SIGNATURE MODELS (part 1)

What do signature models mean to us?

Signature models have been around for decades – I recently read a few articles online that talk about some early signature models by a famous luthier named Johann Stauffer for Austria. He made several guitars in collaboration with artists in the 1830’s… which surprised me that the history went so far back! But not surprising was one of his apprentices was none other than Christian Frederick Martin Sr. where you can find yourself going down a rabbit hole of written words about his contributions to guitar making in America. Check some of these articles about the history by Justin Beckner and from Guitar World in 2014.

That all being said when we decided on the few signature models we do offer, it was important how these artists helped create the history at Thompson guitars. We are a custom guitar shop with a low output, producing a little less than 100 guitars a year and so we realized we can’t have too many signature models. We also limit the # so they retain their value.

The first artist that we make a signature model for was Chris Luquette, a supporter from the beginning. At the time we made his guitar the promotion of a signature model didn’t work out as intended because we were focused on refining the production side of things. We will remedy this with a model that suits his talents and his connection to this company in the near future!

The signature models we currently offer are in recognition of Billy Strings (sold out), Molly Tuttle (2 out of 30 available), Peter Rowan (10 out of 15 available) and Preston’s PKT Model inspired by a guitar he made in 1983. (offering 4 limited build slots per year).

We announced in 2019 the Billy Strings signature model with a limited run of 33 – In 2020 Billy gave to his dad, Terry BS #1, which was truly a special moment. We were so thrilled to see this video of Terry enjoying the surprise. Watching this video again brought tears to my eye, thank you “Team Billy” for capturing this special moment! I think of Preston and how he would have enjoyed this moment so much too – his legacy truly lives on in this “little company that could”…

The BS model came for sale just as COVID hit and it was amazing to witness the trajectory of his rise and the sale of these models. We were overwhelmed with the response. It took many years to finish this run and I believe the last one was completed early 2024.

Billy recently asked for a back-up to his signature model and that was just delivered a few Friday’s ago when he played the Fairwell Festival in Redmond, Oregon. Tobe Bean, his guitar tech, took time to come to our shop, meet the crew and pick up the guitar.

When it came to Molly Tuttle’s Signature Model we were in contact with her via Adam Chowning who worked at Carter Vintage Guitars for years and was a great supporter of our guitars. Molly received her 1st Thompson, a Brazilian Dreadnought, at one of his flatpick camps in 2018. The support Molly gave us was very special for so many reasons, what a humble and talented player!

When we talked about the design for the limited run, it was fun to receive a text with some images – she sent me a couple photos of an album cover, shell earnings & an outfit adorned with palm leaves. Along with describing her connection to the redwood tree, which was reminiscence of her home in Northern California. Below are photos of what Simon came up with from her input – a classic tasteful design combined with sinker mahogany and a beautiful sunburst. I wanted to make this model adjustable to a variety of playing styles so we offer it in a Dreadnought, OM, 000 and 00 size. We have only 2 building slots left for her model! Molly describes it in the video below : )