Why buy a boutique guitar? Here's why (Chuck Thornton story)!

[wrxplayer]

Some time ago, I had a question regarding a CP Thornton guitar. I called Chuck Thornton cold. He was very pleasant and informative and helpful.

A week or so ago, there was a great looking Thornton Fusion in the Emporium. I again reached out to Chuck to discuss the guitar. Again, he was very pleasant and informative and helpful. This time I decided to buy the guitar.

But the story doesn't end here. Chuck suggested that I have the seller ship the guitar to him instead of me. That way, he could give the guitar a once-over first to ensure that the guitar will be representative of his work. The "checkup" was offered for free (per his request I sent him a check to cover shipping).

As a backdrop to the story, I had a gig to play yesterday and I really wanted to have the guitar with me. There were a slew of other players at the jam who I know would want to see it.

So, the seller sent the guitar to Chuck on Friday, 7/22. Chuck got it on Monday, 7/25.

During the next 24 hours, Chuck set the guitar up to my preferred specs, cut and installed a new nut, gave it a thorough once over, dressed the frets, and even buffed out some minor marks. He sent it out to me on the 26th and I got it on the 27th, in plenty of time for my gig yesterday.

Customer service like this goes above and beyond what is reasonable to expect, even from a premium builder. But it is indeed one of the major reasons to go to a boutique builder.

THE major reason, though, is the instrument itself. What a pleasure to hold, play, listen to, and look at. I hope some day to follow up this purchase with a CP Thornton Legend.

[John Thigpen]

I met Chuck several years before he started CP Thornton Guitars. We were both working with Dana Bourgeois at Pantheon Guitars, and I was lucky enough to play his prototypes as he was starting his company. Chuck is one of the nicest people you'll ever meet, and it's clear that he runs his business the same way. Buying my Thornton Classic was a pleasure.

Enjoy that guitar!

John

[wbyoung]

pics?!?

[JoeYello]

Sounds like a great way to do business.

[DGTCrazy]

[wrxplayer]

Here's a couple. They don't show the great almost orange flame on the neck very well but they do give you an idea.

[Darkness]

I had a similar experience with a boutique amp builder. A Tungsten Mosaic I bought used needed a minor servicing. I called Adam to chat about the amp, and he said to send it to him. Long story short, he serviced the amp and sent it back to me at no charge. Heck, he even tossed a Tungsten Amplification t-shirt in the box. The amp sounds even more glorious than before, and I've got a cool new tee to wear.

[dazco]

note that when you pay 3 grand for a guitar that kind of CS should be expected tho ! Thats about 6 times what i typically pay for a guitar.

[raja]

I wanna agree with dazco, your putting loads of faith and coin on something you don't find everyday.
I've looked at those axes and am very intrigued, at some time I'd like to try one out and see if it's me, and maybe have one in my arsenal.

[Route234]

Originally Posted by dazco

note that when you pay 3 grand for a guitar that kind of CS should be expected tho ! Thats about 6 times what i typically pay for a guitar.

And yet its still FAR less than any of the big guys charge for custom shop orders.

[BluesLou]

Originally Posted by raja

I wanna agree with dazco, your putting loads of faith and coin on something you don't find everyday.
I've looked at those axes and am very intrigued, at some time I'd like to try one out and see if it's me, and maybe have one in my arsenal.

I personally don't agree with that logic at all.
Someone purchased a used guitar and I believe the builder went above and beyond his responsibility with that kind of service.
Should anyone buying a used custom crafted product assume he should get that level of customer service? I don't think so and I wouldn't expect it.

It does show exemplary commitment to his product and what a class act that builder is. Many custom builders may do the same but it cannot be assumed as mandatory or to be expected.
CpThornton's craftsmanship is second to none by the way.

[2HBStrat]

Nice guitar! Awesome the way that builder does business!

[cribcage]

This was a cool story. Thanks for sharing it. And thanks for pointing out Chuck Thornton, whom I wasn't aware of previously. If I ever bought another guitar it would probably be a custom Telecaster, and I love what I see on Chuck's website. Based on the site and your story, I would take a serious look at doing business with Chuck.

[wrxplayer]

Originally Posted by dazco

note that when you pay 3 grand for a guitar that kind of CS should be expected tho ! Thats about 6 times what i typically pay for a guitar.

Perhaps you didn't read the first post: I bought the guitar used (for well less than $3K); I didn't even buy it from the builder.

[wrxplayer]

Originally Posted by raja

I've looked at those axes and am very intrigued, at some time I'd like to try one out and see if it's me, and maybe have one in my arsenal.

If you're ever in Central Jersey, give me a shout and you can come by and try mine.