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John Hall - Guitar Maker

 

 

John Hall began making guitars in the late 1960’s after studying and working in architecture.

 

His early instruments were based on guitars by Ramirez and Fleta, which he owned and played. After making many guitars he spent the years to 2000 specialising in early instruments - the lute and viol family and the baroque cello.

 

Since 2000 John has worked intensively on the design and construction of the guitar, enhancing its volume and playability while retaining the tone colour which distinguished the great instruments built by Fleta, Hauser and Bouchet.

 

After spending years building viols and cellos John became unhappy with the gratuitous decoration and mirror finish on most guitars. This resulted in the creation of a strong design, with only essential embellishment, and finished with shellac instead of lacquer.

 

John’s current instruments are an elegant design intended for serious performers. The tone is loud, clear, nuanced and rewarding.