyly and quietly played a few notes, Kenny observed and suggested we could go over to his shop where he would adjust the action. What a visit; what a life-changing day. While Kenny adjusted the action, he explained exactly what he was doing while I watched and he lowered the action until it was, as we agreed, perfect. He explained the truss rod, showed me how to adjust it on my own if needed. (Which I won’t, of course!). He also changed out the strings to medium tension D’Addario for ease of my playing as a beginner. We were shown through the entire build process, from the woodshed (yes, I was “taken out to the woodshed”!) to the shaping process, to the finishing process. I could go on and on, obviously, but suffice it to say Kenny Hill is a must visit if you’re in California near the central coast. Visit, ask, listen and learn.
Great interview Simon. Kenny Hill’s story is inspiring. I am intrigued with his discussion of his early endeavors, ‘getting a job’ and teaching at Soledad prison. The interview illustrates his unique journey. Like other interviews, you have captured your guest with nimble questioning—-well done. His composition is lovely.