Thorn SoCal, Preowned 2013

This is a wonderful pre-owned SoCal from Ron Thorn. We originally sold this instrument in 2013 and it just came back in on a trade.

It speaks with a resonant, clear voice, with superb dynamic balance and articulation, and a warm, classic tone that is fantastic for any kind of music, from rock to blues to country to jazz. Ron Thorn’s attention to detail is legendary, and he has developed some stellar innovations that really set his instruments apart, such as the brilliant neck joint he designed for his bolt on neck guitars. His enduring passion and dedication to the art of luthiery make guitars like this SoCal very special, and we don’t often see them trading hands.

This guitar would be in Excellent condition were it not for a few dings in the finish (check out the photos). For that reason I’m grading this guitar as Very Good, making this a rare opportunity for someone to save 1/3 off the cost of a new SoCal. This guitar is close to exactly what would come right from Ron Thorn, and if you don’t mind a few small finish blemishes, it is an incredible value.

Here is the original description I wrote of this guitar when it first came in:

I feel very fortunate to be able to offer this Thorn SoCal. [Again!!]

While Ron is famous for his set neck guitars, you should also know that Ron builds some of the most playable, stunning, inspiring T-style guitars on the planet. This is a great example: It’s a custom version of the SoCal that Ron built for CR Guitars.

I love it when I see a boutique builder add all the unique and custom elements in his arsenal and yet at the same time be able to have vintage vibe pour out of the guitar.

Every element of this wonderful guitar has been thought out. It gives the player the thrill of experiencing a custom build yet at the same time, remarkably, keeps that warm fuzzy familiar feeling of a being with an old friend.

Ron thinks of everything. From the super cool control knobs to the premium wood selections for the hand carved neck. And what a neck! This has that perfect full soft V feel that I’ve always loved in my '50s Fenders.

Ron’s perfect and unique fret work that adds smoothness and playability to the fantastic feel. He has also developed an ingenious bolting system to anchor the neck to the body.

It all adds up to a guitar that sounds, feels. and looks like the perfect T-style guitar you’ve always dreamed of. And another example of why I think Ron Thorn is some kind of guitar wizard.

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."