Guitar Shop Honors Master Luthier Preston Thompson
A number of today’s top bluegrass guitar players are playing guitars that have been built by the crew at Preston Thompson Guitars in Sisters, Oregon. The Master Luthier who started this company, Preston Thompson, sadly passed away in April of 2019. Although Preston is no longer with us, the luthiers who worked with him are continuing his legacy building highly crafted guitars.
Recently, the crew finished a unique cover for Preston’s Urn box. This wooden box cover is made of East Indian rosewood and is bound with flamed maple. The inside of the box includes bracing, kerfing, and their official label, making it look just like an inside of a Thompson. A likeness of Preston, crafted by Simon Haycraft, is inlaid on the outside of the box using several different shell and wood materials.
The shop’s general manager, Christine Funk, said, “The guys treasured Preston and they built this box of their own accord to honor him. All the guys in the shop collaborated. I think it was cathartic for them. They all loved Preston and wanted the craftsmanship of this box to be something Preston would be proud of and reflect the quality that comes out of the shop.
Although the wooden box was completed in time for Preston’s memorial service in April of 2019, the lacquer finish had yet to be applied. Christine said, “It sat in the finishing room for a long time. I don’t think that the guys were ready to let it go. It reminded them of Preston.” Recently the finish was applied and the box given to Preston’s widow, Julie, so that she could slip it over the container that holds Preston’s ashes.
