How do you become a Fender Master Builder? - Ron Thorn interview - Making 💸Money💸 with Guitars 🎸

Ron Thorn is the Principal Master Builder at Fender. He began his journey into woodwork and building guitars at a very young age and just seems to be getting better and better at it. With Thorn Guitars he creates some absolute gems and working with other luthiers in California, he shares his experience and ideas with the rest of his guitar-addicted colleagues. Ron has built some of the most beautiful stratocasters, telecasters and NOW a Meteora.
Some of my favourite Master-built guitars:
Fender 56 Strat:
www.thomann.de/gb/fender_56_s...
Fender 60 Tele Custom FR Relic
www.thomann.de/gb/fender_60s_...
Here are some timestamps
0:11 Introducing Ron Thorn
1:40 Making money by making guitars
3:45 Ron's story
8:25 Inlay work
10:33 A foot in the door with Fender
14:19 Putting in the hours
18:05 Is it easier or harder now to begin?
20:49 Teaching and happiness
29:58 How Ron became a master builder at Fender
36:39 The right attitude and working with people
40:53 The thing Ron loves most about his career
43:24 Plans, new ideas and the magic of guitars
50:30 The guitar that Ron is most proud of
53:33 Making mistakes
1:00:05 How does someone get into guitar building?
1:02:02 Brian May Guilds and the one that got away
Support my channel and look cool at the same time: teespring.com/stores/theguita...
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Instagram - / andyguitargeek
Facebook - / theguitargeek
DISCLAIMERS:
Some of these links have an affiliate code, if you purchase gear with these links I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons.
#theguitargeek #Fender #RonThorn #MakingMoneyWithGuitars

[@texasplumr]

I'd have never believed that I could watch a video this long but he is such an unassuming and brilliant guy, I was simply fascinated! How do you forget a decal? I know! I'm a welder / fabricator and Master Plumber and after finishing a big job and I'm feeling so proud when someone notices some little thing that I forgot! I'm immediately just crushed and want to crawl under a rock and hide. It's never anything critical, usually cosmetic, like a decal. Those experiences are truly humbling and keep me from getting too full of myself. And at age 67 and doing this work my entire life I still make those mistakes. Thanks for interviewing Ron and I hope to see more of him here. And yeah, I love guitars too! Even if my fingers aren't as flexible as they once were, I still try to play every day. There are many unhealthier things to obsess on!

[@tuckersossaman8838]

Ron really is a great frickin dude, i work regular production in corona and got to walk thru the custom shop selection room and he was there, met him and it was just an awesome experience, he's the inspiration to stay and become a master

[@rockerbob949]

Shoot, I don’t even need an audience. I can sit alone playing and jam to my feelings. If I’m bummed out about something I might jam some blues. If I am having pissed off day I’ll jam some metal....and so on. I love guitars SO much

[@arniebaird7852]

What an amazing, right place at the right time, story! Thanks for sticking with it and being there to move forward an aspect of Fender, (and the best way to build guitars)!

[@simontemplar3359]

I'm so late to the party, but you're a great interviewer! Ron Thorn.. he's just such a cool guy. I want to be like him if and when I grow up!

[@philippvonbuch8460]

Great Interview, he is a true legend! Thanks for passing the passion!

[@genarotapia6388]

Andy that was awsome!. Thanks a lot.

[@pascalgoupil4715]

Wonderful video! I had an ear to ear smile the entire time!!

[@rockybruce3750]

Also did a semi hollow body with a PRS kind of style headstock. Created my first maple inlays and stained them to match the theme of the guitar. I could talk about it for days

[@RocketBoy1969]

Great interview! Ron is an excellent luthier and a cool dude. Thanks Andy 👍✌️

[@LJN71]

That was enjoyable beyond words!! And I very much love the Art Deco inspired Imperial.

[@RabihSaadguitars]

What a stellar interview. Great Job Andy I realy enjoyed it .

[@JoshBreault]

Excellent interview! In fact, my favorite yet. The Empirial is a beautiful guitar! Thanks for the great chat and inspiration.

[@sheikhabrahim4057]

Ron's story unfolds like an autobiography. Someone needs to set this story in book form now. He's very inspiring 'cause he's true to what he's saying...no pretentions!

[@tonyguilfoyle9099]

What a super guy Ron is skilled at his trade and down to earth,could bring him home to your elderly mother.I totally enjoyed the chat....most enjoyable interview ever. Want an Empirial guy he is. Thanks Tony Guilfoyle Ireland

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I’m really glad you enjoyed this. Ron is an absolute star

[@Frustratedfool]

First time watching this channel. Hooked. Lovely chat, fantastic stories and questions. Subscribed to this - Empirical(ly)!

[@pablo9364]

Very good banter .empirial is a great name

[@zaqwoodward8851]

Great video! I learned a lot from his experiences and I like the questions you chose. That Imperial guitar has a really unique pick guard!

[@liverpoolred2834]

Luv to Ron. Cool interview and I made it to the end again - Empirial. Thanks Andy!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Glad you enjoyed it man

[@Dracu13]

So great to see Ron here. This guy is an awesome builder and a true friend to me! Love his fender story with the hallway. Thanks Andy :-*

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hello brother. Yes, Ron is a true gent with a wealth of great stories AND skill. Loved every moment of this

[@ryanthenormal]

An amazing video to watch, and some top notch questions. His stories about mistakes he made were very reassuring. The number of times I've had to change designs of guitars because I slipped with a chisel or went a little too deep with a router... I'm glad to know that even a master builder can make mistakes.

[@Markleford]

Fantastic convo, guys! Love to you both!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you 🙏

[@bardpendragon7229]

Ron Thorn is a living legend. Looking forward to the next chat you have with him.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

he really is. The next chat is on it's way!

[@GosselinCreative]

By far, my favorite interview you've done yet. I'm an amateur luthier and Ron has inspired me.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That’s great news! Thank you

[@guguslive]

This was awesome!!!!! :)

[@Buzzel-NL]

What a great video again! You can see Ron really loves what he is doing. How cool. Great interview Andy! This weekend I will start my next (third) guitar build! And it will be a beauty (i can already see it finished in my head). A T-style guitar, mahogany body with a marblewood top, walnut neck, ziricote fretboard, some custom wound pickups and a two point tremolo. For the inlay I'll keep simple dots for the moment :P It is true what Ron said. If you want to built guitars, just start doing it. Buy some books, watch some youtube video's, buy some wood and hardware. And only buy the tools you really need! A router, a Jigsaw, a fretsaw, a file for the frets, a chisel and some sandpaper is all you really need. Build my first two just with those tools.

[@saddroid2441]

Ron is a legend

[@Nukeboy93]

Enjoyed this video too. Thanks again!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks For watching

[@TheRisingoftheLights]

This series has become a must watch. So many cool stories and this one makes me want to crack on with my builds. Not sure my neighbours would appreciate me starting the router up right now though. The Empirial looked stunning too!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Awww snuck in the name there! Thanks andrew

[@davey_tones]

just got done with the series and you've done a great job with this andy!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks David!

[@guybravata5564]

Amazing and inspiring video! I met Ron at a local Fender master-built event. Great dude. Keep the videos coming.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Cheers Guy. This was an absolutely wonderful chat. Glad you enjoyed

[@rockybruce3750]

Really enjoyed the video guys. As Ron said just grab some scrap wood and some tools and dive in. I am on my 6th guitar and have a rough body cut out for # 7 already. I do my own necks now fret board s and all. I just did my first set neck (Gibson style guitar) and it came out very well. I do my own finish. Book matched my first maple top by re-sawing several pieces of figured maple clear coat. Did a couple burst finishes with stain. Its a blast. Just wish I could do it full time. Its definitely a passion.

[@DerekPaulGuitar]

Man this was good, Ron is just such a nice guy and a crazy good builder! Nice Andy! Cheers man!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks mate!

[@Superjet113]

Glad I clicked on this, it was very interesting! Thanks buddy!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks! I think Ron could be interesting for ever

[@adamjolin]

Ron is such a class act, just an awesome down to earth guy. Great chat! #empirial

[@dingadettachhangteofficial5091]

Ron is such a nice guy.

[@dongonzulman6478]

Empirial Grantura. I am astounded at the beauty of that Thorn design. I've been yearning for someone to interview Ron since Phil McKnight interviewed him (asking him to pick a Squier, which was fascinating to watch actually). Ron had some amazing stories, and is such an interesting dude. Also, Andy did an awesome interview, kept conversation going and had interesting stories of his own. I hope more people see this interview, and I also hope it inspires a few kids into getting into guitar building. I've taught myself how to setup and maintain my own (stupid large) guitar collection over the past year or two using KZbin videos, StewMac in particular, but other guys and hearing Ron talk about the lack of talent these days is a bummer. I'm not a builder, but working on guitars is way more fun (to people like me i guess) than you might think! Anyway, cheers to both Andy and Ron for an absolute banger of a watch!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Don, you are welcome! Thanks for reaching out. Ron is such an interesting and creative guy

[@celisgonzalez5296]

Ron is the most hard working guy I know and is so passionate about it! The Empirial is a jewel, I love the pickguard!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Oh wow! A friend of Ron’s! Is he always this genteel and funny? I’m sure he is 🥰

[@celisgonzalez5296]

Yes!

[@nar____]

Becoming a fender master builder is my dream job

[@CalliGom]

Great interview! My cousin Vinny...what a movie!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks

[@shawnadams1693]

Amazing chat!!

[@joetoe9207]

What a kind, unassuming dude. And obviously multi-talented.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

He is absolutely god level.

[@joetoe9207]

@@TheGuitarGeek I have one of his beautiful guitars on order. Seeing his kind character makes mt decision all the better. I'm lucky!

[@tickedoffsheikh8587]

This was not your regular video...and I mean the guest who was on is the coolest VIP I have ever seen on KZbin... I'm referring to Ron Thorn. Andy you're an interviewer.Keep it up. 🇬🇾🇬🇾

[@brad-guitar-miller813]

Great video Andy. Like the fact bit more about the man than the job. 👍

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Great news Brad!

[@bretsager7651]

Hey Andy. New subscriber. Great show. Loved the Imperial.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hi Bret! Welcome to my channel

[@tomdameek]

This is one of the most interesting interviews so far Andy. (I know I keep saying this) My father owned a specialised metal work business and he never had a sales team was never without work. His work and attitude was so good and he worked so hard, he didn’t need one and Ron is the same. It’s a rare combination. I do have to ask if Ron is by any chance related to Seth Macfarlane?. What a fascinating and genuinely interesting and very likeable guy. Brilliant!!!! 😀👍👍 Ps Imperial guitar is sexy I love Art Deco.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks Tom. Each chat I have seems interesting and fun. It’s hard to pick a favourite. I will make sure my son and daughter keep learning.

[@captainwoo9097]

I would like the neck pocket intonation thing !

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I’ve more chance of going to the moon than being a Fender master builder!!!

[@billcompeau4835]

The Meteora inspired my K-60 design

[@Crusader315]

I was wondering and I may have just missed him saying it but what is the name of Ron Thorn's guitar academy?

[@Andy_Goodwin]

How do u take fenders courses to get certified by them?

[@Fwrj11039]

Say if I wanted to get on this journey? How do I go about working for fender as a builder? I have the skill and willingness to work and learn. How do I contact?

[@Dmeador]

Ron Jermyn

[@Ric007Mason]

Hahaha! Ron is such a dude! I can't actually believe you called him a Master Bender!!! 😂😂😂PMSL

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yeah!!!!!! He’s superb. I’m such a div

[@oldmanzen6682]

Wait... for which shop in Ottawa?! That's where I live. I've love to see this guitar, if it hasn't already been sold.

[@landonbailey]

Lauzon Music. I saw it when I was there recently (picking up a Princeton)

[@oldmanzen6682]

@@landonbailey Thanks. You remember how much it was selling for, out of curiosity? (I'll check their online shop.) Edit: Found it. Yeah... won't be picking that one up anytime soon.

[@landonbailey]

@@oldmanzen6682 $10K

[@oldmanzen6682]

@@landonbailey 11k.

[@robertscott3399]

i could prob make it as a custom shopp painter and custom artist

[@Gixer750pilot]

How did you become a master bender at Fuilder. cracked me up

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yeah... oooops

[@frmcf]

What was it again? The Emperiator? Impotater? Empirater? Cool guy though. And Ron as well.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re too kind 🥰

[@tonybrooks476]

EOTVC. I can’t remember so let’s call it Frank.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

come on.. you can do better than that! :D

[@tonybrooks476]

TheGuitarGeek true. Let's go with Ermintrude. 😉😬🎸🕺🕺🕺🕺🤪🤪🤪🤪🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡🦡

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Pretty close actually

[@alexvandepas9336]

Andy m8.... That was one imperial video! Rob is such a nice guy... Next time please don't look like a 16yr old girl who's talking to her crush...geesh... :D

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hahahaha, you got me!

[@PooNinja]

ectocaster? the slimeist strat but sounds great with a proton pack..wait what?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

We got one!!!!

[@robertiaccarino4363]

awkward interview; nothing planned just roaming around. Fan Boy malarky.