Thomsley Koa OM

This Thomsley Koa-OM is a 2004 model made in Vancouver, BC by Heath Hales of Thomsley Guitars. After achieving distinction with Larrivee, Heath started his own luthiery shop making high end acoustic guitars. The features include gorgeous curly koa back and sides, bear claw sitka spruce top, back sides and wedge purfling, abalone rosette, solid one piece neck, abalone logo, koa head plate, gold Gotoh 381 machine heads, koa binding on body, fretboard and heelcap, pearl position markers, and high gloss finish. A hardshell Datt case was included. For Heath, this is a relatively no frills guitar. It does not include much of his inlay work, an area that his website suggests is one in which he excels.

The sound is excellent - ringing tones with the a rich bright sound found with high quality koa guitars. Other considerations aside,the sound alone is a wonderful reason to have a Thomsley. Nice volume level for an OM guitar. I play a variety of styles, including blues, singer-songwriter stuff, and a little bluegrass. It ranges nicely throughout my repertoire.

As a one man shop, Heath sets up all his guitars. It played great the first time and has improved as it has settled in. The fit and finish are elite quality. I showed it to some envious employees at a shop that carries tons of high end acoustics (Martin, Gibson, Taylor, Bourgeous, Larrivee, As a one man shop, Heath sets up all his guitars. It played great the first time and has improved as it has settled in. The fit and finish are elite quality. I showed it to some envious employees at a shop that carries tons of high end acoustics (Martin, Gibson, Taylor, Bourgeois, Larrivee, Froggy Bottom, Goodall, etc. They raved: "This guy really knows how to make guitars." The abalone is very colorful, the inlay flawlessly executed, gorgeous binding. It has a beautiful high gloss finish.

I suspect this guitar will be very durable, but hard to comment as it is relatively new. It appears to be extremely well constructed. I do not play professionally, but it certainly seems to be a professional quality instrument. At my request, it does not have strap buttons.

Heath is a great guy to work with. He answers e-mail in a timely fashion and was always easy to reach in the building process. He provides a lifetime warranty. No repairs have been required.

Overall a 10!! I have been playing for many years and currently own an old Yamaha, my old Gibson Heritage model, a Martin Jimmy Buffett, Webber koa, three travel guitars (I know! too many), and recently sold a gorgeous Taylor K-10. I also have a bunch of electrics and Fender amps. I would buy this guitar again. I have recently commissioned a ziricote guitar from Thomsley and am getting more of that delicious inlay. Favorite features on this guitar change from time to time. The bear claw top with the abalone rosette is pretty amazing, and the sound is outstanding. In comparison to the Taylor, I sold the Taylor. I discovered Thomsley on eBay - one way for a builder to get some exposure. After quite a bit of communication, I decided to buy this guitar - one of several koas being made at the time by Heath. Thomsley is a relatively new company - I expect prices will climb once the reputation reaches critical mass. Now is a great time to get one. Just ask me - I'm getting a ziricote dreadnaught!