Hamblin Guitars

[samwlee]

I am looking for current info regarding Ken Hamblin guitars but have been unable to find any leads. Most of the old links no longer work. Can anyone help?

[Athens]

Is this the one you're looking for?

http://www.luthierscollection.com/hamblin.php

[Wolfram]

As far as I know, Kent is no longer building guitars. Unfortunately, I believe he was injured in a shop accident which has prevented him from building since.

I own one of his guitars (a GC, Swiss spruce over Macassar ebony) which is absolutely superb and stunningly beautiful.

Is there anything specific you wanted to know about his guitars? - happy to help.

Cheers,
David

[antsdmb]

I can get you in touch with him although he no longer builds.

Mark

[The Bard Rocks]

There has been a BRW one for sale here for a while.

[rogthefrog]

Originally Posted by samwlee

I am looking for current info regarding Ken Hamblin guitars but have been unable to find any leads. Most of the old links no longer work. Can anyone help?

I haven't played a Hamblin that I didn't want to own.

I now own one and lust after two others.

I'd rate the fit and finish a 90 (where Somogyi, Kostal and Kauffman are 100), mostly because I am picky and some builders have spoiled me for perfection. Playability is fantastic. The fret ends are rounded, not just tapered. Intonation is perfect. Tone is gorgeous, balanced and rich (mine is a spruce/ziricote SJ).

They're grotesquely underpriced and impossible to sell on the used market.

[samwlee]

Hi David -
Thanks for your response but very sorry to hear the sad news about Kent. I heard such good things about his guitars; I just want to see where I can try out his guitars and perhaps get one..
Too bad. Hope he is alright..
Sam

[Wolfram]

I'm lucky enough to have been able to play five of Kent's guitars - one SJ in Indian rosewood and GCs in flamed maple, walnut, cocobolo and the macassar ebony I now own - all were spruce except the walnut GC which (IIRC) was a cedar top. Each one was superb, with a very consistent 'Hamblin' signature tone (the different woods lending a different focus).

If I had to describe the tone in one word, it would be 'lyrical'. Not over-hyped in any way, but superbly balanced, with a lovely sparkle to the trebles that never becomes harsh.

It's a real shame that there won't be any more of these amazing instruments.

Cheers,
David

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by Wolfram Slides

I'm lucky enough to have been able to play five of Kent's guitars - one SJ in Indian rosewood and GCs in flamed maple, walnut, cocobolo and the macassar ebony I now own - all were spruce except the walnut GC which (IIRC) was a cedar top. Each one was superb, with a very consistent 'Hamblin' signature tone (the different woods lending a different focus).

If I had to describe the tone in one word, it would be 'lyrical'. Not over-hyped in any way, but superbly balanced, with a lovely sparkle to the trebles that never becomes harsh.

It's a real shame that there won't be any more of these amazing instruments.

Cheers,
David

Great description, David. I have played a number of Kent's guitars over the years at festivals and workshops. Really stellar instruments. I hope that the ones that are out there fall into the hands of folks who can truly appreciate them.

Best,
Jayne

[Wolfram]

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

Great description, David. I have played a number of Kent's guitars over the years at festivals and workshops. Really stellar instruments. I hope that the ones that are out there fall into the hands of folks who can truly appreciate them.

Best,
Jayne

I was discussing mine the other day with John (Cocobolo Kid) in a thread over in the Custom Shop. I was basically planning to sell all my guitars except one, to facilitate one final custom build with Tom Sands.

I got my Hamblin out that evening for the first time in a while (I've been so busy with work and family, it's actually been a few months since I've played). It was an exquisitely pleasant experience.... that guitar is going nowhere!

Cheers,
David

[Richpickins]

Anyone played an 00 spruce/ mahogany, Madagascar rosewood fretboard
Not played one of Kent’s, but he does seem to have a great reputation for making quality guitars, do they sound as good as they look?
I have a Collings D1A & Martin D35, but have been looking for a smaller bodied guitar (which I think this is) for fingerpicking anybody thoughts or advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Rich

[El Conquistador]

Originally Posted by Richpickins

Anyone played an 00 spruce/ mahogany, Madagascar rosewood fretboard
Not played one of Kent’s, but he does seem to have a great reputation for making quality guitars, do they sound as good as they look?
I have a Collings D1A & Martin D35, but have been looking for a smaller bodied guitar (which I think this is) for fingerpicking anybody thoughts or advice would be appreciated
Thanks
Rich

Is this a new build? If no, what year is it?

Steve

[Richpickins]

Hi Steve
Built in 2002 I believe
Thanks
Rich

[El Conquistador]

A 00 will be smaller than a D. Kent built fine guitars.

Steve

[colins]

Hi Rich,

I’m guessing it’s the one at TAMCO? Lower bout at 14 5/16 is a good inch less than the D1A and the depth is probably less too.

I’ve only played one Hamblin, which is owned by AGFer Cocobolo Kid (who has posted above). It is a stunning guitar, an absolute treasure.

If the Hamblin 00 is anything like the one I played, it will have what is loosely called a ‘modern’ sound. Think Baranik, WIngert, McCollum, Williams. Very three dimensional, oodles of sustain, warmth, good trebles and great clarity. IMHO slightly different to the more traditional sound done so well by Collings and Martin. If you want a contrast then great, but if not then maybe a small Collings, or a Huss and Dalton 00 would be closer in sound to what you currently have.

Col