CP Thornton Guitars

[johnthigpen]

Has anybody here tried a CP Thornton guitar? I worked with Chuck Thornton at Pantheon Guitars, who builds Bourgeois acoustic guitars. I left in 2004 to move back south, and Chuck left soon after to build his own electrics. His archtops and strat-style guitars have gotten very good receptions.

Chuck just recently released a design inspired by the Tele, called the Classic. There are six new videos featuring the Classic on the Thornton website.

www.cpthorntonguitars.com/multimedia/video/

In the first video, Chuck explains the similarities and differences between the Classic and a Fender Telecaster. It's not your typical Telecaster. The scale length is 25", the neck radius is 16", the bolt-on neck attaches completely differently, the neck mounted at an angle, and the headstock is angled. The neck is designed to feel just like his archtop, dual P-90 and strat-style guitars.

After Chuck describes the differences, a guitarist named Robby Coffin plays some country licks on it. I've never heard of him, but he can flat out play. The rest of the videos are jams featuring Coffin and Denny Breau (Lenny's brother) on a mix of country and blues. Denny's playing a butterscotch Classic featuring strat style middle and neck pickups. There's some great playing on these videos, and they're very well recorded.

I've ordered a butterscotch Classic with a P-92 in the neck, and a strat middle pickup. They list this configuration on their site, but Chuck says I'll be the first to actually get it. I think it'll be ready sometime in June. I'll bet this thing would sound incredible through a Carmen Ghia.

John

[asattwanger]

I haven't played any, but I know a member here that has a few of them and loves them, but he hasn't been around lately. He did how ever send me a link to youtube 4 hours ago.

[jaystrings]

Hey, John - I went up to see Chuck a few days ago and picked up my Classic. It was a great trip, and of course it is a great guitar. I am still amazed at how light it is. You know Chuck, it is nothing but top quality all the way.

I like the new videos of those guys playing the Classics. Chuck said that was the first time they had played together, and they did the "Summertime" duo on the second take. Good stuff, I tell ya, good stuff.

You might as well drive less than 100 miles and I'll let you see, play, and hear all of Chuck's models. I'll even let you play them thru my Dr Z.... LOL. By the way, this new Classic is very awesome through a Z. My fave CPT model is still the Blues Queen, but I'm going to be playing the Classic a lot. They are actually more stunning in person than in the pictures.

I got #193.

Jay

[asattwanger]

There's a heck of an offer.

Jay is one of the niecest people you'll meet.

Maybe one day I'll have to chance to meet him in person, but I live 12 hours away.
One day, Jay!!!!

DAVE

[Deleted]

I've played Jay's Blues Queen and Fusion and I can say without question Chuck's guitars are some of the best I've ever played, and in particular, that Blues Queen is a real gem.

[johnthigpen]

Hi Jay:

I saw the pictures of you and Chuck with your Classic and Alligator strap posted elsewhere. We discussed meeting at the Spartanburg guitar show, but I couldn't make it. I'd love to take you up on your offer sometime. Memorial Day?!?!?! By the way, I was one of the first to play Chuck's prototype Elite back in early 2004. I was working at Pantheon Guitars with Chuck, and we cranked it through my Pro Jr. It was fun! I'd really like to get a Blues Queen and a Professional Acoustic, too.

John