2001 Custom Signature

Sonic Evaluation

First things first: This Hill Guitar Company Custom Signature is one of the best-smelling guitars I've ever played, with notes of cedar that remind me of every happy memory I've ever made in a log cabin. As nice as that is, it's even easier on the ears, and it's tone will take you places, too!

Several things jump out at you immediately to let you know that you've stumbled upon a rare breed of guitar greatness: the immediate responsiveness and dynamic range, the impressively rich harmonic overtone profile, and the tremendous volume for a small-bodied guitar. Though it's dense with harmonic information, full complex chords never feel muddy or crowded--the notes just blend and swirl together into a beautiful maelstrom with a supremely clear eye. You also barely have to kiss the strings to accesss the full power of this instrument, and it has more headroom than you'd think, so you have a wide dynamic range to play with. 

Most importantly, I really went somewhere while playing this serial. Like, eyes closed, completely in the zone, oblivious to the noise and chaos of a busy guitar shop. That right there is a true mark of an instrument's power to inspire and transport! 

I knew I smelled greatness before I even played a note on this guitar, and I have no doubt it'll take you places, too! 

Condition Report

This Hill Custom Signature is in great shape after returning to Hill Guitar Company for refurbishment and repair. There was a top crack in the center of the top below the bridge, but it's 100% structurally sound now. It also got a fret level, some other small crack repairs, and some new coats of French polish. The frets are in fantastic condition, and the finish shows light signs of wear with no major cosmetic imperfections to report. It comes with its original TKL hardshell case, the original purchase receipt, the refurbishment invoice from 2006, and a letter from Hill Guitar Company explaining the provenance, specifications, and refurbishment process.

• Serial Number

  6201

• Brand Name

  Hill Guitar Company

• Model

  2001 Custom Signature

• Finish Color

  Natural

• Finish Type

  French Polish

• Top Wood

  Western Red Cedar

• Bracing

  Fan Bracing

• Binding

  Rosewood

• Back & Sides Wood

  Solid Indian Rosewood

• Neck Dimensions

  .840 1st .940 9th

• Neck Wood

  Spanish Cedar

• Neck Finish

  Gloss

• Fingerboard Wood

  Ebony

• Fingerboard Radius

  Classical

• Fingerboard Inlays

  None

• Frets

  19

• Scale Length

  25" (635mm)

• Nut Material

  Bone

• Width at Nut

  2.008" (51mm)

• Cutaway

  None

• Saddle String Spacing

  2.244" (57mm)

• Electronics

  None

• Saddle

  Bone

• Rosette

  Custom

• Tuners

  Sloane Leaf

• bridge

  Rosewood

• Pickguard

  None

• Case

  Original Black TKL Hardshell