About

Kilin Reece was raised in the mountains of coastal California, just a ways into the hills north of Santa Cruz. Apprenticed at age 12 to a guitar restoration specialist, he went on to work for the legendary Richard Hoover at the Santa Cruz Guitar Company in the finish department. After studying Jazz and music theory with Ray Brown at Cabrillo College in Aptos California, Kilin embarked on several years of touring and singing, playing Guitar and Mandolin through the Midwest and southern states before eventually settling in the beautiful beach town of Kailua, Hi. Working at the esteemed Ko'olau Guitar and Ukulele Company, Kilin found himself immersed in the musical culture of the islands while building and repairing some of the finest acoustic instruments in the world. Eventually buying the restoration side of the business from Ko'olau, Kilin went on to found KR Strings, going on to become Hawaiis premier restoration house for fine vintage stringed instruments.

2017 finds Kilin hard at work on a historical book collaboration with the Martin Guitar Company and Bishop Museum, delving into the forgotten history of Hawaiian string band traditions. When not at the writing desk Kilin is hard at work building custom flat top acoustic Guitars, Ukuleles, archtop Guitars, and Mandolins. Kilin continues to offer his services to the local and international community as a leading authority on vintage stringed instruments and museum quality, period specific restoration techniques. KR Strings continues to offer consignment services to discerning collectors, players and connoisseur of acoustic stringed instruments.

KR Strings
150 Hamakua Dr. PMB #831
Kailua, HI 96734

www.krstrings.com

(808) 387-4583