John Hall 2022 Concert Guitar (Nr. 21.)

Presented here is a completely handbuilt guitar by the

English luthier John Hall. England certainly has a

tradition in guitar building. It probably has everything

to do with the earlier active luthier Louis Panormo 

who worked and lived in London. Besides that the

famous Mrs. Pratten collection was there and also

some French luthiers that moved to England already

in the late 19th century caused a growth in interest

in guitar building (and playing).  Tradition is the 

magic word there though this guitar isn't that 

traditionally built. Nr. 21 in 2022.

Oil finished as a whole it doesn't reflect the light 

when photographing which is a plus here of course. 

In fact nicely built in every detail as the surroundings

of the soundboard also attest. Quite unique is the use

of black walnut for the fingerboard, though it is not

black at all. The explanation around these choice of

woods is that the maple neck is already quite heavy 

and together with an ebony fingerboard it should have

resulted in an unbalanced instrument. Necks on 

guitars like these are usually made out of cedar.

The Bearclaw spruce from Switzerland can be admired

here together with the securely executed purfling. John

claims to be very critical when the woods for sound-

boards are involved. The way forces are working on

the bridge and soundboard are in good hands as

John Hall was a professional engineer as well.

In fact old tradition as the big name in building up rosettes:

Vicente Arias also was a user of the color green in his work.

We have to find out more about this remarkable builder

as the guitar is really loud and can open up even more by 

playing it in. The oil finish doesn't feel strange to me

as also the neck has been treated that way as well.

A little bit oriental in the choice of the headform

to my opinion but gracefully done anyway! I think

the head to be covered by an ebony layer.

The reinforcement stripe all the way up into

the head of this guitar is visible here. And the

knobs of the tuners can be swapped if wanted.

Used for the tuners are the Rubner (German) Hauser

tuners that work very well. Quite modest in engraving

but that is not always a bad thing.

The "American black walnut" wood can be seen here

again as the luthier used it for the bridge as well. The 

harder bone cover of the string tie block mounted here

prevents any marks made by the strings under tension.

John doesn't makes of a bridgeplate as it adds little

to the strength of a soundboard. The lighter wood

used for the bridge is also a plus as it makes the

top to vibrate more freely.

The also oil finished back gives this guitar in fact a quite

natural look though maybe not at first sight. Traditinally

we are accustomed to a more shiny appearance. John Hall

used Indian Rosewood for sides and back and rather 

surprisingly maple for the neck which is quite hard and

possibly may attribute to the nice sustain this guitar

has to offer.

No frills on the back, just giving the back a serene look.

I will try to get in touch with the luthier and I hope to

provide some more information around his work as

the man simply deserves it! We now have contact and 

will possibly visit him in Staffordshire in the near

future if we are welcome of course....