Robert Hampshire's Review: ( I had a dream )

Every once in a while, if someone is very fortunate, and the Gods' are smiling just right, a long-held dream just may come true.This was the enviable position in which I recently found myself.
    Having been the owner of many guitars, both good and bad, since my early childhood, the search for the "Holy Grail" has been a constant companion. In my case this happened to be a "Gretsch style 6120" made famous by the guitar wizardry of Chet Atkins and Duane Eddy.
    I have known Bill Wilkat for many years, but only recently discovered what a suberb artist and craftsman he really is. Having seen some of his work, I decided to ask if he would build my "dream machine".  Little did I know at the time what a wonderful decision that would turn out to be.  From the very first
days of conceptual drawings and diagrams, until that emotion-charged day approximately 4 months later when Bill handed me the guitar, I received almost daily written reports and photos on my computer of work in progress. The end result can be seen on Bill's website. The guitar is absolutely stunning and pictures don't do it justice. The quality of construction, tonal
quality and "playability" are just beyond belief.The guitar is truly a work of art, and a simple "Thanks Bill" is not nearly adequate.

                                                 Yours Truly,
                                        Dr Robert Hampshire

PS: Don't tell Bill just yet, but I think I just had another "dream".

Bill's Comments:

I was thrilled to have the golden opportunity to build this guitar (it's long been one of my favourites too), and if I have only one regret, it's that I didn't build two at the same time!!!  Each time I have an opportunity to work on a project like this, I get to share some one else's dream, and that's a gift that's difficult to match!
    My dream was, and still is, to build fine guitars and basses, and to keep on doing it as long as I can, and building the "Hampshire Edition Arch Top" truly helped fulfill my dream! Thank you for letting me share this wonderful experience with you, it was one of life's great joys!