Rick Toone | Luthier

Black Dove | Video

VIDEO: My friend Chris Buono demonstrates some of the features of Black Dove 6-string guitar. He coaxes beautiful tones via his Fractal Audio Axe-FX II.

Mindfulness | Master List

PHOTO: Masi.

A transition is in process. Our lives, our home, my shop — all are emerging in a new location. One that is better for my spirit, better for my productivity.

These past few weeks of heavy manual labor preparing for the new structure have strengthened my body, defined my muscles: moving rocks, clearing trees, digging foundations. Physical exhaustion also brings a mental clarity. Deliberately releasing the outside world, focusing intently on the task at hand.

I thought to share with you some ideas Laura & I have been exploring...

• Do everything mindfully, with purpose.
• Constantly ask questions. Follow 'Yes'.
• Do more of what works.
• Establish (internally) and communicate (externally) clear intentions up front.
• Simply say 'No'.
• Be the messenger.
• Model the behavior that you seek.
• Learn from others who are on a similar path.
• Longer route with steady flow is the path.
• Build in a pause.
• Change your perspective. Change your physical location.
• Listen to your body and honor what it tells you.
• Enjoy the journey. Live.

Untrue Haiku | Justin Masi

PHOTO: 'Untrue Haiku', ink on paper, Justin Masi, 2012.

Laura's brother Justin is a visual artist. His work is populated by fantastical creatures, intricate line detail, and sometimes written text that will cause you to double take.

This past weekend, he had a solo exhibit. Amidst larger, more colorful pieces, this pen & ink drawing whispered.

Been thinking about commissioning Justin to paint a guitar body — maybe on one of the new guitars. I could also envision his art on an album cover, for those of you in the studio.

Movement | Eyes

PHOTOS: I'm just not sure 'S2' is the right name for this guitar. Sinuous curves and bleeding edge tech have elevated it well beyond prototype status. We need an appropriate moniker to express the personality emerging. Suggestions?

The world as I see it during sculpting is a continuous series of rapid eye glances, shape to shape, surface to surface. Comparing, evaluating. Flitting between the model and the work in progress.

Using your eyes in this same way, through this photo sequence, is probably as close as I can get you to being inside my experience...

Grab a rasp.
Blast Alex De Grassi.
Let's make some dust.

Due to the curves of S2's body, looking like it's melting over the side of the table, one of your pictures reminded me of the clocks painting, the persistence of memory, by Dali. Not sure if this helps with a name, but I have a funny feeling it's a step towards a name.

— Blake Rosenthal

Cool updates recently... You asked for some ideas to stir names other than S2 for the production guitar... (Nothing wrong with S2, it is the Strat, evolved.) Here are my two first thoughts. I'm just throwing these out there to stimulate more thought...

1) Your recent photo made me think of Dali's Persistence of Memory Painting... your guitar's "melted" arm carve reminded me of Dali's "melted" watch.

— Steve Sjugg

EDITOR'S NOTE: Proving that there are no coincidences in the Universe...