Masterpiece, indeed. Preston Thompson’s team has spent over a year and a half on No. 1 in their Masterpiece Series. This 45-style OM is a testament to steady hands, the finest tonewoods, and the patience required to execute so many minute details in such fine style (read: over 270 inches of inlaid Abalone). A gorgeous example of their “shipwreck” Brazilian Rosewood was used for the back and sides, and a Martin-style brown ‘burst Adirondack Spruce rests on top with Abalone trim and a Brazilian Rosewood belly bridge. Rounded block inlays of Brazilian Rosewood span between each and every gold EVO fret, with Myrtlewood edge bindings and Abalone ring position markers.
The headstock’s fern inlays offer a glimpse of what is to come when you turn the guitar over in your hands: curling up from the tailblock on the back are eight fern tendrils executed with Bronze Mother-Of-Pearl and Green Abalone. A simple strip of flamed Myrtlewood divides the fern in two.
For all that the visual presentation is flawless and elegant, it’s the voice of this Thompson Masterpiece that brings it all home. Smooth balance from E to e, powerful but restrained response to keep notes crisp and focused, and the sort of effortless playability that makes this a guitar which almost plays itself—it’s a wonder to get anything done with this guitar in the room.
The sheer number of hours that have gone into this Thompson is humbling, as is the setup, and especially the tone. The mantle of masterpiece rests easily on its shoulders.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, PKT, OM-45, 45-style, brazilain, abolane, abolone, shipwreck brazilian, adriondack, harptone

Wow, and wow. We’re struck by this one from our friends at Preston Thompson Guitars—it’s a real force of nature. One of our clients commissioned this build with us, and we’ve had such a blast collaborating with him and the PKT team. The voice is immense, and balanced, with striking clarity and power in the trebles and a bottom end that is rich and palpable. Pairing up handsomely with an articulate and even midrange to boot. And this isn’t surprising, given what we’ve heard from other Shipwreck builds—Thompson’s supply of Shipwreck Brazilian Rosewood is growing thin, while their extant guitars are growing in popularity (and tone as they open up). Adirondack Spruce on top with a well-executed 42-Style trim package throughout, gold Waverly tuners, and a K&K Pure Mini pickup. This D-SBA-42 has it all, and we’re so excited to put in the hands of someone who we know will cherish it. Interested in a build of your own? Give us a shout! We love working with folx on custom projects big and small.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, flatpicking, nick dauphinais, bluegrass, dreadnaught, preston thompson guitars, pkt guitars, oregon, blue grass, flatpicker

Snatch this beauty up before we bite the bullet ourselves. A primo 2015 OM-28 from the fine folks at Preston Thompson Guitars with Shipwreck Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce—yes, please! We love the feel of the V neck and the easy playability; 1 3/4” at the nut but 2 5/16” at the saddle for a bit more room for the right hand. It performs handsomely for fingerpicking, and has enough power under the hood with Adirondack Spruce on top to handle flatpicking as well. This one’s had an L.R. Baggs Anthem pickup system installed as well, so it’s ready for the stage! Outfitted with an anchor inlaid at the headstock in Shell.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, PKT, abolane, abolone, adriondack, herringbone, guardian

Strong yet balanced, this 2019 D-SBA from Preston Thompson is a powerhouse Dreadnought, hands down. They used a lovely set of their coveted Shipwreck Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides, pairing it with a sunburst Adirondack Spruce top and herringbone trim for a classic, timeless look. The top is pretty tight grained for Ady, and looks so lovely with the shaded border.
This PKT is nearly new, and has a richer, more energetic tone than we were expecting from a guitar built so recently in 2019. No complaints! Abalone torch inlaid at the headstock, Waverly tuners with Snakewood buttons, and a snug-fitting Harptone case to wrap it all up. Are you ready for a guitar to blow you away, every time you pick it up? Look no further: inspiration has arrived.

Other keywords: lutherie, luthier, guitarbuilding, flatpicking, allen shadd, bluegrass, dreadnaught, preston thompson guitars, pkt guitars, oregon, blue grass, flatpicker