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Undiscovered Bass Making Genius- John Toon
- Thread starter slapmachine
- Start date
Well, that is why we have a word in English called "tact." I know that it gets lost on most people most of the time. Personally, I am not really a fan of CT basses or the Toons that I have seen here. However, what I am a fan of is the obvious hard work and creativity that goes into them. These basses are as much works of art as they are instruments to be played. Now, I think we can all agree that ART is highly subjective and as such will always find it detractors. No reason to take shots at it, just move on to the next piece of art until you find one that you like. I come from the school that says Leo created the coolest bass ever when he designed the Jazz, but many people hate them. Whatever, if just doesn't bother me at all, BTW, I also love people like Roger Sadowsky who pays homage everyday to Leo with his own works of art. If enough people like the Toon design, he will sell some basses, if they don't maybe he will adjust his designs to sell more. Maybe though he will be strict to his view of his art and make them so he is happy with them. Me, I am just happy that there are people out there that can do this crazy ass stuff with wood...
Well, that is why we have a word in English called "tact." I know that it gets lost on most people most of the time. Personally, I am not really a fan of CT basses or the Toons that I have seen here. However, what I am a fan of is the obvious hard work and creativity that goes into them. These basses are as much works of art as they are instruments to be played. Now, I think we can all agree that ART is highly subjective and as such will always find it detractors. No reason to take shots at it, just move on to the next piece of art until you find one that you like. I come from the school that says Leo created the coolest bass ever when he designed the Jazz, but many people hate them. Whatever, if just doesn't bother me at all, BTW, I also love people like Roger Sadowsky who pays homage everyday to Leo with his own works of art. If enough people like the Toon design, he will sell some basses, if they don't maybe he will adjust his designs to sell more. Maybe though he will be strict to his view of his art and make them so he is happy with them. Me, I am just happy that there are people out there that can do this crazy ass stuff with wood...
When I use this "+1" it's a +1 to the way you view art / creativity. I personally can't agree with the not being pleased with the JT basses, but we've been through that
. I wish more people had open minds like you mdogs!Best regards,
Brooks
That thing looks like Carl Thompson, Alembic, and Wish got in a drunken bar brawl!!!!
Definitely an eye-catcher!!!
You know, I can see where you're coming from haha
! Some people just like some gnarlier designs than others 
Best regards,
Brooks
How's the finish on these basses? Do you have to refinish them like wishbasses? That's one of the things holding me back from getting a wishbass, I have neither the equipment nor the experience needed to refinish one lol.
Really love the design of your bass (the headstock is kinda big, though), slapmachine!
How's the weight on that bass?
I would totally buy a bass from Toon, but I live in Europe.
How's the weight on that bass?
I would totally buy a bass from Toon, but I live in Europe.
It takes anywhere from 3-6 months to build a bass, It all depends on the amount of work involved and how busy I am at that time. I use a tung oil finish which really brings out the wood grain but with a natural look to it. It also offers a good deal of protection and is easy to touch up in the case of a repair. So, no you would not have to refinish them.
Happy to say I just placed an order for a bass from John Toon this weekend. Great guy to work with! I'll be sure to post pics as it progresses . . .
Very nice work Mr. Toon. Not exactly my cuppa, but it would be a boring world if every bass was either a P or a J. I can't help wondering how you pay the bills? The OP says your basses sell in the <$2k range; at 3-6 months build time, I just don't get it. You got a Sugar Mama?
I'm glad to hear this ... doesn't seem like his site has been updated in over a year, I thought maybe he'd gotten out of luthiering. I'd like to order one of his someday when I have the scratch. I assume he has a day job and isn't paying the bills building basses.
This is nothing. I have seen people get much ruder in other threads.
Not my cup of tea, but I applaude anyone who does his own thing without worrying about what others think.
It's not like he can only work on one at a time. There has to be time required for ordering, drying, planing, gluing the layers, etc... If it was possible to do one from start to finish it might only be a couple of days worth of "hours", but each stage takes it's own amount of time. If he does 75-100 in a year, that would provide a fairly comfortable income to someone who made his hobby into his "in a perfect world" job.
