Fender Custom Shop LEGEND Ron Thorn gone?

Truly a loss for Fender's Custom Shop. Thanks for giving me a place to discuss!

[@NuTacLLC]

I love your energy, your positivity, your knowledge of guitars, and your slight accent. So great. Thanks Ashley.

[@AshleyOffset]

That is insanely nice of you, and makes my day. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch!

[@gahangore111]

No one gonna mention the legal issues that probably led to Ron and Fender parting ways? Ron might not actually be the greatest guy, we'll have to wait and see.

[@venturaVlogger]

Ron thorn speaks frank and straight out

[@thislisa]

I was amazed at how he considered a Squier his number one guitar. So humble.

[@jasondorsey7110]

Even Ron knows, MiJ squiers are no joke

[@colinkennedy8523]

I really appreciated this. I was just thinking I didn't know what happened with Ron, and found this. I am the proud owner of a Ron Thorn Black Moon Telecaster that was Fender for Guitar Center in 2018. I wound up with 2 of 13, the guitar photographed in just about every online photo you see. Beautiful instrument, a work of art that plays as silky as it looks. I learned a lot about Ron before and after buying that one, and truly a craftsman and humble but brilliant artist. Thank you for the video!

[@CA10Z]

Impulse buying with limited funds is toxic and sometimes devastating. I'm glad to hear you survived the threat. Good for you!!!

[@AshleyOffset]

You're so right! I was definitely in dreamland for a few hours 😅

[@CA10Z]

You'll be fine.....@@AshleyOffset

[@chrisfreeman5425]

Rons eagerness, positive attitude, and straight forwardness personally drove me to buy fender instruments in the past. Its not like I'm going to buy a 3,000 custom shop guitar but I liked what he brought to the table

[@Livelaughlayla4ever]

I have a Fender master built Korina Tele by Ron that I bought in a shop in Seattle after he posted on Instagram that it was headed their way. I commented on the post that I made the purchase and he DM'd me to get my feedback on the guitar. Truly an awesome guy. I can't wait to see what he makes in his own shop. It's also by far my #1

[@264boresteve]

Ron Thorn impressed me as a very genuine guy as well. His perspective on guitar construction and playability have been very educational.

[@whiskeyblenderfraley4235]

Hi Ashley, this is more of a general comment about your wonderful channel than focusing on Ron Thorn (although my Fender CS guitars do have his name on the COA!). WOW!!! I finally feel like I've found a like-minded sister of the guitar who both loves to both play and collect them! I'm so thrilled to have found your channel. There aren't that many people I know who have this particular interest, so watching a channel which is devoted to this topic is a positive, refreshing, and exciting experience. I currently have about 21 guitars and basses in my arsenal, ranging the full spectrum from $150 no-name Strat style guitars, a Hofner 500/1 bass, 2 Custom Shop Gibson SG's and 1 CS Les Paul, 2 Custom Shop Fenders (Strat and Jaguar), two pre-CBS era Fender P-basses and 1 pre-CBS Fender Mustang guitar ('58, '62, and '64), a '70 Fender Mustang bass, 3 Rickenbackers guitars, a '65 Guild Starfire I bass, and a whole lot of other stuff in between. I've been in love with electric guitars since I was a child, but obviously it wasn't until I was well into adulthood before I could afford to indulge in my childhood guitar fantasies. I'm a much better bassist than I am a guitarist, but no matter, it is still a life-long passion. I, too, spend many hours scouring guitar and bass forums, Reverb, KZbin videos, reading biographies or autobiographies about my favorite guitarists and bassists, etc. Again, thanks for all the hard work and thought you put into these terrific episodes. Cheers! Nancy.

[@AshleyOffset]

Nancy, WHOA..what a collection! Excellent taste, too. It's really exciting to have joined KZbin. I had no idea I'd get to interact with people who had similar interests as mine, and that has been the best part of the whole thing. Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. I'm over here drooling at your lineup, enjoy them for me!

[@michaelallen434]

Ron thorn was the best part of the custom shop and Fender is worse off without him. We are lucky to have the insight he freely offered in interviews. How will they find someone that can fill his shoes?

[@AshleyOffset]

It'll be interesting to see how things look moving forward, but I won't hold my breath that they'll be as open as Ron. Thank you so much for watching!

[@jenniferhell3082]

Search "Ron Thorn lawsuit" or "Ron Thorn sexual assault" and don't let him make a fool of you anymore.

[@guitarbobification]

Thanks for another great video with a fresh perspective! I grew up in Corona CA (when Fender was still in Fullerton) but had a lot of friends that worked there over the years. It’s great when someone as passionate as Ron comes through a company but in the end it’s still a company. Fender cut a number of jobs (300+) and restructured early this year on the heels of a huge loss ($100M from what I read). When I was a supplier to PRS in the 1990’s things were a little different since Paul was still at the helm. People could make a career there and feel appreciated but there was less opportunity to deviate from the models as a “master builder” since individuality is a difficult thing to manage when you’re known for consistent model quality which is certainly true of PRS. On the other topic in your video - everyone that has been through a purchase decision about something more than what is “needed” in life has had similar feelings. It seems like there are a handful of considerations that are present specifically relating to guitars, they are; Will it make me feel good? Will I be preserving history? Will it be amazing (special sound, feel, etc.)? Will it inspire me to play better and work harder? Will it be a good investment? And so on… I have been fortunate enough to be able to have the guitars I’ve wanted, and over a long period of time what I want has changed dramatically. As I have divested myself of the truly great guitars I’ve owned, I have been glad to act as their steward, enjoy them for a while, and pass them others to appreciate and enjoy. All the very best to you!

[@AshleyOffset]

It's always good to see you here in the comments. Your insight is appreciated and so valuable! The best to you as well, and thanks for sticking around for another video 😀

[@brianeharmonjr]

I've largely dipped out of the guitar sales/manufacturing business in the last decade, but worked at a music shop for about 10 years and had the opportunity to spend a week at the Fender facilities in Corona and Ensenada back in the day (not really clued in to those that have been there in the time since). Dennis Galuszka and Yuriy Shishkov were my favorites back in the day. Dennis seemed to always make guitars that I wanted most, and Yuri was always on some Leonardo Da Vinci type level of artistic excellence in inlay and wild material usage. Real art pieces. Working at Fender there in Corona, or at Rickenbacker over in Santa Ana, will always be a dream gig, even just sweeping up sawdust around those guys. Maybe some day I'll get out there.

[@AshleyOffset]

It would certainly be a dream! I've heard of Dennis.. what amazing work these guys do.

[@cliftonmoberg288]

you explain things very well--I approve.

[@kurtismurata9630]

I'm lucky that I got 3 when he had his shop in so cal. he builds AMAZING guitars.

[@colindamo]

Awesome video Ashley! Thanks for the information on custom shop guitars and Ron Thorn. Ron sounds like a really cool person. That El mcombo guitar looks pretty cool as well! Which were you thinking of getting the Strat or the telecaster? AnyWhoo take care and keep up the great work!

[@AshleyOffset]

Thanks so much for your feedback! I was looking at the Tele version 😀

[@socalwill9876]

The majority of seasoned guitar players eventually end up in a place where bang for the buck means more than the big bucks; the $1K guitar that plays like a $5K guitar will always be more dear than the $5K guitar that seems about right. It'll be interesting to see how your collection evolves over time as you classify yourself as more of a collector than a player, I hope you don't miss out on the experience of playing what was previously a reasonably solid guitar that a pickup swap and pro setup has made exceptional, it changes a lot of people's minds about what is a "collectable"..

[@AshleyOffset]

Such a good point and I'm currently living out exactly what you are describing. I'm playing my more affordable guitars and then immediately picking up the more expensive counterparts, and I love nothing more than liking the "cheaper one" more! It feels weird though, because now I truly don't know what to buy next.

[@milankotevski1663]

Ron Thorn's been a bad boy, it seems. Google is your friend.

[@AshleyOffset]

I'm really hoping not! I saw that, but didn't want to tarnish someone's name before investing the right amount of time into making sure it was valid.

[@peppersindividual8947]

You should read the entire complaint and his response @@AshleyOffset Quick read!

[@ryanhalliwell6671]

I’ve owned guitars like my Gibson that were insanely expensive, but I also love Mexican fenders the price is secondary to that feeling in your gut when it just feels right.

[@AshleyOffset]

Agree 🙂 It makes the hunt more fun

[@thoughtman]

OH ! and i wanted to comment-you have a neat opening AND, literally a closing to your video. very cool.

[@AshleyOffset]

Really appreciate that!

[@Snek03]

RIP Fender Custom Shop! Long live John Cruz and Ron Thorn!

[@jenniferhell3082]

Nice that you can celebrate two different kids of assholes in one post, @Snek03.

[@thejovialpanda]

I also loved his interviews, he always came off as such a great guy. It's a loss for Fender, but good for him if it makes him happier. As for the Custom Shop, I don't follow who's there or anything because they're so far off my financial radar. I prefer to dream about guitars that are just a bit outside my ability to purchase, knowing that one day I will be able to get it. (except the Gibson Les Paul Standard 60's...yes, way outside my ability to purchase at the moment, but one day...)

[@AshleyOffset]

It's always good to see you in the comments! I can't wait to hear you've gotten that Les Paul one day.

[@thejovialpanda]

@@AshleyOffset One day. I just need to stop buy all these other guitars and start saving. It could happen.

[@vincemincevince]

great video, it was really interesting

[@jazzguitarneophyte-christo7988]

Hi Ashley - I know how it feels when you eye for something and all of a sudden it is gone! BTW how many guitars do you have now in your stable? Looking forward to seeing you posts more guitars! Cheers!

[@AshleyOffset]

Thank you for sticking around! Looking forward to it as well. I think I have 11 now.

[@thoughtman]

there were 2 instances where i wanted a guitar but had to laugh when i saw the price. the first one was a billy gibbons special les paul signature model in all it's pinstripe glory. it was, if i remember, $33,000.00. oh boy-gimme 2 ! the 2nd was a custom shop reproductio of the derringer/clapton/harrison cherry les paul called lucy (i believe it was the one that fell over in the 'let it be' movie. i wonder if they reproduced those marks). again, a smile inducing pricetag. oh well. so, i'll just gather parts and put together my own replicas, and that will make me happy. i may even learn how to pinstripe.

[@AshleyOffset]

Love the "gimme 2"! Haha! It's crazy how some of these high prices are slowly becoming normalized in my head, and then I'm like wait a minute, I can't afford that!! 😅

[@DavesWorld76]

Ron is so awesome! Im sure he would rather make his own guitars!

[@jenniferhell3082]

AWESOME GUY. "Plaintiff vividly recalls hearing his words, in part because his tone changed so much that he sounded like a different person but also because of what he said. Defendant Thorn said imploringly, “You know, it would be awful if I went to Fender with your photos, right? It would ruin your career, so we aren’t going to Fender with this, right? We’re going to keep this between us, right?” Defendant Thorn made Plaintiff swear that she would not tell anyone, including the other Master Builders about their “dynamic” and to keep it a secret. Plaintiff felt like Defendant Thorn was threatening to blackmail her. Plaintiff was so shocked and scared that she remembers looking at the clock, it was 10:34 p.m." Search "Ron Thorn lawsuit" or "Ron Thorn sexual assault" and see for yourself @DavesWorld76

[@malcolmsansom5026]

Hi Ashley personally I've never heard of that guy but from what you say he sounds like a decent fella, keep the vids coming looking forward to the next 1 🎸🎸

[@AshleyOffset]

Thanks, Malcolm! 🎸

[@jenniferhell3082]

"After the assault, Plaintiff sat up and saw blood shot out to her feet. Thorn tore the sheets out from under Plaintiff and threw them on the chair across the room . . .Defendant Thorn went into the bathroom to rinse his face. Defendant Thorn left the room and walked quickly down the hotel hallway. Plaintiff was in shock, saw blood smeared and running down her thighs and realized her vagina was still bleeding. She crawled to the shower, sobbing, and she laid there for over an hour." Search "Ron Thorn lawsuit" or "Ron Thorn sexual assault" and don't let him make a fool of you anymore @malcolmsansom5026.

[@dekalbes335]

Isn't Ron in court over some bit of business currently. Or is that a Fake News item...? Is smart money, (Collectors)...buying anything Ron Thorn right now ?

[@PLEVI]

Seems to be legal papers saying he is involved in sexual battery assault case, Same name maybe its someone else,

[@AshleyOffset]

I saw that, and wasn't sure of the validity. But like you said, maybe someone else! Thank you for watching the vid🎸

[@Dddddddd699]

⁠@@AshleyOffsetI actually paid to see the court paperwork on this case and it seems like the survivor is asking for justice/ accountability.Our criminal system in LA is trash . So to me it’s not about validation but holding him accountable for hurting someone. The documents state ALOT of evidence that hold this case at least in a civil matter. No matter what the jury say’s someone who assaults anyone is garbage! It’s time to believe survivors and not predators!

[@CodyCoMedia]

Unfortunately i know one of his victims whos case was thrown out. Its not just one person. Ron was a friend and I found out through other now former CS employees. Unfortunate.

[@jenniferhell3082]

@@CodyCoMedia Thank you, thank you!!!

[@dennisneo1608]

I can't praise collectors that can't play. Good players can't afford good stuff because of cashed up collectors.

[@jeffburns8689]

I was annoyed when Carlos Lopez was fired for sharing a silly meme. JW Black made a really cool founders series strat, that I modified my MIM strat to look like. I think he is also gone. And now Ron Thorn? What the heck?!?!

[@AshleyOffset]

I know! Too much lately. JW Black definitely did some cool stuff! I think he was responsible for one of my limited edition Strats. Hopefully they acquire a keeper and we get some awesome stuff in the years to come.

[@serensipity736]

Wasn't it John Cruz who was fired for the meme? That is, the meme with the Jeep covered in blood. Carlos Lopez left on his own terms. Like John Cruz, Carlos, too, is now making his own line of guitars.

[@jeffburns8689]

@@serensipity736 my mistake. I stand corrected.