Michael Thames is an American classical and flamenco guitar maker who built guitars in New Mexico for more than half a century – traditional concert guitars, historical models after Lacote and Antonio de Torres, and experimental designs with a tornavoz. He has recently retired and lives in Thailand.
Michael Thames at a Glance
- Workshops: New Mexico: Taos (labels of 2000–2005), then Santa Fe (from 2006)
- Output: over 1000 instruments by 2018, each numbered on the label
- Known for: big, robust and lush concert guitars; flamenco guitars; historical replicas; tornavoz experiments
- Models: “La Leona” after the 1856 Antonio de Torres FE 04; “Lacote”; “Tornavoz”; “Ancient Dragon” cedar tops
- Status: retired; now lives in Thailand
Half a Century in the Land of Enchantment
Thames’s early labels read simply “Michael Thames – The Land of Enchantment – New Mexico”. Around 2000 his guitars were built in Taos, and from the mid-2000s in Santa Fe, under a label with his family crest, a hand-written number and his signature – No. 190 in 1993, No. 634 in 2005, No. 962 in 2018. By then he had made more than 1000 instruments.
Replicas, Tornavoz and “Ancient Dragons”
He built a great variety of instruments. His historical models included a “Lacote” after the 19th-century French maker René Lacote, with ladder bracing and a smaller body, and variations on Antonio de Torres’ famous “La Leona” with a brass tornavoz and a hidden adjustable saddle. He experimented a great deal with the tornavoz, moving from brass to a lighter, floating carbon-fiber tube, and some guitars recall Daniel Friederich in their head shape and doubled sides. Late in his career he made “Ancient Dragon” guitars with tops from a 500-year-old cedar that fell naturally. For him the most important quality in a great guitar was the attack and ease of response.
Michael Thames Guitars at GSI
Many Michael Thames guitars have passed through our doors over the years. You’ll find guitars currently in stock by clicking the “Guitars In Stock” button in the header of this page as well as earlier examples in our Museum by clicking the “Guitars In Museum” button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael Thames?
An American guitar maker who built classical and flamenco guitars in New Mexico – in Taos and Santa Fe – for more than half a century.
Is Michael Thames still building guitars?
No – he has recently retired and now lives in Thailand.
What is a Thames “Ancient Dragon”?
His name for guitars with tops from a 500-year-old cedar tree that fell naturally.
Did Michael Thames make Torres models?
Yes – variations on the 1856 Torres “La Leona” (FE 04), with a brass tornavoz.
