Testimonials
"Chihoe Hahn is a master builder, producing some of the
finest guitars of this type in the world. I feel that his
instruments reveal a level of finesse and sensitivity
equivalent to those of the finest archtop builders. This is
a rare quality to find in a bolt-on neck solidbody. I knew
after playing one for just a few moments that something
very special was going on here!"
-- Elliot Easton
"Walking this year's NAMM gave me an opportunity to play a
huge variety of guitars ranging from carved archtops and
flat tops to "Blues" and "Metal" guitars and designer
instruments incorporating the latest in technology. This
year, however, I continued to find myself back with Chihoe
Hahn at Hahn Guitars four or five different times during my
one day visit. For me, this oasis of tranquility and
familiarity were his 228's, instruments that, at first
glance, bear a striking resemblance to a Telecaster. This,
however, is where the similarities end. His butterscotch
beauties-maple neck and board, swamp ash bodies and Lollar
pickups offer the perfect marriage of form and function.
The neck begins with a vintage "V" which gently gives way
to a "C" allowing for more comfort and enhanced
playability. A nicely radiused fingerboard has all strings,
open and fretted, vibrating cleanly. String bending
couldn't be easier and cleaner and much to my surprise not
one string fretted out! (If only all my guitars played like
that). The Lollar pickups combined with "hand-tuned" bodies
bring out the true tonal characteristics of these
instruments. Sweet, twangy, biting, chimey, liquid, glassy
are some of tones that come to mind. Physically, the
instruments are very well balanced, comfortable and easy to
play. In fact, it felt as if these instruments played
themselves. Upon my last visit with Chihoe, as I was really
getting to know the instrument, we were visited by a member
of the NAMM music police who, with a dB meter, placed some
music in front of me in an attempt to get me to turn down.
As an excellent sight reader, this ploy proved unsuccessful
as Lovely Rita stood, listened, smiled then sauntered away.
Apparently she knows not to get in between a guitarist and
a great guitar. Now, if only he made amps also."
-- Darryl Berk
“These teles are twang machines!”
-- Solon Smith (Johnny Hiland Band)
“Absolute killer tone… nails it on all levels.”
-- The Rev. Danny G (Blazing Guitars)
“I’ve played teles for years. This is the crisp 50s Tele
Tone you cannot find at any price.”
-- Richard Moore (Troggs)
“This is as good as it gets… an oasis for tele fans.”
-- Cash Calloway
“Stopped by the Hahn Booth at NAMM. Wow! These guitars are
wonderful to play and to see!”
-- Arlo West
“I Have a 52 Tele. This guitar sounds better and plays
great.”
-- Carl Nielsen
“This is definitely one of the best teles I have ever
played. Sound. Playability… perfect.”
-- Hiro Sase
“I can’t believe a guy can get this good that fast.”
-- Dan Erlewine
“Outstanding quality. As nice as anything out there.”
-- Cesar Sermiento
“Wonderful!”
-- Tim Wallis