TOONE GUITARS

Dovetail

My ancestors settled in New Jersey in 1680. They were members of the Society of Friends, known to most folks as Quakers. Although the last of our practicing family members has recently died, and I am not religious, I nonetheless retain several prominent characteristics of my forebears:

1. A disdain for frivolous ornamentation
2. A penchant for egalitarianism manifested as a deeply held belief in non-interventionism

Which brings us to Dove.

As I transmogrified Orchid (the bass) into Dove (the guitar), the shape evolved toward abstract representation of a dove in flight. A dove is a symbol of peace, and provided a wonderful opportunity to extend the metaphor. "What if," I thought, "I just make the entire instrument symbolic of peace...peace as achieved through non-interventionism?"

So I decided to use (as much as possible) local resources. The cherry is part of a local tree I bought from an old-time local sawmill. The walnut & curly maple are sustainable North American hardwoods, obtained regionally. Why not build a gorgeous instrument with distinctive timbre, that doesn't require exotic tropical African species?

So, in thinking about the neck-into-body joint, I decided a dovetail was the perfect choice: incredibly solid, a traditional Quaker design & construction element, and correlating to our dove metaphor. Dovetail joints set forces in opposition, achieving a net-neutral balance that does not derive strength from glues or fasteners. A dovetailed joint on a furniture drawer can easily last for centuries.

This particular joint is a variant of the sliding dovetail. To further strengthen the joint, however, it is an asymmetrical sliding dovetail, such that the tension of the strings further tightens the grip of the surfaces. Due to the geometric complexity, I had to cut the joint by hand, with chisels. Because the joint seams are exposed on the front and back of the instrument, the workmanship had to be very precise: a process requiring many hours of labor. I enjoyed this challenge though. Once the joint was fitted and glued, I added walnut inlay for additional strength, visual contrast and interest. (click images to enlarge)

DOVE SERIES:

Dove Takes Flight
Dovetail

Philosophy Defined

This was sparked by a conversation with Tricia, related to a new classroom management strategy she is introducing to her students this week. We were grasping for language to take the sting, the fear, out of abstract concepts.

So many people seem to tense up — like deer in the headlights — when "philosophy" is mentioned, as if the word implies an insurmountable, intractable, obstacle. But it's not. Philosophy is fun. And necessary for exploring possible outcomes.

Are you ready?

Philosophy is logic applied to imagination.

Simple, eh?

Dove Takes Flight

(expect endless word play on this one)

Meet Dove, 6-string electric guitar. As you can see from the rough body blank, Dove is derived from Orchid, but shaped to be particularly comfortable in classical position for guitarists. We will explore the ergonomic thinking in detail next week.

My "model" (Tricia) is very small: 5' 2" 118 lbs.

The neck is set into the body via an asymmetrical dovetail joint at the 18th fret, placing the single coil Lace Alumitone pickup at the 19th fret, which is a really sweet harmonic. The audience for this instrument will not be interested in soloing above A anyway....pure tone. Fanned fret Fender/PRS (25.5"/25") combined scale length.

Woods are all locally grown North American hardwoods: figured cherry (body & neck), walnut (accents) and curly maple (fretboard & headstock veneer).

FYI factoids about Dove:

1. Sustainable construction: woods, metals, finishes
2. Fender scale but reconfigured to fit a woman's shorter reach
3. Specifically designed for three playing positions: standing, seated, modified classical
4. Asymmetrical trapezoid neck
5. Slotted headstock with cast bronze Waverly tuners
6. Alumitone pickups
7. Titanium and bronze bridge
8. Fun aesthetic mix of modern and traditional...

DOVE SERIES:

Dove Takes Flight
Dovetail

One simple question.

If you are writing, composing and performing original music — even for yourself — chronicling your fleeting and unrepeatable personal journey through the human experience...

(life)

...why would you choose play a mass-produced instrument that was made in a factory?

I'd go with passion. Even if I played pop.

You know where to find me when you're ready.

Lever Tuning System

Back in February, when Monster and I evaluated Orchid, we agreed that a body-mounted tuning system would be beneficial, particularly in a 5-string model. It gives the luthier more design control over instrument balance, and moves the process of tuning to the plucking/picking hand, leaving the other free to fret.

a. less movement = more efficiency
b. efficiency = comfort

Over the years I've seen many variations on body-mounted tuners, the two most notable examples: Steinberger, and Kubicki. Both are simple machines: Steinberger based on a screw, Kubiki based on a pulley.

NOTE: Headstock-mounted tuners are (mostly) based on gears, a level of complexity beyond "simple" machine.

Both designs are elegant: Steinberger a compact monolith of efficiency, Kubiki a clever and intricate self-contained world of ingenuity. But I wanted something different. Something original to match the originality of Headless Monster. Something with potential to be better than previous designs.

Goals for my design:

1. Simple machine (manufacturing simplicity)
2. Virtually indestructible (Pete Townshend)
3. Works in any conditions (under water, sand storm, etc.)
4. Self-explanatory (use & adjustment)
5. Easy maintenance (graphite & go)
6. Lightweight (design simplicity)
7. Ergonomic
8. Zero-play mechanism (no sloppiness or slack)

So, I decided on a first-class lever.

I built a crude prototype (photos below) and experimented with the fulcrum position until I was able to comfortably tune a (bass) E string to pitch using just my fingers against the lever...in fact, the screw is simply a locking mechanism to hold the string at a given pitch. It's really fun to take a slack bass string and — bwriong — pull it to pitch.

The drawing represents my thoughts-of-the-moment. I'm developing prototype headstock termination points and saddle concepts. All parts of stainless steel, requiring several human lifetimes to wear out. Aircraft-grade aluminum would be a second choice.

More anon.

HEADLESS MONSTER SERIES:

Headless Monster
Lever Tuning System
Asymmetrical Trapezoidal Neck Profile
Um...

April 15

John Galt dropped by my cabin last night.

It was a beautiful clear early spring evening, lit by a waxing gibbous moon. When he knocked, I recognized him immediately, not by his red hair, but by his relaxed sense of peaceful purpose. Most people I meet these days look haunted, or hunted — as if trapped in a desperate race. Against what?

He suggested we take a walk.

Our shadows drifted over last year's corn stalks: row after row of tightly spaced industrial monoculture, hacked off a uniform 8" above the eroded topsoil. "Mind if I ask you a few questions?" he asked.

"No, of course not."

"Do you believe in involuntary redistribution of wealth?" he asked. "A welfare state? Corporate favoritism — bailouts?"

"Absolutely not."

"Do you believe your government has the right to intervene in foreign affairs?" he asked. "Specifically for purposes of political, military or economic gain? Or to engage in warfare without the approval of Congress?"

"No."

"Do you believe your government has the right to monitor the private communications of citizens within your national borders...without a warrant?"

"Hell no."

"Do you believe your money supply should be subservient to a private corporation: the Federal Reserve?"

"Of course not." I was whispering, dismayed.

Galt was smiling.

"Then, my friend, why do you continue to support the system?" he asked. "You have just admitted to taxation without representation. Your direct ancestor fought in a war — a revolution — to protest that principle."

When I looked up, he was gone. I shrugged, deep in thought.

Was there something I was supposed to do today?

Fear of Flying

I love to fly.

In a past life, I wanted to be a fighter pilot and fly F-16s. Not to kill, but for the sheer thrill of atmospheric play. But now I think a bi-plane would better suit my needs. Simplify.

Monster called over the weekend, and we chatted about travel, and the perspective it always brings. I enjoyed my 12+ hours of air time to California last week, appreciating the cloudscapes, landscapes and occasional fellow aircraft scrolling past my window.

Earth is simply gorgeous at 38,000'.

He said, as a child, it was a (superpowers) toss-up between wanting to be omniscient and having the ability to fly. To me, as an adult, omniscience would be hell: would I really want to know what my companion is thinking about me at this exact moment? My head would be filled with far too much noise. I don't need to be so friendly with my neighbors.

Omniscience without omnipotence could be really sad, frustrating and disturbing. Omnipotence comes with more responsibility than I ever would want. Yikes! Simplify.

So I guess we're back to flying.

What would your superpower be?

Mars Rising

So I return from my business trip to California to discover X has discovered TOONE GUITARS. Not just "x" but X.

THE X!

Seems nowhere is safe. He's been known to spy on us using clever computer code, or sometimes (mostly) via satellite, but we all know his native habitat is thumping on skins: behind a drum kit. I only discovered his ones and zeros by the sprinkle of comments he left scattered throughout this website.

Clever fellow.

It's been four years since his previous perhelion. In honor of the celestial event, there is — of course — only one song we can play. Why this one? It's a crude (one mic) recording of Foul Rift rehearsing in the barn, but close your eyes and crank the monitors until your ears bleed.

Then listen to the drums.

MARS RISING MP3

this sweltering season
brought me to my knees
bending like a tender shoot
dancing in your August breeze

Mars is rising

the sickle swings
in silent arc
retrograde
escalate
you took as much
as you could take

the sower reaps
the fire leaps
to haystacks in the field
the planter plucks
all within reach
spear runs through my shield

fangs are bared prepared
to bite the hand that feeds
turn my back on you
in the hour of your greatest need

Mars is rising

the sickle swings
in silent arc
retrograde
escalate
I took as much
as I could take

the wolves approach
the flames encroach
no choice but to yield
the shepherd guts
the teat is cut
spear runs through your shield

August 27, 2003

Voice : Harrington
Bass : Monster
Drums : X
Guitar | Lyrics | Recording : Toone

Alone

I've been promising (threatening?) to sing for a while now. Finally got a moment to splice something together as an experiment in GarageBand. Nifty app.

Just me and an acoustic.

ALONE MP3

I think each of us
must take the earth
into our own hands

to sift out the stones
select the seed
to till our own lands

too long I spent
in fields of others
weeds growing in mine

now I build fences
tend to my fields
sow to reap my find

What I've wanted from life is freedom to do things that are important to me. To explore. To create. To love. To enjoy fellowship. Recognizing no moral authority higher than myself, yet leaving our world a slightly better place than when I arrived, in 1967. To be free of restrictions, and to grant the same to others.

What's the phrase, again? "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

My back is sore, my hand blistered from turning the soil with a shovel in our garden. Spring is here. A few parsley and red lettuce plants survived winter, representing a continuity of life and the ferocious explosion of green we expect in a month or so.

Marking Time

Exploring with the dog yesterday, we found this stump, recently washed downstream in turbulent snow melt and beached. After a cursory sniff, she was willing to continue our search for the living.

I took more of an interest in it than she did, counting the growth rings backward in time to about 1898, until obfuscated by kerf and drying checks.

As a means of providing context, I drove my knife point into the wood, marking birth dates. Tricia is closest to the bark (most recently born), preceded by me, my father, and Nan (near the center) born in 1908.

Lifetimes, as measured by tree growth.

To us, immersed in daily existence, time moves slowly...because new experiences require decision-making for survival...because we are adapted to dwell in the moment. We are a lifetime of moments, fed by anticipation and fading into memory.

Thing is, it does not take very long to get from here to there...

Um...

"p.s. i have a feeling that (asymmetrical) trapezoidal neck profile will evolve further..." — Goran

Okay.

You caught me.

Hard to sneak anything past sharp-eyed Scandinavians.

Must be the vitamin E in the fish...

<0)))><

HEADLESS MONSTER SERIES:

Headless Monster
Lever Tuning System
Asymmetrical Trapezoidal Neck Profile
Um...

Asymmetrical Trapezoidal Neck Profile

"I'm so excited I could spooge." — Monster

In the interests of remaining work-friendly, we'll not publish the video of said spooging, but instead proceed posthaste toward neck construction theory associated with Headless Monster, to wit: asymmetrical trapezoidal neck profile.

Enough of the 18th century language. Just build the damn neck.

Okay. Yeah. Whatever.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Somebody please get "The Luthier" a cup of coffee.]

Ahem.

With the luxury of several hours of unedited video at my disposal vis-à-vis Monster Eats Orchid, I've been studying how the Maestro positions his thumb in relation to the trapezoidal neck profile — happily, on the "flat strip" that runs up the back center of the neck. Opposite and parallel to the fingerboard. Right where it should be for good ergonomic form. So far so good.

But what about a 5-string?

A 5-string bass, with a low B, is not only nearly 25% wider, but must also withstand multiplied longitudinal string tension due to another (thicker) "bridge cable." All for the sake of shakin' booties on the dance floor — that coveted sub-killin', elephant-talkin', earth-movin' rumble.

Hope your amp is up to the challenge.

Because a 5-string is too wide for "thumb creep" over the top of the neck, and because there is no biomechanical leverage advantage gained by planting the thumb against the upper-back of the neck profile...why not just eliminate it?

I would rather have a stiffer, lighter, more resonant neck structure. Additional torsional resistance gained by increasing the width of the 6063-T5 aluminum tube more than offsets added longitudinal string tension. And the strength-to-weight ratio advantage of an "air filled" neck is maintained.

Most importantly, increased width of the "flat strip" provides an extended natural leverage point for the pinching movement of Monster's hand, maintaining a parallel support behind even the B string. If it works as well as I hope, I will also build 4-string bass necks asymmetrically thusly.

HEADLESS MONSTER SERIES:

Headless Monster
Lever Tuning System
Asymmetrical Trapezoidal Neck Profile
Um...

Drawing (below) requires you to use your imagination. The strings are spaced as they would be at the heel of the neck, rather than the nut. Darker brown "wood" depicts neck heel cross-section. Lighter brown "wood" depicts neck nut cross-section. View from nut toward heel.

Click to enlarge.

Where do you live?

I'm always fascinated by the colorful throng of visitors who wander by TOONE GUITARS to talk politics, philosophy, or instrument design.

Quite literally, from around the globe.

Some stay for an hour, some for less than a minute: looking, reading, thinking. Powerful currents of intellectual energy leaving tiny electronic footprints in the form of Google Analytics.

Google Analytics helps those of us who design websites refine our virtual construct to provide a better visitor experience. You've probably noticed I'm continually changing this site — interactivity, navigation, content, search — in an effort to make it easier for you to get to the information you want. Always feel free to offer suggestions.

I'm here to help.

Analytics provides little more detail than: "somebody from city Q visited TOONE GUITARS and stayed 53 minutes reading about Orchid." So, unless someone writes me an email, visitors are just dots on the map (image below...click to enlarge).

I love it when someone says "howdy!"

In the past year pen pal friendships developed with visitors from Scandinavia, UK, Canada, and throughout the US. Yo, homies!

So here's your chance to give a shout out. Leave a comment, and your city. [I'm waving from the red circle in northwest New Jersey, USA. If you can find me in the cluster.]

Headless Monster

I suppose it was inevitable.

Monster's parting comment after our video shoot was, "You're lucky Orchid belongs to a 16-year old girl. Otherwise the bass would be going home with me."

It might have been a threat. I'm not sure.

So I called him a few days later to see if we were still friends. Conversation went something like this:

Toone: "Yo, Monster!"
Monster: "Wassup, Dude!"
Toone: "Hey, I was thinking of..."
Monster: "...5-string."

Seemed like marching orders.

So, in collaboration with the Maestro, a (scary) beast emerges: "HEADLESS MONSTER"

1. We are cutting off Orchid's head (gasp)
2. I've designed, prototyped, and am machining a new type of bridge & tuning system (?!)
3. Asymmetrical trapezoidal neck profile (?!)
4. Curly maple stacked laminate neck
5. Curly walnut, Honduras & Philippine (ribbon grain) mahogany, and ebony (accented) body
6. Stainless steel hardware throughout, including frets & bridge/tuning system
7. Pickup system under evaluation
8. Monster (very scary) inlay at the octave
9. I might just run out of fretwire at the 5th...

:)

HEADLESS MONSTER SERIES:

Headless Monster
Lever Tuning System
Asymmetrical Trapezoidal Neck Profile
Um...

Tadpole

Harrington swam by yesterday, lured by the crunching sounds of Monster eating Orchid.

Gotcha!

His Amphibiousness has been scarce of late as he swims in mud puddles surrounded by fatherhood and mixed martial arts training (with an emphasis on endurance racing). Obviously not a tailed aquatic larva you want to meet in dark backwaters.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Naked guy in photo below.]

He chided me for underrepresentation on this website — as perhaps he should — given his powerful presence permeating all things foul and rifted. So, in homage to Anura melodiousness, the enigmatic...

TADPOLE MP3

state-of-the-art, and yet obsolete
a pounding rythym that isn’t on beat
so scarred in victory as well as defeat
a little frog with no hands and no feet

ooh—tadpole

with every failure, wallowing in shun
this education has barely begun
too many years ‘til that refrain is sung
a quiet pet who swims all day for fun

ooh—tadpole

combined wisdom can not reveal why
this ancient process’ well has run dry
too hard to walk when your will is to fly
so hard to catch, same as that little guy

ooh—tadpole

Voice | Lyrics | Acoustic : Harrington
Bass : Monster
Drums : X
Electric : Toone
Other Naked Guy (not shown) : G

Music, Tribes & Sex

Music is sex.

Homo sapiens are not the only species to create music. Far from it. Sociobiologists hear music in almost every species with melodic capabilities, in the form of mating calls. Songbirds and marine mammals — particularly of the order Cetacea — are renowned for gorgeous vocal displays, almost invariably linked to mate selection.

There's a reason I "melt" when listening to Sade, or Sarah McLachlan, or Norah Jones. My neurological system resonates resonates sympathetically with the specific timbre these three voices produce...low, airy, supple, relaxed. Even in the absence of pheromones, my endocrine system decided these disparate (age & race) women are chemically compatible mate choices.

Just by listening.

Fascinatingly, when I conjure auditory memories of long-term sexual relationships in my life, a similar vocal timbre is one of the unifying themes. Not something I consciously noticed, until just now.

It's not much of a reach to realize playing an instrument is simply a technological extension of vocalization, through tool use. As I listen to Kind of Blue, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley are as distinctively different to me as Song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) probably are to others of their ilk. The temperament of an individual as expressed by performance, broadcast through brass tubes: Miles is difficult, clever, strong-willed while Cannonball is open, jolly, vigorous. See?

My seven year old female dog LOVES Robert Plant. Any Zep is an excuse for her to grab a toy and wiggle up to me, tail wagging furiously: "Let's play!" I wonder what he says to her?

The next step down our thought path is collaborative vocalization.

With evolution, what began as individual mating songs became group sessions purely for play and practice, then developed into collaborative communication across a wide spectrum of meanings: sex, nurturing, alarm, etc. Regional melodic dialects emerged over time. English sparrows vs. California sparrows. Beatles vs. Beach Boys. These dialects are authentic. You can finish this progression on your own...

Seth Godin just gave an astute presentation to the ailing record industry. The gist of his talk was thinking about music listeners (consumers) as members of tribes...tribes divided by artist, or genre. Read his entire post: The live music talk. I'll add a few thoughts.

1. You can't fight evolution — I can differentiate when a chorus has been cut & pasted in a DAW, or when drums have been programmed using samples. Perhaps the average listener can't, on a conscious level, but I'll bet she can subconsciously. That's the reason overpolished, overproduced, DAW-driven music is instantly forgettable: it's not organic. It lacks regional melodic dialect...and I don't necessarily mean "geographic" when I write "regional." I'm talkin' authenticity that develops through human interaction.

2. Performance is necessary for sustained interest — We are organic. And our ears are damn clever, for all of the evolutionary reasons outlined above. Our neurological systems are designed — optimized — for sympathetic resonance, which is why the soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas withstands perennial listens, despite "imperfections" such as tape hiss or the accidental buzzer in your right ear thirty-two seconds into Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Vince Guaraldi's joie de vivre illuminates every ivory tickle, multiplied exponentially by his interactions with the other musicians.

3. Music is sex — Understand the music someone loves, and you'll understand her sexuality. Understand her sexuality, and you'll predict the type of mate she'll seek, and by extention the type of music she'll like. The Music Genome Project (Tim Westergren) is a fascinating first step down this path: Pandora.com

So. What does your music say about your sexuality?

Comments On

Comments have been disabled for the past two years, primarily because I really enjoy getting emails. I've found people who take time to email have intelligent and interesting things to say. I cherish those interactions.

Alexander Gorm Ost pointed out, however, lots of readers would like to...well, read his thoughts yourself:

Great clip (Monster Eats Orchid). I didn't realize the extent of shaping of the back of Orchid until I saw Monster turn it around and explain. That's a thing I'd like to explore in guitar building myself... too many guitars are two-dimensional — perhaps with a forearm contour and a belly cutout — but then that's all the attention that has been given to making it fit the body.

It would be nice if you had more pictures of the backs of your guitars and basses somewhere (actually, more pictures in general would be nice). Starfish, for example, I still don't know quite what it looks like in whole or in all relevant details.

Also interesting that a big guy like Monster likes the bass. I'm not particularly small myself (183 cm/96 kg), and I prefer small guitars. My acoustic is 3/4 size, and I'd never buy anything bigger.

Another thing I gained from the clip is that I can see how breasts come into the equation when building instruments for women. When at first you mentioned it in the comments on buildingtheergonomicguitar, I didn't quite get the point.

Overall, seeing and hearing the guitar in actual use and in moving pictures adds a lot to the understanding of what it's really like, so video clips are a really good thing.

Congratulations on a very beautiful and innovative bass.

Cheers, Alex

BTW, wouldn't it be a good idea to add the possibility of comments on your blog? Often readers (at least I) have a comment that's a bit too insignificant for an email or which is relevant not just to the blogger, but to the whole community.

Alright, comments on...as long as everyone continues to email. We'll try this as an experiment. And I'll post more photos.

Thanks, Alex.

Exxon Valdez

BBC reminds me it's been 19 years since the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ruined a large swath of Alaska's shoreline and coastal marine environment, due to operating a single-hulled vessel in treacherous, tidal, ice floe laden waters. Anything to save money, of course.

I would gladly have paid 5 cents more per gallon if it facilitated responsible environmental stewardship.

Instead, this anniversary marks 19 years since I last purchased gasoline from Exxon. I wonder how much my one-man boycott has cost them. Probably not enough.

Hmmm...I just realized I can really hold a grudge.

Monster Eats Orchid

Although Orchid was designed to ergonomically fit a petite player, watch Monster chew on the bass. He's 12" taller than Halie and outweighs her by 110 lbs. Because the bass also comfortably fits him, I would characterize this body shape as successful.

For now.

Heh.

HUGE THANKS:

Pam
Halie
Tricia
Dad
Robert Irizarry
Damon Whittemore
Monster

SIGNAL CHAIN:

Orchid >>
MACKIE 1202 VLZ (direct no eq) >>
Sony TC-K615S cassette deck >>
MOTU DP 5 (audio edits no eq) >>
Panasonic PV-L581 camcorder (video & room mic) >>
iMovie >>
YouTube

CREDITS:

Catering by Galasso's Pizza
Lighting by Lamps in My Living Room
Wardrobe by King's X
Color by B&W

Etc.

PS: Anti-Trust

It was with a sense of bemusement I found myself defending Microsoft against EU regulators.

My first DAW was a PC-Digidesign combination which worked really well until I married a girl who had a Mac. She taught me the error of my ways — on so many levels — and as quick as coupling a cable we were networking in ethernet bliss.

My love affair with Apple extends to this day, and fallout continues to affect those around me as these brushed aluminum and white machines grace the offices of those near and dear...their missing bite logo a reminder of how grateful I am to Eve for snacking on forbidden fruit.

It's nice to think, isn't it?

I choose not to use Microsoft products, and haven't for many years, because — in my professional sphere —there are usually more elegant solutions to the tasks at hand. And I notice many of my readers think similarly: Symbian, iPod, Linux running Firefox, Mozilla, Opera are just a few of the alternatives who knock on the door of TOONE GUITARS. Some smart people out there.

But the point of this essay is competition.

Microsoft chose to bundle Windows. A secretive and authoritarian approach. That's their choice. I totally respect Bill Gates for protecting his intellectual property rights. His business model is just that...his. Which is why the EU anti-trust rankles so strongly.

I don't ever want to benefit from someone's work because it was unwillingly taken from him. Because I have empathy.

I know what that would feel like, if it were me.

Just as Microsoft's success has enabled open source platforms to prosper, in response, TOONE GUITARS exists because not everyone desires a Gibson or Fender clone. My Scandinavian friends add emphasis to this point. If you're reading this it is because you can see past the momentum of the giants, it is because you are seeking a more elegant solution to the task at hand.

I'm doing just fine without "help" from bureaucrats, thank you very much.

Microsoft & EU Anti-Trust

When European Union regulators enacted anti-competition regulations, they realized they'd created a perfect trap. Legalized extortion, backed by "laws" and by the power of government.

"'Microsoft was the first company in 50 years of EU competition policy that the Commission has had to fine for failure to comply with an antitrust decision,' Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement." BBC

Regrettably, of course. Smirk.

Let's translate this extortion into straightforward English. Plain talk maybe even euphemistically-titled "Competition Commissioners" can agree with:

1. Microsoft built products
2. Consumers voluntarily chose to purchase Microsoft products causing Microsoft products to become successful
3. Microsoft's unsuccessful competitors whined for government intervention...

"A number of Microsoft rivals - Oracle, Sun Microsystems, Nokia and IBM among them - had complained to the European Commission that Microsoft was reluctant to share its software code.

"If they were not told in more detail how Windows worked, they argued, it would be impossible for them to compete with their own software."

4. EU lawmakers realized they held leverage (market access) over Microsoft because Microsoft wanted to continue to sell to EU markets
5. EU lawmakers decided to exploit market access leverage for financial gain so EU lawmakers justified extortion on "moral" grounds...

"Ms Kroes said Microsoft had continued to 'abuse its powerful market position' after March 2004 and 'continued to stifle innovation by charging other companies prohibitive royalty rates for the essential information they needed'."

6. Microsoft understandably refused to surrender private intellectual property
7. So EU lawmakers hit Microsoft with a lawsuit and a fine...

"Microsoft must now pay 899 million euros ($1.4bn; £680.9m) after it failed to comply with a 2004 ruling that it took part in monopolistic practices.

"That comes on top of the 497m euros it was fined in March 2004 and a further 280.5m euro fine imposed in July 2006."

One hell of a profit for enacting a few "laws." Makes me think the best "business" may actually be politics.

Comrade.

Revised Pricing Structure

"Damn, that's my dream instrument...I just wish I could afford one."

This phrase is a recurring theme, I've noticed from my web travels. Forums in Germany, Canada, USA and UK have all linked to TOONE GUITARS within the past few months, with participants producing copious amounts of drool whilst bemoaning tight purse strings.

Thing is, I'm not here to create guitar porn.

I love to build complex and challenging instruments, but those "fine art" (read: expensive) pieces primarily find homes with collectors. I'm not so comfortable with that.

I think of myself as a tool builder. Instruments are tools to make music. If the tools I make are living only in cases or displayed in climate-controlled rooms, I feel I've failed. Instruments improve through use, which is precisely why the Stradivari Society exists: to keep irreplaceable instruments in circulation.

I want to see "my" tools collecting sweat and battle scars onstage or in studios. In the hands of working musicians. In the hands of artists who are driven to make the world a better place by expressing passion. That's why I make them.

Trust me when I say these instruments are built to handle decades of daily use. So, use them.

You'll notice I've cut my starting labor cost in half. I can do that by simplifying. Simplifying or eliminating inlays. Simplifying the finish. Simplifying the neck construction to four components instead of twenty. Scaling back aesthetic details which only increase construction time but do not affect quality, tone or playability.

American Music Revolution

I learned about this intense and energetic instrumental improvisational rock band in Worcester, Massachusetts, through an email I got from bassist Tom Lubelczyk. He was looking for a "body-friendly" bass design, and discovered Orchid — in particular the trapezoidal neck profile.

"I somehow stumbled on your site the other night and I am very intrigued by your trapezoidal neck design. I have had my share of hand and arm problems due to playing (upright too) in the past, so I am always on the lookout for new designs that are body friendly, I also like interesting looks as well. Anyhow, I saw that you like people to ask for permission to copy your designs, so I was wondering if you don't mind if I try to copy it in one of my upcoming creations..." (read more)

Tom is the first to see one of my designs, decide to copy it for himself...and ask permission to do so, as per my request on Patents, Trademarks & Copyright. This is a significant victory for free trade.

And respect.

Thanks, Tom. Keep us updated with your lutherie progress.

Check out American Music Revolution
Tom's Myspace (www.myspace.com/tomlubelczyk)

Orchid hits the road...

I've been swamped with tasks lately, not necessarily personally meaningful. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to make money. But I've always thought a worthy goal in life is to not squander one precious second performing duties out of obligation to others. Which is probably why socialism is not an acceptable form of government for me.

Time is really the ultimate luxury, isn't it?

And freedom to do what you want.

We'd planned to film a video of Orchid in NYC on Sunday, but I am simply overwhelmed with things I "need" to do. So we scaled back the Paramount Studios production to just me and Monster in the living room with a camcorder on a tripod. I tell you, though, I'll refund the price of admission if you don't pick your jaw up off the floor after watching what he does to the instrument. Give me a week or two to edit.

Open Letter to McCain, Romney, Huckabee

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your service to our nation. However, the time has come to set aside your egos and personal aspirations, for the sake of the fight against socialism. Concede the GOP nomination to Dr. Paul, or watch as the party disintegrates.

From where I live in New Jersey — based on the people around me — this is what I see.

I (accidentally) live in the 5th wealthiest county in the nation, where the demographic is liberal and highly educated, or conservative farmers and business people. Two nearby cities are NYC and Philadelphia. Tricia and I are educators and in constant contact with public school systems, which are strongly biased toward Hillary.

With that background, here’s the intelligence:

1. Republicans I know who voted for McCain did so out of fear…fear of terrorism, fear of Hillary

2. Romney and Huckbee are considered completely unelectable in New Jersey

3. Paul supporters I know will never vote for McCain

4. Paul supporters — and Republicans — I know will never vote for Hillary

5. Second choice among Paul supporters I know is Obama (people like him personally)

6. Second choice among Republicans I know is Obama (people like him personally)

Hey, I like Obama, I'd buy him a beer. But I won't vote for him because our social and economic principles are very different. And I want all other candidates to know: I won't vote for you. Most of my friends won't, either. Maybe Obama, for some. But really, it's Dr. Paul or nothing, baby.

Because...we don't believe in your war.

So, if the election shapes up to be McCain vs. Hillary — where does that leave Paul? Strong case for him to run independent.

However, if the election shapes up to be McCain vs. Obama — the trend I see is toward Obama.

If Paul gets the GOP nomination or chooses 3rd party, based on the info above, his choice of a VP is critical. A VP who would appeal to Democratic voters could change the race. As Dr. Paul said, “Reach out across the isle…” Hey, Al Gore!

Smirk.

Analysis welcomed.

How do things look from where you live?

Vote

I will vote for Ron Paul today.

The presidential election between Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter was the first I am old enough to remember. I remember the mock election in my New Jersey elementary school classroom. I remember our teacher was a Jimmy Carter supporter. I remember our mock election was mostly the voices of our parents speaking through us, and us wanting to please the teacher. I remember my parent's fear of an unfamiliar term —€” recession —€” if Jimmy Carter was elected. I remember Dad working two jobs, Mom waiting in long lines during the fuel shortage, and Americans held prisoner in Iran, after Jimmy Carter was elected. I remember being in the minority as I cast a mock ballot for Gerald Ford. I remember our mock ballots were made public.

I learned, for the first time, that the act of choosing identifies a division. My elementary school class was no longer a "we," but an uneasy involuntary association of competing perspectives.

There is an "us" and a "them."

And a cost — the sharp sting of social ostracism — for expressing a dissenting opinion.

Which is why I like Ron Paul.

For the first time in my memory, I see a presidential candidate capable of uniting diverse and competing perspectives. Capable of removing the sharp sting of us and them and cultivating a fellowship of we.

In my wandering through the Ron Paul forums, I've encountered an eclectic assortment of viewpoints —€” pro-choice, pro-life, atheist, agnostic, fundamentalist €— and people —€” reverend, researcher, physician, prostitute, gambler, lawyer, writer, farmer, pacifist, soldier —€” all united in a single cause.

Agreeably agreeing to disagree agreeably.

Individually pursuing life, liberty, and happiness...along very different paths. Freedom.

When I first heard Dr. Paul say, "I don't want to run your life. I don't know how to run your life. It's not the role of government to run your life, or manage the economy," I realized I had finally heard, in my lifetime, the antidote to JFK's, "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

And I awakened from a long nightmare of indentured servitude. Because government only exists to serve the people...

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —€” That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —€” That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

New York Times

Yellow journalism is epidemic. The New York Times has repeatedly lowered journalistic standards, and I've been quietly watching, but today, I'm going to call them on it.

Dear New York Times editorial staff, you've got egg on your faces.

Egg.
Yolk.
Yellow.

David Cay Johnston writes in Ron Paul's Economic Adviser:

"Representative Ron Paul, the Texas doctor with the libertarian streak who is seeking the Republican nomination, has taken on an economic adviser with very close ties to people who assert that the income tax is illegal...

"Not mentioned by the Paul campaign is that Mr. Schiff is the son of Irwin Schiff of Las Vegas, now serving his third federal prison sentence for tax crimes. He is also the author of such books as 'The Federal Mafia,' which asserts that federal judges are paid off by the Internal Revenue Service, and other books describing the federal government as a criminal organization that illegally extracts income taxes...

"Dr. Paul has not criticized the tax protesters among his supporters, even ones who deny the legitimacy of the tax laws..."

Any first year journalism student will recognize Johnston's writing as a smear tactic. He is attempting to cast Dr. Paul's advisory choice, Peter Schiff, as unsavory because Peter Schiff's father is in prison for tax crimes. This fact is irrelevant. It is not journalism. And it is an attempt to imply guilt by association.

Since when is the son responsible for the crimes of the father?

By implication, what's next — holding descendants responsible for the actions of their ancestors? Forced apologies for events five generations before we were born?

Nope. I won't accept implied guilt. I'm responsible only for my own actions.

And yes, I do question the validity of taxes. It's an American tradition: Civil Disobedience

New York Times wants to be kingmaker by electing one of the collectivists. Fine, just publish Johnston's article on the OpEd page where it belongs. And...go play socialist in your own sandbox.

Without my money.

The Work Ethic

Goran was wandering around Stockholm this weekend, and bumped into a mate of his who's been playing in bands for the past 10 years. As reported via email, their conversation went something like this:

"Man, that guitar is easy to play (Starfish). You can cheat when you play...just try to cheat on a Les Paul."

"Can you please explain to me what 'cheating' on guitar means?"

"Dude, you just can't cheat on a Les Paul. That guitar is legend."

In Western civilization, we have a fine tradition of suffering for art:

"An artist is a creature driven by demons. He doesn’t know why they choose him and he’s usually too busy to wonder why." — William Faulkner

I don't know why. Why?

I say, if you want to suffer for art, please feel free. But your suffering should perhaps relate to the creative process, rather than to your tools. Of what use to the painter would be brushes that burn the hand when touched? Of what use to the writer would be a keyboard with needles instead of keys?

I take it as a compliment, Starfish is too easy to play. Hallelujah! In fact, my goal is to create instruments that play themselves. Orchid's half way there. I'm hoping, at some point, to create an invisible instrument — a tool so transparent the mere act of imagining music causes sound.

For the moment though, we'll just watch in amusement as suffering guitarists twist their bodies in a tendon-splaying spine-warping shoulder-sagging ergonomic-contortion of adaptation to an 11 pound instrument designed 60 years ago and affectionately known by its creator as: "The Log"

Tradition!

Scandinavian Lutherie Renaissance

"...please continue with orchid guitar building soon."

Goran gently reminded me I am not campaigning for President of the United States. I've gotten caught up in the election mostly due to anger because the United States is bankrupt. The ripples from our crashing economy affect not only my ability to make a living, but will affect your life as well.

Okay, I'll step down off the soapbox.

I don't know if it is the long cold winter nights, but good things are happening in my wife's ancestral homeland. Denmark and Sweden are both experiencing a burst of guitar and bass design creativity.

Following my letter from Alex Gorm Ost, Swedish luthier Ola Strandburg asked about aluminum truss rods:

"Did you arrive at the alloy and dimensions through any science? I was thinking 7075 or 7021 T6 aluminum, which on paper is stiffer and stronger than 6063 (although, I have arrived at that fact only through reading catalogues - I am no expert.) With the twisted neck that I want, 6063 would probably be more suited than the 7*** series, so it would be good if it worked."

Both of these luthiers approach design from a mathematical/engineering perspective, which I find interesting. In the U.S. "art" and "engineering" often occupy two very separate spheres of influence. I wonder if their education system is quite different?

Math usually comes last for me, as I tend to "play" more with materials...bend, scrape, sniff and gnaw:

“My experience with the square aluminum barstock neck for Orchid has been excellent. Despite an almost inability to flex the barstock by hand (on the workbench), the pull of four bass strings in a 32″ scale length is enough to slightly flex the neck (less than the thickness of a business card) at the 12th fret. Astonishingly powerful. If you are building a six string guitar, the aluminum barstock would likely have unmeasurable flex. So my intuition tells me. One potential problem would be the neck thickens (as perceived by the hand) as it shifts around the axis of rotation.

"I’ve been thinking of building a slightly twisted neck that rotates around a central hollow core of titanium tubing. Either a single diameter .75″ tube, or two side-by-side tubes (diameter to be determined). With such a construction I could retain the trapezoidal neck profile, yet keep a consistent neck thickness (as perceived by the hand), the length of the neck. Titanium would, however, likely have too much flex for a bass neck.”

It will be interesting to see where this transatlantic cross-pollination leads. While you're at it, check out Ola Strandburg's nifty tuner prototype.

Also see:

Aluminum

2008 Presidential Election

Here's a field guide to candidates.

The labels "Democrat" and "Republican" are no longer always applicable in contemporary politics. Neither are the terms "Liberal" or "Conservative." As individual terms, none have enough precision to accurately differentiate ideological positions.

I would like to instead suggest four very different categorizations, based on motives.

I. Social Motive — How a candidate views human behavior.

(SL) Social Liberals value freedom and experimentation, with little desire to control the behavior of others.

(SC) Social Conservatives value order and control, with strong desire to control the behavior of others.

II. Financial Motive — How a candidate views money.

(FL) Financial Liberals value redistributing wealth, with strong desire to control the wealth of others.

(FC) Financial Conservatives value self-determination of wealth, with little desire to control the wealth of others.

III. Candidates — Combined Social/Financial motives.

Clinton — SL/FL
Edwards — SL/FL
Obama — SL/FL

Paul — SL/FC

Huckabee — SC/FL
Romney — SC/FL
McCain — SC/FL

Thompson — SC/FC

PS: Electoral Compass
PPS: Who Would The World Elect

"Fight the evil capitalist enemy class!"

Very helpful of the socialists to prove my point about our struggle for freedom.

"The country’s 'founding fathers' advocated for 'small government' and states’ rights as mechanisms to protect the slave system from the intrusions of the central government. The U.S. Constitution offers no more solutions to the modern wage slave than it did to the chattel slave when it was written.

"Working-class people and socialists need to be clear: we will support no candidate who advances the interests of the enemy class."

Love the language. It sounds as if we are on a Soviet-era propaganda film set.

Comrade.

War on Drugs

When I was bicycling across the United States in the summer of 1990, my friend Paul and I each rode a mountain bike and carried a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and a sleeping bag. We shared a tent.

Anything to save weight.

Every ounce matters on a bicycle, because you propel it uphill using only muscles and lungs. I can say with absolute certainty there's a lot of hill climbing between sea level in Virginia, and Wolf Creek Pass, in Colorado. 10,823' in fact. Luxury items you might begin your trip with — for example, a lawn chair strapped to the back of your bike for "rest periods" — quickly find a new home in a roadside dumpster. Efforts to save weight might even include sawing the handle off your toothbrush.

Not that I witnessed such a scene.

When you travel with little (no) money, and only a tent for shelter, your options are limited every night, because every square inch of our country is owned by someone. Stretches between state and national parks leave only churches, businesses (including farms), or private homes. So we evolved the cheeky strategy of knocking on a stranger's door every night:

"Hi! I'm Rick, this is Paul, and we're riding our bikes across the country. Would you mind if we camped on your lawn and used your garden hose to refill our water bottles?"

Interestingly, in 3,409 miles of travel, the only times we were ever turned down were by churches.

One memorable evening lawn camping in Kansas was spent with "Dale" and his wife. Truly kind middle-aged folks who invited us in for homemade pie, coffee, and kitchen conversation. In the course of our discussion, we learned:

"Most farmers can't make it growing corn. Not even subsidies can get us to the break-even point. Not that I would do it of course (implied wink), but most farmers would lose their land if they didn't grow marijuana between the rows of corn. Marijuana is the number one cash crop here in the midwest."

The United States of America is fighting a whole bunch of wars at the moment:

"War on Terror"
"War Against Illegal Immigrants"
"War to Confiscate Civil Liberties"
"War on Drugs"

Sounds expensive and violent, and it probably is, but today we're just thinking about drugs. Or...are they...interrelated? Just a few thoughts for your peace pipe:

1. Alcohol prohibition failed. As do most attempts to legislate morality. Why would drug prohibition succeed?

2. Meth evolved as a moonshine response to scarcity.

3. "War on Drugs" is really really really expensive.

4. Urban populations are disproportionately punished.

5. There is evolutionary evidence for intoxication.

6. Illegal drug sales finance terrorism.

A. If we legalized and taxed drugs, would the profit incentive for organized crime vanish?

B. Without drug crime, would our urban socio-economics change?

C. Would addicts seek safer alternatives, and begin to get the help they need?

A Sorting Method

There is a profound difference between "people you happen to spend time with" and friendships. The most effective sorting method I've devised is to discuss values.

Values are often an uncomfortable topic here in the United States due to overwrought concern with how others will perceive us, and a fear of deviating from political correctness.

Your friends will be the ones who seriously consider what you have to say — whether or not they agree — and who contribute to the conversation: sharing their own perspectives and creating a symbiotic learning experience.

"great definition, my friend. direct conclusion is one does not have many friends in life." — Goran

"I'm privileged to be counted in the friend category." — Lady W.

"I hear the very best test of friendship is to get loaded with a bunch of people and see whose pants you wake up wearing on your head. They're your friends. It's like an iron bond of fear and shame. Values is definitely second though." — Gethyn

Racism 2

As you can imagine, yesterday's post about racism landed a few emails in my inbox:

"I agree in part with your analysis. I don't want someone elected to the highest office BECAUSE of race or because of gender, but rather on qualifications, ideas, or ability to be a leader. However, I still would very much like to see either one of them elected. I'd like to know that I'm living in a country where it is possible for a black man to be president or at least possible to make a good run for it, and then let the best man or woman win!"

I find this response encouraging due to the writer's emphasis on qualifications in choice selection. The writer's selection equation is no longer simply:

a) I choose (candidate) based on variable Y (race/gender)

but...

b) I choose (candidate) based on variable Y (race/gender) PLUS variable Z (qualifications)

The writer then responded:

"But actually my thought goes beyond my choice, to others, so this may or may not be mathematically correct or acceptable logic but: 'I choose (candidate) based on variable Z (qualifications) and hope that others also select on Z rather than de-selecting on variable Y (race/gender).'"

A biologist also wrote, to clarify the role of evolution in racism:

"...racial hatred is intrinsically evolutionary — how do we know if someone is family? They look like us. If they do not, then we don't help them. If they are different enough, we fight them, because they steal our resources. We dislike because of difference. Sadly (we intellectualize), this is normal."

And, in response to the email quoted at top:

"...(the writer) likes someone for being different...(this position) is not endogenous in origin, it is intellectual and experiential in its basis, and therefore is not intrinsic or instinctive. The desire for someone different — in this case to hold office — is (consciously or not) determined by a desire for certain intellectual goals to be met. Something (the writer) has been taught, or has experienced, leads them to an anti-evolutionary opinion.

"The wonder and strength of the human brain."

To summarize, choosing to experience someone of a different race is a conscious decision which runs contrary to evolutionary instinct.

What becomes contentious is how we, as a society, choose to promote exogenous thinking. How we choose, as a group, to reason our way past our biological instincts.

The process of creating internal awareness of self-worth, self-sufficiency, and self-confidence, what we call self-esteem, is created through a series of TRY (then) FAIL (or) SUCCEED experiments: Constructivism.

1. Attempting, then failing, builds realistic expectations, and an accurate perception of self-limits.

2. Attempting, then succeeding, builds self-confidence and mastery.

This is why it is so important to build the opportunity for failure into learning environments and classrooms. And into the lives of young children. Failure is an equal contributor to building self-esteem.

What do you think happens to an individual's self-esteem if she knows or discovers her "success" is due to a variable she cannot control? A variable such as skin color?

I would argue her self-esteem is undermined.

This is precisely why any quota system — treating individuals as a collective based on race, gender, ethnicity (or socioeconomic status) — is damaging to a society. The process of making any group "more equal" through legislation, such as Affirmative action or corporate political lobbying, requires the excluded remainder to be treated "less equal."

Endogenous discriminatory behavior is reinforced.

The "less equal" become disenfranchised. Look at what is happening in Kenya. Remember my simple human equation:

a) Inclusion + Opportunity = Peace
b) Alienation + Stagnation = Violence

The first step toward societal healing is, as individuals, to voluntarily look beyond "—isms" such as race or gender, and make decisions based on individual merit. Before that can happen, we need to feel "equally equal" in the eyes of the law.

A societal system that does not recognize "majorities" or "minorities" but instead is based on individual human rights is the only logical answer: equal treatment of the smallest individual units (one person) within the system, rather than legally imposed sub-group treatment as defined by secondary characteristics.

Individualism, not collectivism.

Racism

This is a sensitive topic in the United States, but needs to be discussed. One disturbing trend I hear (I live in New Jersey) is:

"I'm going to vote for Barack Obama because he's black. And because his father was a Muslim. Voting him into office will serve as an example to inspire black people in our country to better themselves, and a message to the Muslim world that we are not evil."

That, my well-meaning friends, is racist.

The speaker has just judged a fellow human being on the one attribute over which he has no control — the color of his skin. Sadly, the position expressed above is absolutely no different than if the speaker had said: "I ain't votin' for him 'cause he's a nigger."

Discrimination is prejudicial treatment — for or against — categories of people based on race, age, or sex. Racism is discrimination based on skin color. The same principle holds true if someone votes for Hillary Clinton: "... because she's a woman."

Sexist.

Seperately, why would anyone think the religious beliefs of our hypothetical future president's father will influence the opinion of radical Islamic fundamentalists in the Middle East?

My brother is married to a black Jamaican woman. Together, they just had a beautiful baby boy. I want my nephew to grow up in a meritocracy. I don't ever want his self-esteem to be hacked off at the knees because he thought he achieved something in life due to the color of his skin, rather than his ability.

Let me put it another way. If someone shows up at TOONE GUITARS looking for a job as an apprentice luthier, I'm going to judge them by their abilities.

It's that simple.

Racism is a biological response to threat evaluation. Primates in the wild have fractions of a second to determine if a disturbance indicates life or death. From our evolutionary response comes categorization, including stereotypes — and racisim.

I would speculate we all have racist thoughts. If you are honest with yourself, you might admit to a moment of fear or uncertainty €— at some point in your life —€” when encountering a person of a different race. I am at peace with my moments. Evolution speaks. What matters, though, is your reaction to your racist thought: do you linger in the irrational, or do you push toward understanding and acceptance?

That is the measure by which I judge a man, or a woman.

I don't see any way out of the morass of political correctness, other than by returning to a meritocracy based on individual human liberty, as expressed by Jefferson: "All men are created equal." Not regarding talent, but in the eyes of the law. And not more equal as legislated by law.

Under our United States Constitution, as originally written, all are equally protected.

I wonder what the election would be like if candidates were represented only by their words and actions — and the appearance of the winner was revealed post-election...

Part II: Responses

Simplify (Not Dumb Down)

Chanting slogans in the streets will only scare the sheep.

In the United States, the masses — the average, comfortable, complacent, consumers — don't want to see fervent displays of passion. It makes them uncomfortable. The masses are complacent precisely because they are comfortable.

Freedom and freedom of speech, is a raucous, Darwinian process. Disagreement and passion are necessary. In this country though, we have not flexed those muscles in public for more than a century. We have become used to having opinions broadcast to us...and then we glance to our neighbor to see how she reacts.

To fellow Libertarians, the point I wish to make is because corporate mainstream media cannot logically refute Dr. Paul's positions, they will attack and amplify supporter behavior. Our conduct matters.

In the New York Times newsroom I can almost overhear the conversation: "Tell the people if Ron Paul is elected, mass chaos will ensue. Just look at his 'crazy' supporters. Sell our readers on the idea we need more government to suppress this uprising."

It is essential to always conduct yourselves as you wish to be treated. How is screaming at a Fox News reporter any different from telling Israel what to do? Non-intervention.

Model the values you seek to promote.

Time to change tactics.

It is very difficult to convey a complex, nuanced, logical argument in a soundbite. Dr. Paul struggles with this, as do we all. Let's work in images. Two television commercials are needed. Each no more than 15-30 seconds:

CORPORATE CYBORG — Begin with footage of Obama's Iowa victory speech. As he speaks in measured. dulcet. senatoral. tones. his face begins to flicker, revealing the corporate cyborg behind the skin. The flickering cyborg assumes the appearance of all other candidates, save one, and finally locks up: half human, half machine. Cut to Dr. Paul: "Individual human freedom is a right we must exercise. This includes freedom from media censorship and corporate special interest." Cut to a series of candid testimonials from real human beings, beginning with a soldier in uniform: "I support Ron Paul for president."

GEORGE WASHINGTON — Do you remember the television commercial from the 70's when the American Indian surveys the polluted landscape, and a single tear rolls down his cheek? Powerful. Imagine George Washington in his presidential office, circa 1790. He steps to the door and opens it to discover a panoramic shot of contemporary, bureaucratic, white-marbled Washington, D.C. Cut to closeup of his face as a single tear rolls down his cheek. Narrator: "Our great experiment in human freedom, the United States of America, was founded on principles of individual human liberty. Where is the spirit of independent self-reliance which made this nation great? Ron Paul for president."

I was playing with Photoshop and created the image below. Feel free to spread it around.

"One man's 'terrorist' is another man's 'freedom fighter.'" — Monster

World peace is only possible through non-interventionism.

Non-interventionism is often confused with isolationism. The two concepts are quite different.

In 2002, as we were preparing to do a preemptive strike on an innocent Iraqi people (and a few despots in power), there was an outpouring of cowboy militarism from many around me — especially those most ignorant of foreign policy, and potential consequences. As the CIA would say, "blowback."

My anger at our societal ignorance manifested itself in Snap Judgment, a song co-written with my UK mate, Gethyn. We wanted to explore the mindset of those advocating violent intervention.

SNAP JUDGMENT MP3 — Live rehearsal recording. In my barn.

Voice : Harrington
Bass : Monster
Drums : X
Guitar : Toone (lyrics with G)

Now have a look at this fascinating video from 2002. A lone voice.

We remember Hitler and Ghandi with very different emotions.

Peace is powerful.

Business Plan for Musicians

Seth Godin lays it out for us. Make it happen. I would like to add two thoughts:

1. Copyright is a moral issue — Steve Jobs: Thoughts on Music

2. Music, Tribes & Sex — Are interrelated. Understand, and prosper.

Survival Value of Long Hair

For the past few years, ever since completing grad school, I've had long hair.

You'll laugh, because my two main reasons were to please my gorgeous bride (she loves long red hair) and to save money as we bootstrap our way out of self-inflicted student poverty. When I did the math, not getting monthly haircuts over a three year span (haircut, tip, driving) saved several thousand dollars.

A few things I noticed about having long hair:

1. Substantially increased attention from females 16-30 and from 45-98. A peculiar gap in the 30-45 range.

2. In multicultural New Jersey, where I live, approving looks from other guys: "Go, dude!"

3. On a driving trip to New Mexico, aggressively hostile stares from other males, in many parts of the country between New Jersey and Santa Fe. With exceptions, of course. Often matched by disapproving looks from females in the 35-50 range. Why?

4. It is a very good insulator, as much as 10F warmer in the winter. Very hot in summer, though.

5. It takes a long time to dry.

As you can see from this photo of your favorite luthier, I've donated my locks to charity, and resigned — perhaps temporarily — from the Luxuriant Flowing Hair Club for Scientists. For now, I'm now cutting it myself.

Oh, and I wanted to ask...does your bass do this?

Smirk.

Freedom

Two hundred thirty-two years ago a small band of rebels rose in armed rebellion to cast off the yoke of oppressive government. When backwoods farmers and self-educated idealists rejected the tyranny of monarchy, oligarchy, and theocracy which had — for all of recorded human history — ruled the fate of men, and united in a single cause.

Individual human liberty.

The revolution was successful, and the principles of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness established the philosophical foundation of the United States of America, as written in our Constitution.

In the past one hundred years, a new ideology emerged which threatens our right to self-determination. The ideology is insidious because it is rooted in a natural human desire to want to help others: altruism.

Altruism has biological survival value for our species because it allows us to work together to overcome threats. To financially help a friend or neighbor. To pull a child from a burning building. To form a church, or a non-profit organization.

Voluntary altruism is moral.

The threat to individual human liberty occurs when altruism is institutionalized in the form of government. Institutionalized altruism is the tipping point when the needs or wants of the masses supersede rights of the individual. When the earned rewards of individual labors are involuntarily taken, and redistributed to those who claim to have the greatest need.

Compulsory altruism is unjust.

Compulsory altruism is called socialism, communism, or fascism. Collectivism. Every form of collectivism requires a hierarchy of leaders who determine how collective wealth is redistributed as welfare, or subsidies. Those leaders form an oligarchy — whether appointed or elected — and the circle is complete: the will of the few once again controls the behavior of the masses. This oligarchy seeks both foreign and domestic control.

Individual human liberty is the sacrifice.

The 2008 presidential election is a conflict of ideals. The terms "repub