Killick HINDS & Adam Wilson

PHOTO: Killick Hinds & Adam Wilson — so good to see these friends in person. Thank you both for wonderful conversation and music…let’s do it again soon!

Have a listen to the recording above.

That’s the unedited raw audio, exactly how it sounded to us in my studio, as Killick and Adam played live. Think of it like a documentary. No EQ or compression. FM9 + Noble DI > Logic = as heard through NS-10s.

Duet guitars are Wingspan 6 and my personal Strat equipped with a prototype RICK TOONE ’67 tremolo.

The playing is extraordinary. Completely unrehearsed live improvisation for five and a half minutes, exchanging guitars halfway through the session, giving each a turn with both instruments. The performance is so compelling, as they listen and respond to one another.

I asked Killick if he would be willing to master the recording. What he created using the “documentary” mix above is quite fascinating…mastering as a creative act: https://killick.bandcamp.com/album/play-purview-a-digisingle-signal-in-stereo

A gathering of friends under sunny skies. We hit record and talked and laughed and marveled. Adam and I got to try on new guitars and new timbres like tailored crystalline cloth. From undifferentiated exploration these precious snippets fell into the grand cosmic lap, a glimpse into insight and telepathic conversation on the subtlest of levels. A very inspiring and elucidating day! (Killick Hinds)

VIDEO: Killick Hinds coaxes out harmonics not found in the textbook.

Perfect indulgence for a guitarist: spending an afternoon with Rick Toone and Killick Hinds, doing nothing but talking about and playing guitars. Highlight for me was getting to play “Wingspan” — three things stood out about the instrument: (1) the unparalleled harmonic richness of the instrument (meaning natural harmonics can be played in places on the neck that only produce dead thunks on most other instruments…plus the strength of the upper partials when plucking strings is equally remarkable), (2) the immense timbral palette afforded by the electronics, and (3) the incredible ergonomic design, particularly the balance of the guitar. Having played many of Rick’s guitars, and being lucky enough to own a couple of them, I see the elements that he’s been refining for years finding their culmination in this machine. Devoid of any hyperbole, Wingspan is the finest guitar I have played. (Adam Wilson)

PHOTO: Adam Wilson with Wingspan 6 guitar.

Wingspan 6 Natural

PHOTOS: WINGSPAN 6. Torrefied Swamp Ash, carbon fiber, stainless steel, aircraft aluminum.
VIDEO: 53 seconds testing volume roll-off with the Bare Knuckle neck and bridge humbuckers.
PHOTOS: Ergonomic, compact, light weight. Balanced. Supremely resonant. Organic woody warmth, clarity and depth. Patented & patent pending Element™ headless component set. Custom hand wound Bare Knuckle pickups with 10-way switching for a stunning range of humbucking and single coil tones.

Wingspan 6

PHOTOS: Wingspan™ 6-string guitar. Patented, multiple patents pending. Element™ aircraft aluminum neck. Intonation Cantilever™ bridges precision machined from stainless steel and aircraft aluminum. Bare Knuckle™ Polymath Nolly Getgood signature pickups w/10-way switching.

Hi Rick,

The guitar just arrived this morning. I am speechless and quite overwhelmed. Rick Toone guitars are just something else…and believe me I have played lots of high-end guitars…

I just played it a bit and this Element neck is what I have been dreaming of since I began playing guitar. This thinness, precision and speed is just something that only you are offering.

The body with this reptile finish is just out of this world and the pickups are also absolutely stunning! I will play a bit more and give you more feedback but I am simply overwhelmed at this stage. 

Thank you so much for building such a piece of art for me.

All the best, 
Thibaut 

Wingspan Reptile 8

PHOTOS: Wingspan™ 8-string guitar. Swamp ash. Patented Intonation Cantilever™ & Element™ component set. Custom Bare Knuckle pickups with 10-way switching.
VIDEO: Chris Buono plays Wingspan™ 8-string guitar. Two minutes of atmospheric improvisation through Fender Deluxe amp (Normal 2 channel with 12″ Jensen speaker) recorded via SM57 into Logic. Noble Bass DI blended in slightly to achieve stereo. Listen on studio monitors or good headphones to appreciate the clarity and depth.

Your work of art arrived at my doorstep this morning!

Although I’ve only had a few hours to get to know it, here are a few things I can say right away, in the order they came to me:

This is not a guitar, this is a sculpture, a work of art — visually it is stunning, and it felt right away comfortable to hold and play.

The neck is extremely comfortable — it is quite impressive how playing the low strings is much easier than with my other 8-strings.

I’ve never experienced such precision of the note attack and clean sustain — the best way I can describe them is piano- or bell-like, with excellent consistency between fretted and open strings.

Thank you so much for creating such a beautiful instrument!! (Jorge)

To Russia With Love

PHOTO: Wingspan™ 8-string guitar.

Hello, Rick!

I’m writing to you about the possibility of buying the Wingspan™ 8-String guitar. I’ve found out it is available for purchase on your website. As a person who has made the instrument you must know exactly its future owner, the one you can entrust your guitar. My newest musical project may help you learn more about me: https://scarasaton.bandcamp.com/releases/

I care about ethnic music in modern arrangements, and your guitars combine in them all the essential elements – from esthetic till technical ones.

It’s going to be a great inspiration and happiness for me to play your instrument. I’m a great fan of your guitars. I remember how impressed I was by the guitar for Tosin Abasi – it’s something incredible.

I’ll be waiting for your reply.
With respect,
Kseniia

I love her music. Heavy and powerful, with touches of incredible lightness and speed. I am honored Kseniia is choosing to play this build.

Hi Rick!

Thank you very much! I got a guitar!

I am overwhelmed with emotions! Unfortunately my English is not good enough to convey all my happiness!

It was passed exclusively from hand to hand, only as hand luggage. It is hundreds of times better than I imagined! It exceeded all expectations. The instrument with incredible energy, inspirational and soulful. Amazingly packed with all the screwdrivers, extra strings, bolts. This is the most comfortable guitar I have ever held in my hands. Very comfortable and slim neck, amazing lock system. Its sound covers all the necessary ranges. The tree itself is excellent, beautiful texture and color.

Once again I want to thank you for this incredible communication experience and ease of cooperation. Thank you for entrusting your creation to me. I want to wish you new creative ideas, inspiration, grateful and happy owners.

Happy Kseniia

IMAGE: Instrumental shred metal from the pink universe. Released March 19, 2021. Music by ScaraSaton. Art by BORUNOV ART.