Meet Allan

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Allan, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Mental health has been a lifelong challenge for me, especially with depression and anxiety. There are days when that inner voice tells me I’m not good enough; that I’m failing. It’s hard not to shut down completely, especially when so much in life feels overwhelming.
As an immigrant from Mexico City, I’ve faced racism and been made to feel small because of who I am and where I come from. And right now, I’m also navigating a difficult divorce, while being a full-time dad to my 7-year-old daughter, who has autism. She’s the light of my life, but caring for her takes strength—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. Still, she gives me purpose, and that keeps me going.
What helps me persist is remembering that even when I feel like I’m drowning, I still have the ability to bring joy to others. Whether it’s sharing a laugh, helping a friend, or building a guitar from scratch, which is my personal therapy, I find healing in connection and creativity.
I’ve also built a solid support system: family, close friends, and my girlfriend, who remind me that I don’t have to walk my path alone. And through all these challenges, I’ve learned that strength isn’t about never breaking down—it’s about getting back up again, especially when you have every reason not to.
Mental health isn’t something I’ve “conquered,” but it’s something I’ve learned to live with and grow through. It’s made me more compassionate, more grounded, and more grateful for every good moment—and I carry that with me into everything I do.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m the founder and creator behind Thalassa Custom Basses, where I design and handcraft one-of-a-kind bass guitars. What started as a personal outlet to manage depression and anxiety became something much bigger: a way to create beauty from struggle and connect with people through music and craftsmanship.

Every guitar I build is personal, whether it’s a custom commission or a passion project. I pour intention into every curve, every choice of wood, every sound. One of my biggest inspirations has always been Mark Hoppus from Blink-182—his music was the soundtrack to my teenage years and helped me get through some of the hardest parts of my life. In 2021, I got the chance to meet him and hand him a custom piece I made just for him, the Jin bass. That moment felt like everything coming full circle. It’s still one of the most meaningful days of my life.

I take commissions through my website (www.thalassacustombasses.com) and Instagram (@thalassacustombasses or my personal page @AllanCorona). Whether you’re a touring musician or someone who just wants to own an instrument that reflects your story, I love collaborating to make something that feels alive and uniquely yours.

One of the most rewarding builds I’ve done was in March 2021, a custom bass that was auctioned off with 100% of the proceeds going to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Giving back through my craft is something I want to do more of because I know what it’s like to need support and not always have it.

At the end of the day, Thalassa isn’t just about building guitars. It’s about healing, connection, and honoring where we come from. I’m an immigrant, a father to a beautiful daughter with autism, and someone who’s lived through pain—but I’ve found strength in creation. And I hope that every bass I build carries a piece of that strength for someone else, too.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three most impactful things in my journey have been resilience, craftsmanship, and community.

1. Resilience. There have been so many times I’ve felt like giving up. Struggling with mental health, being stomped on my people, going through a painful divorce… it all could’ve broken me. But learning to push through, and to keep showing up even when things feel impossible, has made all the difference. For anyone starting out: don’t wait to feel “ready” or perfect. Just take the next step. Progress is messy, but it still counts.

2. Craftsmanship. It’s not just in the physical sense of building basses, but in the mindset of always learning and refining what I do that has been impactful. I’m self-taught, and I had to be okay with failing, trying again, and obsessing over the little details until things felt right. Even now I’m still learning new things every day. My advice? Trust the process. Learn your craft, fall in love with it, and stay curious. Mastery takes time, but passion will carry you through.

3. Community. I wouldn’t be where I am without the support of my family, friends, girlfriend, and the people who believe in my work. Even when I doubted myself, they reminded me of my worth. If you’re early in your journey: build your circle. Find people who lift you up, not people who tear you down, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’re not meant to do this alone.
At the end of the day, growth takes patience, self-compassion, and grit. You don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to care enough to keep going.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate with other creatives. Some of my favorite projects have come from teaming up with other artists, and I’d love to do more of that. For example, if I build the body of a bass, I’m super interested in working with visual artists who can bring their own vision to life through painting, illustration, or design directly on the instrument. It’s amazing to see how different art forms can come together to make something truly one-of-a-kind.

I’m also open to working with musicians, nonprofits, or brands who want to create custom pieces with meaning behind them. Especially those rooted in community, culture, or giving back.
If you’re reading this and the idea of collaborating sparks something for you, let’s talk. You can reach me through Instagram at or @AllanCorona, @thalassacustombasses or through my website: www.thalassacustombasses.com. I’m excited to keep building; not just instruments, but meaningful connections through art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thalassacustombasses.com
• Instagram: @AllanCorona , @thalassacustombasses