Artisan Deluxe  SFC # 013

Body & Neck: Black Limba
Top: Birdseye Maple
Fretboard: African Blackwood (with slight curl!)
Bridge: Thorn 1-pc. Tremolo
Pickups: Gaudesi/Thorn Pasadena '80 (Neck) / Pasadena '86 (Bridge)
Color: Dark Cherry Burst - Top / Dark Red Back
Headstock Inlay: 1906 Indian Head penny...Mike, care to share?

Tone Report:
Due to a Rio Grande pickup malfunction, Mike inquired about replacing them with a set of Pasadena humbuckers. After discussing this with Nick, John and myself - we decided that "yes" let's offer them in the Artisan line. Unlike the Staple Top P-90s that require a lot of time, effort and cost to manufacture, the Pasadena pickups are pretty straight forward and good to go...what the heck.
So I drop in a set of them this morning and anxiously await to hear the result with this body style/neck joint and wood combo...The results: KILLER!!!
They sound incredible in the Jr-90 Hot Rods and I now know they sound incredible in this style SFC.
This guitar has a huge '58 carve neck which is like holding onto a divining rod when chunking on the low end. I don't like muddiness and the lower output '80 in the neck is right on the doorstep. There is just enough clarity to prevent it from being flabby but the grunt is all there.
The middle position plus the 2 volumes presents endless fun. It's a great blend of fullness and roundness with a little bite.
I should note that the Tone is also a push/pull which puts the pickups out of phase in the middle position. Cocked-wah heaven. I realized that there aren't too many, if any, Thorns with this option (not counting Big Mikes always out of phase Lemon Drop). Anyone else have a phase switch on their Thorn? I dig it.
The slightly hotter '86 bridge isn't a huge jump in output, I adjusted the heights of each pickup to blend nicely. When you kick it in and stomp on the OD the tone is a smooth singing scream. Just enough sustain and harmonic feedback to really get your fingers moving. Very inspirational.

I may be rambling a little right now, but I believe it's because of how much I dig this guitar. I'm really REALLY falling for the SFC shape, ergonomics and flat out sexiness of it all. The fact that the birdseyes are mesmerizing, the burgundy limba is delicious to look at, and the tones are truly wonderful might have a little to do with it to.

Mike, you and I chuckled at the fact that you didn't make a single change or modification to the specs this entire build. You have stayed true to your vision from the very start, I honestly hope I have done my part in capturing it for you.

Thank you my friend, play it in good health and make me proud!

Ron