Stephen Hill ~ Luthier

The Classical guitar

My concert guitars are a unique fusion between the English and Spanish schools of construction. Using traditional methods of construction the guitars possess a clear, crisp and focused sound, with power and projection yet still retaining warmth and sensuality - The ideal concert guitar.

I use both Spruce and cedar for the fronts although Spruce is my prefered timber and rosettes are individually made for each instrument. A traditional fan strutting system is used on the standard model but a lattice system can be used to give more volume. This gives a cooler sound so tends to be used with cedar to give more warmth.

Back and sides are in Indian or Brazilian rosewood according to the clients request. I feel that neither timber is 'better' than the other as each gives its own tone colour to the final sound.

The instruments are either hand polished using traditional french polishing techniques: pumice, alcohol and shellac, applied with a pad, to achieve a beautiful surface, or clients can also request a more durable gloss or satin cellulose finish if needed or indeed a combination of shellac and cellulose.

Machine heads are of fine quality and Alessi are fitted as standard although many of my clients request David Rogers . Spanish made Fusteros are also a superb option. I also now fit Northumbrian machineheads made in the uk.

I feel that my guitars offer the player a rich variety of tone colour and experience, are not hard to play and offer their own very individual character.

Players comments and music

click on the pictures above

rosettes