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John Thigpen · May 19th, 2009, 12:27 AM

From 2001 - 2004, 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. He just recently released a design inspired by the Tele, called the Classic. There are six new videos featuring the Classic on the Thornton website.

http://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.

John

boris bubbanov · May 20th, 2009, 12:35 AM

Very intrigued by these Thornton guitars, since hearing about them last year.

That's maybe the most frustrating thing about finishing and assembling all these home brews - there's no time or opportunity left to try all these cool builders' work out by taking one home.

bluesmanmartin · May 20th, 2009, 01:22 AM

Nice, very nice I love the tone he's getting from that amp0 and guitar.

What is the price range on those?

Martin...

bluesmanmartin · May 20th, 2009, 01:25 AM

I found the prices...

Martin...

winny pooh · May 20th, 2009, 11:02 AM

I like the way that he has routed the top and the ferrules etc to facilitate the neck angle thingy, well thought out and executed though I could never afford one...

John Thigpen · May 20th, 2009, 12:06 PM

At $2,500, they aren't cheap, but they're less than a new Custom Shop Nocaster, or a Suhr Classic T, or a McInturff Terrycaster. I'd say the price is not bad for the quality and innovation involved.

John

John Thigpen · May 22nd, 2009, 10:33 AM

It's interesting that the 25" scale length seems to make no difference tonally, even though I've always heard that was an important factor. Perhaps it's more of a factor in the feel. Same with the 16" radius...you wouldn't hear it, but you would certainly feel it. The tone on these demo's seems pure tele to me, despite the design differences.

John

ThreePlyGuy · May 22nd, 2009, 01:58 PM

Innovation indeed, love to try one on.

May 19th, 2009, 12:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
John Thigpen Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2003 Location: Rock Hill, SC Age: 54 Posts: 221	CP Thornton Classic (Tele Style) From 2001 - 2004, 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. He just recently released a design inspired by the Tele, called the Classic. There are six new videos featuring the Classic on the Thornton website. http://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. John

May 20th, 2009, 12:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
boris bubbanov Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA + in the past Posts: 15,222	Very intrigued by these Thornton guitars, since hearing about them last year. That's maybe the most frustrating thing about finishing and assembling all these home brews - there's no time or opportunity left to try all these cool builders' work out by taking one home. __________________ When i listen

May 20th, 2009, 11:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
winny pooh Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: South London Posts: 2,131 7 Photos	I like the way that he has routed the top and the ferrules etc to facilitate the neck angle thingy, well thought out and executed though I could never afford one... __________________ my afro ambient side project: http://www.myspace.com/theswyambusessions I play dancy bass here: http://www.myspace.com/casabellamusic

May 22nd, 2009, 01:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
ThreePlyGuy Tele-Holic Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern California/Arizona Posts: 606	Innovation indeed, love to try one on. __________________ Good luck with your projects.

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May 20th, 2009, 01:22 AM	#3 (permalink)
bluesmanmartin Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Coastal Bend (Texas) Age: 48 Posts: 262	Nice, very nice I love the tone he's getting from that amp0 and guitar. What is the price range on those? Martin...

May 20th, 2009, 01:25 AM	#4 (permalink)
bluesmanmartin Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Coastal Bend (Texas) Age: 48 Posts: 262	I found the prices... Martin...

May 20th, 2009, 12:06 PM	#6 (permalink)
John Thigpen Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2003 Location: Rock Hill, SC Age: 54 Posts: 221	At $2,500, they aren't cheap, but they're less than a new Custom Shop Nocaster, or a Suhr Classic T, or a McInturff Terrycaster. I'd say the price is not bad for the quality and innovation involved. John

May 22nd, 2009, 10:33 AM	#7 (permalink)
John Thigpen Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2003 Location: Rock Hill, SC Age: 54 Posts: 221	It's interesting that the 25" scale length seems to make no difference tonally, even though I've always heard that was an important factor. Perhaps it's more of a factor in the feel. Same with the 16" radius...you wouldn't hear it, but you would certainly feel it. The tone on these demo's seems pure tele to me, despite the design differences. John

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