Artisan Deluxe  # 153

Body: Chambered Walnut
Top: Bookmatched Flame Walnut
Neck: Flamed Walnut
Fretboard: Yep, Flamed Walnut
Pickups: Bare Knuckle Rebel Yells
Bridge: Thorn Tremolo w/ LR Baggs Saddles + Ctrl-X Piezo Pre-amp
Earvana Nut
Color: Natural

Let's try this again.
I haven't had any substantial experience with a walnut guitar, so I was relying on Matt's input and experience from his beloved Carvin that this Thorn is based on.
I'm not sure if it was a "visual = tonal" effect, but I was under the pre-conceived notion that this guitar was going to sound dark...WRONG.
I'm not talking Tele twang here, but I am pleasantly surprised by the clarity, definition, and in the bridge position...the sheer grind!
These Bare Knuckles are the first to be installed into a new Thorn, so I was looking forward to hearing them. The neck position has a full/round tone - big. When split, there is a little output drop - to be expected, but it is a very usable Strat tone.
The bridge is where I suspect Matt is going to spend a lot of time...this pickup thrives on gain! I'm talking heavy/chunky/grind-o-matic. I felt like one of those young hooligans on that damn Mtv with their low E chopin' and the Drive on 10.

Oh but wait...there is a sweet side too, the piezo. When you gets a hankerin' for a little acoustic flavor, he's got that covered too. #153 will cover a ton of turf.

Matt, you're the youngest member of the Thorn family. Your excitement and enthusiasm during this ENTIRE build has been nothing but inspirational to me...thank you, sir. You rock, and with #153 I hope you rock LOUD!!!

Ron