The team at Preston Thompson Guitars in Sisters, Oregon have set out to create a series of masterpiece instruments, showing off what's possible not only in tone and playability but also in inlay and appointments. Just in time to get the first of three North American Wildlife Series guitars, we chat with inlay artist Simon Haycraft about the inspiration, design, and execution of a guitar that won't be for the faint of heart: a Brazilian rosewood OM dedicated to the rattlesnake!
Simon tells us about finding the visual arts career he sought in college and really “hitting his medium” through his work with Preston Thompson, where he not only creates the inlays, but also designs, carves necks, and does sunburst finishes. Many PKT owners have already personalized their guitars with his naturalistic depictions of animals, homes, and symbols. But with this Reptilian OM, Simon demonstrates that with careful design and mathematical calculation, customization can go far beyond the headstock and fretboard. The result is a stunning homage to an iconic American creature that will delight anyone with a keen eye and appreciation for fine, detailed craftsmanship.
Learn more about Thompson Guitars: pktguitars.com/
Follow Simon on Instagram: / simonhaycraftinlay
Follow Thompson Guitars on Instagram: / thompsonguitars
More behind the scenes progress footage: • Thompson Guitars - Wil...
Available PKT Guitars at CVE:
0000: cartervintage.com/shop/presto...
Size 2: cartervintage.com/shop/presto...
Intro and outro music by ‪@CarlMiner‬, both played on previously sold Preston Thompson guitars.
Interview hosted and edited by ‪@LindsayStraw‬
Rattlesnake photos taken by Lindsay at the Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque, NM: www.rattlesnakes.com/