Preston Thompson Guitars is a world-renowned custom guitar workshop based in Sisters, Oregon, USA. Known for producing some of the finest acoustic guitars in the world, the company draws deep inspiration from the “golden era” of American guitar-making in the 1930s.
The brand is a top choice among Grammy-winning musicians, flatpickers, and fingerstyle guitarists due to its signature vintage tone, master craftsmanship, and use of premium materials.
At the heart of the company’s philosophy is a commitment to handcrafted excellence, established by its late founder and master luthier, Preston Thompson. His legacy lives on in every guitar produced by the team he trained and mentored, ensuring that the spirit of traditional American acoustic design continues to thrive.
What distinguishes Thompson Guitars is not just their superior sound quality but also their authenticity, attention to detail, and custom craftsmanship, each instrument is built to order, reflecting the needs and desires of serious guitarists across the globe.
What is the Capital Structure and Turnover of the Business?
As a boutique guitar workshop rather than a large-scale manufacturer, Preston Thompson Guitars operates with a small, skilled team of luthiers.
The business functions more like an artisan guild than a corporate entity, and while exact financials such as capital investment or annual turnover are not publicly disclosed, it is evident that the company maintains sustainable growth through high-value, low-volume production.
With guitars that can cost several thousand dollars or more, the business model is built on high craftsmanship value per unit rather than mass production. Each guitar is a significant investment piece for collectors and professional musicians alike, often with waiting lists for custom builds.
Thompson Guitars’ reputation in the niche market of premium vintage-style acoustic instruments ensures consistent demand, especially from North America and Europe, including the UK, where vintage guitar culture has a strong following.
What Services and Features Does the Company Offer?
Custom Acoustic Guitars
Preston Thompson Guitars offers a broad selection of custom-built and standard acoustic guitar models that pay tribute to the sound and construction of legendary pre-war American guitars. Each model can be tailored in terms of body style, tonewoods, bracing patterns, and finishes, offering players a truly bespoke experience.
Exceptional Tonewoods
The company uses only the finest tonewoods, including rare and sustainably sourced varieties:
| Tonewood Type | Examples |
| Top Woods | Adirondack Spruce, Sitka Spruce, Western Red Cedar |
| Back and Side Woods | Brazilian Rosewood (Shipwreck & 5A), Honduran Mahogany |
| Limited Edition Woods | Sinker Mahogany, Cuban Mahogany, Myrtlewood, Koa |
These carefully selected materials, including aged and salvaged woods, contribute to the superlative tonal quality and visual beauty of each instrument.
Traditional Construction Techniques
- Dovetail Neck Joints: Ensures structural integrity and excellent tone transmission.
- Hand-Graduated Soundboards: Each soundboard is uniquely graduated for maximum responsiveness.
- Hand-Carved Bracing: Scalloped by hand for lightweight strength and tone optimisation.
- Advanced X Bracing: Vintage-style “forward shifted” bracing for superior projection and warmth.
Finishes and Aesthetics
Thompson Guitars uses Nitrocellulose Lacquer, a traditional finish from the 1920s that enhances resonance while developing a beautiful patina over time. Unlike modern poly finishes, nitrocellulose allows the wood to “breathe” and age gracefully.
Awards and Recognition
Preston Thompson’s work was celebrated at the National Flatpicking Championships in Winfield, Kansas, where his guitars were awarded to winners for three consecutive years. This level of recognition highlights the instrumental quality and desirability of Thompson Guitars among elite players.
How Can Customers Get in Touch?
Thompson Guitars offers direct contact through email, phone, or post. Musicians, collectors, and dealers alike are welcome to get in touch for consultations, orders, or general inquiries. International customers, including from the UK, are regularly served with care and professionalism.
Phone:
+1 (541) 588-6211 (International callers welcome)
Email: sales@pktguitars.com
Mailing Address:
Preston Thompson Guitars
PO Box 250
Sisters, Oregon 97759
United States
Physical Workshop Address:
Thompson Guitars Shop
352 East Main Avenue
Sisters, Oregon 97759
USA
Website: https://pktguitars.com/
Where is the Company Active on Social Media?
Preston Thompson Guitars maintains a strong presence on social platforms to share updates, showcase craftsmanship, and feature artist collaborations. Their content is ideal for guitar enthusiasts, music lovers, and collectors who want to stay connected with the brand.
| Platform | Handle / URL | Content Focus |
| instagram.com/thompsonguitars | Photos of builds, artists, workshop life | |
| facebook.com/PkThompsonGuitars | News, events, product updates | |
| YouTube | youtube.com/channel/UCmLkW8TY6cts2ltxx2Vq26Q | Guitar demos, luthier interviews, performances |
These platforms are a treasure trove of visuals and behind-the-scenes insights for anyone passionate about guitar artistry.
Why Do Musicians Around the World Choose Preston Thompson Guitars?
Whether you’re a professional performer, collector, or serious enthusiast, Preston Thompson Guitars offers a rare blend of authentic heritage and modern precision. From bluegrass halls in the US to folk stages in the UK, these guitars deliver exceptional tone, unmatched aesthetics, and timeless craftsmanship.
With a personal approach to every build, a deep respect for vintage tone, and a workshop culture that feels more like a family than a factory, Thompson Guitars stands apart as a premium brand rooted in legacy, passion, and sound innovation.
