Erik Smith

A Crow Hill instrument reflects the synthesis of music and musician by promising a guitar that not only looks and sounds great, but feels right to play. For this reason, I construct my guitars by hand, one at a time, in an effort to create an instrument as unique as the person who plays it. An instrument that aids in the transition to that moment where there is only sound and everything else fadesŠ—”Crow Hill.

Each instrument begins by hand selecting wood, in order best to embrace grain orientation, figure, tonal characteristics, and color in the completed instrument. Different woods bring out different properties of tone, sustain, response, and clarity. I assemble an array of woods with intention: to develop a strong, stable instrument with a broad pallet of tonal frequencies and resonance which can be further refined through hardware and electronic selection.

While there are many chemical stains and dyes available to alter the appearance of wood, I prefer to reveal its innate beauty. By doing so, I am able to emphasize the natural colors, textures, and intricate grain patterns as well as showcase any of the imperfections that give the piece a unique personality.

Any instrument built for looks alone will forever remain little more than a conversation piece. That is why the ultimate focus of my guitars is, and has always been, comfort and playability. The arduously carved and shaped neck heel, forearm relief, and gut-cut is evidence of the superiority of a Crow Hill guitar. I cradle and caress each instrument to ensure absolute comfort, both standing and sitting. The size, weight, and shape of the body are designed and monitored throughout the building process to create the proper overall balance and the electronic controls are positioned so that they are easily accessible while playing. Further, I carve my necks asymmetrically in order to fit the curvature of the handŠ—”a subtle, yet sophisticated and inevitably essential, feature.

I am continually developing and refining my techniques through which each piece is born, but never neglecting the primary mission: to create a magnificent instrument that encompasses the look, sound, and feel with which you can develop an intimate relationship.