Commission okays guitar shop

In a 5-0 vote Thursday, the Sisters planning commission recommended approval of the application of Preston K. Thompson Guitars to manufacture and sell custom guitars in the annex building next to The Belfry.

City Planner Eric Porter presented his findings that the guitar manufacture and sales facilities were in compliance with city codes and requirements. There was no public comment on the application.

The roughly 2,000-square-foot facility will include about 800 square feet of retail space on the Main Avenue side of the building. The balance of the space will include the woodworking and finishing tools needed to manufacture the guitars. The equipment will include a small EPA- and county-approved lacquer spray booth.

Thompson indicated that he expects to build about 30 guitars in the first year of operation and possibly up to 45 guitars the following year (www.pktguitars.com).

From the Thompson website: "Our fine guitars are designed by master guitar luthier Preston Thompson. Discovered by bluegrass virtuosos Charles Sawtelle and Peter Rowan in the 1980s, Preston has built a reputation for handmade, original vintage guitars based closely on the measurements and sound quality of the early Martin 18, 28, 42 and 45 guitars."