Did guitar builder Preston Thompson pass away?

[rgregg48]

A player I know sent a message
(Rip Preston Thompson)
But I can't verify, truth or rumor?

[usb_chord]

Yes he did

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by usb_chord

Yes he did

Wow, I missed that as well. So sorry to hear that. RIP Preston.

Best,
Jayne

[Kh1967]

I just learned this, as well. Such a tremendous loss.

I commissioned a Thompson guitar for my 50th birthday. Working with Preston and his team was nothing short of a complete pleasure. He was an incredibly gracious man who had patience and kindness running through him.

RIP, Preston. Travel lightly....you will be missed and never forgotten.

[gr81dorn]

From their social media:

In Memory of Preston Thompson: We, at Thompson Guitars, are very saddened to let all of you know that Preston Thompson passed away this morning after struggling with health issues over the last 9 months. We are one small family here in Sisters Oregon, and along with his wife Julie and daughter Piper, we appreciate all of the support we have received while Preston has been ill. Preston led a uniquely talented group of craftsmen while passing along his skill and knowledge to each member of the team. Over time, this developed into complete trust in us to build guitars that create the vintage tone he so cherished. With love in our heart, we will miss him dearly. His legacy will live on.

[mcduffnw]

My condolences to all the folks at Preston Thompson Guitars, and Preston's family.

He was a warm and wonderful man, a delight to be around, and a fine luthier, and he and his very talented team at PTG managed the remarkable feat of building, in a very short time period, one of the most respected and popular Boutique Guitar companies in the "Vintage Guitar" realm in the market today!

Be proud and mindful of that fact, as you folks absorb this great loss...but keep going on, and making your wonderful guitars in Preston's memory and his legacy.

duff

[TJNies]

I'm sad to hear of Preston's passing. Everything I read or heard about his abilities was stellar.

"Ever on"...

[llew]

Very sad to hear this news. Hoping his guitars will carry his legacy just the same as when he was with us. My condolences to family and friends...rest in peace Preston!

[SoCalSurf]

I had started my custom build with Preston and he spent quite a long time with me in the decision-making process and was genuinely one of the nicest people I have ever met. He was sick throughout most of the build process but what a testament to him that his team built what I would call a perfect guitar.

My thoughts go out to all at Preston Thompson Guitars. They are a small team and are like family to each other.

I'll be playing my guitar in his honor tonight.

[fitness1]

Very sorry to hear this. I had some nice chats back and forth with him about Charles Sawtelle and the old days a few months back. Seemed like a genuinely kind human being. Hopefully his team can carry on his legacy.

[psychojohn]

RIP: Sorry for the family and guitar community's loss !

[Yrksman]

It’s very sad. Some of his beautiful guitars are here at the Artisan Guitar Show. RIP

Why has this been moved from General Discussion?

[SoCalSurf]

Originally Posted by Yrksman

It’s very sad. Some of his beautiful guitars are here at the Artisan Guitar Show. RIP

Why has this been moved from General Discussion?

I agree it would be nice to keep it in the General Discussion where more people would likely see it. Preston was becoming known to a much wider audience.

[martingitdave]

Very sad news for anyone who is familiar with his work. He’s made some of the best sounding guitars on the planet, played by some of the best pickers. He will be missed.

https://bluegrasstoday.com/preston-thompson-passes/

[mmasters]

That's too bad, he was just getting into his prime of instrument making. Glad to see they've decided to keep the company going in his spirit. I look forward to playing a Preston Thompson someday.