Luthier
CP Thornton
- Founder
- Chuck Thornton
- Location
- Maine
- Founded
- 1985
Chuck Thornton’s passion for working with wood began under the influence of his father as a youth in Maine.
He worked with master luthier Dana Bourgeois for several years and then with master violin maker Jon Cooper where for four years he learned the art of violin design and construction. His apprenticeship with Jon would take Chuck’s luthier skills to the next level, which was building guitars.

“The woods that I use for building guitars have as much to do with the tone of the instrument, as they have to do with visual appeal.”
Chuck has personally and passionately crafted more than 700 guitars in the past 36 years. He is fulfilling his dream of creating custom made heirloom quality instruments for buyers who seek that rare balance between exquisite beauty, engineering excellence and incredible tone. Along with designing and constructing the acclaimed guitars and basses since 1985, internationally respected luthier Chuck is also known as one of the most accomplished electric guitar repair experts in the Northeastern United States. Hundreds of pro guitarists have trusted their instruments to Chuck for all types of repairs, including basic set-ups, bridge / saddle work, and Chuck’s specialized services including fret-jobs and dressings, complete refinishing and electronics work.
My real inspiration is derived from musical instruments themselves. Not only do they need to look right, but they also need to sound right and play right.