Why me?
What makes me different from other makers?
Apparently it‘s a combination of three things…
First of all the design element. I spent four years at Art College qualifying as a designer and then many years as a graphic designer and illustrator, so drawing and designing are ingrained in me.
Secondly I'm really picky about craftsmanship and attention to detail, whatever materials I'm working with. I'm my biggest critic and only the best is acceptable.
Third, I play guitar. Which means I understand that personal specifications and individual playing styles demand individual instruments. Of course, off the shelf instruments can be great, but nothing matches a guitar that's been made for you and the way you play.
I bring together these three areas of experience and skills to create a unique instrument for each customer.
What started it
I designed and built my first guitar at the age of 12, driven by an urge to play and dismayed by the hopeless prospect of saving pocket money to buy the instrument I wanted.
Over the years and alongside my career as an illustrator, I continued to make guitars for myself and friends, gave guitar lessons and played in bands, until in 1993 the whole thing took me over. Since then I've been a professional maker and repairer/restorer.
How it went from there
Along the way I was responsible for setting up the electric guitar making course at Newark College's instrument making department and I taught there for a couple of years.
In addition to working for my own customers, I was commissioned by Tokai to design and produce prototypes for two new models now in production - the Tsunami and the Love Rock II - described as their flagship guitar. I built the prototype for the re-issue of Hofner's 1950s Club 40 model, and for the reissue of the Grazioso Resonet (Futurama). I've also restored and repaired hundreds of classic vintage guitars for the UK's major dealer group.
Why Hania…
It's a town in Crete, Greece where I've spent a lot of time. While I was there, I was given an incredible piece of olivewood, which I made into what is now one of my favourite guitars, so it seemed fitting to name my business after the town. Originally I used the Greek spelling of the name, which is why some of my early guitars bear the brand Xavia. I later changed the spelling into English, and it's now Hania.