Simon Haycraft of Thompson Guitars on…the Rattlesnake Guitar!

The team at Preston Thompson Guitars in Sisters, Oregon have set out to create a series of masterpiece instruments, showing off what's possible not only in tone and playability but also in inlay and appointments. Just in time to get the first of three North American Wildlife Series guitars, we chat with inlay artist Simon Haycraft about the inspiration, design, and execution of a guitar that won't be for the faint of heart: a Brazilian rosewood OM dedicated to the rattlesnake!
Simon tells us about finding the visual arts career he sought in college and really “hitting his medium” through his work with Preston Thompson, where he not only creates the inlays, but also designs, carves necks, and does sunburst finishes. Many PKT owners have already personalized their guitars with his naturalistic depictions of animals, homes, and symbols. But with this Reptilian OM, Simon demonstrates that with careful design and mathematical calculation, customization can go far beyond the headstock and fretboard. The result is a stunning homage to an iconic American creature that will delight anyone with a keen eye and appreciation for fine, detailed craftsmanship.
Learn more about Thompson Guitars: pktguitars.com/
Follow Simon on Instagram: simonhaycraftinlay
Follow Thompson Guitars on Instagram: thompsonguitars
More behind the scenes progress footage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZSldIl3pqulaM0
Available PKT Guitars at CVE:
0000: cartervintage.com/shop/preston-thompson-0000-eia-sb/2HNaVm0NDrKgdORJoCTIAtULqcw
Size 2: cartervintage.com/shop/preston-thompson-size-2-parlor-ba-2022/2HNaP3HEgZyYi0ukaKEpmF72E1Y
Intro and outro music by @CarlMiner, both played on previously sold Preston Thompson guitars.
Interview hosted and edited by @LindsayStraw
Rattlesnake photos taken by Lindsay at the Rattlesnake Museum in Albuquerque, NM: www.rattlesnakes.com/

[@gregalderson128]

I absolutely love his inlay work, i love a lot of different builders out there but, when it comes to a Preston Thompson they are at the very top in my honest opinion. Every box gets checked. The team there are second to none and they make sure every guitar is flawless, consistent, and beautiful. This is why builds take so long, but they are worth the wait.

[@RemoSforza]

Absolutley beautifull work

[@WilliamValenti]

Really enjoyed listening to this interview. Simon is quite an amazing designer and artist! I had the privilege of knowing Preston Thompson when he first opened the shop in Sisters, and he made an exquisite parlor guitar for me ("shipwreck" Brazilian rosewood) that is a joy to play. He is greatly missed, but his crew continues to make magnificent musical instruments!

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Thank you for sharing, we love hearing stories like this! And yes, he assembled a fabulous team to carry on his legacy!

[@bloxa]

I've seen a lot of inlay artist, but this is next level. Definitely go with Preston Thompson if I were in the market for one.

[@staleyexplores]

wowza the rosette is crazy...what dedication and vision. thompson doing unique things for sure. really interesting to hear how the fretboard was built with epoxy and such. the tail piece is gorgeous. lacewood binding...man. the 0000 linked in the description is somewhat attainable well maybe not but one can dream!

[@staleyexplores]

yeah next time I'm at smith rock OR I'm trying to go play a thompson, what a dream.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Definitely worth going out of your way to try one!