Rick Toone - A luthier to end all luthiers?

[Manticore]

Originally Posted by GuitarBizarre

Isn't that more a question of who buys it rather than who makes it? All the work he's done so far has been for experimentation tonally, or for the customers needs. If those customers hang it on a wall then so be it but thats nothing to do with Rick.

Personally I know I'm one of those guys who would play a guitar of any worth in any situation. Possibly the only exceptions would be guitars that now exist as investments, like 57 les pauls and the like. Any new guitar isn't going to have that kind of collectors value, so I know I would play it.

Edit - As for more efficient ways to do what he's doing, I think he's the one you should contact about that. He may well have read what you said already but the comments page on his blog is a good place to start if you want to help him improve what he's doing. As far as I can tell he takes his criticisms onboard if they're given, seeing as he's already linked to this page from his blog. http://www.ricktoone.com/2009/11/jemsite.html

just out of curiosity
how many guitars of his do you own?

[GuitarBizarre]

Originally Posted by Manticore

just out of curiosity
how many guitars of his do you own?

None, but I sure would like to.

[Manticore]

Originally Posted by GuitarBizarre

None, but I sure would like to.

well, how many have you test driven for any length of time?

[GuitarBizarre]

Originally Posted by Manticore

well, how many have you test driven for any length of time?

None, but this is a pointless line of questioning. You haven't played any either, I'm willing to bet. You have the exact same info in front of you that I do here regarding how well his guitars play.

You've taken it in a rather more cynical fashion than I have, and you're not convinced his work is as good as it claims to be, evidently. I'm taking it as I see it, which is that he certainly seems to put a damn sight more thought into his craft than 99% of builders I've seen, and I'd be surprised if that didn't pay off at least a little.

[Manticore]

yes I'm a cynic this is true........for good reason
1. his demo on the web site; the guitar needs a $1200 amp and lots of effects to make a passing tone. ( 1st sign that it won't be worth the money)
2. I can take a mexican strat drop some EMG's in it and pull of a better demo.
but you started this thread with he's the greatest of all
kinda like me say'n that Satch is the greatest player of all
(but I never heard him play)
so how much money are you going gamble on the greatest luthier of all time?
seriously I'm just chatting with you
got nothing against cabinet makers.. his stuff is pretty
I'm sure he wants $6000.00+ for an axe...no way it will ever be worth it
that's all
now if you owned one and said it put any guitar to shame
I would have no choice but to give him the benefit of the doubt.
or at least if he tested it through a stock fender twin or some such amp so you could actually hear the guitar and have a clue what it might do with different set ups and the like.
that might be a selling point.

but you know what they say...Chrome won't get you home

[jemaholic]

Gentlemen,
Everyone has their own position and stance on this issue. That's why there are lots of luthiers - there are many different tastes and everyone has different ideas of what nirvana tone and image should be.

But if you feel the need to post a strong statement praising a certain builder - be prepared for challenges from others. Don't get miffed if someone has an opposing view. I have read no personal attacks here- just different points of view on the subject.

In my 40+ years of playing guitar I've realized the truly magnificent builders have been guys like Leo Fender - able to create a simple instrument that 50 years later is still lusted after.

GB- It's great that you are smitten by this guy's guitars -I hope you get the chance to own one if that's what you want, but understand that other folks might not share your views.

[jim777]

In my humble opinion the luthier 'to end all luthiers' is Bob Benedetto, and no one else comes close. I'd trade all my guitars, amps, synths, and everything related for a Manhattan. Just sayin'

[GuitarBizarre]

Originally Posted by jim777

In my humble opinion the luthier 'to end all luthiers' is Bob Benedetto, and no one else comes close. I'd trade all my guitars, amps, synths, and everything related for a Manhattan. Just sayin'

For 25K I'd freakin hope so! Jesus!

[narogoran]

Howdy,

My name is Goran and I own Starfish guitar built by Rick Toone.
Few years ago I was searching an ergonomic electric guitar and somehow I stumbled upon Rick's Website. We became friends and he agreed to sell me Starfish under one condition - if I ever decide to sell it I must sell it back to him. Without going into details I can say that Starfish is a guitar that I love to play. It is comfortable to play and the craftsmanship is....well you need to play test this instrument in order to feel the extreme level of precision and love that is invested in her. =)

I love everything about this guitar. The sound, the feel...that is all I want from an instrument.

If there is anything specific about this guitar that you would like to know feel free to send me an e-mail (I really don't like to participate on forums but I like to share my experience with people that are interested).


[Sorry about my bad English ]


Cheers

[jim777]

Originally Posted by GuitarBizarre

For 25K I'd freakin hope so! Jesus!

I've played original top of the line D'Angelicos, D'Aquistos and Benedettos back to back to back, and the Bennys were nicest to me. And if you're familiar with the makes I'm discussing, that's a big deal. Bennys are worth the money.

[jono]

+1 for Benny

I've only played one once, but... smooooooooooth

[moebius]

Any time you start a thread with the title "A luthier to end all luthiers" you have to expect more than a few eye rolls and cynicism.