Description
This pristine 2017 Ron Thorn Grantura is a master-built take on the groundbreaking semi-hollow thinline design introduced in 1958 using top-tier materials. Seen here is the first-generation design; the most recent evolution, the Mark III, uses a one-piece carved and routed back/side/body-block unit of Mahogany or Korina (African Limba).
I've never seen a better-built guitar of this style, and considering Ron Thorn's history that comes as no surprise. The attention to detail is second to none. The fret and inlay work is extremely clean. Acoustically, the tone is clear and clean with excellent note-to-note separation and the right amount of sustain. The factory 'Medium Low' action is clean and smooth along the entire length of the neck.
The original custom TKL trapezoidal case in a faux-gator covering is included. Within the case is the signature Curly Maple veneer envelope containing the build sheet and Curly Maple hang tag / Certificate of Authenticity.
Ron Thorn has been building since he was 13, and at 23 he and his father opened Thorn Custom Inlay. They became the sole source for Fender Custom Shop inlays, a role they filled for 30 years. Thorn Custom Guitars opened in a small space in Glendale during 2000, their extensive backorder situation triggering a move to larger premises in San Fernando in 2012. The Grantura appeared in 2014. In 2018, Ron accepted the position of Principal Master Builder at the Fender Custom Shop and Thorn Custom was put on hold, re-opening in 2024.
Materials and Construction
Following the traditional, proven pattern, the original Thorn Grantura uses highly figured Maple laminate for the pressed, arched top and back with the same figured woods for the side of a 14.75 inch wide body. The tail and neck blocks are Korina, while the key center block is built of Maple and Spruce. The medium-fat 'C' profile neck is Korina, with an Ebony heel cap, bound Indian Rosewood fingerboard, Dunlop 6150 Medium frets and a bound Ebony head-plate, meeting the body in a set dovetail joint. The headstock is at a 10 degree pitch to the neck., The Tri-Crown fingerboard inlays and the headstock circled-T inlay are Mother of Pearl; the ebony truss rod cover's 'Thorn' inlay is Sterling Silver.
The hardware is nickel plated, starting with a set of Kluson 'Waffleback' tuners with pearloid buttons. The Tune-O-matic style bridge and tailpiece are by TonePros and the strap pins are by Dunlop. There is no pickguard.
Electronics start with a pair of custom Arcane "Thorn SL-1" humbuckers with nickel plated covers and cream mounting rings. These lead to individual volume controls, the three-way pickup selector, a master volume control and finally a side-mounted output jack.
The Caramel Burst finish is nitrocellulose lacquer and is beautifully executed.
Overall, wear is at an absolute minimum appearing mostly as natural tarnish to the nickel plating.
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: Grantura
- Instrument Manufacturer: Thorn Custom Guitars
- Instrument year: 2017
- Instrument Finish: Caramel Burst Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Instrument Class: Thinline Semi-Hollow Guitars
- Instrument serial number: G-027 completed on August 14 2017 at San Fernando CA
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Very Good
- Right-handed
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 6.83 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 3.1 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 24.75 in
- Scale Length Metric: 628.6 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.719 in
- Nut Width Metric: 43.65 mm
- CITIES Documentation Required: No
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: Yes
- Items in Case: Curly Maple veneer envelope, curly maple hang tag, build sheet
- Case Type: Custom TKL Trapezoidal Faux Alligator covering
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 191116
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |