Michael Thames
Luthier
TESTIMONIALS
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I've played Michael Thames' guitars on and off now for over 10 years (like
most guitarists, I'm too fickle to stick with one instrument for any length
of time!) I've also had the pleasure on numerous occasions of hearing his
instruments played by my fellow professionals in concert and by advanced
students in master classes. Michael's guitas have always had the kind of
refined sound, balance and playability that performing guitarists demand.
Over recent years, however, Michael's building has added an extra dimension
of projection and sustain that makes his guitars almost impossible to put
down. He has found that elusive combination of qualities that makes a guitar
irresistible: complex yet beautiful sound, strong projection, quick response,
sustain, playability and balance. These are beautiful instruments to make
beautiful music on -- I can't put my new one down! For more info, go to
Stanley Yates
Dear Michael,
Last week I went to Goa for a competition called the National
Classical Guitar Competition. There were three rounds.
I won the first prize
in the final round. Here are some links from the news:
TEENAGER EMERGES
COUNTRY'S BEST CLASSICAL GUITARIST AT GUITAR CONTEST IN
GOA
PANJIM, Feb 19: With a spellbinding recital, teenager Madhavan
Somanathan of New Delhi bagged the top berth in the finals of the GGC National
Classical Guitar Competition Goa 2006 at the Kala Academy in Panjim this
evening, winning a prize of Rs.20,000 and a beautiful guitar worth a similar
amount.
The 14-year-old prodigy chose Prelude No.1, Asturias (Leyenda) and
Evocacion and Joropo displaying the class of ingenuity needed to interpret the
melodic magic in the music. In all 34 contestants joined the competition, from
whom 7 made it to the preliminaries that left leaving behind the country’s four
best classical guitarists – Madhavan Somanathan; Prasad Ruparel of Navi Mumbai
(Cancion O Tocata, Fantasia, El Elegante, Julia Florida and Tango No.2), Biplay
Singh of Calcutta (Capricho Arabe, Asturias and Usher Vales) while Christian
Katherein, a German residing in Aldona rendered Fuga from BWV 998, La Cathedral
– Allegro Solemne and Lettre a Julia Florida. Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane,
the chief guest on the occasion, congratulated Guitar Guild Goa and assured them
of his government's support to hold at least one performance at the Kala Academy
every month, hosting the best musicians in the country and even those from other
countries. The GGG programme continues till February 23 with the recitals of
world renowned musicians Piero Bonaguri (Italy), Roger Zimmermann (Germany) and
Goa’s own Schubert Cotta, who figured on the panel of judges for today’s
competition, plus a concert on the last day.
(GoaNewsClips)
I built Madhavan's guitar in July 2005. Italian Spruce with Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. Click here for a sound clip of Madavan playing Asturius:
Rafael Andia, Composer, Performer and has been teaching baroque and classical guitar
in the famous Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris since 1971(Trad. Mike Dezavelle). I have had many years of experience with guitars. I have owned and played numerous guitars by Ramirez, Bernabe, Romanillos, Friedrich and Fleta. My guitar by Michael Thames compares with them all. It has a very refined and varied sound, warmth and beautiful vibrato. But it has another quality few guitars offer: maneuverability. It has an agreeable touch and the hand loves it immediately. Thanks Michael!" For more info, go to: Rafael Andia.
Stephen Aron, Professor of Music @ Akron University & Professor of
Guitar @ Oberlin Conservatory: "I have used a Thames guitar in concerts for most of the decade and
have found it to be a remarkably responsive and expressive instrument.
I especially appreciate the way its warm, rich bass is complemented by
a surprisingly punchy and singing treble. I am consistently complimented
on my sound and projection and people always ask for the builder's address.
I have had the good fortune to make two recordings using this first-class
guitar. As a side note, Thames guitars are the first-choice instrument
of my students at the University of Akron and the Oberlin Conservatory.
Not only are they competitive in sound with other 'major-name' guitars,
they are surprisingly more affordable, a major concern of most of my students."
For more information, go to: Stephen Aron
Erich Avinger, Soloist: "I play Michael's spruce/cedar guitars for recording, playing, mic up or acoustic performance, for Jazz, World Music, or Classical, I think Michael must build these instruments just to amaze me and my audience. The ringing bell tones and the pearly sparkle of a fine steel string instrument. The warmth, the nuance and medley of expression of the best classical guitars. And they are loud. Any Michael Thames guitar is the best thing I ever heard." The latest LIVE recording from Erich's new musical odyssey, click here:
Jamey Bellizzi, Performing Artist, Composer and
Instructor: “This wonderful instrument
was made for me by the great luthier and friend, Michael Thames. The
guitar is very loud and even in response in all registers. This guitar has the
greatest treble and was constructed with graphite-laminated bracing. The guitar
took a while to break in (6 months)
because of the graphite, but the end result was astonishing. I have never had a more responsive
guitar. I own other concert guitars, Freiderich
& Bernabe, but every time I pick up the Thames to play, I am seduced
and amazed at the power of this instrument.”
You can hear the Thames 2001 Concert Guitar - 650mm Cedar & Indian
Rosewood on my Recording: EL DELIRIO. For more info, go to: Empire Music
Gilbert Biberian, Composer, Guitarist and Teacher: "It was great talking to you over the phone. I have been insanely
busy and I couldn't get round to writing this letter until today! So here
are the measurements I have felt happiest and most comfortable with: .......Andy's
was a lovely guitar (Thames) with the best action I've ever had the pleasure
to play on....I look forward to hearing from you about the progress of
work on the new guitar. Warmest good wishes!" For more info, go to:
Gilbert Biberian
Michael Chapdelaine, Solo Performer, Professor of Music and Head of Guitar
Studies at University of New Mexico and 1st place winner of the 1981 GFA: Michael Thames is one of the most talented guitar builders in the
world. His instruments are at once warm and expressive, powerful
and clear. And in our era of the guitar volume cold-war, he has maintained
his signature quality which allows the player to easily reveal his/her
entire emotional and intellectual range". For more info, go to: Michael Chapdelaine
Brian DeLay, Classical Guitarist/Lutenist, Santa Fe Opera, Chamber Music
Festival, Faculty Member at College of Santa Fe: "I
have four wonderful instruments made by Michael Thames: a cedar top classical
guitar, a 13-course bass rider Baroque lute, a swan neck Baroque lute, and a
theorbo. All of them have a rich, sustained sound of the highest
professional quality. They are a joy to play! I've performed with the guitar throughout the U.S. in halls as large as
2,500 seats, and it projects clearly and cleanly. It compares favorably
to my high-end guitars in the $10-20K price range. Michael is great
to work with, too. He takes great care to recreate period lutes with
historical accuracy, and the craftsmanship and detail are outstanding.
Michael is a true artist. I enthusiastically recommend Thames guitars
for professional guitarists and serious students." For
more info, go to: Brian Delay
Mike Dezavelle, was Assist. Professor to Alberto
Ponce at the Ecole Normale in France in 1979, presently a Solo Artist and owner
of Santa Fe Guitar Works: “While living in Europe in the 1970s, I had the opportunity to play many
fine guitars, and was fortunate enough to own a great sounding Ramirez
and a very powerful Fleta. My search for the perfect instrument was
rewarded when I found out about Michael Thames guitars. The ease of playability,
the power and warmth of sound, and the beautiful workmanship are a thrill
to experience rolled into one fine guitar.” For more info, go to: Santa Fe Guitar Works
William David Jennings (alias, "Che"), Virtuoso extraordinare and apparent international
man of mystery shares this story:
A little story about your guitar:
A lady slipped a little silk cloth with her fragrance in the soundhole
of your guitar without my notice. The next day I had a long flight
to Pago Pago with a layover in Hawaii so I didn't play for a few days.
I had a hotel room some 30 feet from the water...( at the old Rainmaker
Hotel ) it was humid and warm. Even a/c rooms in the tropics
are humid when you go back and forth through sliding glass doors.
I arrived in the middle of the night..it was after midnight when I cleared
customs and got the rental. I went to sleep after bringing
the strings up to A 442. I like a sharp edge. I did a little tech.
the next morning, quite stuff while sitting in bed. I did a little
more work after lunch which was what I call waking the hands up.... quite
tech. I didn't review pieces, just things I know are best for finesesing
my hands up to subtlety. I knew the pieces.
At any rate, I was pretty casual about everything. I started
warming up about 20 minutes before I was to play that night ( keep in mind
that was a long trip. I had been in Erie, PA. and the trip started
with driving to Hopkins in Cleveland ) About 20 minutes into
the show I begin to smell Tresor coming from my guitar.... peaches do not
grown in the South Pacific. It was particularly nostalgic and heavy with
memory for me. I played something she loved, the "Mazurka Apasionata"
of Barrios and they would't let me leave. I had to come back on stage
with your guitar in it's case ....wearing my hat so they understood I was
not coming back again.... :-) They got a big laugh out of that.
After playing that night I found her little silk inside your guitar. I
left it there, thereafter when she warmed up on a warm tropical night I
caught
the scent of Tresor and she would throb and bled for me. She likes
sea-level, my body heat, and balmy nights. I sent my lady friend
a letter concerning her little gift which she said she loved. That
little "Fleta" is always peaking when you catch a waff of Tresor.
Che'
|
Michael Katz, former teacher and performer at Univ. of Southern Maine for over twenty years. Now I am part owner of a financial services company www.wintergreenfinancialgroup.com.
I began studying the Carlevaro technique with Jad Azkoul in 1993 and never
looked back. Having owned guitars by Fleta, Ramirez, Contreras,Kohno,
Byers,Cone, Zalapa Luna, and Lowden. The Lowden was my favorite until I
bought my Michael Thames Cedar Kevlar top guitar.
"My guitar sang so beautifully this morning...so fast and responsive
and focused and warm and sweet. The most friendly fingerboard I've
ever played! All the endorsements on your website speak the truth!!!
Your website visitors should know that I never played one of your guitars
before I ordered it and I find in just 3 weeks the instrument has
more than fulfilled my expectations which in part were built from the endorsements
on your website. My days begin and end with playing my Thames kevlar cedar
top guitar! My best to you and family!"
Gregory Leupp, Solo Artist: “I owned and played a
Romanillos for many years until Yoni Riley came by to
practice some duets we were going to perform. He was playing one of
Michael's guitars at the time. I was so blown away at how much better it sounded than my guitar
that I sold the Romanillos.
Within a week, I went to France for a vacation and came back
and bought a Thames. I have had other guitars made
by Michael since then and all have been works of Art.
A classical
guitar must have a beautiful quality to its sound; one
that captures the listener’s attention. It so happens
that Michael’s guitars, in addition to having as
much volume as any guitar I have played, also are balanced and have a beautiful sound and they play
with ease.” For more info, go to: Gregory Leupp
Richard M. Long, Editor-In-Chief of GFA Soundboard Magazine (photo forthcoming):
"The Guitar (Thames) is a Cedar/Indian dated 1995 and numbered 247. I bought it after playing dozens (at a guitar store)... It's one of those guitars that everyone who sees and plays it wants to buy it, and it's not for sale!
I have attached here an audio clip of La Negra which I think the BEST sounding Michael Thames I have ever recorded. Please feel free to put this in your site, if possible. I have also attached the CD picture of “Precious Companions” where your guitar is easily recognized. Thank you!
Richard Alcoy, is excited to report that his new Naxos International release
"Popular Guitar Music Of The Philippines" (also marketed as "Spanish
Guitar Music Of The Philippines") has just hit the market. This
release is available at all Tower Records, Borders Books & Music and
other stores around the world.
http://www.ricickard.com/
Robert Luse, Esteemed Teacher and Composer in Singapore: "Like many guitarists, I suffer a dilemma of irreconcilable desires.
Although historically, guitars were constructed to serve contemporary musical
taste, guitarists now perceive the instrument as a locus of five hundred
years of music history. Whereas early music requires tonal homogeneity,
Latin music gravitates towards distinctly orchestrated registers. The dark,
sugary tonalities so suitable in Villa Lobos do little to illuminate the
subtly interwoven voices in a Fantasia by Luis de Milan. This places unprecedented
demands upon guitar constructors, to whom guitarists such as me look for
salvation. My Michael Thames guitar comes as close as any to straddling
the demands of disparate tonal worlds. Proceeding from bedrock uniformity,
Thames still manages to instill considerable registrar vitality and contrast.
You can play Thames sweet; you can play it hard and dark – Michael has
installed possibilities. Also interesting is the evolution of Thames the
artist. For example, I am about to get my instrument refitted with a bridge
and saddle of fossilized Mastodon tusk, further demonstrating that for
Thames, no corner of either the spiritual or material world is too remote
for consideration." For more info, go to: www.musicianguitarist.com,
Click here
 Aliéksey Vianna
As I had told you, I'm really not a "Cedar player". But I've been using this guitar even more often than I first thought I would. In many "special" situations like this concert, where I needed a guitar tuned very differently (from the bass up: D,G,D,F#,B,E)...
(Check out this performance on UTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLXcMFcfiRI
So, in any case, I just hope this
message will find you well, and that we can talk again. For as I said, you were
indeed VERY generous with me, and I'll be always sincerely grateful.
http://www.aliekseyvianna.com
http://www.festivaldeviolao.com.br
|
Dan Ward, Solo Artist and accompaniment to Ottmar Liebert and Maria Benitez
on both recordings and tours, and who has been playing Thames guitars for 15 years: "Michael Thames
makes some of the best guitars in the world. To know it, all you have to
do is play one." Daniel's newly released CD, "After the Storm"
is now available, go to: Daniel Ward
Eugene Wong: "You asked me how my Thames is coming along. I have to say that the instrument is just wonderful. I can push it and it responds. I hear people talk about spruce guitars having a greater spectrum of tonal color than cedar. If that's true, my Thames has to be magnificent. I can get liquid warmth (heated sensual oils) to cutting sharp (samurai sword quality) tones at will. If there are limitations with this guitar, they lie only with the player. This instrument begs me to make every practice session a literal performance for myself. And I just love it!"
Michael Thames, Luthier, Lutinist, Classical Guitarist, and shameless and
humble self-promoter: "I have known Michael Thames most of my life (I think?) and become
speechless when I think of his guitars! Having played exclusively his guitars
and lutes for my entire life, I highly recommend them, plus he's a great
guy (at least that's what my wife says!). For more info, stay right where
you are!
Past and Present Clients:
Rafael Andia
Stephen Aron
Erich Avinger
James Bellizzi
Gilbert Biberian
Paul Binkley
Michael Chapdelaine
Ricardo Cobo
Brian DeLay
Cristof Delor
Mike Dezavelle
Larry Ferrera
Doug James
William David Jennings
Micky Jones
Daniel Katz
Aldo La Grutta
Gregory Leupp
Robert Luse
Jeremy Mayne
Terry Mills
Francesca Stedman
David Tananbaum
Daniel Ward
Eugene Wong
and many, many, more......
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