I think one of the best things to happen recently was finding Jeff’s build video’s on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@hamuranaguitarworks

I was just blown away with the unique style, attention to detail, and quality of finish on his builds. Then of course was reviewing the videos of people playing his instruments – wow, I was hooked, they just sounded fantastic and everyone commented on how well they played.

At this point I was seriously drawn in. I’d been reviewing a good number of other builders but I keep coming back to Jeff and it was the best decision I’ve made to work with him on my new guitar.

It was a great experience and a really enjoyable journey as we took our time to systematically work through the options and build on my original thoughts, which included a custom fretboard inlay. It was a real comfort to get feedback and suggestions and come up with something totally unique. Then once the build got underway I was finding I couldn’t wait for the next instalment of build photos – yes, he does know how to take exceptional photos and videos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iC-NlitAr2E

It was great to feel well connected to every step along the way. I got to meet Jeff when I picked it up from his workshop and this was a real treat. Jeff was kind enough to show me around and discuss the next builds he was working on – just impressive, and massively focused!

I couldn’t be more happy as I have the electric guitar of my dreams, it sounds and plays as stunning as it looks. It’s extremely versatile as I try and play across a wide variety of styles and tonalities. Jeff’s a master at work with such attention to detail from exact finish, colour, electronics, pickups, scale length, tone woods, neck type and sizing, intonation and feel – every single element - thanks Jeff, I feel very privileged to have this guitar!

• Steve  https://www.8yearsround.com

I first came across Hamurana Guitar Works through Instagram. It was a post about a custom Jazz-style bass for L.A.B’s Ara Adams-Tamatea. I checked out Jeff’s website and was immediately impressed. Jeff Silverman is obviously a master craftsman; not only in his luthiery, but also in the marketing of his work. He knows the power of good photography that shows off instruments at their best and images and videos explaining the making of.  People love stories, people love the satisfaction of seeing something progress from inception to finished product. In telling the story of how these beautiful instruments are made, you can see Jeff’s incredible craftsmanship in evidence.

After the initial consultation and throughout the build, Jeff would check in on ideas, make sure what he was doing, where he was heading, fitted in with what I might want. The thing that separates great from merely good is detail. If you study the masters — whatever the discipline — it’s always the details; and Jeff cares about the details. He is a master craftsman.

You can see for yourself how this guitar turned out. It is a pulchritudinous instrument, a masterpiece, and it plays and sounds as beautifully as it looks.

— Johannes

“I approached Jeff about building a custom resonator guitar. What resulted very much sprung from his imagination, and its the best guitar I’ve ever owned or played. But beyond that, its just completely unique in so many ways. I play it in a variety of styles, picked, finger picked, e-bowing, traditional bowing, and it shines for all of them.There is a character and life to it that brings a sense of dimensionality to the sound it makes. The intonation is incredible, and its ability to stay in tune is remarkable. After playing it 4-5 hours a day for a month I’ve tuned it a handful of times, and usually just a couple strings. Its almost spooky. I play in a band that incorporates electronic music, and as a result run direct into a laptop and use amp modelling (Guitar Rig). I like a fairly clean tone, and this means that it can be tricky to get a guitar to sound good and sit right, there’s no forgiveness of an amp. This guitar sounds incredible direct, which to me is just about the highest praise I could give an instrument. What has always been a situation I’ve had to make the best of with other guitars is the opposite here. It sounds so good and sits so well that I can even lean on its natural tone. This thing isn’t leaving my sight on the road.”

- Mark

“I was first introduced to Hamurana Guitar Works by Shelley and Waylon McPherson, who own McPherson Guitar Repairs and Pedals here in Papamoa Beach.  They showed me one of Jeff’s acoustic guitars, and I was floored with the craftsmanship and stunning wood work.  They suggested I approach Jeff regarding a custom bass build…… but I was way too shy, so they arranged a time for me to meet Jeff here at their workshop and the rest is history!  Jeff has the patience of a saint, because I was so indecisive about what I wanted, but as the consultation went on it became apparent that I wanted a workhorse 4 string Jazz Bass.  What I got back however was SO much more!!  This bass has blown me away with the way it looks, it’s feel, its functionality and most importantly, the way it sounds!!  What was great about Jeff was his ability to listen to what I wanted and then he would make suggestions to improve upon my original plan.  Some of his ideas have been a major head turner with my musician mates too - especially the luminlay fret markers during blackout on stage, and the Fishman rechargeable battery.  Jeff has exceeded my expectations about what my bass could look and sound like, and I can't give it high enough praise. It truly is world class in every way.  By far this is the best bass I’ve ever owned, and I can’t wait to put in another order for a new bass in the future.” 

- Ara Adams-Tamatea (Bassist L.A.B)

“Jeff surpassed all expectations with my custom guitar. In my time I have played or owned most of the usual suspects (Fender, Ibanez, Mayones, Suhr, ESP, Carvin, PRS, etc) and Jeff's work is something genuinely special. It's about more than just flawless construction or 'pretty' woods - it's about the experience, the options, the craftsmanship,  and above all else (for me) the playability. World-class in every respect, and it's a privilege to own such an incredible instrument.” 

-James

“A big shout out to Jeff at Hamurana Guitar Works for building me my first custom guitar. If you are looking into getting yourself a world-class custom guitar or bass, then look no further! For 25+ years, I played electric guitars that I was never 100% happy with. Now I am! With all my 'boutique' requests (asymmetrical neck shape, scalloped fretboard, rounded fret ends, etc.) I pushed the envelope quite hard, but Jeff managed to implement every specification at a phenomenal level of quality.”

- Alex

“Hamurana Guitar Works first captured my attention via a Facebook add. Intrigued at the various unique designs and what seemed to be high quality craftsmanship and components I had to investigate further. Jeff was very welcoming and invited me to try out a few of his guitars he had in stock and I was amazed from the very moment I began to play them..majorly! His guitars are firstly a thing of beauty and secondly transform your playing to beastly. I had to have him build a custom guitar to my specification knowing It would exceed all of my expectations as well as be better than any other guitar I have played. His attention to detail and vast knowledge in design concepts and knowing what I like in a guitar made it a breeze. Any idea I had about making my guitar better, Jeff had already thought of and enhanced it. I was amazed at the weekly updates and process images. My signature model was designed to create inspiration, happiness, and beauty all in one instrument built by Hamurana Guitar Works. I am proud to say that I only play Hamurana guitars.”

- Gabe Dovaston

“My Hamurana guitar is the best guitar I own, the workmanship is second to none. Jeff was fantastic to work with and managed to accommodate my most challenging design requirements. My guitar sings, and in my opinion outperforms the American made models I’ve played from the big brands. I can’t recommend Hamurana guitars enough for people after a custom made guitar.”

- Adam