Ted Thompson OM Jumbo

This is the same guitar that Zuheir has previously reviewed. I bought it from him within weeks after his review was posted here. When I first saw it, I immediately suspected that the rosewood was Brazilian, it was so dark. I called Ted Thompson, who assured me it is Indian - but holy bridgeplates, Batman, it doesn't look anything like the Indian on either of my 2 Larrivees! The Sitka top is one of the prettiest tops I've seen - streaks of cinnamon throughout, with just enough silking to give it that luxurious look of a high end, handbuilt guitar. Gorgeous 5 piece mahagony binding and rosette. Schaller tuners, curly maple binding with half moon side fret markers, abalone dot fret markers, ebony fretboard and bridge. I had a bone nut and saddle installed by Jim Grainger (luthier in Sparta, TN). This single guitar has almost ruined me for buying another factory made guitar, regardless of name brand. How can a factory that builds guitars by thousands every year compete with the quality of someone who is a master luthier and hand builds 100 a year himself? "Next question, your honor."

It's got the unmistakable JUMBO sound... big boomy bass, clear mid range, and sparkling trebles. It sings softly when you fingerpick it, and can get LOUD and bark when you strum it hard.

Fit and finish could not be better. This is a work of art. Everything bookmarked perfectly, joints are seamless, neck is TIGHT, and if this is a "satin" finish, I'd love to see his gloss finish! Actually, it's brighter than the gloss on my Larrivee L-10, and shines like a mirror. It was special ordered with a 1-7/8" nut, yet the shallow 'C' shape of the neck was slightly thinned to compensate for the extra width. I hate there is only a "10" for this category!

It's built with only the best woods and hardware, by someone who very obviously puts part of his soul in every guitar he builds, so I have no doubt that it will elegantly stand the test of time!

Call Ted, he answers! Very informative, you don't feel like he's trying to rush the conversation at all. I asked him about transferring the warranty, as it was only 10 months old, but he politely declined, as I would have in his position. Yet he told me, "If you ever have any problems, just talk to me." Can't argue with that!

I've looked at and compared Santa Cruz, Collings, Lowden, Huss & Dalton, Henderson, and others, and this is as nice a guitar as money can buy. I'd put it up against anything else, and know that I could do so and not be embarassed. I have almost decided to special order another one, in a different body shape, very soon!

Custom made for me last year, solid dark rosewood (looks like Brazilian but it is not - Ted is careful about the wood he buys and uses); made without computers - every bit by hand, and this guy knows what he is doing. Asked for and got a quality Fisman built in. Beautiful guitar, satin finish, antique stain. The woods used are so good I forewent the abalone inserts and wnt with his own wood trip around soundhole and triple-binding, front and back. Bound fretboard; best quality Schaller tuners; dot markers (abalone) and side markers (ebony).
Far better than mass-produced L'arrives or Taylors. Will take a while to get one from Ted who is in Vancouver, but definitely worth the wait.

Jumbo sound is rich and big, but treble and bass are well balanced. Excellent sustain.

Extremely well built. Have had it for 10 months now, no complaints- gorgeous to look at.

see above. This is very well built. I asked for modifications and he talked me ouit of it because it could compromise the integrity of the construction.

Ted is approachable and does not mind picking up the phone himself. He is a 1-person operation.

I was going to buy a Dave Webber guitar but Ted's work knocked me out. Got to compare them and felt Ted's work was even better than Dave Webber (who is an excellent craftsman).