Video | Goshawk | Ede Wright

VIDEO: Ede Wright gets intimate with Goshawk™ 6-string in natural finish. The guitar fits him so well…watch with the sound off and you can really appreciate how he gets lost in the music.

Testing, testing…

It is such a joy to get time with great friends, especially involving music. When Steve Sjuggerud invited me to visit him in Florida this past week, it was an immediate yes.

The occasion was a live performance featuring Steve, Dan Ostrowski (drums), and acoustic guitarist Mike Dawes. Mike was visiting from UK, enroute to tour dates of his own. Also, we would be filming video…of the live performance, plus interviews.

More on that soon.

The next several days were just Mike, Steve, and me hanging out and testing guitars. Steve owns a stunning collection of original iconic vintage gear, lovingly curated, in perfect playing condition: Trainwreck, 1969 100-watt Marshall, Fender 1959 Strat. Plus some of the best new gear: Gil Yaron 1959 Les Paul replica, 1964 Fender Tweed replica, Blug amplifier system.

Essential benchmark guitar tone references.

Against them, we would be comparing two Goshawk™ 6-string prototype guitars I’d just completed.

What you might not know, what you might not expect, Mike Dawes — although known for his acoustic skills — is actually one of the best electric guitarists I’ve ever heard. His playing is fluid, melodic, effortless. Metal, shred…

Mike and Steve ripping together through Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper” at concert volume still has me grinning ear to ear, a few days and a few thousand miles later.

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PHOTO: Rick Toone, Steve Sjuggerud, Mike Dawes.
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PHOTO: Steve works through pickup coil combinations on Goshawk™ 6-string.
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PHOTO: Rick Toone original prototype 6-string (2012). Signatures of those who have played or helped develop this guitar. Note early patent pending tuner.
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PHOTO: Rick & Steve, mid-testing.
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PHOTO: Steve looks on as Mike explores Blueshift™ 7-string ER. Antares 6-string in foreground. Photographer Adam King works the angle.
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PHOTO: Our location…overlooking a tidal marsh, Florida coastline.

Video | Goshawk | Steve Sjuggerud

VIDEO: Steve Sjuggerud live demo video explaining tones and features of Goshawk™ 6-string guitar. Much thought and effort was invested into creating truly useable controls. You’ll understand as you watch the video. Steve is playing Goshawk™ direct into a Trainwreck replica. There are no pedals or channel switching. He coaxes an astonishing range of textures from the guitar using just the onboard controls. Grateful thanks to Sjuggs and Steve Blucher.