Thorn DeLuxe Proto #3

Recently, the Thorn DeLuxe model was introduced as a platform to showcase the quality and craftsmanship of his trade while focusing on classic tone and wood combinations. Featuring the same custom made hardware and pickups as the Artisans, along with many signature details such as hidden fret ends and offset purfling, the DeLuxe is designed for the player who covets a bespoke guitar that combines Thorn artistry with an irresistible quality that says pick me up and play me.

This configuration differs from the other Thorn DeLuxe examples in some important aspects. It’s very much the same in its essentials: Fabulous construction, meticulous finish, dedication to every detail. It’s simply a joy to behold and to play.

Here’s where it differs. It has a beautifully wide-range sound - a little less focus on the midrange than the other versions. There are three reasons for that.

First, it’s chambered, so you get a little more woody snap to every note - a little like a 335. Second, the neck and body are korina, rather than mahogany. From my experience, korina adds a touch of rawness (and I do mean a touch) to the sound when compared with mahogany. Don’t get me a wrong - this is a fine, nuanced instrument - I’m simply trying to offer you an indication of where it lays on the sonic spectrum versus its mahogany brethren.

Second, it has a pair of simply wonderful GT90 staple top pickups. They’re slightly more hi-fi than the humbuckers on the other models. It’s a sound I love: a little more airy and transparent, a tad more 3D than hums. But that’s my personal take. You might well prefer the sound of Thorn’s hand wound humbuckers (they’re fabulous as well).  If you can stop by the shop or call me, I’d be delighted to try and give you more details - or let you hear for yourself.

Third, from an esthetic point of view, this model doesn’t have the purfling on the neck, as do the others. This is purely an esthetic difference - some people like purfling, some don’t. There’s no right or wrong answer.

FInally, the top is a glorious single piece of beautiful curly maple. Yes. One piece. Something you don’t find often, but an element that speaks to Ron’s master wood collection. It’s just gorgeous.

The whole thing is just right on in every respect. A true monster of a guitar.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT THORN CUSTOM GUITARS
Raised in a family of carpenters, Ron Thorn had access to a home wood shop for as long as he can remember. Repairing, modifying and building guitars since age 13, his specialty became precision inlay work and by the mid '90s he became the sole inlay artist for the Fender Custom Shop, a position he is still proud to retain today. In 2000 Ron began putting the Thorn name on the headstocks of some of the many guitars he was building and today, with his father and the rest of “team Thorn” - John Gaudesi, Nick Viglienzoni, Tony Ramirez, Glenn Matejzel and Martin Bravo, Thorn’s Glendale, CA operation builds approximately 50 custom guitars a year. Those who know, know Ron as one of the most brilliantly talented luthiers and inlay artists of the 21st century. It is a reputation that has earned him a following that is best described as "near fanatical."