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Life & Work with Kipp Hockin of Chapel Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kipp Hockin.

Hi Kipp, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My desire for guitar building was actually one of necessity. Anytime I had an issue with a guitar I was at the mercy of a local repair shop to get anything done. That’s when I decided to see if I could do it myself because I was tired of waiting days, sometimes weeks to get my guitar repaired. After learning the basics, I thought, “I wonder if I could actually build a guitar?” What started as a “I Wonder If”, turned into a part time hobby, and quickly turned into an obsession, and here we are today.
Hockin Guitars are made by a musician, for a musician. A “No Frills, No Fluff” product that will give you all the tonal qualities you’re looking for, with exceptional playability at a price point that an everyday working musician can afford. All Hockin Guitars are made with quality woods, hardware, and electronics.

I’ve found that “keeping it simple” has produced the best results. That is why I only produce two different models. The Standard Series guitar that has all you will ever need to achieve fantastic tonal possibilities, while at the same time providing you with a great looking and playing guitar. And the Deluxe Series guitar that give the “purist” things like a solid 1 piece neck, and a solid 1 piece body with a solid maple cap, just like the VERY expensive models sold in the Big Box stores. This is why all the people who’ve purchased say, If It Ain’t A Hockin, You’re Not Rockin’

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Pre-Covid I was doing very well as a local guitar builder and gaining some decent traction. However, when Covid hit, myself and many other small businesses we’re basically decimated. Just over the last 6-7 months I have finally been able to put myself in a position to “re-open” so to speak. This has always been a part time thing, so thankfully I’ve been able to keep going with earning a living

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I really don’t feel that I specialize in any one thing. However, I am very proud that I’ve been able to design and make a good quality guitar at an affordable price. A “working mans/woman’s” product that offers high quality craftmanship and components that is within reach for someone with a median income trying to raise a family and pay the bills. They shouldn’t have to compromise on quality just because they don’t have a lot of money

What makes you happy?
Watching someone play one of my guitars for the first time. Knowing their expectations are low because they’re expecting entry level product at this price point. And, they’re looking at in most cases, a brand they’ve never even heard of. I make them ALL play and sound the way I would want my own guitars to play and sound

Pricing:

  • Standard Series B-Stock $450-$550
  • Standard Series $899 w/gig bag
  • Deluxe Series B-Stock $950-$1,250
  • Deluxe Series $1,899 w/hard-shell case
  • Free shipping on “NEW” unblemished

Contact Info:

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