Sunburst Spearfish Trem
Spearfish Guitar
Song of the Blue Guitar
I’m always excited and delighted to get time with Killick. We have an awesome friendship across domains including hiking, philosophy, audio production, and of course music. You’ll remember his excellent melodic bass playing from our Pollinator Jam last July.
While he was on tour last month we scheduled a day here in the studio to capture…well, whatever decided to manifest in his hands on our particular day. Part of the magic of Killick’s artistry is EVERYTHING is ALWAYS an improvisation.
Create, publish, move on to the next moment.
At breakfast the morning of our session I asked if he had any specific expectations for the recording, and if not, would he be open to some unusual production ideas. The concept is an evolving mix, blending sources as the song progresses to forming a sense of spatial movement.
We would limit ourselves to natural acoustic spaces and mic techniques.
As you listen, note the blending between: Schertler contact mic on the neck, AT4050 close mic strings, Noble DI, SM57 on Tweedle, Symbiote, and AT4050 room mic (in a different part of the studio).
Blueburst Spearfish
Rick, I just received the guitar, and let me tell you, I’m absolutely blown away! The first thing that struck me was that vibrant blue—it’s so present and just stunning. But then, I started playing, and wow, the neck is beyond exceptional. Honestly, it is most likely the best neck I’ve ever had in my hands. Very similar to the headless one (Wingspan) but I appreciate the holes in the neck as markers! So smart!
I know I’ve only just begun to discover everything, but even in these first moments, I can feel the care and craftsmanship. And that tremolo—it’s something else! It’s so inventive and innovative, and honestly, it’s a joy to use. I’m excited to spend much more time uncovering all its nuances, but from these first impressions—this guitar is something truly exceptional!
THANK YOU!! (Thibaut)
Blue Sky Spearfish
Hey Rick! I love this thing! I like the new Element neck…bending is easier…
The pickups are amazing and work very well with the FreeWay. The PolyPAF pickups have this open sound…set free from the sort of sound “cap” which limits the openness of other pickups. Where they excel is the allowing the player to get a sharper, discrete bass sound…it is just awesome with the djent stuff…they are awesome for a crunch sound. I like the different feel and sound I get with my chord solos. I have played through my KSR Gemini (which I use for all things metal), my Synergy set up, my Bludotone amps, and the Positive Grid Spark Mini Vai edition. The guitar sounds great through all of these and with multiple switch settings. No having to choose one or two good sounding settings. I have also checked out the pickups through my Little Walter amps, a Carr Sportsman, and the Axe Fx…it interacts well with all of these.
The trem is exactly as expected…smoother and easier to use than a Floyd Rose. Plus it does things that a Floyd-Rose can not.
Thank you very much for allowing me the privilege to experience all the wonderful things that happen when I play these amazing instruments. (Bob Gore)
Husk
Dear Rick! She’s beautiful and apart from me trying it, my son did too! One day he’ll eventually inherit my guitars including this one, though I might have a hard time let go of it! He’s quite an accomplished guitarist himself. I have followed your career for over 10 years having seen your ‘Dove’ build! I had always promised myself that if I could lay a hand on one of your masterpieces, I would. Thank you for making it happen. Best wishes and keep up the mastery!!!!! (Mel)
