CP Thornton Guitars Appreciation

[James V]

After doing a search here, I noticed that a CP Thornton guitar appreciation thread had not been done. It think it is long overdue and needed.

As a proud owner of a few of his guitars, these guitars are the real deal. I have sold most of my other guitars as a result. The fit and feel of each model are special. There is so much innovation and improvements.

Beyond the guitars, Chuck Thornton is a pleasure to work with. He cares about the guitar and player, not just the sale. He stands by all of his guitars. There is absolutely no compromise with his instruments. It is strange to say, but he should really charge more for his guitars. His guitars are up there with all of the best luthiers.

I truly feel lucky to own and play his guitars. For those not familiar, you should really check out his site: http://www.cpthorntonguitars.com/

I did notice others have posted pictures, but it would be nice if they were all in one location. We can be a support group!

Here is a picture of my Blues Queen, which is an incredible guitar:

 

[edwarddavis]

I rally like some of these , love to try the tele model .

 

[lfyost]

The tele model is every bit as good as the blues queen. True to the sound, A+++ fit and finish, and they just feel right in your hands.

 

[Jd3]

I have a buddy with a Blues Queen ... someday I'll own one...very cool guitar in every respect.

 

[BluesLou]

Here is the link to my CpThornton Professional #207
http://www.cpthorntonguitars.com/gallery/recently-
sold/0207%20Professional/

Another is my Honey Burst Classic #223
http://www.cpthorntonguitars.com/gallery/latest-batch/0223 Honey Burst Classic/

My most recent a Cherry Burst Fusion #227 that will ship this week
Chuck has been playing this one a little for me and he just raves about it.
http://www.cpthorntonguitars.com/gallery/latest-batch/0227 Cherry Burst Fusion/

Lastly I have a Blues Queen on order and just can't wait to get mine.
I played Jeano's Blues Queen and was just floored with the tone that they have.
Jeano works with Chuck at the shop. My girl friend was so impressed with the Blues Queen that she had me start the order for mine when I picked up my professional at Chucks shop.

Every guitar is an extraordinary instrument and enough good things can't be said about Chucks workmanship and attitude.
It truly is not about the money but all about the love of building and love of the people he builds for.
A very very good person, he has great heart for the work he does.

 

[thinline01]

I had one Professional Acoustic
I have one Fusion HSS

... just amazing guitars - the Fusion is the perfect modern strat-like guitar - so versatile and sexy design. Attention to detail is amazing .... a real masterbuider ... that will never comprmise on quality - because of his name on the neck.

 

[John Thigpen]

I have a Classic, # 202. When the money's there, I intend to get a Professional Acoustic as well, and would also like a Blues Queen.

For those of us in the south (none in this thread other than me, so far), Chuck will be at the Spartanburg, SC Guitar Show on February 27 and 28. Jay Wright, who has eight Thorntons, has rented a booth to display his guitars, and Chuck will fly down and stay with Jay. Great chance to play some of these guitars and put in an order for your favorite.

John

 

[TRIODEROB]

here is mine.

its a smokin hot guitar


but here is the weird part :

more than seeing what Chuck did right on this guitar, it makes you
think about what the big makers are doing wrong.

this quitar is thin nitro not the common nasty heavy finish on the body.
the finish never shows fingerprints or marks
its not heavy (6 lb 10 oz)
the neck is not sticky
the tuners work and are smooth
the truss rod is easy to get to and works
the neck angle is easy on the left arm and the guitar melts into your body
it rings like a tuning fork and has a huge rich wonderful tone
the sustain is more like a les paul than a tele
you dont have to upgrade to lollars - they came with it
it has the electrosocket


Chuck has other hot models coming out - but I wont let the cat
out of the bag - I will let him post when he is ready to.

 

[James V]

Blueslou,
I saw your Cherry Burst Fusion when I visited Chuck last weekend. It is a killer looking guitar. The ash is very NICE. You are going to really love that guitar.
Also, your Professional is unreal looking. It must be a real player.

 

[James V]

John,
I wish I could make it down to SC. The guitar show looks like a great time. I always have a great time at show.

More importantly, 8 Thorntons in one place....very cool.

New guitars are also coming soon. We are all going to be very happy when they start coming out.

 

[BluesLou]

Blueslou,
I saw your Cherry Burst Fusion when I visited Chuck last weekend. It is a killer looking guitar. The ash is very NICE. You are going to really love that guitar.
Also, your Professional is unreal looking. It must be a real player.

The Professional was my first from Chuck. It is a beautiful guitar as well as a incredible playing instrument. It was a tough choice when I first ordered it as I almost went with the Elite.
Not knowing I would end up with several of his instruments it was a tough choice but Chuck talked me through the differences and details and so I ordered the Professional.

I saw the Fusion when I picked up my Classic, I love strats and before I knew it Chuck had a check and it was mine. I really love that color which is what pushed me over the edge.
He has been raving about it to me as he has been playing it on and off for a few weeks. I can't wait to get it.

I also must comment on Chucks Nitro finish, it is light , almost subtle , it is not heavy and thick looking. My Classic is almost like a satin feel and finish it is just great like really good single malt scotch

You are killing me with hinting at other models to be announced. I know I talked with Chuck over a few ideas and he was pretty interested.
I think his builds are just wonderful. Guess I better start another nest egg going, good thing I have the Blues Queen on order mostly all paid up.
What next, I can only wonder.

Wish I could make the guitar show but it's way too busy at work, just can't break away now.

 

[keepitblue]

Great thread! I love any excuse for me to show off these truly amazing instruments! Here's my twin to your guitar James. More Thornton pics to follow. I have 4 of them. I think almost everybody who has bought one has gone on to by at least another. There are also a bunch of guys who have at least 3 or 4 and as many as 6 and 7. I'll have to ask Chuck but I know for a fact that the number of people who have only purchased one is a very small percentage (25%) at the most. Probably because they are currently saving for their next one! lol True testament to the amazing quality and tone and of these great guitars!

 

[BluesLou]

When Chuck and I were talking recently he did say most customers ended up purchasing 3 or more instruments.

They are kind of like the Lay's potato chips of guitars...you just can't own one But they are not greasy and don't leave crumbs...

 

[hippdogs]

Don't even get me started about Thornton guitars. Here are a couple pics that say it all. Both photos are by Jackie Jasper. The band: Ocie Fisher and the Hippdogs, opening for Air Supply in 2008. It was 100 degrees at 7pm that evening.....about 4500 people. Fund raiser for missing family members organization: Bring Them Home. The Fusion is #75, and the Professional is #0007. That's right, #0007. chuck was working out the serial numbers. The top is reputedly from Dana Bourgeois.

 

[Kurzman]

I've got #121, a Fusion in white with a mint guard. It's soooo resonant!

 

[James V]

WOW....a match to my gold top. Very nice indeed.

Mr. Thornton's guitars are very addictive. Little did I know when I purchased my first used Fusion (from the first batch), I would start selling most of my other guitars to search more out. They are such great guitars you will honestly need no others. I wish (and hopefully a thread like this will help) others can get a chance to play and own one.

 

[cubado]

Gotta get up north to try one of these out again....

the one I tried was a great guitar!

 

[BluesLou]

Don't even get me started about Thornton guitars. Here are a couple pics that say it all. Both photos are by Jackie Jasper. The band: Ocie Fisher and the Hippdogs, opening for Air Supply in 2008. It was 100 degrees at 7pm that evening.....about 4500 people. Fund raiser for missing family members organization: Bring Them Home. The Fusion is #75, and the Professional is #0007. That's right, #0007. chuck was working out the serial numbers. The top is reputedly from Dana Bourgeois.

Hippdogs,

Nice looking Professional. What brand trem set up is that? Does it stay in tune for you? Trem setups can be so annoying trying to keep adjusted. I was interested in how that has worked out for you. Looks a little like a Bigsby but hard to tell. Info would be appreciated for future consideration.
BL

 

[heady dude]

Here is my Elite. One of, if not the nicest guitars Ive ever played, much less owned. Just an awesome instrument. Definitely will try to get one or two more in the future.
Really want one of the new models he is coming out with.
http://www.cpthorntonguitars.com/gallery/elite/0168 Elite Dark Honey/

 

[Vibrolucky]

I am lucky to own an Elite (#46)....I took a chance 3 years ago and bought it from Chuck. I own several nice vintage and new instruments, and my Cp Thornton is still my go-to guitar. It's playability, finish, tone and classic looks are just beyond words. About 6 months ago I upgraded the wiring harness to his new version, it made a great guitar even better sounding. I challange you to find a more versitile instrument. It seems to keep getting better with age as well.

Lets put it this way, if the house were on fire and I had to grab one guitar.....you get the idea.