Phone number: (505) 751-6514
Email: info@thamesclassicalguitars.com
WebSite: http://www.thamesclassicalguitars.com
Occasionally, customers are interested in reproductions of historical
guitars, such as Fletas, or Hausers, etc. For further information on
historical reproductions, feel free to contact me.
The finish is a complicated subject and each person has a different
philosophy about it and I have my own. For different guitars, a different
finish might work better. I, therefore, offer many options and will work
with each customer individually to determine which is the best finish for
each guitar. The various options are as follows:
Body Sizes:
The above represents my standard measurements; however, they can
be customized to suite an individual's needs. Also, the neck thickness at
1st and 12th fret, as well as, neck shape can be customized. The standard
dimensions, unless otherwise specified, are 22mm at the nut and 25mm at
the 12th fret. The shape of the neck has a great affect on the ease of
playability and I offer two neck shapes: one if more evenly rounded and
one is flatter in the back. My experience shows, players seem to prefer
the more well-rounded neck shape.
This page was created on 9/30/96 and updated on 5/7/08.
Thank you for visiting Michael Thames' page from Richard's List of
Notable American Luthiers. Please click
here to go back to the main list.
Finish:
Models/Prices:
Projected waiting period for delivery:
Although there is approximately a one year waiting period; I customarily
keep every 3rd guitar I make free from commitment allowing for spontaneous
purchasing, as well as, the opportunity to show.
Sound the luthier is seeking:
The most important quality is the response. I like guitars with a
quick response, brilliant trebles and basses that are clear but
also create an ambiance of character. My guitars are full and rich
and open. My instruments are known for their projection. The
coloration is more, I feel, in the range of volume as well as
different textures of sound. By this I mean, the ability to drive
the instrument to get more sound out, as well as, playing it softly
and having the instrument project so that there is a range of
volume as well as texture of sound.
Preferred sound wood:
Either spruce or cedar.
Preferred back/side wood:
Classical - East Indian Rosewood and as a substitute
for Brazilian Rosewood (as it is endangered and often poor in
quality), I offer Cocobolo due to its similar qualities.
Flamenco - Spanish or Monterey Cyprus.
Neck and Fingerboard wood:
You will find most fingerboards are made of ebony with the neck made of
either Mahogany or Spanish Cedar. These woods are quite similar; however,
I tend to favor Spanish Cedar as it is lighter in weight.
Scale length:
The choices are between, 640mm, 645mm, 650mm, 656mm, 660mm or
664mm. The more popular and standard length for classical guitars
are either the 650mm or 656mm which I recommend. The other lengths
mentioned would be considered customized.
Neck width (at nut):
Fingerboard Size and String Spacing at Nut Bridge:
Standard fingerboard width is 2 1/16" or 52.5mm
String spacing at the nut is 1 27/32" or 44mm
String spacing at the bridge is 2 1/4" or 57.1mm
Fingerboard width at the 12th fret is 2 7/8" or 62mm.
Other available options:
Please email for inquiries.
Other comments:
While my website is still under construction, please feel free to
contact me directly by telephone or e-mail to discuss any questions
that you might have.