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
This Masterpiece model from Preston Thompson is what can happen when you let your team use all of their talents and take a year and a half to build the best guitar they possibly can muster. This thing is amazing. First and foremost, the voice is magical, open and live even though it’s brand new. The shipwreck Brazilian Rosewood has amazing colors, the intricate fingerboard is a gem to behold, as are the vine inlays with green abalone on the headstock and back. 270 inches worth! Truly a masterpiece. | Scale Length | 25.4 in |
|---|---|
| Nut Width | 1.72 in |
| String Spacing | 2.188 in |
| Woods | Spruce - Adirondack (Red), Rosewood - Brazilian |
Masterpiece, indeed. Preston Thompson’s team has spent over a year and a half on No
This Masterpiece model from Preston Thompson is what can happen when you let your team use all of their talents and take a year and a half to build the best guitar they possibly can muster. This thing is amazing 