Here is an incredible creation from the famous Thompson guitar workshop in Oregon. And yes, they knew how to make good guitars 90 years ago, and a golden era saw the best Martin instruments in the 1930s. A bygone era as far as the Martin brand is concerned, but fortunately, small companies, such as Preston Thompson Guitars, are now offering discerning musicians the equivalent of the best Martins of yesteryear. Given that Preston Thompson Guitars manufactures between 150 and 160 guitars per year, and that Leadmusic now works directly with the famous company, it’s time to party.

Received at the end of 2023, this OM-MA is a gem thanks to its Mahogany back with its OM format offering articulated basses with a substantial volume, while keeping the ample and open timbre of mahogany, and obviously a excellent playing comfort. And the volume delivered by this instrument is insane compared to its size!!! It has been more than 90 years since Martin developed the famous OM shape, and Thompson surpasses Martin by producing their version, with unprecedented quality and comfort of play. Thus the compact and not too thick body produces a rich and dynamic tone, excellent for finger playing and other fingerstyle picking but also flatpicking. The articulation of the notes of this OM-MA is impressive, and suggests that this guitar is already formed as the balance is so good. The spruce top is beautiful, and the veins of the mahogany sides and back are very regular, with perfect grain. The cut is excellent, and this is reflected in the tone of this exceptional guitar. Like the Ds that we have had and have in stock, this OM-MA gives back to a generation of recent guitars the referential specifications of the instruments of yesteryear. 45mm wide nut, more modern neck with Soft V profile, advanced and lightweight Adirondack spruce bracing, old-fashioned glued wood and retro features typical of 1940s instruments. Waverly tuners, bone nuts, pickguard Tortoise Shell, ebony endpins and abalone neck markers are typical 18-series specs from the 1930s (ok, it was ivory for nuts back then…), and it really looks great.

In terms of woods, Thompson delivers the best: selected Adirondack spruce top, back and sides in very beautiful solid mahogany, with tight and regular grain, ebony fingerboard and bridge. In short, nothing similar with the standards of the usual big brands in this price range. But above all it is the manufacturing quality, the weight, the balance and the volume of this guitar that impress us.