Rick Toone | Luthier

Ergonomic Guitar Controls

When we think about ergonomics, we usually obsess about body shape, neck profile or scale length. But what about controls?

Les Pauls and Strats feel very different, in part due to the location of the switches, potentiometers and jack. For me, at least, after I've logged some hours with one of those instruments, jumping to the other feels like caressing an alien species. Where is the bridge pickup tone knob, again?!

In the interests of promoting complete disorientation, you'll notice I've relocated controls for Simplicity multi-scale (fanned-fret) headless guitar. Everything is shifted forward, clustered around the neck-to-body joint. This removes the controls from the arc of your picking hand. Strum the intro to Pinball Wizard without fear of breaking your Metacarpal or Proximal phalange.

More importantly, we are now best friends with Switchcraft Jack.

Jack has never really been a true friend, before. He's always there, drinks your beer (without replacement), hits on your girlfriend, sleeps on the couch, and — worst of all — leaves his shoes in the middle of the floor for you to step on in the dark. He's only allowed to stay because things would be too quiet without him. Don't you just know that guy?

So, following Abraham Lincoln's advice, the guitar cable jack is now close to your chest. He hangs out by the strap button, where he's completely unobtrusive. It's easy to keep an eye on his behavior. Skewer him with a 1/4" TS and toss the cord over your shoulder.

The copper guitar pickups rings and control shields are fabricated by hand. As are the stainless steel "tie-downs" and strap buttons. Pickups are Seymour Duncan Antiquity: Tele neck with PAF bridge. Les Paul style switch and cable jack are Switchcraft (made in USA). The "bad hair day" wildness is due to wiring-in-progress.

Dysperium — Black Metal

James Brown emailed me a few months ago:

I came across your website recently by accident...and stayed up until almost 4 in the morning reading. I am extremely impressed by your designs, and reasons for them. I have been on a quest for the perfect guitar for some time.

I just wanted to get in touch. I feel that we are like minded individuals, with mutual interests and ideals. I hope that doesn't sound presumptuous, but judging from what I've read on your site I feel it is an accurate statement. I would love to see your shop sometime.

Both James' music and artwork choices resonated, striking a kindred artistic nerve. The images match the music, and some part of my brain haunts those evocative landscapes. I don't quite have words to articulate the connection.

Dysperium is folk, death metal, and black metal cascading guitar rhythms alternately shimmering then grinding in nuanced textures. Combined with his vocal work and the drums, bass and co-production of songwriting partner John, their music inspires me to blacksmith titanium designs in the guitar shop. Dysperium has been signed to Frostcald Records.

In the ensuing months, James has introduced me to a slew of his musical influences: Red Sparowes, Ulver, Primordial, Tenhi and Opeth.

James is based in Indiana, but I'm hoping he'll get an opportunity to test fly Simplicity multi-scale (fanned fret) guitar with Toone & Townsend Treble 6 headless tuning system. Is this a mid-winter road trip itch I'm feeling? Anyone else getting cabin fever?

Amber Shellac Guitar Finish

I am partway through the process of applying an amber shellac finish to Simplicity multi-scale (fanned-fret) headless guitar.

The ergonomic electric guitar will be distressed — deliberately made to look like a 250 year old instrument. Techniques include burning or discoloring areas of the body. The exception is the neck, which will be crisp and pristine present tense.

To achieve the aged or distressed appearance, finish is applied, (partially) removed, and reapplied in thin layers, gradually building in thickness to the desired look. The final result will include more deep red/amber tones in a subtle sunburst, like a Stradivarius violin.

Shellac is organic, made from insects, and non-toxic.

Skilled eyes will wonder what the hell am I doing, carving cavities throughout the body. The purpose is to expose the gorgeous Toone & Townsend Treble Six bridge and tuning system. This hardware is 360 degree fine mechanical art and deserves ogling!

EDITOR'S NOTE: Supply your own drool towl.

I'd love to stay and chat but I'm headed back out to the shop. I've got a date with Cupid semi-hollow body electric guitar...and some titanium.