At Get My Guitar, we love uncovering the stories behind some of the most unique and skilled custom guitar builders in the industry. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to JHALE Guitars, a name synonymous with craftsmanship, innovation, and passion. John Hale, the mastermind behind JHALE Guitars, transforms raw wood into musical masterpieces, each guitar reflecting his meticulous attention to detail and love for the craft. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a guitar enthusiast, John’s creations promise to captivate and inspire. Let’s dive into the world of JHALE Guitars and explore what makes them extraordinary.

The Interview with JHaleGuitars

What inspired you to become a custom guitar builder, and how did you get started in this craft?

I was originally inspired as a kid in the 80s by Eddie Van Halen building his own guitars. That and the fact I grew up in a small town with limited selection instrument-wise; it made more sense to build my own EVH-inspired axe. I started mail ordering Charvel necks and bodies, Floyd Rose bridges, etc and pickups. Initially I got help from a local luthier who showed me the ropes. I became so enamored of and satisfied with building I haven’t owned a store-bought solid body since the early ‘00s.

Could you describe the process of building a custom guitar from scratch? What are the key steps involved?

Once the design (model, pickup configuration, headstock orientation, etc)is agreed upon, the neck and body are custom fabricated to spec, and all requested hardware/electronics are ordered. There’s a test-fit prior to paint to troubleshoot any potential issues, then after paint it gets final setup, wiring, etc.

What types of wood and materials do you prefer to use in your guitar builds, and how do they affect the instrument’s tone and playability?

I prefer swamp ash, but upon customer request also use woods like alder and mahogany for bodies, and I generally use maple or ebony for fingerboards. These IMO provide the most consistent, toneful results.

How do you work with clients to understand their specific preferences and needs when creating a custom guitar for them?

I work with customers to determine what if any non-standard details they may want to alter on a build – neck profile/radius, electronics, fret wire…even small details like knob placement to ensure the most comfortable and functional location. The goal being to create the most personalized guitar and playing experience. I also keep them involved in the project with progress pictures videos so the guitar build is a complete experience from start to finish.

Are there any unique or innovative design features or techniques that set your custom guitars apart from mass-produced instruments?

Jhale guitars incorporate every design/tone upgrade a serious player would do as an aftermarket upgrade to a stock guitar to get it studio and tour-ready as OEM equipment. Upgrades like FU-Tone brass big blocks and titanium hardware, Bourns/EVH low-friction volume pots and Analysis Plus Pro Audio QiJacks for increased resonance and signal transfer. No other manufacturer combines all these features in their standard offerings.

What challenges do you face as a custom guitar builder, and how do you overcome them to create exceptional instruments?

I’m often encouraged to skimp on materials to improve my profit margin, something I absolutely refuse to do. The entire premise of the JHale guitars brand is uncompromising quality and incomparable tone. My current challenge is scaling my business beyond made-to-order only to include in-stock instruments.

Can you share a memorable or challenging project that you’ve worked on recently and how you tackled it?

The ShatterStar’s broken mirror top was something a customer requested that I had never considered, so I had to work closely with my fabricator to figure out exactly how we would do it – and figure it out we did!

How do you ensure the quality and playability of your custom guitars, and do you have any quality control processes in place?

The quality is maintained by never, ever skimping on woods or components. By always paying meticulous attention to all the details of each individual guitar. All of my builds are set up to an exacting standard to ensure low-action and comfortable string-bending. Extra attention is paid to the frets and fret ends. The (direct mounted) pickup height is set to a specific range to ensure maximum transfer without magnetic drag. All of this creates a guitar that feels and sustains like no other.

Are there any famous musicians or notable players who have used your custom guitars, and if so, what was their feedback?

I don’t have any celebrity endorsees yet, but several well-known players whose names I won’t drop here have played my guitars and been very impressed, complementary and encouraging.

What advice would you give to aspiring guitar builders or those interested in commissioning a custom guitar for the first time?

For the builder: Pay attention to the details and never compromise quality for profit. To potential customer: Imagine how you’ll feel owning a guitar you helped design, that was made the way YOU wanted.

In your opinion, what makes a custom-built guitar a worthwhile investment for a musician?

Given it will be one-of-kind and if well-maintained something that will last generations, it is most certainly a worthwhile investment.

Are there any exciting future projects or innovations you have in mind for your custom guitar-building journey?

I intend to keep raising the bar on my builds with projects like the ShatterStar, and expand choices of pickups and hardware to accommodate everyone who wants a JHale guitar’s needs!

JHale Guitars – Website/Socials

To learn more about the amazing craftsmanship of JHaleGuitars visit the website: JHaleGuitars Website

 

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Jay Hale (@jhaleguitarsusa) • Instagram photos and videos

 JHale Guitars Interview – Final Thoughts

This interview has given us a glimpse into the heart and soul of JHALE Guitars. John Hale’s dedication to his craft, his innovative spirit, and his unwavering commitment to quality make his guitars truly exceptional. At Get My Guitar, we believe that instruments like those from JHALE Guitars aren’t just tools for making music; they’re works of art that tell a story and connect with players on a profound level. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about John’s journey and his remarkable creations. If you’re inspired, don’t hesitate to reach out to JHALE Guitars and experience the magic for yourself. Happy playing!

If you are doing some amazing things with guitars, or you know of someone else doing so, please feel free to let us know. We would love to feature their work here on Get My Guitar. And please check out all our other guitarist interviews on our blog. Happy Playing!