HISTORIC CHURCH STUDIO FLOORING REBORN AS ONE-OF-A-KIND GUITAR BY SETH LEE JONES

Media release

(TULSA, Okla.) — Music history has been made inside The Church Studio for generations. Now, thanks to a collaboration between The Church Studio and acclaimed Tulsa guitarist and luthier Seth Lee Jones, a portion of that history lives on in a one-of-a-kind custom guitar.

Crafted from maple flooring salvaged during the restoration of The Church Studio, the custom instrument combines historic materials, master craftsmanship, and Tulsa music heritage. More than a collectible, it is a professional-grade instrument designed to be played, with both the front and back crafted from original Church Studio flooring.

The project brings together more than a century of Tulsa history, transforming original Church Studio flooring into a custom instrument hand-built by Jones. The guitar also features custom back plates created by Ripley, further connecting the studio’s past and present.

Jones created a pair of custom guitars from the salvaged flooring. One instrument will remain in The Church Studio’s permanent collection, while the other will be awarded to one lucky raffle winner.

“I’ve always been drawn to things with a story, and this guitar has a special one,” said Teresa Knox. “The wood came from the floors of The Church Studio, a legacy landmark that has been part of Tulsa’s story for more than a century. Seth Lee Jones transformed that history into a beautiful instrument, and the connection to Leon Russell and Steve Ripley makes it even more special. It’s a true piece of Tulsa music history.”

Known nationally for both his musicianship and hand-built instruments, Jones brought decades of craftsmanship to the project, giving new life to historic Church Studio flooring as a playable piece of Tulsa music history.

The instrument features a solid maple top and back crafted from original Church Studio flooring, a chambered ash hardwood body, torrefied maple neck, Blackwood fretboard, DiMarzio pickups, custom Steve Ripley back plates, and vintage 1970s Kustom knobs.

One lucky winner will receive the guitar through a raffle benefiting The Church Studio Music Foundation. Proceeds support the Foundation’s mission to educate, inspire, and create opportunities for musicians through professional recording programs, public events, exhibits, artist grants, and music education initiatives.

Raffle entries are available through June 30, 2026. The winner will be announced July 2, 2026. For raffle info and entry details, visit RAFFLE LINK https://go.rallyup.com/

Church Studio is a renowned recording facility and 501(C)(3) organization in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Previously operated by Oklahoma legends Leon Russell and, later, Steve Ripley, The Church Studio played a pivotal role in American music history, hosting numerous legendary artists, producing timeless recordings, and earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, The Church Studio continues to support and inspire music makers through professional recording, educational programs, exhibits, artist grants, and signature events, including Legacy Concerts, Tunes @ Noon, and IN SESSION. https://thechurchstudio.com