Charles Sawtelle's Dreadnought | Thompson Guitars

Charles Sawtelle’s Dreadnought | Thompson Guitars

The late Preston Thompson discussed the Style-42 dreadnought he built in 1986.

April 2, 2021

Luthier Preston Thompson passed away two years ago this month, but his legacy lives on in the Thompson Guitars shop in Sisters, Oregon, where a small team of builders continues to craft the instruments he refined. In this recently released video, Preston discusses the Style-42 dreadnought he built for bluegrass star Charles Sawtelle in 1986.

Also check out Peghead Nation co-founder Scott Nygaard demonstrating the guitar in our video studio!

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Preston Thompson D-EIA | Trey Hensley

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Charles Sawtelle’s Preston Thompson Dreadnought Model 42

Luthier Preston Thompson shows the guitar he built for the great flatpicker in 1986, modeled after Sawtelle’s 1937 Martin.

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The great guitarist and songwriter plays a song he wrote about Charles Sawtelle and talks about Charles introducing him to Preston Thompson.

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Molly Tuttle and Preston Thompson | At Carter Vintage Guitars

Luthier Preston Thompson talks about the new Thompson dreadnought built for guitarist, songwriter, and singer Molly Tuttle.

Preston Thompson Guitars | Sunbursts

A look at the beautiful sunburst finishes created in the Thompson Guitars shop.

Billy Strings and His Father’s Martin D-93

The songwriter and guitarist talks with Preston Thompson Guitars about tracking down the Martin guitar his father had to sell because the family was short on money.