About Luthier Chuck Thornton
Chuck's passion for working with wood began as a youth growing up in Maine, under the influence and guidance of his father.
His journey would take him through Boston, where he studied at the Berklee College Of Music, then onward to Florida and eventually returning to the western mountains of Maine where he began his guitar building career.
He worked with master luthier Dana Bourgeois for several years and then with violin maker Jon Cooper where for four years he learned the art of violin design and construction. His apprenticeship with Jon would take Chuck’s luthier skills to the next level, which was building guitars.
Chuck has personally and passionately crafted more than 700 guitars in the past 36 years. He is fulfilling his dream of creating custom made heirloom quality instruments for buyers who seek that rare balance between exquisite beauty, engineering excellence and incredible tone.
Along with designing and constructing the acclaimed guitars and basses since 1985, internationally respected luthier Chuck is also known as one of the most accomplished electric guitar repair experts in the Northeastern United States. Hundreds of pro guitarists have trusted their instruments to Chuck for all types of repairs, including basic set-ups, bridge / saddle work, and Chuck’s specialized services including fret-jobs and dressings, complete refinishing and electronics work.
Old Growth Pine for Traditional Series or Hot Rod Series guitar bodies.
These Pine boards measure 12 feet long by 34 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches thick and have been air dried for 15 years.
I can get vertical grain one piece bodies from these boards.
Thank you Bob for making this possible.
How it all begins....
