Does anyone know if Carl Thompson is still making basses?

[slimb]

Ever since I started playing bass I’ve wanted a Carl Thompson but I can’t afford one now so I’ll have to put in a lot of work. I want a 6 string fretless full frills but idk how much they cost, how long the waiting list is, or if he’s even still making them so if anyone has any insight on anything please let me know. Thanks

 

[Kmrumedy]

Welcome to Talkbass.

You'll get a more accurate and detailed answer by asking the club thread.

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/official-carl-thompson-basses-club-thread.1477747/page-16

 

[ardgedee]

You can also contact Thompson directly and ask.

 

[Leo Smith]

Yes he is , with several assistants working with him. But, he's probably on back order and there's a rumor that he might have to leave his workshop because the building has a new owner.

 

[groooooove]

I think he stopped taking new orders quite some time ago.

He is vaguely active on instagram, and appears to still be making basses. like others said, there are certainly other hands in the shop.

the extent to which the others do the work I don't know but would guess he's not doing a huge percentage?

 

[A Bass And Its Boy]

If Carl isn’t taking new orders, you could check out Les Godfrey—he worked in Carl’s shop in the 90s and his work is amazing. I can’t afford him ATM, but I wish I could.

 

[ursusaltered]

Carl is not taking any new orders officially. Highly recommend Hilton basses. Pete Hilton was Carl lead builder for many years and his basses are phenomenal.

 

[FullumMusic]

I have also hear around the rumor mill that CT is not actively taking any orders from the public, and was quoting wait times at several years minimum before the no-orders rumor. I, of course, am just repeating what i heard on the grapevine and only CT's shop can give you an accurate answer.

 

[Flaked Beans]

mike bendy played his bass (6 36 inch scale) for a long time with felix a decade ago. actually mike plays nice now!
[edit]not to say that he didn't play nice before as well[edit/]

 

[Flaked Beans]

Yes he is , with several assistants working with him. But, he's probably on back order and there's a rumor that he might have to leave his workshop because the building has a new owner.

True but i doubt that he will be kicked out of the building.

 

[Kappaless]

Carl wouldn’t call me back when I left a message about placing a new order a couple years ago but he did call me back regarding one of his basses I picked up second hand afterwards so I’m gonna say no new orders but you can keep trying him

 

[HotelX]

Kelvin Daly worked for Carl and makes his own basses now. I’ve got a couple and they are high quality. Kelvin Daly Musical Instruments

 

[dustinymichaels]

Hilton Guitars

hiltonguitars.com

 

[Zooberwerx]

I'm waiting for the first batch of import "Carl Thompson Design" scroll basses.

Hey, it's a pipe-dream but certainly plausible.

Riis

 

[HotelX]

Here's my Daly. It has a lovely scroll top

 

[doubleohnodj]

Also would highly recommend MBJ basses from Joe Kruse, who has been Carl's right hand for several years now. I'm about to receive my third and they are the best basses I've ever played, and on par if not better than the CT I used to own.

 

[DELACIUS]

I contacted Aaron, and he said that Carl is not taking any more orders

 

[Zooberwerx]

Shawn May makes some really nice CT-inspired designs. Not sure of the pricing(s), though.

Riis

 

[DELACIUS]

Hey guys, do you know anybody in Europe the has a Carl Thompson, I would love to try one.

 

[Bill_G_101]

I just had Joe Kruse build me a custom 6. His brand is MBJ Guitars, and he works on them in the same shop at the same time that he builds all of the Carl Thompsons. Joe is fulfilling all of Carl's remaining orders, meaning an MBJ Guitar is basically a CT with a bit of a more modern design. Highly recommend, I just made a post reviewing it.