Masterpiece Series: Shipwreck OM

The large vine inlay on the back was instigated by a Brazilian worm that decided to eat a 1 1/2 inch hole near the center of the back.  Being a highly prized set of “Shipwreck” Brazilian Rosewood, we did not want to discard or diminish its size, so we decided an inlay could hide the work of the worm.  Knowing that the design would be of a considerable size, a collaborative effort began between Preston and crew to form a concept showcasing craftsmanship at it’s highest level.

This OM is a 45 style that has over 270 inches of abalone hand placed on the sides, top, back, and around the fingerboard extension. The figured myrtle backstrip is mitered at the upper and lower bouts by 2 strips of abalone giving it even a bit extra abalone detail above and beyond a traditional 45 style.

The headstock design gives a hint of what is to come, but the conscious effort to keep the Ebony and Brazilian fretboard clean of inlay helps surprise the viewer once the guitar is turned around. The canvas of the dark colors of the Brazilian rosewood contrasts with the green select abalone and bronze mother of pearl, highlighting the exquisite vine and leaf design.

We took video and photos during the entire process of making our 1st Masterpiece over the last year.

The BLOG POST about the 1st Masterpiece shows you the detailed process and video of Preston talking about the design and collaboration.


OM – SBA 45 Style

  • Shipwreck Brazilian Back and Sides
  • Adirondack Top
  • Figured Myrtlewood Binding
  • Back Inlay – Bronze MOP and Green Abalone – Vine and Left Custom Pattern
  • Top Purfling: BWB/Green Abalone/BWB 45 Style
  • Back Purfling: BWB/Green Abalone/BWB 45 Style
  • Side Purfling: BWB/Green Abalone/BWB 45 Style
  • Custom Brazilian wood rosette with Green Abalone rings and Bronze MOP inlay
  • Custom backstrip of Figured Myrtle Wood bordered by green abalone mitered with back purfling
  • 45 Style Myrtle Wood with Green Abalone Tail Wedge
  • Heel surround – Myrtle Wood with BWB/Green Abalone/BWB
  • Advanced X Bracing – Adirondack
  • Pre-War Hand Scalloped Adirondack braces
  • Hand graduated tops
  • Solid headstock with Vine and Leaf pattern of Green Abalone and Bronze MOP
  • Brazilian Peghead overlay
  • Abalone Thompson logo on back of headstock
  • Myrtle Wood w/BWB Purf Headstock Binding
  • Myrtle Wood w/BWB Purf Fingerboard Binding
  • Ebony Fingerboard with Brazilian inlay with Purfling
  • Nut – 1 3/4” – Strings spacing – 2 5/16”
  • Long Scale – 25.4″
  • Neck Shape – Soft V
  • Volute
  • Gold Waverly with Engraved Buttons
  • Bridge and End pins
  • Pyramid Ebony/Brazilian Drop In Bridge with Purfling
  • OM Tortoise Pickguard
  • Ebony End Pin with Abalone ring
  • Ebony Bridge pins with purfling around the saddle
  • Evo Frets