2017 Preston Thompson 12 Fret 000

This 2017 Preston Thompson 12 Fret 000 is a real stunner. Absolutely perfect, like new condition- built during Preston’s tenure, gorgeous in every way imaginable. This is an “EIA” model; East Indian Rosewood back/Side, with an Adirondack top with a very clean and symmetrical grain pattern- very tight. Original Bone nut & Saddle. 1 3/4″ Nut (and generous at that) with an Ebony fingerboard and slotted headstock. Neck profile is a chunky open “C” with soft shoulders – measuring at the 1st fret= .84″ and at the 9th= .96″. The sound is very balanced- projects a big bass that belies its size.

-includes OHSC

Preston Thompson 12 Fret 000 guitars are based on an exceptional 1929 000 owned by our late friend and mentor Charles Sawtelle. For years before the development of the dreadnought body style, the 12 fret 000 was the largest guitar available. To us, the 12 fret 000 is still one of the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing guitars ever created. The tone and versatility is unequaled. You can throw all the guitar adjectives at this one: sweet, responsive, loud, woody, lively, etc., and you’d still come up short in the true talents this model processes.

A few of the design features that contribute to the guitar’s sound and playability is the 12 fret neck joint, placing the bridge more in the center of guitar’s lower bout for efficient use of the soundboard. The slotted peg head allows increased string ramp over the nut as the strings wind onto the tuner post centered in the headstock. Both ends of the tuner post are also embedded into the guitar headstock – hence no wasted energy.

This guitar is built with a standard long 25.4” scale length (short scale length can be requested) with red spruce tops as standard but other woods may be substituted if desired. Whether Mahogany, East Indian Rosewood, Honduran Rosewood or Brazilian Rosewood, Thompson 12 Fret 000 guitars are built with the finest woods, materials and craftsmanship to deliver the true vintage tone and playability.  A soft cutaway is also offered in the 000 12 Fret model.