The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

The Decemberists' Colin Meloy joins us this week to talk about the band's new, long-awaited album, 'As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again.'

Longtime readers of the magazine will remember Colin gracing the cover of our 45th issue. This time around, we chat about why there was a six-year break Decemberists albums, the tedious side of touring, the joys of writing, Nic Jones and British folk and more. 

https://www.decemberists.com/ We're throwing a guitar festival this August in Chicago. Read 'A First Timer's Guide to the Fretboard Summit': https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/a-first-timers-guide-to-the-fretboard-summit/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:

https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Bluegrass banjo legend Tony Trischka joins us this week to discuss the making of his new album, 'Earl Jam.' He also gives us a mini-masterclass into the world of Earl Scruggs. The story behind 'Earl Jam' is truly remarkable: Upon receiving a USB drive full of never-before-released Earl Scruggs home recordings from the '80s and '90s, Trischka decided to transcribe his favorite moments and solos, note-for-note. His playing of these transcriptions became the foundation for the album, which also features guest spots by Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Brittany Haas, Stuart Duncan and others. It's like hearing a completely new Earl Scruggs record in 2024. Just as memorable as the album are some Trischka's stories about Scruggs and his influence. Somehow, King Curtis Ravi Shankar, Petticoat Junction, Steve Martin, and KFC all get mentioned...and a lot more!   https://www.tonytrischka.com/earl-jam

A First Timer's Guide to the Fretboard Summit: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/a-first-timers-guide-to-the-fretboard-summit/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Meet Sofia Wolfson, a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, writer, and Fretboard Journal contributor who just released an incredible album called 'Imposing on a Hometown.' This project features a bunch of former Fretboard Journal subjects and contributors, including Meg Duffy of Hand Habits, Mason Stoops, and Harrison Whitford. Mostly though, it's a collection of great songs by an incredibly talented guitar fanatic.  During our chat, we talk about growing up in LA (and the unique venues that helped shape Sofia's music community), the beauty of the Gibson J-45, working at LA's famed Old Style Guitar Shop (where Reuben Cox famously makes rubber bridge guitar mods and started a mini-movement), the making of 'Imposing,' the influence of Margaret Glaspy and so much more. We also talk about Sofia's soon-to-be-published interview with Big Thief's Adrianne Lenker in the Fretboard Journal.  http://www.sofiawolfson.com/

https://sofiawolfson.bandcamp.com/album/imposing-on-a-hometown

Give 'Imposing on a Hometown' a listen and then sit back and hear the story behind it here. It's a good one.

Fretboard Summit 2024 Registration:  https://fretboardsummit.org

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Guitarist Ethan Sherman returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his new acoustic album, 'Passages.' This contemporary bluegrass-inspired record features Ethan alongside Wes Corbett (banjo), Rob Ickes (Dobro), Thomas Cassell (mandolin), Avery Merritt (fiddle) and Ethan Jodziewicz (bass).  During our chat, Ethan explains why banjo recordings like Bela Fleck's 'Drive' were the unlikely inspiration to the album and its arrangements; talks to us about the gear that he used; gives us a follow-up on his 'String Theories' project with Adam Levy; and shares some insights from touring with Michael Bublé. 

Check out Passages here: https://ethansherman.bandcamp.com/album/passages

Fretboard Summit 2024 Registration:  https://fretboardsummit.org

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Collings Guitars: https://www.collingsguitars.com (Look at their pau ferro offerings: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6_kzwmroYI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

When guitarist Dr. Molly Miller isn't teaching music at USC, she's touring the world with Jason Mraz or recording with her own Molly Miller Trio. Or, as we learn today, she might be over at the tennis courts.  On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Miller walks us through a week in her life, talks about the gear she uses, and hints at hosting a tennis tournament during the 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago.

It's a fun chat with one of the guitar world's most dynamic performers. 

Molly's trio has a new album out called 'The Ballad of Hotspur.' We can't recommend it enough.

Fretboard Summit 2024 Registration:  https://fretboardsummit.org

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

On this week's show, we have a candid chat with Seattle indie rock musician-turned-podcaster (Roderick on the Line, Omnibus) John Roderick.

The Long Winters frontman was an early Fretboard Journal subject and guest on our podcast. This time around, we talk about John's break from music-making, the new songs he's been writing, the perils of pedal collecting and so much more.

We also reminisce about the PNW indie rock community of the late '90s when John often shared a bill with Death Cab for Cutie, discuss the challenges of getting the band together when you're all in your 50s, and learn about the hacks that may (or may not) overcome writer's block. We also talk gear. John is a gearhead and former employee of Emerald City Guitars. He has a unique perspective on guitars, amps, and pedal collecting and has been a friend of the Fretboard Journal since its inception. I think you'll love it. Follow John here: http://www.johnroderick.com/

Must-listen: John on Song Exploder talking about "The Commander Thinks Aloud": https://songexploder.net/the-long-winters John performing in our 2012 12 Days of Fretboard project: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/twelve-days-fretboard-john-roderick/

Fretboard Summit 2024 Registration:  https://fretboardsummit.org

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

For the last several years, Los Angeles-based musician Ryan Richter has served as a touring guitarist for Dijon, Ryan Beatty, Lizzy McAlpine and others. Years ago, he was also one of the Fretboard Journal's earliest employees.  Ryan recently released his first solo project - a fascinating one-track, 20-minute long album called "As Good A Place As Any (No Hard Feelings)" - and on this week's podcast, we hear all about it.

Ryan tells us about how this multifaceted composition came to be (with a little help from a rolling capo ad on social media), the gear that he used on it, his touring rig with Ryan Beatty, the LA guitar scene today, working with Mason Stoops, the perils of hot vocal mics, and so much more.  "As Good A Place As Any (No Hard Feelings)" is a beautiful and unique debut project and we hope you'll check it out.  Ryan's album on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/3K291dCwsQ9OJeCyv0VK4u?si=3e18abbab2ab4d32

Pre-Order the Vinyl: https://rrmerch.shop/products/ryan-richter-as-good-a-place-as-any-vinyl

Fretboard Summit 2024 Registration:  https://fretboardsummit.org Watch Ryan walk through his Dijon gear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azF47JR6R4M

Listen to Ryan host our G. Weller episode from 2023:  https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-406-the-mystery-of-g-weller/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

This week, JHS founder Josh Scott joins Jason to talk about guitar media, following your passion, marketing, work/life balance and so much more.

We talk about how JHS was founded, the JHS Show on YouTube (and the work that goes into it), guitar media, printed matter in 2024, events, social media, the enduring power of Facebook (and paper books!), marketing advice, and more.

We also talk about JHS's participation in the Mid South gravel bike festival. (Rumor has it, we'll be teaming up with JHS and Mid South for a fun bike ride at the 2024 Chicago Fretboard Summit 2024. Inquire within.)

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Collings Guitars & Mandolins: https://www.collingsguitars.com Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Singer-songwriter John Smith joins us this week to talk about his moving new Joe Henry-produced album, 'The Living Kind.'  

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Collings Guitars & Mandolins: https://www.collingsguitars.com Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Scott Ballew is an Austin, Texas-based filmmaker and musician. For years, he’s directed unforgettable videos and documentaries for Yeti and others. In 2020, he decided to take up songwriting and recorded his first album just a year later.

This week, Ballew releases his third album, Rio Bravo. It’s an exceptional work that somehow combines Ballew’s affinity for Townes Van Zandt and other Austin legends with his love for reverb-drenched Ennio Morricone soundtracks. We love it. 

During our chat, Scott tells us about his unlikely journey from football star to director to songwriter and about how filmmaking has shaped his music output. We also talk about the making of Rio Bravo, Scott’s growing guitar collection, the time he spent with Townes Van Zandt’s Gibson, and how – thanks to Pearl Jam – he ended up playing football for the University of Washington.  

Scott's site: https://www.leisurerodeo.com

Recommended viewing:

Can You Hear Me Smiling: A short doc on Scott Ballew’s songwriting

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEkWxtLjD-4&t=1s

My Old Man | No. 4 - Anchor Point: Scott’s Yeti doc featuring JT Van Zandt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KadKx5k6XoY

Leisure Rodeo: A Short Film by Scott Ballew

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65vd-PjEBnY&t=2s

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/ This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a new Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Six-time Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer John Leventhal joins us this week to talk about 'Rumble Strip,' his long-awaited debut solo album! John tells us why, after five decades in the music business, he decided to make a solo album. We chat about his writing process, the home studio he and partner Rosanne Cash have in NYC, the gear that he used on the album, his favorite microphones, and his go-to acoustic tuning (CGDGBE). Also discussed are the influence of Ry Cooder on his playing, the magic found in old Gibson flattops (and '60s Guilds), and why John tries to ignore industry trends when he's working as a producer. Finally, we talk about a very special feature in the Fretboard Journal's 54th issue on a Martin that belonged to John's father-in-law, Johnny Cash. 'Rumble Strip' can be streamed now in all the usual places or visit  https://www.rumblestriprecords.net/ Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/ This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Love the podcast and want to support it? We have a new Patreon page just for Fretboard Journal fans and loaded with bonus content. https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

This week, guitarist Julian Lage returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk to us all about his new, Joe Henry-produced album, 'Speak to Me' (Blue Note).

We talk about working with Henry, the 'Speak to Me' band (including Levon Henry), Lage’s writing process, his favorite practice hacks, the gear he used, and so much more. We pack a lot into 36 minutes.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

This week, we share two great interviews: First, we talk to Rasmus Zandvliet, a young (17-year-old!) aspiring luthier from the Netherlands teaching himself how to build acoustic guitars from scratch using YouTube videos for inspiration and a modest array of tools (and a curling iron to bend sides!).

Rasmus is already on to his third guitar and garnered a rave review from Jeremy Sheppard, aka Jeremy the Guitar Hunter (who owns an Alpine spruce/mahogany 000-18 built by Rasmus). In the second half of this episode, we talk to Jeremy himself about his start as a YouTube content creator, his love for acoustic guitars, and why he began flipping guitars (he estimates he's up to 5,000!). We also talk about why this digital content guru has decided to take a job at an old school brick & mortar guitar store, how he befriended Rasmus, and what he thinks of his 000-18 from the young builder.

Follow Rasmus here: https://www.instagram.com/rasmus_zandvliet/

Follow Jeremy here:  https://www.jeremytheguitarhunter.com

and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JimmySheep

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

Austin's Matt the Electrician joins us this week to talk about his new album, 'The Ocean Knocked Me Down.' He also gives us a mini master class on being a productive songwriter. 

We also talk about John Allison Guitars, the Austin music scene today, the weekly songwriting group helmed by Bob Schneider and so much more.

https://matttheelectrician.bandcamp.com

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue featuring Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg, Robbie Basho, and Kate Wolf's guitar:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

It's the fourth and final installment of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

To celebrate the launch of their book, String Theories, guitarists and educators Ethan Sherman and Adam Levy share some of their favorite music tips and New Year's resolutions with us. 

Order the book here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

This week, Adam and Ethan are joined by guitarists Mike Adams, Creston Lea, Ben Garnett, Leni Stern, Adam Miller, Reuben Cox, Stash Wyslouch, Drew Taubenfeld, & Chris Eldridge! 

https://www.instagram.com/puisheen/

https://crestonguitars.com

https://www.bengarnett.net

https://www.lenistern.com

https://www.adammiller.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/oldstyleguitarshop/

http://www.stashwyslouch.com

https://www.instagram.com/drewtaubenfeld/

http://www.chriseldridge.net

Watch The Fretboard Journal’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fretboardjournal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

It's the third installment of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

To celebrate the launch of their book, String Theories, guitarists and educators Ethan Sherman and Adam Levy share some of their favorite music tips and New Year's resolutions with us. 

Order the book here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

This week, Adam and Ethan are joined by guitarists Harrison Whitford, Nathaniel Murphy, Mary Halvorson, Ronan Delisle, Grant Gordy, and Bill Frisell! 

https://www.instagram.com/scarrisonwhitford/

https://www.instagram.com/zeppelinbarnatra/

https://www.maryhalvorson.com

https://ronandelisle.bandcamp.com/album/heavyweights-in-the-ring

http://www.grantgordy.com

https://www.billfrisell.com

Next week, Adam and Ethan join us once more for their final takeover episode. 

Watch The Fretboard Journal’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fretboardjournal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

It's part two of four of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

Adam Levy and Ethan Sherman, the authors behind the excellent new 'String Theories' book, are guest hosting the Fretboard Journal Podcast for four episodes. This week, they're joined by guitarist Mason Stoops (Ryan Beatty, Marcus Mumford, Jackson Browne) for a lively chat about coffee, Marshall stacks, new habits, and more.

Want your own copy of 'String Theories?' Order it here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

It's a 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

Adam Levy and Ethan Sherman, the authors behind the excellent new 'String Theories' book, are taking over the Fretboard Journal Podcast for four episodes. We'll hear their personal New Year's resolutions, talk to some of their favorite musicians (Molly Miller, James Valentine, and Gregg BelisleChi!), and glean some life hacks and advice from these two professional guitarists and educators. We hope that these episodes will offer just the right food for thought as we all dive into 2024. 

Want your own copy of 'String Theories?' Order it here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

Guitarist and educator Teja Gerken joins us this week to talk about the making of his new solo fingerstyle album, 'Test of Time.' It's an eclectic album of originals, Celtic music, J.S. Bach and even John Coltrane's "Naima"...all played on acoustic guitar.

We chat about Teja's early love for fingerstyle, the gear he employed for this album (a Martin Custom Shop OM, a Lowden, a Taylor 355, and a National Tricone), his work at Peghead Nation and much more. 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order. 

Atlanta-based Jason Mays has a unique perspective on guitars: He's a touring musician; the co-founder of YouTube's Working Class Music; he continues to work sales at Guitar Center; and he's one of the few people of color reviewing guitar gear. (We're also happy to announce that Mays is one of the FJ's newest contributors.)

On this week's podcast, we talk about his music career; the most popular overheard riffs at Guitar Center in 2024; the economic challenges of being a gear reviewer/demo artist on YouTube; and so much more. 

https://www.youtube.com/jasontmays

https://www.youtube.com/c/WorkingClassMusic

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order. 

This week we're joined by Mike Ball of Seattle's Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar. 

We go deep into their history, how they grew from a garage operation to a beautiful storefront in Seattle, and so much more. Mike walks us through the daunting world of Japanese-market Fenders, explains why Epiphone Casinos are hard to keep in stock, and talks about how they find their vintage inventory. 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order. 

Brace yourself for one of the wildest musician stories you’ve ever heard.

Amarillo, Texas' Hayden Pedigo makes gorgeous fingerstyle guitar music inspired by the likes of Will Ackerman and John Fahey. But Hayden has broken every mold imaginable when it comes to his career in music. 

The son of a truck stop preacher, Hayden worked at local Amarillo banks, recording music after-hours and aggressively reaching out to his music heroes to see if they wanted to collaborate (they often did). He finally ditched the life of a bank teller, got signed to indie label Mexican Summer, and - thanks to a quirky internet video - found himself running for Amarillo city council (he came in second). As if that wasn't unique enough, at some point, Gucci spotted him and recruited him to be in a fashion show. 

Stranger still, here's a working musician with a guitar and string endorsement deal (Yamaha and D’Addario) and an NPR Tiny Desk concert under his belt whose only touring to date has been opening for big indie acts like Jenny Lewis and Devendra Banhardt.

We talk about growing up in Amarillo, his Opus acoustic guitar, his recent signing to Yamaha, and so much more. You’ll love it and you'll love Hayden's unique approach towards his art.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order. 

Matt Sweeney downplays his success as a guitarist and producer to the fact that he simply says "yes" to a lot of projects. Whatever the case; it's working. After playing in Chavez, he performed as Superwolves with Will Oldham and served as a guitarist-for-hire on numerous acclaimed albums, including Cat Power's 'Covers' record and the Rick Rubin-produced Johnny Cash 'American Recordings V' and 'VI.'

Matt is also one of the greatest guitar interviewers around. His Guitar Moves series, originally produced for Vice's Noisey channel in 2013, set a high bar for how to interview musicians. Like the late Anthony Bourdain, Matt is total rock & roll, but also approachable, funny and curious. Most importantly, he gets his subjects - including Keith Richards, Blake Mills, and Billy Gibbons - talking. 

After a long hiatus, Matt has decided to take ownership of Guitar Moves, share old installments, and record new episodes. On this week's episode, we talk about how it's all about fingerpicking (thanks to his friend Sam Dylan of Supreme Dicks), his plans for Guitar Moves going forward, the old Richard Thompson instruction video (YouTube link) that served as the show's inspiration (and that Richard himself hated), and so much more.

Be on the lookout for a feature on Matt in early 2024 in the pages of the Fretboard Journal.

Watch Guitar Moves: https://www.youtube.com/@guitar-moves

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order. 

Vashon Island, Washington-based guitarist Jamie Stillway joins us to talk about the latest addition to the Fretboard Journal podcast network, Guitar for Introverts! 

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order. 

This week, we talk to Meg Duffy, the stellar guitarist and songwriter best known as Hand Habits.

https://www.handhabits.band

Meg grew up in upstate New York and took up guitar as a teenager. They attended the local community college's guitar program (the only non-male student in their class) and performed with a wide variety of local singer-songwriters and bands before a fortuitous encounter opening for Kevin Morby. Meg ended up touring with Morby and eventually moved to LA where they've worked for Christian Lee Hutson, The War on Drugs, Perfume Genius, and numerous other artists when they're not working on Hand Habits. Best of all, Meg is still often using the Fender Deluxe Lone Star Strat they bought as a teenager. 

During our chat, we talk about how Meg found guitar and its important role in their upbringing; why Hand Habits' fanbase has "family therapy energy;" trying to emulate Blake Mills' parts touring with Perfume Genius; 'Doubles,' Meg's gorgeous new instrumental record with Gregory Uhlmann; the art of playing slow; and so much more.

We also talk gear, including the rubber bridge guitars from Old Style Guitar Shop, electrics from Gelber & Sons, and the next big, post-rubber-bridge guitar muting trend (maybe)! 

Watch Hand Habits on KEXP here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV04BNCQxTI

Watch Meg with Perfume Genius on KEXP here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuWb099qGFU&t=1086s

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order. 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most unforgettable Fretboard Journal Podcast interviews ever. This week’s guest is spiritual teacher and yogi Guru Singh.

Born Gerry Pond, this one-of-a-kind guitar fanatic garnered acclaim as a folk singer in Seattle’s coffee house and music scene of the '60s. He was one of the first young rock musicians to sign with Frank Sinatra’s Reprise Records. Gerry then relocated to San Francisco where he found himself playing concerts with the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and others.

Unfortunately, he was also a fish out of water: A sober, meditation-loving yoga living in SF’s wild Haight-Ashbury scene. To compound things, his early protest songs about Vietnam resulted in him being blacklisted from radio stations and targeted by the Feds. So, in the late 1960s, Gerry safely stored his cherished Gibson J-45 and went on a yearlong quest to the deepest reaches of Mexico, a journey documented in his book, Buried Treasures. When he returned, the J-45 was still there but his music and life was completely transformed.

Now known as Guru Singh, he teaches Kundalini yoga and meditation techniques to practitioners around the world, collaborates with artists like Seal, and spreads positivity wherever he goes.

We talk about all this and more on this very special podcast. He shares the story of his favorite guitars, offers advice to help you get through the holidays, and even encourages a little guitar acquisition syndrome. In a Fretboard Journal first, he also teaches us all how to breathe a little better.

We first spotted Guru Singh on the Rich Roll Podcast, where we couldn’t help but notice all the unique acoustic guitars he employed. We knew we had to get him on the Fretboard Journal podcast one day and here, at long last, is our first interview.

https://gurusingh.com/

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd edition: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off off your Izotope order. 

The word "handmade" is used a lot when it comes to high-end or luthier-built instruments, but what does it really mean? On this week's podcast, guitarmakers and longtime friends Jason Kostal and Mike Baranik talk about the technology (including CNC machines) they will and won't use when it comes to their creations.

Recorded live at the 2023 Fretboard Summit, this is a fascinating chat about tools, being efficient, making a living as a luthier, and so much more.

https://www.baranikguitars.com/

https://kostalguitars.com/

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off off your Izotope order. You can also get 10% off your Native Instruments software at Native-Instruments.com with code RUIN10. Some restrictions apply.

This week, we celebrate Martin Guitars' 190th anniversary by talking to Thomas Ripsam, the famed company's CEO and President.

As you'll hear, Thomas is a music fanatic. Before working at Martin, he took a guitarbuilding class from Dennis MacPherson and he's released a couple of albums under the moniker, Seeds of Imagination (Spotify link). To commemorate their 190th anniversary, Martin just re-launched their D-19 series. (This was announced just after our conversation so it didn't come up.)

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off off your Izotope order. You can also get 10% off your Native Instruments software at Native-Instruments.com with code RUIN10. Some restrictions apply.

As R2R Electric, Chris Vincent builds exacting copies of classic 1960s fuzz, boost, and wah pedals using old components. It's a unique business model where Chris has to devote more time to sourcing and testing vintage transistors than he does actually building pedals. When he does release a batch of new pedals on Reverb, demand is through the roof. They typically sell out in a day or so. On this week's podcast, Chris stops by the FJ and tells us about the quirks of building brand new, but mostly old pedals. We talk about how he sources and tests his parts, how he got hooked on vintage pedals, and about some of his favorite products. Chris is arguably best known by his Instagram handle, @djlavalamp. He was an early guest on our Truth About Vintage Amps and he participated in our early pandemic project #FJFest with a behind-the-scenes video submission. It was great to catch up with this in-demand pedal maker right before his next pedal drop. https://www.r2relectric.com

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off off your Izotope order. You can also get 10% off your Native Instruments software at Native-Instruments.comwith code RUIN10. Some restrictions apply.

Richard Walter, Senior Curator of Phoenix's incredible Musical Instrument Museum, joins us to talk about MIM's new exhibition, 'Acoustic America: Iconic Guitars, Mandolins, and Banjos.' This exhibit, running from November 10, 2023 - September 15, 2024, features a staggering array of legendary instruments owned by the likes of David Grisman, Elizabeth Cotten, Mississippi John Hurt, Earl Scruggs and others.  

Read all about it here: https://mim.org/special-exhibitions/acoustic-america/

Rich tells us about how he landed his position at MIM, how he and his team care for these priceless instruments, the guitars that are closest to his heart, and so much more. 

The Fretboard Journal is planning on having a meetup at MIM sometime in early 2024. Reach out to us at [email protected] if you'd like to join us. 

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off off your Izotope order. You can also get 10% off your Native Instruments software at Native-Instruments.comwith code RUIN10. Some restrictions apply.

TJ Thompson and Folkway Music's Mark Stutman are two of the most respected authorities on Earth when it comes to the repair and restoration of 1930s and '40s vintage acoustic guitars. In this unforgettable session from the 2023 Fretboard Summit, TJ and Mark share some never-before-heard revelations from their decades of working on rare and collectible Martins and Gibsons. During this conversation, you get to be a fly on the wall and hear two repair people at the top of their craft, geek out on the little details that add up. They talk about guitar rosettes, popsicle braces, bridge plates, neck angles, how wood ages, 1970s Martins, and so much more. It's a 90-minute masterclass on the minutia and magic found inside old instruments...and why it's so hard to make a new, luthier-built instrument sound "old." We hope you love it. 

Registration is now open for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Links:

TJ Thompson: https://proluthiertools.com/ Mark Stutman: https://folkwaymusic.com/ If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off off your Izotope order. You can also get 10% off your Native Instruments software at Native-Instruments.com with code RUIN10. Some restrictions apply.

This is one of our favorite interviews to date: FJ contributor, guitarist, singer-songwriter and educator Adam Levy joins us for a very special interview about his new trio record, 'Spry,' his new book with Ethan Sherman ('String Theories') and so much more. Adam recounts stories of growing up in California and watching his grandfather, George Wyle, serve as a musician and music director on TV shows. He talks about his first Hollywood session, taking lessons from Ted Greene, working alongside Norah Jones (and writing his first song, ever, for her), playing with Tracy Chapman, working at Guitar Player (and how his guitar once ended up on the cover of GP), working on 'Spry,' the art of titling instrumental tracks, and so much more. Adam also shares a bunch of insights from his new book with Ethan Sherman, 'String Theories,' which we can't recommend enough. https://www.adamlevy.com/

https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:   https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off off your Izotope order. You can also get 10% off your Native Instruments software at Native-Instruments.com with code RUIN10. Some restrictions apply.

George Gruhn will need little introduction to most Fretboard Journal followers.

George is, quite simply, one of the most respected vintage instrument authorities in the world and the owner of Gruhn Guitars, one of the best guitar stores on the planet. So why, at the age of 78, did he want to take a stab at creating his own guitar line? "I want to have fun," he tells us. "And fun means designing new items, doing things that are meaningful... I did this because, while the world does not need more clones of Martin, Fender or Gibson, there is space for something that is new...but it needs to have a reason to exist."

Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free along with bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:   https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order and check out the new updates for Ozone 11 and their vocal software, Nectar 4.

This week, we're sharing another unforgettable session from the 2023 Fretboard Summit: A  conversation with acclaimed luthiers Wayne and EJ Henderson.

Wayne is a legendary figure in the world of acoustic guitars, an NEA National Heritage Fellow, and the subject of Allen St. John's 2005 book, 'Clapton's Guitar.' Daughter EJ (Elizabeth Jayne) Henderson is continuing the Henderson legacy of instrument building out of her Asheville, NC workshop, but with a focus on sustainable woods.  

https://www.waynehenderson.org/

https://www.ejhendersonguitars.com/

During our chat, we hear about how they each took up guitar building; the instruments they brought to the Summit; their current output; how their workshops differ; and much more. We also hear the duo play a couple of songs. 

Recorded live at the Fretboard Summit on August 25, 2023.

Our next Summit takes place August 22-24, 2024 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free along with bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:   https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order and check out the new updates for Ozone 11 and their vocal software, Nectar 4.

Josh Scott (JHS) interviews Andy Powers (Taylor, Powers Electric) live from our 2023 Fretboard Summit! Drew Shirley (Switchfoot) joins in on the fun. 

They discuss Andy's career before Taylor, his creative process today, the new Powers Electric line of guitars, and much more.

https://www.taylorguitars.com/ https://powerselectricguitars.com/

https://www.jhspedals.info/

Recorded live at the Fretboard Summit on August 26, 2023.

Our next Summit takes place August 22-24, 2024 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free along with bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:   https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order and check out the new updates for Ozone 11 and their vocal software, Nectar 4.

Every month, Mike Adams (@puisheen) joins Jason for a lively recap of guitar industry news. This time around, we talk all about last month's Fretboard Summit in Chicago!  Mike talks about a chance enounter with Z.Vex, Star Trek sleep sounds, some of his favorite Summit discoveries, the JHS Germanium Chef competition, and more.

Jason talks about the new electric tenor guitar he received, some of his favorite Summit moments, and plans for the 2024 Summit (August 22 - 24, once again at Chicago's Old Town School).

We then talk about Mike's recent surprise appearance with Glen Hansard and the Swell Season at their Chateau Ste. Michelle concert. 

Watch Mike play alongside Glen here:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwlkBugPN4H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Jorma Kaukonen (Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane) joins us onstage at the Fretboard Summit to talk about his love for Flammang acoustic guitars, "the Legendary Typewriter Tape" with Janis Joplin, why he's about to take a break from electric gigs, the status of Fur Peace Ranch, the magic of Jack Casady, "Water Song" "Embryonic Journey," why it's easier to teach songwriting than do it, CBD oil, and so much more.

Recorded live at the Fretboard Summit on August 25, 2023. Our next Summit takes place August 22-24, 2024 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order and check out the new updates for Ozone 11 and their vocal software, Nectar 4.

Lots of us daydream about one day building a guitar from scratch. A set of guitar strings? That seems nearly impossible. On this week’s podcast, we talk to Scott Marquart, the founder and owner of Stringjoy. In the span of a decade, he’s gone from launching a custom guitar string company out of his bedroom to running an expansive factory in Nashville building a wide variety of guitar, bass and mandolin strings. It's a story unlike any we've ever told.

We learn about the company’s growth, the machines needed to make strings, why he just entered the mandolin market and so much more.

Try a set of Stringjoy strings out and get 10% off your first order with the discount code FRETBOARD.

https://stringjoy.com

Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

For the last several months, we’ve been following Micah Bruce of Bruce Guitars as he builds a unique guitar that he'll unveil at the 2023 Fretboard Summit. It’s an instrument based on the classic Harmony H49 Stratotone shape, but it’s completely overhauled and like nothing that ever left the Harmony factory.   This week, we catch up with Micah and hear all about the new guitar, which he’s dubbed his Jayne model, after his daughter. We also hear about the other instruments he’s building for the showcase, his thoughts on relic’ing, what makes a great Tele, his ukulele output and so much more.

https://bruceguitars.com/

Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. Come see Micah! https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

Richard Smith is unstoppable. The British fingerstyle guitarist has a grueling tour schedule, a busy Nashville studio that he recently adapted into a video studio, online music lessons, and probably a few projects that we don't even know about. But, mostly, he's got a lot of driving to do. 

https://www.richardsmithmusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/richardsmithmusic/

Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

We have a new addition to the Fretboard Journal's podcast lineup, Steel: The Steel Guitar Podcast!

Once a month, host Matt Perpick will interview steel players (young and old) about their stories, their gear, and inspiration. 

For his first installment, Perpick interviews Rich Hinman, a steel player who has backed the likes of k.d. lang, Sara Bareilles, and Rosanne Cash. He’s also a frequent collaborator with FJ favorite Adam Levy. 

Today, we're giving you a sneak peek at the first 15 minutes of the debut episode so you can check it out.

Want to hear the whole thing? Subscribe to Steel: The Steel Guitar Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to hear the whole hour-plus interview. It's great, even if you don't play steel.

We'll have a new, full-length FJ podcast episode out tomorrow. 

Love our podcast offerings and all that we do? Help us grow by supporting us on our brand-new Patreon for as little as $5 a month. You'll get bonus podcasts, ad-free episodes and more. 

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

In just four years, 14-year-old Wyatt Ellis has gone from discovering bluegrass music for the first time to becoming one of its rising stars. This is the story of a prodigy who taught himself how to play the mandolin (and guitar and fiddle) through the pandemic and has already graced stages with Peter Rowan and Billy Strings. He has a Grand Ole Opry appearance under his belt, a new single with Sierra Hull (and an album in the works), and he's the proud new owner of one of Marty Stuart's old Gibson Lloyd Loar-signed mandolins.

During our chat, we hear how he did it, what it's like to play with your music heroes, and where he's headed. https://wyattellis.com/

Wyatt Ellis & Sierra Hull - "Grassy Cove" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TgNSPKCsX8

Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

We first spoke to electric guitarmaker Jon "Sully" Sullivan on the podcast back in 2018 (episode 204). This week marks Sully's long-awaited return back onto the podcast. We talk about his '71 Trella model; how he's incorporated technology like CNCs into his builds; the economics (and realities) behind creating your own import line of guitars (his Korean-made Conspiracy series is currently taking reservations); why he's taken a break from teaching guitar-making; and so much more.

Plus: the je ne sais quoi of French words; the genius of Duncan Price (@diskobebe), the NAMM Boutique Guitar Showcase, trademark talk, and more!  Follow: https://www.sullyguitars.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sullyguitars/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Sully's hometown of Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

This week’s double-header of an episode is all about the 2023 Fretboard Summit taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. As you hopefully know, the Summit is a three-day-long guitar show and festival curated by the Fretboard Journal. All weekend long, you can meet some of your favorite players and guitarmakers, try out new products, and have some fun. Performers include Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Parker, Jorma Kaukonen, Via Mardot and numerous others…and you’re invited.

Register: https://fretboardsummit.org/

We start the podcast off by talking about some new Summit additions and updates, including many not currently announced on the site.

At 15:36, we interview guitarmaker Creston Lea of Creston Guitars. He’s attended every Summit the Fretboard Journal has thrown and shares some of his favorite memories over the years. Then we get a recap of last year's Nickel Wound Chef competition, where Creston was pitted against Duncan Price in an hour-long Partscaster build-off (think: Iron Chef but for guitarmaking). Last, but not least, Creston tells us a bit about his current guitar builds, what it’s like to have Gene Parsons install B-Benders on one of your guitars, and much more.

http://crestonguitars.com/ 

Watch the Nickel Wound Chef highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A6cioaiHBM

Creston competed against Duncan Price: https://www.instagram.com/diskobebe/

Trophy maker Tom Longobardi: https://tomlongobardi.com/

At 45:32, we talk to luthier Micah Bruce of Bruce Guitars. Micah is making a very special, Harmony H-49-inspired electric guitar that one lucky Summit attendee will go home with. We chat about the Summit build, the art of lamination, how modern luthiers utilize CNCs in their builds, re-topping vintage Martins, and hear about what other guitars Micah will be bringing to Chicago. It’s a great chat.

https://bruceguitars.com/

We still have a very limited number of three-day, all-access Summit passes available that include all the weekend’s programming and the concerts. Just want to come to the lutherie showcase and guitar shop? Tickets are now on sale for $30. They will also be available at the door.  

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

Meet Jonathan Stout, a Southern California-based jazz guitarist best known as a bandleader in the swing dance world. Jonathan's story is unlike any we've ever heard: Here's someone who cites Kirk Hammett as an influence, along with Benny Goodman guitarist Allan Reuss. He's a player, a scholar of early jazz guitar, a drummer, and he can even get you out of a traffic ticket (yep, he's also a lawyer). 

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

Saltwater Hank is a Ts’msyen musician based in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. On Canada Day, 2023, he released his new and boldest album to date, 'G​̱​al'u​̈​u​̈​nx Wil Lu Holtga Liimi.' It’s an entire country album sung in Sm'algyax, the Ts’msyen language.

On this week’s FJ Podcast, we talk to Saltwater Hank about the project, its release day (and why that’s important), his songwriting process, the power of language, the gear he used and so much more. It's a great chat.

https://saltwaterhank.bandcamp.com/album/g-alu-u-nx-wil-lu-holtga-liimi

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

You've never heard a tale like that of guitarist Rick Deitrick. A product of the '60s, Rick went from playing the accordion as a kid in Ohio to joining a rock band and performing at love-ins throughout Southern California. Once he found a $100 Yamaha acoustic at a pawn shop, his life took a new turn: He'd take his guitar (sans case) out on hikes and create acoustic instrumentals influenced by his surroundings. The byproduct of these hikes was a series of self-released albums, now reissued as a boxed set by Tompkins Square Records. Quirky backstory aside, it's gorgeous music that has stood the test of time. 

This interview has it all: 1960s love-ins, a cranky John Fahey, a two-foot-tall chipmunk, a guitar sacrificed in a fit of rage, and a musician who continues to march to the beat of his own drummer. Learn more about Rick Deitrick's 'The Unguitarist: Complete Works, 1969-2022' here:  https://tompkinssquare.bandcamp.com/album/the-unguitarist-complete-works-1969-2022

Follow Jason's new Substack here for behind-the-scenes FJ content: https://substack.com/@fretboardjournal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

Banjo great Alison Brown joins us on this week’s podcast to talk about her new album, On Banjo, and so much more. We chat about how she discovered bluegrass music while growing up in Southern California, her lifelong friendship with Stuart Duncan, the challenges of running a record label in 2023 (Alison and her husband run Compass Records), teaching, increasing the number of female banjo players, and a lot more. It’s a great chat.

https://alisonbrown.bandcamp.com/album/on-banjo

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

Musician/producer Blake Mills and Chris Weisman sit down with us to talk about Jelly Road, the forthcoming album they’ve co-written (out July 14 via New Deal / Verve Records). They talk about how they met – Chris is based in Brattleboro, Vermont, while Blake is based in Los Angeles – and the writing and recording process behind the gorgeous new album. We also chat about Blake’s recent appearance backing up Joni Mitchell at her already-legendary Gorge performance earlier this week, his current favorite guitars and gear (including the fretless guitar built by Duncan Price), the dangers of slide playing, and a lot more.

Blake appeared on our Mystery of G. Weller Podcast earlier this year: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-406-the-mystery-of-g-weller/

Listen to Mills’ new single “Skeleton Is Walking” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri-pr4Egzng

Pre-order Jelly Road: https://blakemills.lnk.to/jellyroadID

See Blake Mills and Chris Weisman on their West Coast tour, now through June 2023: https://www.blakemillsonline.com

Chris Weisman’s Bandcamp: https://chrisweisman.bandcamp.com

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, Chicago, Duncan Price will be there!): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

Every month, we recap the latest guitar industry news with offset guitar hero Mike Adams (@puisheen). The month of May was fairly slow on the guitar news front, but Mike and FJ Publisher Jason Verlinde soldier on and discuss some of their favorite YouTube videos of late, ponder the world of signature guitars, share Fretboard Summit updates, talk about a recent Yeah Yeah Yeahs concert, honor the Iron Sheik (RIP), and more.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, Chicago!): https://fretboardsummit.org

Wire Instruments: https://www.wireinstruments.com/

Watch Mike bend a vibrato arm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92dBXYf7-5k

Support Mike’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puisheen

Jason interviews Jim D'Addario, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers about Taylor Guitars' switch to D'Addario: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-dPpPuc4RE

David Lindley Tribute Concert: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/farewell-mr-dave-a-hometown-bids-goodbye-to-david-lindley/

Mason Stoops on Tim Pierce’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vrZjv8ojVQ

The Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-vintage-amps-with-skip-simmons/id1442046563 Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

On June 9, 2023, Fretboard Journal contributor and Kalamazoo Gals author John Thomas will set out on the wildest adventure of his life: Bikepacking the 2700-mile Tour Divide mountain bike route, from Banff, Canada to the US/Canada border. On this very special bonus episode of the podcast, we check in with John before he rides off. We talk about his recent piece on the Scott Chinery Blue Guitar collection for the new, 52nd issue of our magazine, discuss John’s health (he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020), talk about his hopes/fears for the ride, and so much more.

Follow John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.thomas.98

Kalamazoo Gals: https://kalamazoogals.com

John’s Prostate Cancer Recovery Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@prostatecancerrecoverydiar6315/featured

John Thomas and Greg Voros (Gruhn Guitars) at the Artisan Guitar Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4KUg4PENuE

Want to meet John and many other FJ Podcast guests? Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

When the pandemic hit and live gigs were canceled, innumerable musicians began live-streaming concerts from home as a way to stay connected with fans. Among those was San Francisco-based duo Craig Ventresco and Meredith Axelrod, who perform ragtime guitar, early jazz and blues songs from the 1890s to the 1930s. Fast forward three years and Meredith and Craig are somehow still at it, streaming live performances from their home six evenings a week. In fact, they just celebrated their 1000th live-stream concert. On this week's FJ Podcast, we follow up with this pair of musicians whom we first documented on Ep. 290 of the podcast (link), back when they only had 100 or so shows under their belt. We hear about how their show has evolved, how they pick their repertoire, and so much more.  Follow the duo on Meredith's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/meredithaxelrod Support the duo here:  Paypal.me/meredithaxelrod Venmo: meredithaxelrod

Want to meet some of the many personalities interviewed on this podcast? Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

Musician, therapist and zine publisher Matt Baldwin joins us this week for an insightful chat about the creative process and so much more. Matt talks to us about his career as a guitarist and the influence that Robbie Basho and John Fahey had on his largely self-taught playing. We also talk about his 'How to Play Guitar' zine series, where he shares some of his favorite tips, quotes, and life hacks. Last but not least, we discuss the Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy that he's conducting out of his Southern California office and learn about the crucial role that music plays in these sessions with his clients. 

Some links discussed in this episode: https://www.instagram.com/baldwin_unlimited/ https://www.ketamineprovidersnetwork.com/ https://www.music-centered.org/ https://bandcamp.com/tag/psychic-arts

Want to meet some of the many personalities interviewed on this podcast? Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

Musician, writer and educator Cameron Knowler joins us this week to talk about his incredible  self-published book, Guitars Have Feelings Too, and so much more. We learn about Cameron’s singular upbringing in Arizona (including how he was "unschooled" for most of his youth) and hear about how a random encounter with Norman Blake's music as a teenager forever changed his life. We also get his thoughts on the difference between old time and bluegrass music, the perils of flatpicking contests, how to horse trade instruments with your heroes, and so much more.

Knowler is the FJ's newest contributor and in our 52nd issue, he pens a lengthy interview with Phoebe Bridgers' guitarist Harrison Whitford. We're happy to announce that Knowler will also be teaching the music of Norman Blake at the 2023 Fretboard Summit alongside Bob Minner.

Order your copy of Guitars Have Feelings Too here:

https://www.cameronknowler.com/shop-1/p/guitars-have-feelings-too

Want to meet Cameron, Bob Minner, Wayne Henderson, Josh Scott, Bill Frisell, and dozens of other guitar luminaries? Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

Offset guitar authority, tech and journalist Mike Adams (@puisheen) joins us for another monthly recap of guitar news, but this episode is about a lot more than just industry updates. To start, Mike shares a deeply moving story about the loss of his father. Around the 24-minute mark, we discuss some recent guitar news, including the new offerings that debuted at NAMM like the Guild Surfliner Deluxe, the Martin StreetLegend D-18, the T-Rex Binson Echorec, and the Yamaha FG9.

We also talk about the announcement of a new CEO for Gibson; the mystery of G. Weller; Fretboard Summit updates; the Dr. Herringbone 'Tone Traveler' (full review to come) and more.

Join Mike Adams' Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puisheen  Jason Mays NAMM highlights: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/namm-2023-highlights/ The Mystery of G. Weller Podcast: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-406-the-mystery-of-g-weller/ The Dr. Herringbone Tone Traveler: https://www.drherringbone.com/

Want to meet Mike, Josh Scott, Bill Frisell, and dozens of other guitar luminaries?  Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

Detroit's Via Mardot makes incredible music that evokes classic exotica and Spaghetti Western soundtracks, but her journey is far from traditional. Since dropping out of high school, she's put all of her energy into composing, playing and learning new instruments and gear. She showcases her multi-track creations on Instagram - making captivating videos where she plays ALL the parts (including guitar parts, bass percussion, theremin, and musical saw) - and has garnered an astounding 100,000+ Instagram followers. She's also become a Reverend Guitars endorsee.  On this week's FJ Podcast, we talk to Via Mardot about her growth as an artist, how she taught herself to play all of these instruments, and the perils of playing the musical saw. It's a great chat with a young artist doing something truly original.      https://www.instagram.com/viamardot/

(Vintage movie Jason mentioned on the podcast: 'Multiple Sidosis' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mblxjfh5kE) Via Mardot will be performing at The Fretboard Summit, our three-day celebration of all-things-guitar taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. In addition to Via Mardot, featured performers include Wayne Henderson, Jeff Parker, Bryan Sutton, Jorma Kaukonen, Jake Eddy, and numerous others. During the Summit, we'll also be hosting our first-ever Germanium Chef, an Iron Chef-inspired pedal build-off hosted by Josh Scott and featuring Robert Keeley against Heather Brown. There will also be jam rooms, parties, live podcast tapings, and tons of surprises.

Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/ 

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (use the discount code FRETBOARD and save 10% off your first order). Subscribe to our keepsake print magazine here.

Prepare to have your mind blown by Michael King, founder of Cowbrand Design. 

Michael is an authority on vintage Chicago-made guitars (Kay, Regal, etc), a repair ninja, an early adopter of 3D printing and CNC machines, a designer, and the creator of some of the most stunning electric guitars around. On this week's podcast, we talk about his start working at a hobby store as a kid, the influence that Scott Chinery's Blue guitars had on his early work, the magic found in Kay electrics (and how to fix them), his residency with  Bantam Tools and so much more. 

We also talk about the space-inspired guitar Michael built for Vernon Reid, how he uses 3D printing and CNCs in his builds (and where he doesn't use them), and so much more. 

https://www.cowbranddesign.com/

Longtime Fretboard Journal correspondent Ryan Richter knows a lot about music. So, when Spotify turned him onto a mysterious album of guitar instrumentals entitled Pirate Songs of the Lower Islands, his curiosity was piqued. Who is G. Weller, the artist behind the collection of beguiling acoustic guitar instrumentals? When were these recordings made? And why would such a talented musician have basically no internet paper trail?

On today’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, Richter tries to uncover the mystery behind Pirate Songs…  It’s a journey that involves Weller’s label, Full Color Sound Records, musician/producer Blake Mills, and a bait-and-tackle shop in Nova Scotia.

Listen to Pirate Songs of the Lower Islands on Spotify here.

Full Color Sound Records Bandcamp: https://fullcolorsoundrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow Ryan Richter here: https://www.instagram.com/misterrichter/

Our podcast is sponsored by the 2023 Fretboard Summit, Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

The always-entertaining guitar tech/writer/historian/musician Michael James Adams (@puisheen) joins Jason this week to talk about life updates, offset Fenders, the proper setup of a Jazzmaster setup and so much more. In a new feature, we then recap some of the memorable guitar news of the month of March 2023, including some cool guitar-centric events, the new EMG pickups for Jazzmasters (the EMG Retro Active JMaster), Taylor Guitars selling direct, the JHS Show / Digitech Bad Monkey saga, the passings of some great guitar heroes, and a lot more. 

https://www.instagram.com/puisheen

Need a subscription to our keepsake print magazine? Simply click here.

For five decades, Lansing, Michigan's Elderly Instruments has been an institution for vintage guitar, banjo, and mandolin lovers. Founded in 1972 by Stan Werbin, the store has provided old and new instruments to countless musicians around the world through its storefront, legendary catalogs, and, now, website.

On this week's podcast, we talk to Elderly's new President, Lillian Werbin, about this famed store. She gives us a brief history, explains why she decided to work at the family business, and describes her hopes for the shop's future and the collector's market in general.  It's a great chat with a young retail visionary who is committed to maintaining Elderly's stellar reputation while also looking forward.

Need a subscription to our keepsake print magazine? Simply click here.

This week, we're offering two episodes! 

Two of Nashville's finest musicians have teamed up once again for a new album.

On the recently released  'Living In A Song,' Dobro master Rob Ickes and guitarist Trey Hensley perform a collection of tunes that showcase their songwriting chops. On this week's podcast, we talk about the making of the album, Rob's background (he's a rare Dobro player who didn't start out on guitar!), the art of co-writing, working with Taj Mahal, the gear they use, Doc Watson, and much more. Watch Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley perform "Moonshine Run": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZZMtb5iv98

https://www.robandtrey.com/

Subscribe to our print magazine here to support all that we do (and get the world's greatest guitar magazine in your mailbox every few months). 

Register for our 2023 Chicago Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023) here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

The Fretboard Summit is a one-of-a-kind festival where you can connect with some of your favorite musicians, brands, and luthiers, including many you've read about in the pages of our magazine or heard on this podcast. Tickets are limited and going fast.

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

For our 400th episode, we mix things: You're invited to take a roadtrip with acclaimed luthier Isaac Jang and Fred Walecki of Westwood Music fame. Fred regales us with stories about working with Joni Mitchell, who he affectionately calls "Beethoven in drag." We hear about how he connected Joni with guitarmaker Ken Parker, how the Roland VG-8 allowed her to access her dozens of personalized tunings onstage, some Jaco Pastorius tales, and so much more.

Read our profile on Fred from the Fretboard Journal's ninth edition (now long out-of-print): https://www.fretboardjournal.com/features/community-center-fred-waleckis-fabled-westwood-music-is-part-instrument-shop-part-social-club/

https://www.facebook.com/malibumusicshop/ https://www.isaacjangguitars.com/ Register for our 2023 Chicago Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023) here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

The Fretboard Summit is a one-of-a-kind festival where you can connect with some of your favorite musicians, brands, and luthiers, including many you've read about in the pages of our magazine or heard on this podcast. Tickets are limited and going fast.

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

On this week's podcast, we're joined by two instrument-making legends, Michael Gurian and Dick Boak. Gurian was of course the namesake founder of Gurian Guitars, while Boak famously worked at Martin Guitars for four decades. Michael and Dick recently co-authored the Fretboard Journal's first standalone book, 'An Instrument Maker's Guide to Insanity and Redemption.' It's a compilation of off-beat and behind-the-scenes stories from dozens of instrument makers and repair people. Included are entries by George Gruhn, Kathy Wingert, Joe Glaser, Bob Taylor, Linda Manzer, and others.

During our chat, the duo talks about how the book project came together, the recurring themes found amidst these various luthiers' tales, why instrument makers need to have a great sense of humor, and so much more. In addition to talking about the book, we also hear about the instruments Michael and Dick are currently working on,  including the all-spruce guitar that Boak recently built. Michael shares stories from the old days of wood buying in New York City and tells us about how he just reunited with one of his old clients, Paul Simon. 

It's a great chat with two acoustic guitar innovators.

Order the Gurian / Boak book here: 

https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/pre-order-an-instrument-makers-guide-to-insanity-and-redemption

Register for our 2023 Fretboard Summit here: 

https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

Seattle's Jimmy James has been one of the city's most exciting guitarists for years. He's currently the guitarist in the True Loves, among other projects, and was formerly in the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. On this week's podcast, we talk to the funk / jazz / soul / blues musician about growing up in Washington State, hearing "My Girl" for the first time, the music that helped shape his sonic palette, his cherished Silvertone, his time in New York City, and so much more. 

https://www.instagram.com/jimmyscratchjames/

The True Loves on KEXP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD2hNsY6G7E

Register for our 2023 Fretboard Summit here: 

https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

This week, mandolin virtuoso and educator Joe K. Walsh gives us a mini master class on the art of listening and improvising as we celebrate the release of his new album, 'If Not Now, Who?' 

The project features Walsh with Matt Flinner (banjo), guitarist Grant Gordy, Ella Jordan (fiddle), John Mailander (fiddle), John Suntken (drums), and Karl Doty (bass). Walsh walks us through the process of recording the record, talks about what he's learned after years of teaching at Berklee, and gives us a rundown of his current mandolin lineup.

The album is now available here: https://joewalsh.bandcamp.com/album/if-not-now-who

Order the Fretboard Journal magazine here: 

https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-subscription-no-auto-renew

Order 'An Instrument Maker's Guide to Insanity & Redemption' here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/pre-order-an-instrument-makers-guide-to-insanity-and-redemption

Register for our 2023 Fretboard Summit here: 

https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we pay tribute to David Crosby. 

Croz was a dear friend to the Fretboard Journal magazine and all that we do. Over the last 15 years, we were lucky enough to interview him several times about his music, his guitar collection, and more. 

For this episode, we're sharing two of our favorite interviews with Croz: One that he and Joe Henry had at the first Fretboard Summit (originally aired as episode 92 of this podcast). We're also sharing a previously unheard interview that we did with Crosby in 2021 around the 50th anniversary of his solo album, If I Could Only Remember My Name. He tells us about the making of that seminal album, working with Jerry Garcia, his (at the time) new album, For Free, and his love for working with the Lighthouse band. We also chat about what he was listening to at the time (including Sarah Jarosz) and more. 

We hope you enjoy these two candid talks with a true music hero who kept pushing the creative envelope until the very end. If you enjoy this episode (or any others) please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and please share the show with friends. 

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

On this week's podcast, we're talking to singer-songwriter Lincoln Barr, who recently released a gorgeous new album, 'Forfeit the Prize.' Lincoln was a fixture of Seattle's music scene for years but currently resides in Lexington, South Carolina. That hasn't stopped him from assembling an all-star group of musicians - scattered around the country - for his latest project.

During our interview, we talk about his influences (including Burt Bacharach), how he assembled the lineup found on his record, his songwriting process, and more.

To coincide with this interview, we'll be posting a new video with Lincoln performing at the Fretboard Journal's Seattle headquarters. Follow us on YouTube to watch it. 

Guitarist Jake Eddy joins us this week for a lively conversation about bluegrass, guitars, social media, and more. Jake was one of the big discoveries for many attending the 2022 Fretboard Summit at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk. During this week's talk, we discuss his bluegrass roots in West Virginia (including his first gigs as a banjo player alongside his grandfather), his recent performances with Andy Statman, why he hates being considered an internet guitarist, and why he recently signed on as a Yamaha artist. It's a great chat. SEATTLE: The Fretboard Journal is presenting Jake Eddy at Seattle's Rabbit Box Theater in Pike Place Market this Saturday, January 7 at 6 p.m. If you're near Seattle, come see what all the fuss is about. Admission is free, but give a donation to Jake! 

Jake Eddy: https://jakeeddy.wixsite.com/website

Jake's IG (which you should all follow): https://www.instagram.com/thejakeeddy/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal here.

Fretboard Summit 2023 tickets. 

Order our new book, 'An Instrument Maker’s Guide to Insanity and Redemption' here. 

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

Guitarist Jamie Stillway joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the making of her new album, 'Lullaby for a Stranger.' This meditative, effects-laden, and ambient-leaning record is a departure for Stillway, who is best known for her exquisite flattop playing. From her new home on Vashon Island in Washington, Jamie tells us about the original inspiration for this project, the guitar that's transformed her playing style (a 15" archtop built by luthier Maegen Wells), why she wanted this release to come out on vinyl, and much more.

http://jamiestillway.com

Stillway has shared a new video for FJ Podcast listeners, featuring her playing "Wood and Windows." It was filmed by fellow guitarist and frequent collaborator Eric Skye. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFRNQbUn1f8

Get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season. Our 51st issue mails this week! https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

Get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season. Our new issue mails this week! https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

And don't forget to get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

https://www.sierrahull.com

The Fretboard Journal is launching a Substack where we'll be sharing even more content, including photo outtakes, essays, and special podcasts. Be an early supporter here: https://fretboardjournal.substack.com

And don't forget to get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

The Fretboard Journal is launching a Substack where we'll be sharing even more content, including photo outtakes, essays, and special podcasts. Be an early supporter here: https://fretboardjournal.substack.com

And don't forget to get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

Author Kristina R. Gaddy joins us this week to talk about her new book, 'Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History.'

This is unlike any instrument history book you've ever read... and we can't recommend it enough. Though it's widely known that the banjo was brought to the Americas via enslaved Black people, there's so much we still don't know about this instrument's earliest period. Through journal entries, books, art, surviving instruments, and some amazing detective work, Gaddy reveals that the banjo wasn't just a musical instrument for slaves... it was also a deeply important spiritual tool. During our chat, we ask Gaddy about the making of the book, the unlikely places she found her evidence, and the construction of those earliest instruments. We also talk about the banjo's growing popularity with a new generation of Black musicians. More on the book: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393866803

More on Kristina R. Gaddy (plus some cool bonus photos of early banjos): www.kristinagaddy.com/wellofsouls

Pete Ross (Gaddy's partner / old-time banjo maker): https://www.banjopete.com The Fretboard Journal is launching a Substack where we'll be sharing even more content, including photo outtakes, essays, and special podcasts. Be an early supporter here: https://fretboardjournal.substack.com

And don't forget to get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

The one-and-only Sam Bush joins us this week for an enlightening talk about John Hartford and so much more. Sam has just released 'Radio John: Songs of John Hartford,' a tribute album to his old friend/mentor where he plays every instrument (acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, and fiddle). We talk about the inspiration behind the album, the Hartford tracks he chose, and his recording process. Sam also talks to us about some of the unique gear he employed. In addition to his tried-and-true 1937 Gibson F-5 mandolin (dubbed "Hoss"), he used a Silvertone bass with 40-year-old strings; a low-tuned banjo on loan from Bela Fleck, and a Cat's Eyes / Tokai copy of a Martin D-42. It's a great chat with a true bluegrass music legend. We hope you enjoy it. Get Sam Bush's 'Radio John' here: https://folkways.si.edu/sam-bush/radio-john-songs-of-john-hartford Get a digital subscription to the Fretboard Journal here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Pre-order An Instrument Maker’s Guide to Insanity and Redemption: Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the Instrument Making and Repair Community here. Our podcast is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

A little over a month ago, UK guitarmaker Richard Waddell (Uberfrank Guitars) shared photos of his latest creation to Instagram: an electric baritone guitar built for musician and friend Daniel Marcus Clark. This wild instrument - featuring a unique offset body, a Charlie Christian pickup in the neck, a three-pole bass pickup, dual outputs, a built-in capo system, and even a secret compartment in the pickguard - made guitarists around the world take notice. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Richard and Daniel about their collaboration. We discuss the original inspiration for the body's shape (a vintage Coral Hornet), Daniel's unique live rig, the unlikely hinge that made the secret compartment work, the ideas that didn't make it in to the finished guitar, plus a lot more. Daniel Marcus Clark's new album, 'I've been thinking,' is available now on Bandcamp if you want to hear this guitar (and musician) in action. https://danielmarcusclark.bandcamp.com 

https://www.uberfrankguitars.com

Love the show and want to support the Fretboard Journal Podcast? Pick up a digital subscription to our magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

(It's just $30 annually and it goes a long way towards supporting the show...and you get to read the Fretboard Journal!) 

Pre-order An Instrument Maker’s Guide to Insanity and Redemption: Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the Instrument Making and Repair Community here. Our podcast is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

Grammy-nominated bluegrass musician Frank Solivan has led a fascinating life. On this week's podcast, we talk to the frontman of Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen about a bit of everything: the band's new album, 'Hold On;' his side hobbies of lutherie, pick making, and leather tooling; his songwriting process on the mandolin; and more. 

Frank is a true renaissance man. This is a great chat; we think you'll love it. 

http://dirtykitchenband.com

https://toneslabs.com

https://thesolworks.com

Love the show and want to support the Fretboard Journal Podcast? Pick up a digital subscription to our magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

(It's just $30 annually and it goes a long way towards supporting the show...and you get to read the Fretboard Journal!)  Our podcast is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; and Calton Cases.

Our Chicago Fretboard Summit was filled with highlights. Among them was TJ Thompson's return to the stage for another mind-blowing talk about following your heart, vintage guitar restoration, and so much more. 

During this 90-minute session, the acclaimed pre-war Martin guitar expert offered a bit of everything: Sage advice for new instrument makers; insights on how to protect the value of your acoustic guitars; life hacks that we can all learn from; and even a little beer koozie philosophy lesson. Toward the end of his session, TJ had some quick tips for fellow luthiers. A few benefited from a visual reference so we posted the video excerpts on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/xc02s7rp-bM

It's an unfiltered and candid talk from one of the guitar world's best. For his talk, Thompson invited friends and clients David Ziegele and Al Drewes onstage. You'll hear them occasionally interject and offer their own personal experiences with vintage guitars. Apologies for the lav mic noise; we did our best to reduce it. Recorded live on August 27, 2022 at Old Town's Maurer Hall.  The Fretboard Summit will return to Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music on August 24-26, 2023. We'll share ticketing information soon. TJ's lutherie tool shop: https://proluthiertools.com Donate to Linda Manzer's Sunflower Guitar for Ukraine: https://sunflowerguitar.com

Love the show and want to support the Fretboard Journal Podcast? Pick up a digital subscription to our magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

(It's just $30 annually and it goes a long way towards supporting the show...and you get to read the Fretboard Journal!)  Our podcast is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; and Calton Cases.

Special thanks to our 2022 Fretboard Summit sponsors: C.F. Martin & Co., Collings Guitars, Santa Cruz Guitar Company,  Henriksen Amplifiers, Yamaha Guitars, Reverb,  RØDE Microphones,  Galloup School of Lutherie, Acoustic Coffee and Calton Cases!

This week, we're talking to Simon Dunson, a young artist out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina who is pushing the mandolin to new and wild places. Dunson's debut jazz album, 'Chicken Bridge,' blew us away with its great playing, writing, and electric guitar effects... it's not at all what you think when you envision a "mandolin" record. Check out the opening track, 'Sydney,' here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfUHAQivGHI

During our talk, we hear how Dunson started out as a bluegrass musician but became enamored with jazz and genre-blurring musicians like Bill Frisell and Chris Thile. We talk about his time as a student at Interlochen Center for the Arts and the New England Conservatory's Jazz Studies program; the gear that he's using today (including Dunson's pedalboard and the custom pickup that he found works best on the 8-string instrument), and a lot more. It's a fun introduction to a player you'll be hearing about for years to come. Julian Lage has stated, "I am constantly knocked out by Simon’s mastery as an instrumentalist, improviser, and conceptual artist."  We couldn't agree more. https://simondunson.com http://www.girouardmandolins.com

Guitarmaker and repair expert Eric Daw returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his recently released book, 'Solid Sound: 23 Schematics for Wiring Vintage and Modern Single-Coil, Solid-Body Guitars.' The book features Daw's favorite pickup wiring layouts for Fender-style guitars, including a few that he's closely guarded over the years, along with helpful charts and advice that will have you seeing your guitar in a whole new light.

During our chat, he explains how transformative some of these wiring changes can be to a guitar (even without swapping pickups) and how even a single-pickup Esquire could benefit from a non-stock wiring setup. We also discuss Daw's current guitar output, his repair work, and the call-in guitar repair podcast he hosts, the Fret Files. Order Solid Sound here: https://www.solidsoundbook.com

The Fret Files Podcast: https://www.fretfiles.com

Singer-songwriter Madison Cunningham joins us this week to talk about the making of her exceptional new album, Revealer. We talk about her songwriting process, her favorite pieces of gear (including her forthcoming signature pedal from JHS), her guitar technique, and some of the influences who have shaped her along the way.

http://www.madisoncunningham.com

Look for a video featuring Madison playing "All I've Ever Known," the opening track from Revealer, on fretboardjournal.com soon.

Burlington, Vermont's Zach Nugent has made a successful career out of emulating the guitar playing of Jerry Garcia and the music of the Grateful Dead. To accomplish this feat, he amassed an incredible collection of vintage gear ... allowing him to access whatever gear Jerry was playing during a particular era. Zach's attention to detail is only matched by his work ethic: He takes the music of the Dead very seriously and, contrary to what one would assume about a Jerry Garcia disciple, he's never touched drugs or even alcohol. 

Guitarist and composer Bill Orcutt has always worked on the fringes of music: He's crafted noisy punk as a guitarist in Harry Pussy, served raw blues-inspired acoustic music as a solo artist, and has even composed computer music.

With his new album, 'Music for Four Guitars,' he creates something completely different: 14 compositions for a guitar quartet that, as of now, doesn't really exist. Between Bill's mesmerizing, looped playing (on what turns out to be a Telecaster with two strings removed) and his DIY recording technique (Logic with a "pawnshop" amp plug-in), it's like nothing else you've ever heard. It harkens to the classic sounds of early Minimalism, but with an entirely new twist.

On the podcast, Bill sheds light on this beguiling record, talks to us about his recording process, and explains why he used only the bridge pickup for these compositions. He also describes how he re-created Randy Newman's 'Sail Away' album cover photo and hints at when 'Music for Four Guitars' will actually be played by four guitarists (himself being one of them). Buy this album on Bandcamp and you'll get an 84-page PDF score of these compositions. Who knows? You and three friends may be the first to play them in their entirety. https://billorcutt.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-four-guitars

Recorded live at the 2022 Fretboard Summit in Chicago: Steve McCreary, GM of Collings Guitars & Mandolins joins Fretboard Journal publisher Jason Verlinde for a candid discussion about the revered guitar and mandolin company. 

For over 20 years, Woody Platt served as a guitarist in the Steep Canyon Rangers. During that time, the band became one of the highest profile acts in bluegrass music and accompanied Steve Martin on innumerable dates. 

Earlier this year, Woody announced his retirement from the band. On this week's FJ Podcast, we talk to the musician about how he came to that decision, what projects he's currently focused on, his life as a fly fish guide, and some of the many life and stage lessons he learned from Steve Martin.

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek) joins us this week to talk about his new album, 'Watkins Family Hour, Volume 2.' This project, inspired by the Watkins Family Hour monthly shows at Los Angeles' Largo club, features Sean and Sara Watkins in a studio setting alongside the likes of Lucius, Madison Cunningham, Jon Brion, Jackson Browne, Benmont Tench, Fiona Apple, and others. We talk about the magic of Largo and the community that surrounds it; Sean's favorite guitars (and keyboards); his work as a soundtrack composer; and much more. Listen to the album here: https://orcd.co/volii

Learn more about Largo here: https://largo-la.com

Love our podcast and magazine? Our Chicago Fretboard Summit takes place August 25-27 at the Old Town School of Folk Music. We have concerts with Molly Tuttle, Julian Lage, and the Milk Carton Kids, live podcast tapings, and a 50-exhibitor handmade guitar show. Go here for details: https://fretboardsummit.org 

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

With the Fretboard Summit at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music just over a week away (August 25-27, 2022), Jason shares some last-minute updates on this sprawling guitar gathering, as well as a surprise announcement or two (any Dead fans out there?). We hope to see you there! 

https://fretboardsummit.org

The Summit will have 50 of the greatest handmade guitarmakers showcasing their creations, in addition to guitar experts and authorities, incredible musicians (Molly Tuttle, the Milk Carton Kids, Julian Lage), and lots of surprises. It's a rare opportunity to meet many former FJ Podcast guests in-person, including TJ Thompson, Steve McCreary (Collings), Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Co., Andrew Enns of Yamaha, Maegen Wells, the Milk Carton Kids, Creston Lea, Duncan Price, and dozens more. 

Tickets are still available. We are now selling single-day guitar show-only passes, as well as single-day All-Access passes which get you into the lectures, workshops, evening concerts, and the occasional game show. 

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

Acclaimed luthier Linda Manzer joins us this week to talk about her latest creation, Sunflower Guitar for Ukraine. This instrument, sporting a gorgeous sunflower inlay headstock and a Ukraine flag-themed Hoffee case, will be on tour for several months raising awareness for the war relief efforts in Ukraine and The $1k Project for Ukraine. Eventually, it will work its way to Ukraine so that guitarists in the country can record with it. During our conversation, Linda recounts her inspiration for the guitar and how it was built. We also hear from Stephen Bennett, one of the instrument's caretakers, about his time with the guitar. The Sunflower Guitar page: https://sunflowerguitar.com

Donate: https://opencollective.com/1kproject/contribute/flower-of-ukraine-guitar-by-linda-manzer-the-usd1k-project-for-ukraine-initiative-42653 Linda Manzer on the FJ's Sweep the Floor Podcast: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/sweep-the-floor-ep-1-linda-manzer/ See the Sunflower Guitar at the Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we introduce you to a young guitarmaker at the very beginning of his career, Asheville, North Carolina-based luthier Judson Riviere. Fresh out of high school, Judson enrolled himself in the Minnesota State College Southeast's Guitar Repair and Building program (aka simply as Red Wing). He then dove deep into guitar repair work for Steve Mason in Kansas and, for the last two years, has apprenticed under acoustic guitarmaker Jason Kostal in Arizona. Judson is finally ready to start building guitars under his name. We talk about the skills he's learned along this journey, how Red Wing turned him into an acoustic guitar fanatic, what the apprenticeship for Jason Kostal looked like, his own guitars, and much more.

The Fretboard Summit, our three-day gathering for guitar fanatics, takes place in Chicago August 25-27, 2022. fretboardsummit.org Get our 50th issue of the Fretboard Journal by subscribing here.

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we check in with Creston Lea of Creston Guitars. We talk about his current guitar production, buying trends, how he utilizes a CNC on his builds, his website documenting every guitar he's built, and so much more. Creston also recounts his memories of attending the first two Fretboard Summits.

We'll be throwing a 2022 Fretboard Summit at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music (Aug 25-27, 2022) where Creston will be competing in our first-ever Nickel Wound Chef competition against builders Duncan Price and Meredith Coloma. As on the Iron Chef show, only one build will reign supreme. crestonguitars.com

fretboardsummit.org Get our 50th issue of the Fretboard Journal by subscribing here.

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Geoff Farina of the band Karate. In the mid-'90s, the Boston-based group earned a cult following with their indie rock-meets-jazz sound. Geoff recounts the band's early days, when he was working part-time for Bill Finnegan assembling Klon Centaurs. He talks about life on the road, the group's breakup, and how they eventually were able to reissue their out-of-print albums on the Numero Group. Most importantly, Geoff is just a rabid guitar nut: He's currently a music educator in Chicago, where he spends his free time buying and selling guitars (acoustic and electric) and building tube amplifiers. July 2022: Karate is currently reunited and back on the road. Follow their tour dates here: https://karateallston.bandcamp.com To order the Numero Group's Karate reissues, click here. 

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

To purchase our magazine or learn about the 2022 Fretboard Summit, visit us at www.fretboardjournal.com. 

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Andrew Enns, Senior Acoustic Guitar Builder at Yamaha. In case you didn't know, Yamaha has a workshop in Southern California, where Andrew and a small team are building the next generation of Yamaha's high-end acoustic guitars. This is a fascinating chat on so many levels: Andrew is a largely self-taught guitarmaker and recounts how he started out building electric guitars on his apartment patio with the information he gleaned from the early days of the internet (including Ed Roman's legendary rants) and Stew-Mac catalogs. He then went on to work for Michael Kelly and Cordoba, where he immersed himself in classical guitar construction. At Yamaha, Andrew's job is not only to make a great acoustic, but to constantly adjust, test, and refine his creations. Known for their high tolerances, the brand has Andrew go through dozens of prototypes for each guitar model he builds, often with the tiniest of differences. He shares some of the discoveries he's made over the years about top thickness, woods, neck joints, and more. We also talk about the new high-end dreadnought has Andrew designed for Yamaha, out sometime in 2023.  https://yamahaguitardevelopment.com

https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/index.html This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

To purchase our magazine or learn about the 2022 Fretboard Summit, visit us at www.fretboardjournal.com. 

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we're talking to Pharis and Jason Romero. 2022 is shaping up to a big year for the Romeros: This week, the duo will release 'Tell 'Em You Were Gold,' their seventh album, and their first project on Smithsonian Folkways. As if that weren't enough, at some point soon, Jason will be putting the finishing touches on their 500th banjo creation. During our chat, we talk about how they balance their lives between instrument making, touring, recording, and family duties. We also talk about the secret tuning that Jason discovers with each of his banjos, how he builds his instruments, the making of their new record, and more. Check out a behind-the-scenes mini doc on the making of the album here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9cHx2ReaHA&ab_channel=SmithsonianFolkways

And check out the documentary we shot nearly a decade ago here: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/fretboard-films-trip-romero-banjos/

The banjo playlist that Jason curated can be found here: https://folkways.si.edu/playlist/the-brain-on-banjos-pharis-jason-romero

Order 'Tell 'Em You Were Gold' here: https://orcd.co/pharis-jason-romero

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

www.fretboardjournal.com

Imagine growing up without a father, but knowing he was alive, somewhere. Now imagine that same scenario but knowing that your dad is also a famous musician. That's the reality for Nabil Ayers - a drummer turned record label executive - whose father is legendary jazz musician Roy Ayers.

In his new book, 'My Life in the Sunshine: Searching for My Father and Discovering My Family,' Nabil describes his unique upbringing, the amazing job his mother did at raising her son, and the profound impact that music continues to make on his life. He also opens up about what it's like to be the only person of color in a mostly-white indie-rock scene, his few attempts to connect with Roy Ayers, and much more.

Order the book here.

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

Jazz musician Snoozer Quinn (1907 - 1949) is one of the guitar world’s great enigmas. In his prime, he performed alongside Paul Whiteman, Bix Beiderbecke, the Dorsey Brothers, Louis Armstrong, and others; lore has it that even Les Paul even learned how to hammer-on and pull-off from Snoozer.

But today Snoozer is largely forgotten because his only attempt at solo studio recordings completely disappeared and he died young after a long battle with tuberculosis. To add insult to injury, the only surviving film footage of Snoozer playing guitar has no audio and the only solo recordings we have of him were literally taped from his deathbed.

On this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, we take a look at Snoozer’s life and legacy with Katy Hobgood Ray and Dan Sumner, who just co-authored a book entitled Snoozer Quinn: Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar Pioneer (Out of the Past Music). Half of the book features Katy’s exhaustive biography on Quinn (one of her distant relatives) with rare photos, while the other half features Dan’s transcriptions of eight Snoozer Quinn arrangements.

Over the course of our interview, we learn about Snoozer’s troubled life, how he got his name, his reputation among his peers, his Gibson instruments, and more. Then Dan sheds light on the Herculean task of transcribing the complex work of Snoozer from the available fragments and breadcrumbs, the guitarist’s unique technique and tunings, and a lot more.

Snoozer Quinn: Fingerstyle Jazz Guitar Pioneer is available here. 

The Fretboard Journal is a reader-supported magazine. If you'd like to subscribe, support what we do, and get our 50th issue (now mailing), simply click here.

We're throwing a 2022 Fretboard Summit in Chicago, where for three days you can attend workshops, panel discussions, live podcast tapings, and try out rare and priceless guitars with the staff of the FJ. Click here for ticket information. 

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

"Every guitar has some secret little thing it's going to tell you." -Bill Frisell Guitarist Bill Frisell and the Fretboard Journal go way back. For this week's podcast, we catch up with Bill and learn about the exhaustive new biography on him, 'Bill Frisell, Beautiful Dreamer: The Guitarist Who Changed the Sound of American Music.' Bill also hints at his forthcoming album, discusses his composing routine, and talks about the guitars that kept him going through the pandemic. We just posted a pair of videos from the same day this conversation took place: "All the Things You Are" "My Man's Gone Now"

Order the new biography on Bill here. And don't forget to check out his new album with Tim O'Brien and Dale Bruning (link). 

Bill will also be featured in our 50th edition, mailing next week. Subscribe now and get your copy. Click here. 

Want to attend the 2022 Fretboard Summit in Chicago? Click here. 

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

Musician Tray Wellington has a truly one-of-a-kind story: As a teenager trying to learn rock riffs on the electric guitar, he stumbled upon the music of Doc Watson. Soon after that, he heard the five-string banjo. 

For the last decade, Tray has devoted himself to that instrument, attending festivals, entering banjo contests, and even majoring in Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music studies at East Tennessee State University. He recently released his debut full-length album, 'Black Banjo.' It's a project where he gets to explore his passion for bluegrass, newgrass and beyond. He also reveals some not-so-traditional music influences, including interpretations of John Coltrane and Roy Hargrove compositions. 

Singer-songwriter and fiddler Lily Henley has a new album like no other: On 'Oras Dezaoradas,' she crafts new music for centuries-old traditional Sephardic Jewish ballads. It's a beautiful project, sung nearly entirely in Ladino, the near-forgotten Sephardic dialect that sounds more like Spanish than anything else.  On this week's podcast, we talk to Henley about the making of 'Oras Dezaoradas,' her unique upbringing in music, her songwriting process, and much more. It's a great chat about a truly unique album. 

https://www.lilyhenley.com

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine and reserve your copy of our keepsake 50th issue, out soon. Click here.

Friends Rich D'Ginto and Mike Desiderio love two things: great guitars and great coffee. So they decided to combine their passions and create Acoustic Coffee Company, a new subscription-based coffee company with perks catering specifically to guitar fanatics. During our chat, Rich and Mike talk about some of the guitarmaking and woodworking pursuits leading up to the launch of the coffee project, where they see the company expanding and a lot more. 

A bonus episode of sorts: Jason describes what he has brewing for the 2022 Fretboard Summit, taking place Aug. 25-27, 2022 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music.

This unique in-person event will feature many former FJ Podcast guests and magazine subjects, live podcast tapings, hands-on displays, a game show, an array of great musicians (The Milk Carton Kids and Molly Tuttle are two of our featured artists), plus  a 50-exhibitor handmade guitar show. We hope to see you there. 

All-access tickets: https://www.oldtownschool.org/fretboardsummit/

Paul Bigsby is one of the most important figures in the world of electric guitar development. Of course, everyone knows about his namesake (and still enduring) vibrato design. But the ultra-rare creations he made before the vibrato took off - innovative lap steels, pedal steels, electrics, and neck conversions - are the stuff of legend. These instruments, primarily built for country stars in the '40s and '50s, helped usher in  and influence the modern electric guitar. New York City's Retrofret Vintage Guitars recently posted what might be the last Spanish-necked guitar that Bigsby ever built. Previously undocumented, this guitar was finished on September 15, 1958 for a Midwest studio owner named Larry (whose name is still engraved in the pickguard). At the time, Larry's guitar order cost around $400. Today's asking price? $750,000. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to the always-lively Steve Uhrik and Peter Kohman from Retrofret about it. We hear about how this guitar ended up at their store, Bigsby's incredible legacy as a guitar designer (and why it's so hard to copy one even today), the evolution of early electric guitar design, Bigsby's strained relationship with Leo Fender (and Semie Moseley), the skinny "hot rod" neck that Bigsby specialized in, and the time Merle Haggard bought Lefty Frizzell's Gibson J-200 from Retrofret (and the gamble with Haggard they politely declined). We also hear about Retrofret's recent video shoot with Bill Frisell on this Bigsby guitar and what Bill thought of it. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOZ9eBrFZz0

This is an entertaining chat about both an extremely collectible instrument and the rich history of the electric guitar. We hope you enjoy it.

This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and support all that we do, including our growing family of podcasts. Click here.

On our 357th episode, we heard an incredible guitar safari tale from the Po' Ramblin' Boys' C.J. Lewandowski that involved a trip to Greece in the middle of a pandemic, an underground bank vault and the Lloyd Loar-signed Gibson mandolin he ended up bringing home. Today we're sharing the second half of that interview where C.J. talks to us about the Po' Ramblin' Boys' new record, 'Never Slow Down' (out now), his band's lineup, signing to Smithsonian Folkways, and much more. Yes, there's even another great mandolin lost & found story.  This episode is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time). Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and support all that we do, including our growing family of podcasts. Click here.

Afie Jurvanen (Bahamas) joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about life on the road, his 2020 album 'Sad Hunk,' Bahamas' often hilarious Instagram feed and so much more. We also talk about his gear of choice (including the Nachocaster guitar he recently purchased), the importance of walking, and the perks of ending up on all those Spotify "chill" playlists. It's a fun chat with one of our favorite artists. During Afie's visit, we also filmed him performing two songs. Look for those soon on fretboardjournal.com.

 https://www.bahamasmusic.net

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Mono Cases, Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time); and www.acoustic.coffee (use the code FJCoffee2021 and get a free bag when you order two or more). 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our 50th issue. Join us by clicking on this link. 

Norman Blake turns 84 this week. To celebrate, we’re joined by guitarist Bob Minner who is about to release an entire Normal Blake tribute album, From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn (Engelhardt Music Group). Minner, longtime guitarist for Tim McGraw and FJ contributor, recruited a who’s-who of virtuosos on the album, including Mike Compton, Chris Eldridge, Vince Gill, Trey Hensley, Kenny Smith and Tim Stafford. It’s a gorgeous album.

https://minnerguitar.com

During our chat, we talk to Bob about the project, his visits to Norman's house, the vintage guitars used on the project, and the Martin that Norman is currently excited about (it may just surprise you). Plus a lot more...

Whether you’ve been inspired by Norman Blake like countless others or you just want to hear about this unique American treasure (and all the cool instruments he’s championed), you’ll love this chat.

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Mono Cases, Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time); and www.acoustic.coffee (use the code FJCoffee2021 and get a free bag when you order two or more). 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our 50th issue. Join us by clicking on this link. 

How far would you go for a great deal on the instrument of your dreams? How about a 5,500 mile trip halfway around the world in the middle of a pandemic? On this week's podcast, we meet C.J. Lewandowski, mandolinist and lead singer for the Po' Ramblin' Boys. C.J. just flew to Greece to buy a Lloyd Loar-signed Gibson F-5 mandolin, dated July 9, 1923, just like Bill Monroe's.

He recounts the leap of faith he took to obtain it, the complexities of buying an instrument overseas, the condition of the mandolin when he finally obtained it (which had likely never played bluegrass prior to his ownership), and what's next. It's the ultimate guitar, err, mandolin safari tale... all the way to Athens, Greece and back. The Po' Ramblin' Boys have a great new album coming out March 25, 2022 called Never Slow Down on Smithsonian Folkways. We'll hear more about that on a future FJ Podcast episode.

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Mono Cases, Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time); and www.acoustic.coffee (use the code FJCoffee2021 and get a free bag when you order two or more). 

You're going to love this hilarious and insightful chat with a true zen master of the music business, singer-songwriter Steve Poltz.

This is one of the wildest Fretboard Journal conversations we've ever had. Sit back and hear about Steve's excellent new album, 'Stardust & Satellites,' produced by Oliver Wood and Jano Rix of the Wood Brothers.

We also hear about Steve's childhood encounter with Elvis, some truly wild gigs with the Rugburns, why you should never take that gig opening for Styx, why record sales don't matter, the perils of cocaine (and elephants), and why Bob Taylor didn't want Steve to take "Smokey Joe" (his now-cherished Taylor guitar). Poltz famously co-wrote "You Were Meant for Me" with Jewel, but he continues to co-write with some of our favorite artists, including Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle, Anthony da Costa, and Sierra Hull. We hear about all that... and more.

"I've never quit. It gets better every year. I'm the most unjaded musician you'll ever meet..." -Steve Poltz 

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time); and www.acoustic.coffee (use the code FJCoffee2021 and get a free bag when you order two or more). 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and support all that we do, including our growing family of podcasts. 

Musician Sam Weber joins us this week to talk about the making of his new album, 'Get Free.' The Canadian-born songwriter and guitarist crafted the album along with his partner, musician Mallory Hauser, and Danny Austin-Manning. Recorded in a Hollywood apartment, the album is full of unique old and new gear, including Kalamazoo amps, a rubber-bridged guitar built by Reuben Cox, a Partscaster and more. It harkens to the sounds of Bahamas, Blake Mills, Adam Levy and other FJ favorites, but with its own unique spin. During our chat, we talk about the making of the album, Weber's quirky gear choices, the life of a Canadian musician, influences, and more. Check out Weber's 'Get Free' here. https://orcd.co/samweber-getfree

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and the FJ's newest sponsor, BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time). Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and support all that we do, including our growing family of podcasts.

Singer-songwriter Aoife O'Donovan joins us this week to talk about her gorgeous new album, Age of Apathy. We chat about her  relocation to Florida, her writing process, working afar with producer Joe Henry, the comparisons she gets to Joni Mitchell, and much more. Aoife also hints at a forthcoming orchestral composition that we hope to hear soon. 

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and the FJ's newest sponsor, BED|STÜ shoes (save 20% off with the code FRETXBS for a limited time). Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and support all that we do, including our growing family of podcasts.

Guitarist Chris Eldridge joins us on this week's podcast to talk about Punch Brothers' new album, 'Hell on Church Street.' This project is like nothing else you've heard: a track-by-track reimagining of Tony Rice's essential 'Church Street Blues' solo album.

During the course of our talk, Chris talks to us about the music - and life - lessons he learned from his time with Tony and why the band decided to tackle his influential album now. He also walks us through some of the arranging strategies they used on various tracks. It's a unique glimpse into how one of the world's most innovative acoustic ensembles ticks and we think you'll love it. 

Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

*** Sorry for the occasional Zoom audio lag, but this interview was too good not to share. *** 

Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

Heroes' Voices is a Bay Area-based non-profit with a simple mission: To inspire and connect veterans through the power of music and playing guitar. On this week's show, we talk to Larry Chung and Richard Harrell from Heroes' Voices about their unique, distinctly grassroots organization, the free guitars and music instruction they've been offering to veterans and the partnership they've created with Gryphon Stringed Instruments. We also hear from Jesse, one of many veterans participating in Heroes' Voices today.

https://heroesvoices.org

Happy holidays!

This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

Jake Doan is a Salt Lake City-based professional skier best known for his park and backcountry ski segments, where he turns the mountains into his personal playground. But Doan also happens to be a rabid guitarist and a member of the Pickpockets, a Utah-based Newgrass band.

He recently released a short ski film called Parallels where he merged his passions for skiing and playing music: He not only skied in the film, he performed and recorded its soundtrack. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Doan about his bluegrass roots, the Collings OM he just picked up, the art of scoring and editing an action sports movie, and a lot more. It's a fun chat with a fellow guitar geek.

Watch Parallels here.

Support the Fretboard Journal and our podcasts by nabbing a subscription to our reader-supported magazine. 

This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Support the Fretboard Journal and our podcasts by nabbing a subscription to our reader-supported magazine. 

This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

The always-entertaining Mike Squires (Couch Riffs) joins us to talk about his unique and hilarious project spawned from the Instagram era, #2 Record. The "record" - which clocks in at under three minutes - is a collection of brilliantly executed original songs... that are all 15 seconds or less.

It's a recording that is equal parts writing exercise and social media commentary, but - most of all - it's filled with great (albeit quick) songs. "You get about 15 seconds of a [follower's] attention if you're lucky," he explains of the concept. "Why spend all that energy creating a product that will never be enjoyed? I'm going to cram it all into this 15 seconds of attention." Squires is a prolific creator and a talented musician who has played in the Long Winters, Nevada Bachelors, Harvey Danger, and Duff McKagan's Loaded. He is one the most tireless people we've ever met: A touring guitarist who holds down a day job; hosts, produces and edits Couch Riffs (a must-watch video series on YouTube and a podcast); and hosts the Golden Shower of Hits podcast. Mike's story is both funny and inspiring... we think you'll love it. https://themikesquires.bandcamp.com/album/2-record-digital-book-flexidisc https://www.couchriffs.com

Support the Fretboard Journal and our podcasts by nabbing a subscription to our reader-supported magazine. Use the discount code SMALL to save on your order.

This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

We wrap up Courtney Hartman's week-long podcast takeover by interviewing her from her new home in Wisconsin. Courtney describes the influences that led to her new album, Glade. We hear about the making of her new record, the unique studio she built on her family's Colorado farm, some of the gear (and guests) on the project and a lot more.  

This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Courtney's website: https://www.courtneyhartman.com/home

Album Stream Links: https://link.courtneyhartman.com/GLa Store: https://courtneyhartman.myshopify.com

Bandcamp: https://courtneyhartman.bandcamp.com/album/glade

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2jLbcCta4ORz1pnrSR24dj

To celebrate the release of Glade, the gorgeous new solo album from singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney Hartman, we’ve handed her the keys to the Fretboard Journal Podcast. For the last week, Courtney has interviewed some of her favorite people in the fretted instrument world.

For her latest installment, Courtney interviews Austen Hooks, best known for his Filmosound conversions and tube amp tech wizardry for Blake Mills and others. After hanging out at the first Fretboard Summit, Courtney also became an Austen Hooks amp owner.

Courtney asks Austen about how got into repairing and building amplifiers, his design process, and how he repurposes industrial and military gear to have a second life making music. 

In a couple days, Jason will be back and talking to Courtney about her new album. In the meantime, check out Glade. Courtney recorded it on the Colorado farm where she grew up using an array of instruments and with some special guest cameos (including Gregory Alan Isakov). If you’ve only heard the bluegrass side of Courtney Hartman, you’re in for a treat.

Courtney's website: https://www.courtneyhartman.com/home

Album Stream Links: https://link.courtneyhartman.com/GLa Store: https://courtneyhartman.myshopify.com

Bandcamp: https://courtneyhartman.bandcamp.com/album/glade

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2jLbcCta4ORz1pnrSR24dj

To celebrate the release of Glade, the gorgeous new solo album from singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney Hartman, we’ve handed her the keys to the Fretboard Journal Podcast. All week long, Courtney will be interviewing some of her favorite people in the fretted instrument world.

She started the week off by interviewing Dana Bourgeois. This time around, she talks to Idaho-based luthier Lawrence Smart. Smart describes the role the outdoors has played on his creations, why he ended up building archtops (Courtney is often seen playing one), and why he’s embraced innovations like fanned frets.

There aren't many interviews with Lawrence available; enjoy this rare treat. 

Look for Courtney’s next interview installment in a few days. This weekend, Jason will be back and talking to Courtney herself about her new album, too. In the meantime, check out Glade. Courtney recorded it on the Colorado farm where she grew up using an array of instruments and with some special guest cameos (including Gregory Alan Isakov). If you’ve only heard the bluegrass side of Courtney Hartman, you’re in for a treat.

Courtney's website: https://www.courtneyhartman.com/home

Album Stream Links: https://link.courtneyhartman.com/GLa Store: https://courtneyhartman.myshopify.com

Bandcamp: https://courtneyhartman.bandcamp.com/album/glade

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2jLbcCta4ORz1pnrSR24dj

To celebrate the release of Glade, the gorgeous new solo album from singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney Hartman, we’ve handed her the keys to the Fretboard Journal Podcast. All week long, Courtney will be interviewing some of her favorite people in the fretted instrument world.

To start things off, she talks to Dana Bourgeois of Bourgeois Guitars. They discuss Dana’s initial love for the guitar, his fateful discovery of the Irving Sloane book, his relationship with Tony Rice, his build process and more.

It’s an insightful chat with two of our favorite people in the Fretboard Journal community.

Look for Courtney’s next interview installment in a few days. Later this week, Jason will be back and talking to Courtney herself about her new album, too. In the meantime, check out Glade. Courtney recorded it on the Colorado farm where she grew up using an array of instruments and with some special guest cameos (including Gregory Alan Isakov). If you’ve only heard the bluegrass side of Courtney Hartman, you’re in for a treat.

Courtney's website: https://www.courtneyhartman.com/home

Album Stream Links: https://link.courtneyhartman.com/GLa Store: https://courtneyhartman.myshopify.com

Bandcamp: https://courtneyhartman.bandcamp.com/album/glade

Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2jLbcCta4ORz1pnrSR24dj

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we chat with musician, educator, and FJ contributor Tristan Scroggins. 

Two of the Fretboard Journal's favorite acoustic guitarists - Eric Skye and Jamie Stillway - join us this week for a fun chat about the making of their long-awaited duo album, 'Home on the Midrange.' The project finds these two Pacific Northwesterners flatpicking through reels, waltzes, and jigs on a pair of uniquely matched Santa Cruz guitars. We talk about the gear used to capture the album (a pair of Neumann KM184s), Jamie's forthcoming "slow, spacey" electric guitar project (which will employ her Maegen Wells archtop), plus a lot more. Learn more about the album here: https://jamiestillwayericskye.hearnow.com/home-on-the-midrange

This episode is sponsored by Folkway Music. 

The Fretboard Journal's 48th issue is now available. Click here to read up on it and start your digital or print subscription.

Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

Famed guitar dealer Rudy Pensa (Rudy's Music!) joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about one of the world's most noteworthy guitar collections ever assembled, Scott Chinery's Blue Guitar Collection. In the mid-1990s, inspired by the blue Centura Deluxe he ordered from Jimmy D'Aquisto, Chinery commissioned twenty-plus archtop guitar makers to do their own take on a "blue" guitar, all using the same finish tint. Famed builders like Kim Walker, Linda Manzer, Tom Ribbecke, Bill Collings and Bob Benedetto were included, along with contributions from Gibson and Fender. The Blue Guitars would eventually be showcased at the Smithsonian and be the subject of a book, Blue Guitar. With Chinery's passing in 2000, the guitars have been out of sight but Rudy, at the request of the Chinery estate, is now auctioning off the collection (including the D'Aquisto) as a single lot. We talk to Pensa about the guitar collection, his personal love for archtops (dating back to when he was a child in Argentina) and much more. The Blue Guitar Collection can be seen in its entirety at Rudy's site here, including videos featuring Jason Isbell, Joe Bonamassa and David Broza playing the guitars. It's also available for viewing at Rudy's store. https://www.rudysmusicbluecollection.com

The Fretboard Journal's 48th issue is now available. Click here to read up on it and start your digital or print subscription.

Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan – the Milk Carton Kids – join us this week to talk about the tenth anniversary of their legendary debut album, Prologue. We chat about the build-up to that wildly popular record, the two guitars that they’ve based their careers on, and their songwriting process. We also hear about why they were forced to stop using a single microphone at their shows, their plans for a forthcoming album and a lot more. It’s an insightful and hilarious chat with two of our favorite musicians.

Get the Milk Carton Kids' 10th Anniversary Edition of Prologue here: https://stores.portmerch.com/themilkcartonkids/music-video/prologue-10th-anniversary-box-set.html 

The Fretboard Journal's 48th issue is now available. Click here to read up on it and start your digital or print subscription.

Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing;Acoustic Voices; and  Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Folkway Music. 

Portland, Oregon-based guitarist Marisa Anderson joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about her latest release, 'Lost Futures,' a collaboration with fellow guitarist William Tyler. We also talk about her approach to composing, her favorite guitars, the importance of space, and a lot more. 

https://www.marisaandersonmusic.com/home https://marisaanderson.bandcamp.com/album/lost-futures

The Fretboard Journal's 48th issue is now available. Click here to read up on it and start your digital or print subscription.

Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing;Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. 

For this week only, we're sharing with you an episode of another podcast we produce... Acoustic Voices.

Acoustic Voices is a collaboration podcast between the FJ and Breedlove Guitars, but it's just as eclectic and hype-free as everything we do. Our most recent interview for that show was with Lloyd Baggs, founder of LR Baggs. It's one of the best conversations we've had about guitars, inspiration and sound reproduction... and I wanted you all to hear it. 

Lloyd explains a lifetime of tinkering and inventing, describes an  eye-opening experience he had with Ry Cooder's Takamine, recounts the ups-and-downs of perfecting pickups, and so much more. He's also building guitars again! (Longtime readers may remember the piece Andy Powers did for the FJ on Lloyd's one-of-a-kind guitar creations.)

Acoustic Voices: A Guitar Podcast is an all-new collaboration between Breedlove Guitars and the Fretboard Journal magazine, can be found here: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/21oZrV2fkDGZPPBnDGnx1g

Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/acoustic-voices-a-guitar-podcast/id1547322420

Lloyd's photography: 

https://www.instagram.com/lloydbaggs_theoriginal/?hl=en

https://www.lrbaggs.com

The Fretboard Journal's 48th issue is now available. Click here to read up on it and start your subscription.

Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing;Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  Extra thanks to Calton Cases and Martin Guitars for sponsoring all that we do. And Breedlove! 

Tod Nelson was one of the first ten employees at Amazon. He started out packing books and, by the late 1990s, served as "punk rock editor" during the launch of that site's music store. After five years of working for the quickly growing company, he left and started a family on California's Central Coast. He'd eventually serve as the first executive director of Cal Poly’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Beyond his work life, Tod has been a lifelong guitarist and guitar collector with a passion for all-things-Gibson. He's also a survivor: In recent years, he's had not one but two lung transplants.

Tod's love for music and musical instruments has helped carry him through his recovery, culminating in his most recent project: A Song A Day for Acoustic Guitar. He's teaching himself one new song a day for the entire year... and he's looking for suggestions on what tracks he should attempt next (his current repertoire is available as a Spotify playlist here). Feel free to shoot me suggestions for Tod via [email protected].

I've known Tod for over 20 years, but until this conversation, I had no idea just how important the guitar was to him or his recovery. I hope you enjoy this chat. It's unlike any other we've done to date. I hope you enjoy it.

The Fretboard Journal's 48th issue is now available. Click here to read up on it and start your subscription.

Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing;Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  Extra thanks to Calton Cases and Martin Guitars for sponsoring all that we do. 

You don’t need to be Jewish to appreciate the audacious project that guitarist Nathan Salsburg just pulled off: An album of vocal and guitar compositions created around passages he found in his copy of a bilingual Hebrew-English Book of Psalms.

“I opened a Psalm book at random,” he says of his original writing exercise. “[I’d] find some English text that appealed to me… and then just start playing around with it. All the melodies are my own.” The resulting compositions he wrote on his Bourgeois acoustic were a far cry from the last time he heard many of these passages… at Jewish summer camp when he was a kid.

Eventually, Salsburg recruited some of collaborators – James Elkington, Spencer Tweedy, Joan Shelley, and Will Oldham, along with Israeli singer Noa Babayof – to add their touches to the final album.

It’s a record unlike any other that Salsburg has released to date and we thoroughly love it.

Order Psalms here. 

Two pieces of music referenced during the conversation: Jonathan Harkham and David Brook's Darcho (Bandcamp link)

The Caretaker (YouTube link)

The Fretboard Journal's 48th issue is now mailing. Julian Lage graces the cover. Click here to read up on it and start your subscription.

Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing;Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  Extra thanks to Calton Cases and Martin Guitars for sponsoring all that we do. 

Chris Thile (Punch Brothers, Nickel Creek) joins us this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast for an introspective talk about the making of Laysongs, his new solo album. It's a project that has the groundbreaking composer/mandolinist meditating on themes of organized religion, god and church (he even recorded the project in a former Hudson, NY church). During out chat, we talk about the compositions found on the album, his vocal technique, Live From Here, and why even Lloyd Loar-signed Gibson F-5 mandolins aren't perfect as-is. It's a fun and insightful conversation with one of our favorite musicians. 

https://www.christhile.com

Originally recorded May 13, 2021. 

The Fretboard Journal's 48th issue is now mailing. Julian Lage graces the cover. Click here to read up on it and start your subscription.

Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing;Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  Extra thanks to Calton Cases and Martin Guitars for sponsoring all that we do. 

"Everything flows from the music." - Dana Bourgeois What happens when one of the world's most-loved domestic boutique acoustic guitarmakers joins forces with an expansive Chinese instrument maker? On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk about just that with Dana Bourgeois, founder of Bourgeois guitars. We hear about how Bourgeois' partnership with Eastman Instruments transpired back in 2019, how the two companies currently collaborate on projects and even get the scoop on some soon-to-be-released instruments that Dana is designing. Lastly, we learn about the new transcontinentally-built Touchstone Series guitars, designed and voiced by Dana's Maine-based team, but largely built overseas. The result is an affordable take on the kind of The FJ is proudly offering a Touchstone OM prototype for sale on August 16, 2021 via this link: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/merchandise/products/fj-exclusive-bourgeois-touchstone-om

Recorded June 10, 2021 via Zoom (sorry for the occasionally glitchy audio). The Fretboard Journal's 48th issue is now mailing: Click here to read up on it and order your subscription.

Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing;Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  Extra thanks to Calton Cases and Martin Guitars for sponsoring all that we do. 

Maury Rutch, founder of Maury's Music, joins us this week for a candid talk about running an independent guitar store through a pandemic, his love for Martin guitars and his new short-form podcast (The Maury's Music Podcast). Rutch's story is a unique one: He left a factory job in the late '90s to sell bone saddles and guitar parts for Martins on eBay. Eventually, he added Martin accessories to his store's lineup and then, finally, the guitars themselves. Maury gives us a candid and honest peek at the ups-and-downs of running a guitar store, describes his perfect gigging Martin, plus a lot more. 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. Our 48th issue has begun mailing to all subscribers. Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  Extra thanks to Calton Cases and Martin Guitars for sponsoring all that we do. 

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Scott Bass, co-founder of the forthcoming Headstock Guitar Lover's Festival, taking place November 6-7, 2021 in San Diego, California. 

https://guitarloversfestival.com

Scott tells us about his vision for the new show, the setting it'll be held in, some of the luthiers who have already signed on to exhibit, and a lot more. For years, Scott has produced events celebrating surfboard artisans around the world; it'll be fun to see his spin on what a guitar show looks like.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. Our 48th issue mails this week. Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  Extra thanks to Calton Cases and Martin Guitars for sponsoring all that we do. 

The Fretboard Journal... Book Club? Today, guitarmaking legend Richard Hoover of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company joins us for a unique conversation about reading, reflection and empathy. He shares the two books he's reading now and invites listeners to submit questions, thoughts or reflections on the pair. We also learn about Richard's reading habits in general, his upbringing in California, how SCGC weathered COVID, the impact the scientific method had on his builds, and much more. It's a unique glimpse into the mind of one of the great acoustic guitarmakers of the modern era. The books Richard is currently reading: W.E.B Du Bois' 'The Soul of Black Folk' (Amazon link)  'The Little Flowers of St. Francis of Assisi' (Amazon link)

https://santacruzguitar.com

If you have a comment on this show, reach out to us via [email protected]. Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes, too.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  Extra thanks to Calton Cases and Martin Guitars for sponsoring all that we do. 

A “labor of love.” That’s how Sam Plecker (Vista Kicks) describes Pulga Jams, the unlikely Beatles and power pop-inspired EP that he recorded during the pandemic while holed up in a resurrected California ghost town.

During this week’s conversation, Sam describes his one-of-a-kind quarantine situation (and how it came to be), the gear he lugged into the historic Pulga, California school house that he converted into a recording studio (including a Silvertone Jupiter guitar, a 1961 Fender Deluxe, and a vintage Tascam 388 eight-track machine), his musical upbringing in Roseville, California and a lot more. It’s a fascinating chat with a young musician on the rise.

Check out Sam’s EP here: https://withkoji.com/@SamPlecker?fbclid=IwAR0gjB7mC1uRYj6TWx1KpHr-GbP8Ab3VW56dYpEyJHZQxLklqAghNkXLjqk

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Jason gets to grill another guitar podcaster, Blake Wyland (Tone Mob, Chasing Tone) about the world of boutique pedals, gear marketing trends and more. Blake recounts how he left a steady, but unfulfilling day job to jump into the guitar industry, first as a podcast host and eventually as a consultant to indie brands. We also chat about guitar media (YouTube vs. podcasting), the world of paid demo videos, gear (Grez Guitars, Jennings Guitars, Equitz Guitars, Benson amps), Stringjoy Strings, NAMM and the future of guitar shows, Josh Scott (JHS Pedals), and Blake's tips for building your own "shred shed" ... plus a lot more. 

Don't forget, the FJ now hosts an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Jackson Cunningham is a bit of a rarity in the world of acoustic guitarmaking. While countless luthiers do their best to emulate old Martin designs and shapes, Cunningham's biggest influence is vintage Gibsons. Over the years, this Virginia-based builder has crafted L-5, L-00 and even J-55-inspired guitars. He's also garnered praise from two of the biggest vintage guitar experts around: George Gruhn and Mark Stutman. 

Don't forget, the FJ now hosts an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing;Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Author/law professor/lecturer/musician/Fretboard Journal contributor John Thomas joins Jason for a long overdue check-in! We hear about the aftermath of his famed 2012 book, Kalamazoo Gals: A Story of Extraordinary Women & Gibson's "Banner" Guitars of WWII. John sheds light on some of his current guitar projects, including his recent trip to Kalamazoo, Michigan to visit the former Gibson factory... now partially occupied by Heritage and about to become a Hard Rock Cafe-affiliated hotel. We also learn about John’s recent health battles (in a single year, he battled both cancer, and COVID… twice) and hear about his next publishing project, which promises to be another must-have book for guitar geeks.

All told, it’s a fun chat with one of our favorite contributors.

Don't forget, the FJ now hosts an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing;Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Our 47th issue features James Taylor, Chuck Prophet, Ben Harper, John Monteleone, Bahamas, Flip Scipio, luthier David Wren and much more. Read about it here and subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine to support independent guitar journalism and this podcast. 

Jack Tarlinton's story is unlike any you've heard before. The Australian tinkerer and music lover started out in publishing (he co-founded the Skateboarder's Journal, a magazine not unlike our own, but for skateboarding); found himself doing carpentry and eventually worked in the prop department of a big budget Hollywood movie. He then caught the lutherie bug, thanks in part to the Fretboard Journal. Over the last few years, Tarlinton has honed his craft as Wandering Boy Guitars, where he builds ladded-braced instruments inspired by the old Stella / Oscar Schmidt guitars of the '20s and '30s. His instruments look like time capsules, available in six, nine, and twelve-string versions, just like the originals. He then ages them using time-period correct relics like belt buckles and handcuffs, employing techniques he learned on the set of Ridley Scott's Alien: Covenant.

Like we said, you definitely haven't heard a story like this before... we hope you love it. wanderingboyguitars.com

https://www.instagram.com/wandering_boy_guitars/

Don't forget, the FJ now hosts an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Our 47th issue features James Taylor, Chuck Prophet, Ben Harper, John Monteleone, Bahamas, Flip Scipio, luthier David Wren and much more. Read about it here and subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine to support independent guitar journalism and this podcast. 

Reverb.com's Michael Lux and Dan Orkin are the co-producers of The Pedal Movie, Reverb's first feature-length documentary on the history of pedals, the current pedal movement and the artists who are pushing the boundaries of music with their stompboxes today. It's an inspiring, epic film - around two and a half hours long! - filled with the many, diverse faces that make up today's pedal industry. There's also a ton of guitar history, too. During this week's chat, we talk about the making of the movie, the countless hours of interview footage they recorded, the pedal movement today (and where it's headed), and a lot more.

For more information, visit www.thepedalmovie.com. It's currently available via iTunes, Google Play and Vudu.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. Our 47th issue features James Taylor, Chuck Prophet, Ben Harper, John Monteleone, Bahamas, Flip Scipio, luthier David Wren and much more. Read about it here. 

Richard Thompson joins us this week for a very special talk about the making of his new memoir, Beeswing: Losing My Way and Finding My Voice 1967-1975. The book chronicles the first chapter of RT's music career - including his time in the Fairport Convention, playing with Sandy Denny and his first solo albums - and is a must-read for fans of the famed singer-songwriter.

During our chat, we talk about the times Jimi Hendrix sat in with the Fairport Convention, how the group unearthed all those old British folk songs, his relationship with Sandy Denny and how he gleaned at least part of his right hand technique from banjo-ukulele great George Formby. We also hear about Thompson's future recording projects, his Lowden guitars, and a lot more. 

This episode is sponsored by Caddis, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRETBOARD15OFF to save 15 dollars off your Caddis order.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. Our new, 47th issue features James Taylor, Jim Olson, Ben Harper, John Monteleone, Bahamas, Flip Scipio, luthier David Wren and much more. Read about it here. 

A very special bonus episode: We're sharing a recent interview  Jason and Skip Simmons from the Truth about Vintage Amps just did with Anthony Coscia. Coscia just completed one of the wildest passion projects ever: a working, 1/6 scale model of the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound, the audiophile-grade PA system the band employed during their concerts in 1974. 

(If you already subscribe to the TAVA Podcast, no need to download this episode.) Coscia, a Deadhead who makes speaker cabinets and guitars as Coscia Guitars (Facebook link) ended up spending over 200 hours building cabinets, individually soldering and installing 390 tiny speakers (some meant just for cell phones), and even creating a lighting rig for this miniature state setup. He posted the updates to followers on his "Petite Mur De Son - Mini Wall of Sound" Facebook page (link). Upon completion, Coscia donated it to non-profit HeadCount, where someone contributed $100,000 to be the next Mini Wall's owner. With momentum and a recent Wall Street Journal front page article (link) celebrating his accomplishment under his belt, Coscia is already plotting his next, even bigger Wall. It's the real life tale of one of best pandemic projects we've heard of.

Apropos of nothing, Skip and Jason also go over the Geloso G-18R discussed on Ep. 67 of TAVA. 

We hope you enjoy this joint Truth About Vintage Amps / Fretboard Journal Podcast bonus episode.

Support the show as a TAVA Patreon patron and get bonus episodes, in-depth articles on amp circuitry and other surprises.

TAVA Discounts: Use the discount code THETRUTH10 to save 10% off your order from Amplified Parts between now and April 15, 2021. 

Use the discount code TRUTHV150FF to save $15 off Caddis readers between now and April 30, 2021. 

Visit fretboardjournal.com for more photos and a partial transcription of this episode. 

Special thanks to our sponsors: Grez Guitars, Amplified Parts, Caddis, Folkway Music, Retrofret Vintage Guitars, and Mono Cases. 

In the span of just three years (1970-1973), Steve Kalb took up guitarmaking and ended up selling his creations to Leo Kottke, David Crosby, Jerry Garcia, Robbie Robertson and Paul Simon. And then, with fewer than 30 guitars under his belt, he threw in the towel, sold off his tools, and enrolled in law school. On this very special Fretboard Journal Podcast, we re-connect with this lost guitarmaking legend, now based in Southern California. We hear about how he took up instrument making upon reading Irving Sloane's influential 'Classic Guitar Construction' book, how he almost made a guitar for Bob Dylan, the financial (and personal) struggles that convinced him to give up lutherie to become a lawyer, and a lot more.

This is a conversation about more than just guitars: It's about the fragility of life, the perils of chasing perfection, and one guy's never-ending love for woodworking. Steve has a beautiful story that hasn't been told until today.

This episode is sponsored by Caddis, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRETBOARD15OFF to save 15 dollars off your Caddis order.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. Our new, 47th issue features James Taylor, Jim Olson, Ben Harper, John Monteleone, Bahamas, Flip Scipio, luthier David Wren and much more. Read about it here. 

Taylor Guitars' Andy Powers returns once again to the Fretboard Journal Podcast for an enlightening talk about some of the latest additions to the Taylor lineup. We talk the new GT (Grand Theater) Taylor models, hear about how he goes about exploring new bracing patterns, and learn how domestic woods like "Urban Ash" have helped buoy Taylor's output during COVID. Andy also tells us about the music that's inspiring him right now (including two very familiar names to FJ readers), talks magnets and a lot more.

This episode is sponsored by Caddis, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRETBOARD15OFF to save 15 dollars off your Caddis order.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. Our new, 47th issue features James Taylor, Jim Olson, Ben Harper, John Monteleone, Bahamas, Flip Scipio, luthier David Wren and much more. Read about it here. 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. 

Bonus Episode: Jason launched a new podcast where he celebrates the makers of the world (not just guitarmakers). It's called Sweep the Floor. Every two weeks, he'll talk to an artisan, a craftsperson or a maker of some sort, doing fascinating work. Most of these subjects will have nothing to do with music. 

But, for his first episode, he did talk to a familiar Fretboard Journal face: guitarmaker Linda Manzer. On this bonus episode, you can hear the full interview. 

Linda Manzer is one of the greatest guitarmakers alive today. She pushes the boundaries of instrument-making and engineering with each of her creations and has a cult-like following among both collectors and world-class players like Pat Metheny, Julian Lage and Bruce Cockburn. 

During this chat, we talk to Linda about her development as a luthier, the fateful period she spent learning from archtop guitar hero Jimmy D'Aquisto, and hear about how her own creations continue to evolve. 

Subscribe to Sweep the Floor on Apple Podcasts here. 

Follow Sweep the Floor on Spotify here. 

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. Our 47th issue (out now) has a lengthy feature by David Wren with many photos of Linda Manzer at the beginning of her career; plus James Taylor, John Monteleone and much more.

Guitar great/singer-songwriter Ariel Posen just released a new album, Headway.  On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Posen about the making of the album, the art of cowriting (and how it's changed in the pandemic), why he loves his Two-Rock amplifiers, and his current gear lineup.

Posen recounts his early infatuation with slide guitar, thanks to the music of George Harrison, Ry Cooder and Kevin Breit (who we interviewed during on FJ Podcast ep. 304). We also chat about why he's begun to love Jazzmasters, why he prefers modern guitars over vintage, and much more. Jason also gives a recap on the ever-growing Fretboard Journal family of podcasts. https://www.arielposen.com Bonus Content: Posen has posted a video just for Fretboard Journal readers showing you how to play "It's You" from the album. Click here to watch it. 

This episode is sponsored by Izotope, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your next Izotope order.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. 

Acoustic guitarist / composer Yasmin Williams just released a breathtaking new album called 'Urban Driftwood.' On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, she talks to us about the making of the record (most of which took place in the middle of the 2020 pandemic), how she took up guitar after beating Guitar Hero 2, her gear of choice (including her custom Skytop Guitar) and much more. It's a great chat with one of our favorite new artists. 

This episode is sponsored by Izotope, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your next Izotope order.

http://www.yasminwilliamsmusic.com

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here. 

A few weeks back, we talked to Keith Calton, founder of Calton Cases (Fretboard Journal Podcast, Ep. 313). Keith, as you hopefully know, perfected a fiberglass "flight case" design decades ago that is still used by touring artists around the world.

This week, we're talking to Calton's current owner, Austin, Texas' Jeff Poss. Jeff explains how he ended up in the musical instrument industry, the evolution of Calton's construction over the years, their current-day output (including the non-guitar cases they produce) and much more. 

This episode is sponsored by Izotope, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your next Izotope order.

This episode is sponsored by Izotope, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your next Izotope order.

Bob Minner returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast to walk us through his new album, SOLO. Recorded entirely on the newly-announced Collings CJ-45 T, the album is a must-listen for Collings fanatics or anyone who appreciates great flatpicking.

During the chat, Bob tells us how he's spent the last year off the road (he's usually found backing Tim McGraw on acoustic guitar, a job he's held for nearly three decades) and walks us through his home recording setup. We talk about Bob's love for slope-shouldered guitars, his appreciation for both boutique and vintage instruments (including "Frankie," his cherished 1936 Martin D-18), and why he dedicated a song to Collings employee (and former FJ Podcast guest) Bruce VanWart. Plus a lot more. 

This episode is sponsored by Izotope, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your next Izotope order.

Links:  https://minnerguitar.com https://www.collingsguitars.com/acoustic-guitars/cj-45-t https://www.teegardenaudio.com (Bob used the PPC-125 mics, and the 2100 pre)

Today, some of the world's most valuable acoustic and electric instruments are protected by Calton Cases. What you may not realize is the colorful history of the case company or its founder, Keith Calton. On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Calton about his unlikely entry into the musical industry some 50 years ago, when he came up with the brilliant idea of a fiberglass guitar case and began tracing friends' instruments in his father's garage. Somehow, he stumbled upon a timeless (and nearly indestructible) design that is still considered the gold standard of flight cases. And, though he no longer owns the case company (it's going strong and is now based out of Austin, Texas), he's still hard at work making stuff out of fiberglass... these days for boat owners. 

We'll be interviewing Jeff Poss, current owner of Calton Cases, on a future episode. https://www.calton-cases.com https://www.caltoncraft.co.uk

This episode is sponsored by Izotope, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your next Izotope order.

Until we can convince legendary live sound engineer Robert "Nitebob" Czaykowski to host his own podcast, we'll just keep inviting him back onto the Fretboard Journal Podcast. This time around, Nitebob regales us with tales of early NAMM Shows, working with the New York Dolls, getting fired mid-concert, and more. We also hear more about his work for Walter Becker of Steely Dan, his advice for bands on the road, discover the one guitar brand he's not a fan of and much more. If you missed Nitebob's first appearance on the Fretboard Journal Podcast, check it out here: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-301-robert-nitebob-czaykowski/

This episode is sponsored by Izotope, Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your next Izotope order.

Johnny Sangster of Seattle's Crackle & Pop! studio joins us this week to walk musicians through some home and studio recording basics. Johnny will be the host of our newest Fretboard Journal Podcast, the Truth About Recording & Mixing. This all-new show aims to demystify the world of recording and will feature Sangster and an array of world-class engineers, producers and mastering experts fielding your questions on recording gear, technique and more. It's inspired by our extremely popular Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast and we can't wait to share it with you. Launches late January 2021.

Submit your questions or voice memos for Johnny to [email protected]. 

Subscribe to the Truth About Recordings & Mixing via Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-recording-mixing/id1545628110

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Folkway Music and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Martin’s Custom Shop is a unique anomaly: Within their large Nazareth, Pennsylvania production facility, a small crew of luthiers builds completely custom, one-off guitars for discerning customers around the world. From personalized inlays and wood choices to double-neck Martins (!!), nothing seems off-the-table. On this week’s podcast, we bring back one of our favorite guests, Fred Greene (Vice President of Product Management for C.F. Martin & Co.), to talk about the Custom Shop, the ordering process and what Martin will (and won’t) build. We also have a candid talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Martin’s 2020 output and get some hints at what new products they’ll be unveiling at the virtual 2021 NAMM Show.

Link: https://www.martinguitar.com/custom-shop/

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Mono Cases and Folkway Music.

Get a subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine and  support independent publishing and this podcast.

Danny Barnes returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the making of his 2020 Grammy-nominated album, Man on Fire (ATO). The album is full of surprising twists, right down to the lineup: Bill Frisell, Dave Matthews and John Paul Jones all make appearances. We talk to Barnes about the making of the Man on Fire, how he met Jones, and learn a bit about his creative process (beyond banjo playing and songwriting, Barnes is a talented visual artist and cartoonist). It's a great chat with one of our favorite boundary-pushing musicians.

Links:

Danny's Music page: https://dannybarnes.com/ Danny's Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/isotope709?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=911282867 Danny's interview with Bill Frisell for the FJ's fourth issue: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/listen-danny-barnes-new-awful-strange/

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Mono Cases and Folkway Music.

Get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine and  support independent publishing.

Jordan Tice and Kenneth Pattengale of the Milk Carton Kids join us on this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the making of Tice’s 2020 album, Motivational Speakeasy. The Pattengale-produced solo album is noteworthy not just for  Tice’s always-exceptional playing and vocals, but also for its stripped-down beauty. It’s one of our favorite albums of 2020.

During the call, we hear about the songs on the album, Pattengale’s recording process and Tice’s latest guitar acquisition (yes, he's doubled his guitar collection). Pattengale  - at the time hunkered down in a cabin in Eastern Canada - also hilariously describes the pandemic project he picked up in 2020, plus a lot more. It's a fun chat about the making of a great acoustic album.

Note: We've included a track from Motivational Speakeasy on our new Thirty for 2020 Spotify playlist, filled with some of our favorite songs from the year.

Recorded November 11, 2020.

http://jordantice.net/

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Folkway Music.

Get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine and  support independent publishing (and the occasionally hilarious podcast).

We make a rare exception on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast and talk to a drummer! Percussionist / singer-songwriter Joachim Cooder joins us to talk about his new album, Over that Road I'm Bound: The Songs of Uncle Dave Macon. It's a captivating collection of Macon songs performed on a rather unlikely instrument, the electric mbira. Joachim is also joined by his dad, Ry Cooder, on the banjo; Rayna Gellert on fiddle, Juliette Commagere on vocals; and Sam Gendel on bass-guitar hybrid.

During our chat, we hear about Joachim's first exposure to the music of Uncle Dave Macon as a kid, his own daughter's infatuation with this material, the versatility of the electric mbira, his pedal board of choice and a lot more. Whether or not you're a fan of Macon's decades-old original recordings, we can't recommend this new album enough.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Folkway Music.

Links:

https://www.joachimcooder.com/ https://www.arraymbira.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baEljguE2hI

Get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine and help support independent publishing.

Nels Cline joins us on this week’s podcast to discuss his new double-album on Blue Note, Share the Wealth. Share the Wealth finds Nels alongside the powerhouse lineup of Scott Amendola, Skerik, Trevor Dunn, Brian Marsella and Cyro Baptista. Inspired by the cut-up recording methods of Os Mutantes and influenced at least a bit by Miles Davis' electric period, it's one of his wildest projects to date. During our chat, we also talk gear (including the guitar that is closest to his heart while he’s quarantining during the pandemic, his pedal board and more), collaborator Julian Lage, forthcoming Wilco recordings and more. It’s a fun conversation with a Fretboard Journal favorite.

Check out some of our previous features with Nels: His interview with Ralph Towner for our 39th issue, our cover story on him in the FJ #37 (part one, part two), and our podcast with Nels and Lage.

Support what we do with a subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine: digital / PDF subscription / keepsake print subscription.

The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Mono Cases and Folkway Music. 

Author and guitar collector John Stubbings joins us for a very special episode of the Fretboard Journal Podcast to read from his monumental book, The Devil Is In It: A Story of Love, Obsession, and the American Acoustic Guitar. This hefty, slipbound-cased tome is equal parts history lesson, art book and memoir, showcasing John's love for the modern lutherie movement and all things acoustic guitar. It also features exquisite illustrations from FJ contributor Drew Christie. 

Listeners to the podcast can get a 50 GBP discount if they order now by using the discount code LONDON. Click here.

The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Mono Cases and Folkway Music. 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine and help support the show and all that we do: digital / PDF subscription / keepsake print subscription.

On his latest release, 'I Love You,' Kevin Breit does something truly monumental: 30 covers of his favorite songs performed entirely on vintage, mandolin family instruments. Performing all the parts, Breit himself becomes a one-man-band mandolin orchestra, while a different guest vocalist appears on each tune.

It's just the latest brilliant idea to come from the Canadian singer-songwriter, guitarist and mandolin player. Over the years, Breit has backed the likes of Norah Jones, Rosanne Cash, Cassandra Wilson and Hugh Laurie. He's also released some truly high concept solo albums and 2019's 'Stella Bella Strada,' where he showcased his latest custom guitar from builder Joe Yanuziello.

During this week's podcast, we talk to Breit about his love for the mandolin, hear about the cool-looking pickups that inspired the 'Stella Bella Strada' album and much more.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine and help support the show and all that we do: digital / PDF subscription / keepsake print subscription.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases.

Links referenced:

Kevin Breit's 'I Love You' (Bandcamp)

David Gillis' 'Cooing With the Doves'

Kevin Breit on the Music Makers & Soul Shakers Podcast

Guitarist and composer Jim Fox has backed dozens of vocal luminaries over the years, including Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Rosemary Clooney and Dean Martin. During this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk about his start in music, attending Berklee, his early stint backing Bobby Vinton, and the numerous years he spent accompanying Frank Sinatra, Jr. We also talk about Fox's jazz albums, his friendship with late studio legend Bob Bain, and his obsession with the archtop guitars of Australian luthier Steve Gilchrist.

The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Mono Cases. Want to support the show? Get a digital or print subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine. Digital subscriptions are just $30 per year. Links: https://jimfoxguitar.com/home http://www.gilchristmandolins.com/ https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/bill-frisell-with-bob-bain-and-dennis-budimir-a-musical-conversation/ The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Mono Cases.

Steve McCreary is the GM of Collings Guitars and Mandolins and one of the most respected members of the musical instrument industry. Since joining Collings in 1992, he's helped helm the Austin, Texas-based company's growth into mandolins, electric guitars, and – most recently – their more affordable Waterloo line of instruments.

During this lengthy interview, we hear about Steve's unique background (he's a former stonemason), what it was like to work with the late Bill Collings (a larger-than-life character) and how the company is navigating the COVID crisis through 2020 and beyond. We also talk about Collings' ongoing collaboration with guitarist Julian Lage, hear about the '70s and '80s Austin music scene, and a lot more  

If you enjoy in-depth interviews with the people behind your favorite guitars, we’d love your support. Get a digital subscription to the Fretboard Journal for just $30 (click here) or a keepsake print edition subscription (click here). We know you'll love it.

Fretboard Journal #46 just mailed and our next issue will be out in early December 2020. Subscribers also get subscriber-only perks.

Previous Collings Interviews:

Bill Collings on the Fretboard Journal Podcast (link)

Bruce VanWart of Collings on the Fretboard Journal Podcast (link)

Our tribute to Bill Collings in the Fretboard Journal magazine (link)

The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Robert "Nitebob" Czaykowski is a legendary rock & roll sound engineer. For nearly 50 years, he's done front-of-house mixing for musicians both famous and infamous, consulted with musical instrument companies (there's a "Nitebob" setting on Fender Cyber-Twins), worked as a gear tech, and even served as Walter Becker's de facto "guitar pimp." During this sprawling talk (hopefully the first of many), Nitebob reflects upon years working for Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Iggy Pop, the New York Dolls, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Steely Dan, Lez Zeppelin, and REM (to name a few), talks about his early love for the guitar, explains what makes a great live mix and so much more. We think you'll love getting to know Nitebob.

The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Support our show with a subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine (get our digital/PDF version or the keepsake print edition). Our new, 46th issue is now mailing featuring John Leventhal and Rosanne Cash, Hubert Sumlin, luthier Steve Grimes and many other guitar greats.

Links mentioned: Nitebob on Roadie Free Radio; Nitebob on Joseph Arthur's Come to Where I'm From; Satellite Amplifiers on the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast; and the Fretboard Journal's tribute to the guitars of Walter Becker.

For our 300th episode, we're mixing things up with an informal Zoom conversation with two of our favorite people, jazz guitarists Bill Frisell and Anthony Wilson. During this hour-plus chat, these two friends riff on influences, the Los Angeles jazz scene, Dennis Budimir, Gerald Wilson (Anthony's dad), Gabor Szabo, and so much more. 

Watch Bill Frisell perform alongside Dennis Budimir and Bob Bain here.

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

We are also sponsored by Izotope. Use the coupon code RUIN10 at izotope.com/ruinous to save 10% off any order.

The Fretboard Journal's new 46th issue is now available, with features on John Leventhal and Rosanne Cash, Hubert Sumlin and much more. Order or subscribe via this link.

Guitar great Adam Miller joins us once again (he originally appeared on Fretboard Journal Podcast #240) to talk about the making of his fantastic new electric album, Unify. Miller has had quite an interesting year:  He and his wife were all set to relocate to Los Angeles full-time when COVID hit and sent him back home to Australia. He recounts how Unify came together, the influence his California time had on the album and why he decided to re-record its guitar parts. We also hear about Adam's current gear of choice and a lot more.

Check out fretboardjournal.com for a new video featuring Adam playing the track "Leaving" from his new album.

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Izotope. Use the checkout code RUIN10 when you check out at izotope.com/ruinous to save 10% off your next software purchase.

With Beginners (ANTI- Records), Christian Lee Hutson released one of our favorite records of 2020, so it only felt fitting to invite this Los Angeles-based musician back on the Fretboard Journal Podcast. During our chat, Hutson talks about the making of his album (including his previous failed attempts to record these songs); overcoming self-doubt; working alongside Phoebe Bridgers (who ended up producing Beginners and appearing on it); taking up the clarinet and flute in the middle of the pandemic and much more.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Jason checks in with luthier and fellow podcaster, Michael Bashkin. It's an unfiltered and fun chat about the boutique guitar industry at large, the annual output of an independent solo maker, Michael's Luthier on Luthier Podcast and a lot more. Jason also asks Michael about guitar shows, Moon spruce and the realities of building production guitars overseas. It's a nearly 90-minute look at the state of the handmade guitar market.

https://www.bashkinguitars.com

Luthier on Luthier on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/luthier-on-luthier-with-michael-bashkin/id1208172851

Beginning in March of 2020, while most of the world was in lockdown mode due to COVID, Daniel Romano did something truly remarkable: He began releasing an album nearly every week on his Bandcamp page.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to the Canadian musician about his prolific output this year: from a track-by-track re-creation of Bob Dylan's Infidels album played as if the Plugz were Dylan's backing band, to his British folk-inspired Alias Ensemble album, and all points in-between. We hear about some of the self-imposed rules he gives himself when recording, his current gear of choice, his forthcoming (ninth) album for 2020, 'How Ill Thy World Is Ordered' (out Sept. 18, 2020 on You've Changed Records) and a lot more. Romano is one of our favorite musicians and it was great to get a peek at his creative process.

Further reading: The story of the Plugz and Bob Dylan's appearance on Letterman.  This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.  Support the podcast by picking up a PDF or print subscription to the Fretboard Journal. 

For forty years, Bruce Harvie (Orcas Island Tonewoods) has carved out a nice existence for himself in the instrument making world as a tonewood supplier. His one-man operation is based in one of the most beautiful spots in North America (Washington State's San Juan Islands), where he sells spruce, redwood and other raw materials to mandolin and bowed instrument makers around the world. He's also a prolific musician. 

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. 

Musician and singer-songwriter Mac McAnally has led quite a life: As a teenager, he was a studio musician in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, able to jump from between sessions and studios as an in-demand acoustic guitarist. He soon started writing songs, got a record deal of his own and penned hit songs for Jimmy Buffett, Alabama, and other top country acts. Since 1994, he's played guitar in Buffett's Coral Reefer Band.

As you'll hear on this podcast, McAnally is as humble as it gets, but he's also a ten-time CMA Musician of the Year winner. In 2007,  he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

McAnally just released his latest solo record, Once in a Lifetime. On this week's podcast, he recounts his early days in the Muscle Shoals scene, tells about his gear of choice (including his cherished, slot-head Martin guitar), and we talk about the making of the new album. 

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. 

As a kid, guitarmaker Sherwood "Woody" Phifer would tinker with everything, from model airplanes to his high school track shoes. "I would look at something and I'd be redesigning it as I was looking at it," he says. Eventually, he was taking guitars apart, which led to him building his own instrument and stumbling upon Charles LoBue's Guitar Lab in 1970. Within a couple of visits to that influential NYC shop, he found his passion for lutherie and his life's calling. During this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Phifer tells us about that fateful trip to Guitar Lab (a shop that employed soon-to-be-legendary employees Larry DiMarzio, Charles LoBue, Ralph Novak and Steve Kauffman), walks us through some of his thoroughly original creations (including his archtop guitars, his chambered-body electrics, his unique bridge system and more), and describes what it's like to be one of the only Black guitarmakers in the country.

https://www.phiferguitars.com https://www.fretboardjournal.com

Earlier this month, Gibson announced a $59,000 reward for the safe return of their 1959-1960 shipping ledger, a book that, if it exists, has been missing for decades. If found, the ledger could shed light on the details of Gibson's production of guitars during a legendary period of time, including the variations found on all those famed, uber-collectible '59 and '60 'Bursts.

On this bonus episode of the Fretboard Journal podcast, we talk to Cesar Gueikian (CMO) and Mat Koehler (Head of Product Development) from Gibson about where they think the ledger might be, why they're on the hunt for it, and what they think they could learn from it. We also hear about some new and forthcoming Gibson projects, including collaborations with Jerry Cantrell and Adam Jones, forthcoming Flying V and white SG Custom Shop tributes to Jimi Hendrix, a Slim Harpo ES-330 reissue and a lot more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Michael Millard of Froggy Bottom Guitars reflects upon 50 years of guitarmaking with one of our most insightful podcast interviews to date. Millard is a legendary figure in the world of musical instruments, using the lessons he learned working alongside Michael Gurian in the early 1970s to create one of the most collectible acoustic guitar brands of the modern era.

During this nearly hour-long chat, he talks about the unique ways Froggy Bottoms are made, describes his company's unorthodox business model, and announces his plan for retirement at the end of 2020. Millard was trained as a psychologist and his unfiltered thoughts on social injustice, the opportunities afforded him, and the danger of expectations are a breath of fresh air. 

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. 

For years, ragtime guitarist Craig Ventresco was one of the music world's best-kept secrets: The only way to see him was to catch him in his hometown of San Francisco, playing a solo show at a small cafe or with his gypsy jazz band, Gaucho. He seldom left the city and recordings weren't a big part of his career.

Like many others, when COVID-19 and shelter-in-place orders hit, Craig and partner Meredith Axelrod turned to the internet to keep performing. Here's where things get interesting: With a minimalist setup, Ventresco and Axelrod started live streaming their performances on Facebook... not once a month or weekly, but every single night. As of this interview, Ventresco and Axelrod were up to 100-plus shows. And their unique take on ragtime guitar is suddenly finding new fans around the globe. On this week's podcast, we chat with Ventresco about growing up in Maine, getting turned on to 78 records, the years he spent busking around SF, his role on the 'Crumb' soundtrack, and his life online. We also talk about his Fraulini guitars, the music he's been obsessing over and much more.  Links: Meredith Axelrod's Facebook page (where Craig and Meredith perform every night at 8pm PT): https://www.facebook.com/meredithaxelrod

Their tip jars: Paypal.me/meredithaxelrod Venmo: @meredithaxelrod

Fraulini Guitars: http://fraulini.com

Fretboard Journal: https://www.fretboardjournal.com (Use the discount code PODCAST when you check out and save $5 off any order)

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. 

If you've read any guitar magazines over the last several years, you've probably seen the bylines of today's guests: Teja Gerken and Doug Young. The two Bay Area fingerstyle guitarists have written extensively about gear and technique for a variety of publications and today Teja is a partner at online music instruction portal Peghead Nation. On this week's podcast, they talk about their beautiful new instrumental album, simply titled Duets. They tell us about some of the unique guitars they used on the recording, give us tips for recording remotely via Zoom/Skype, and much more. Check out Duets here: https://tejaanddougguitar.bandcamp.com

Order the Fretboard Journal's new Electric Guitar Annual here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/2019-electric-annual-pre-order

This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. 

Jontavious Willis is only 24, but he's already earned numerous accolades - and a Grammy nomination - for his mastery of the blues. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Willis from his home in Georgia about being a largely self-taught guitarist, the one standard tuning guitar lesson he took (just five years ago!), the gear he uses today (including his Fraulini 12-string guitar), and his love for original 78 records.

We hear about the influence that Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal had on his career (Mo' produced 'Spectacular Class,' the album that earned Willis the Grammy nod) and Willis tells us how, even during COVID-19, a community of young Black blues musicians is mentoring each other through social media. Willis also explains the #RobertJohnsonChallenge, where he and fellow musicians Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Marquise Knox are interpreting Robert Johnson tunes online, every Wednesday. Inspired by the recently discovered third photo of Johnson, the challenge is required viewing if you're a blues fan. 

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.  

Watch Willis' most recent Robert Johnson Challenge contribution here: https://www.facebook.com/JontaviousWillis/videos/250502482919394/

Follow him here: https://www.facebook.com/JontaviousWillis/ or here: http://jontaviouswillis.com

Subscribe to the reader-powered Fretboard Journal here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com

Sarah Jarosz just released 'World on the Ground,' her first solo album in four years. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, she talks to us about the making of the album, working with John Leventhal (who produced the project and helped co-write a few songs), her favorite songwriting tools (including her Collings D1A and her Fletcher Brock-built octave mandolin), and much more.

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.  

https://www.sarahjarosz.com

For the last decade, luthier David Murray helmed an audacious project: Teaching the craft of guitarmaking to young Tibetan refugees in foothills of the Himalayas. It was one of the least hospitable places imaginable for a woodworking business (from both a climate and political perspective), but somehow the Dehradun Guitar Company steadily produced about one custom acoustic guitar a week. As David says goodbye to this chapter of his life – which we originally profiled in the Fretboard Journal #38 – we wanted to bring him on the podcast to hear what transpired. From Thailand, where his family currently resides, we talk about the challenges he experienced setting up Dehradun: the climate, CITES regulations, prohibitive shipping costs, an Indian government that threw his family out of the country and more. Despite all the above, Murray and his team were able to create around 200 amazing instruments and, he admits, “it was a dream come true.” We also talk a bit about the Fretboard Journal today, the influence Bob Taylor had on him as a builder and business owner, and what's next for the Murrays.

Twenty years ago, former president Jimmy Carter planted a grove of Paulownia trees on his Georgia property. Wood from those trees was recently harvested and, thanks to World Tree and FJ contributor/luthier Todd Lunneborg, some of that wood harvest is currently being turned into some rather special guitars.

On this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Lunneborg and acclaimed acoustic guitarmaker Jason Kostal about the project. Kostal recently completed his guitar featuring the Paulownia from Carter's grove and, thanks to a bit of a luck and some social distancing, he was able to show the former president his finished instrument. It's an unforgettable moment and a great story that we think you'll love. 

See pics of the finished guitar and of Carter with it here.

Enjoy this episode? Share it with friends and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts.

Support the Fretboard Journal by getting a digital subscription to our magazine for just $30.  This week's podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Tom Power is a Canadian broadcasting great and frontman for folk band, The Dardanelles. He's also the host of 'Toy Heart: A Podcast About Bluegrass,' which has quickly become one of our favorite listens. On this week's FJ Podcast, we talk to Power about growing up in St. John's, Newfoundland, discovering bluegrass music through the 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' soundtrack, and his unlikely and fateful meeting with Blue Grass Boy Tom Rosenberg (one of only two other St. John's residents who played the banjo). Power walks us through his career in broadcasting (he hosts the popular, nationwide Q show), explains why he decided to travel through America interviewing bluegrass legends, and shares some of his favorite memories from meeting Alice Gerrard, Del McCoury, Bela Fleck and others. If you're into bluegrass music (or the roots of Americana), we can't recommend Tom's podcast enough. Listen to Toy Heart here or through Apple Podcasts. Support the Fretboard Journal by getting a digital subscription to our magazine for just $30.  This week's podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

French-born, Rhode Island-based luthier Rachel Rosenkrantz (Atelier Rosenkrantz) is a tireless experimenter. Inspired by her years working in industrial lighting and design, she’s embraced some truly unique, sustainable and downright wild materials. She also, of course, makes many traditional steel and nylon-string instruments out of classic tonewoods.

During this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, Rosenkrantz walks us through some of the eye-opening projects she’s currently working on, including a ukulele constructed out of a mushroom, pickguards fashioned out of fish skin, banjo heads formed from kombucha mothers, and even an ondes Martenot. We also talk about working alongside archtop maker Otto D'Ambrosio, her appearance on Anthony Bourdain's show and more. Sit back and enjoy this conversation with one of the guitar world’s true mavericks and be sure to watch the video she just submitted of our shop for #FJFest here: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/fjfest-rachel-rosenkrantz-atelier-rosenkrantz-shop-tour

https://www.atelierrosenkrantz.com

https://www.instagram.com/atelier_rosenkrantz/?hl=en

Fred Greene is the Vice President of Product Management for C.F. Martin & Co. in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. There, he oversees the research, development and production for Martin’s numerous guitar models and strings. Typically, our conversations with Fred center around the new models Martin is unveiling, but this talk is a little different. With guitar production at a standstill due to COVID-19, we instead have a frank talk with Fred about how the guitar community has come together during this pandemic, the fears he has about the industry as a whole, the issues he foresees in the manufacturing supply chain when Martin gets back to work, and so much more. Fred is one of our favorite people in the guitar industry and is a repeat guest on our podcast (we loved talking to him and Tim Teel for FJ Podcast #254, check it out).

If you enjoy this conversation, you may also like hearing our chat with Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Co. from last week, where we discuss how his company is dealing with current events and much more.

Since 2005, Henriksen has created amplifiers for discerning jazz players. On this week's podcast, we talk to Peter Henriksen about the company his father (Bud Henriksen) founded in 2005, the specific needs jazz players have, and about some of the company's creations that cross genres and would appeal to players of all stripes. Peter is also the founder of the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival, which takes place every September in Arvada, CO. 

https://www.henriksenamplifiers.com/

https://www.archtopfestival.com

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Want to support the podcast? Get a digital (PDF) subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and get six issues for just $30. Click here. 

A couple of years ago, Sacramento’s Tré Burt lugged his Flinthill acoustic guitar onto a bus from Northern California to Los Angeles to record some demos at a friend’s studio. When that was done, he assumed he’d turn around and get started on another record. What Burt didn’t realize was that those Dylan-inspired songs would end up being released on John Prine’s Oh Boy record label as his debut album, Caught It From the Rye. (Even more impressive, Burt is just one of two artists to get signed to the label in the last 15 years.)

On this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to this singer-songwriter about his start, his signing to Oh Boy, his countless evenings as a busker in California, Oregon and Australia, getting heckled by Prine and a lot more. It's quite a journey and Burt is just getting started... 

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Want to support the podcast? Get a digital (PDF) subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and get six issues for just $30. Click here. 

Want to support the podcast? Get a digital (PDF) subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and get six issues for just $30. Click here. 

Christopher Paul Stelling joins us on this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the making of his new, Ben Harper-produced album, Best of Luck.

Stelling’s journey is a fascinating one and we hear all about it: Mowing lawns in Florida so he could get his first guitar; honing his chops on the open mic circuit; discovering his first nylon-string guitar; his ‘50s Martin 00-17; getting signed to Anti- records; and even a brief stint building instruments alongside Rono mandolins in Boulder, Colorado. 

This is one of our favorite interviews to date and we wholeheartedly encourage you to check out Best of Luck.  

Stelling will also be appearing in the Fretboard Journal #46, out in April.

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

This week, we're sharing an epic conversation with one of our favorite musicians, guitar great Jim Campilongo. Jim shares stories about growing up in San Francisco, his early guitar lessons, his ever-growing LP obsession and some of the fateful encounters that helped shape his point-of-view as an instrumentalist. We then discuss his move from San Francisco to New York; his new, Sundazed Best of compilation; his ongoing collaborations with luthier Chihoe Hahn (Hahn's Model C tele-style guitar); plus a lot more.

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Support the Fretboard Journal Podcast by getting a digital subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine for just $30 a year. You’ll get our new issue (#45) immediately on the house and get four more issues. Click here to join us.

Dan Erlewine is, quite simply, a legend when it comes to lutherie. Through his countless videos and articles for StewMac, he's helped thousands of aspiring and veteran guitarmakers hone their craft. On this week's podcast, he reflects upon two of his most famous creations: A Strat-style guitar he built for Jerry Garcia and the Flying V he built for Albert King. Erlewine is building all-new replicas of both guitars and had examples at the 2020 NAMM Show. We also talk about naming Iggy Pop (his former bandmate), Dan's latest guitar creations, taking lessons from Clarence White and a lot more. A must-listen episode... 

This podcast is sponsored by Mono Creators and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.  

Henry Kaiser and Rick Turner take over this week’s episode of the Fretboard Journal Podcast to share H-13: A Tribute to the Santa Cruz Model H Guitar with us. This is a collection of newly-recorded tracks celebrating the musical life and legacy of Paul Hostetter (1945-2019).

Growing up in Detroit, Paul Hostetter took up guitar as a teenager, dropped out of high school and got a job at Joe and Mary Fava's music shop teaching blues and folk-style guitar. He knew Joni Mitchell and Marvin Gaye. He played rhythm guitar in recording sessions at Motown Records. And, while still in Detroit, he attended Monteith College, a liberal arts branch of Wayne State University, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in philosophy. His experience there was broader than it sounds. He worked in a range of disciplines, among them metal-smithing, a skill that enabled him to support himself designing and making wedding rings.

In addition, Paul was the inspiration for the SCGC Model H guitar. These instruments exist in 14-fret, 13-fret and 12-fret versions. All of the tracks on this album are recorded with SCGC Model H guitars. Most of the musicians were friends with Paul and chose tunes and musical modes of expression that would have made Paul smile.

Beyond the incredible playing, this album is a tremendous showcase of just how varied one guitar model can sound, thanks to differing tonewood choices. It’s also fascinating to hear Kaiser and Turner’s expert commentary between songs. We hope you enjoy it.

Track Listing

1  Martin Simpson – "When First Unto This Country" 3:30 2  Rick Ruskin - "Medley: Buck Dancer's Choice / Arkansas Traveler"  1:45 3  Happy Traum - "He Was a Friend of Mine" 4:42 4  Bruce Molsky - "Lasitera"  3:06 5  Josh Michaell - "Evening Reflections by Laguna Creek" 4:04 6  Kevin Carr - "Foliada de Bearducido" 3:27 7  Jody Stecher - "The Spider Hop" 4:57 8  D'Gary - "Mpiarak' Aomby" 4:39 9  Tony McManus - "Bach Cello Suite #1: Prelude" 2:20 10  Michael Gulezian - "Oh! Suzanna" 4:48 11  Rick Chelew - "It Could Be an Antelope"  3:18 12  Ed Pettersen - "The Harbor Road"  3:44 13  Paul Kotapish & Dan Warrick - "Belgian Waltzes" 2:58 14  Rick Turner - "Smith Grade March"  1:47 15  Marc Silber - "Searching for Spence > Leavin' You"  4:40 16  Rev. Heng Sure - "She Carries Me"  4:47 17  Eric Thompson - "Shake Shake Mama" 2:51 18  Henry Kaiser - "Hard Time Killin' Spoonful Blues" 7:25

Professional snowboarder Russell Winfield has had quite a life, filled with both sports and music. On this week’s podcast, he talks to us his early love for the Grateful Dead; how he discovered guitar playing on roadtrips with fellow snowboarders; some of the influential music moments he had growing up; and his new project, Shout the People.  

Follow Shout the People here. 

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

"It wasn't like I was looking to make pedals my career, at all… it was just, 'I bet I can sell one to buy parts for this other one.'" –Robert Keeley, on his early work

On this week’s podcast, we talk to Robert Keeley of Keeley Electronics. When it comes to the world of effects pedals, Keeley is, quite simply, a legend. During our conversation, he recounts his early days flipping hi-fi gear he'd find at estate sales; explains why he never became an amp builder; outlines the importance of a great education for all of his employees; and walks us through the lifecycle of a pedal currently in development (the ECCOS delay/looper).

Whether you know Keeley for his old Tube Screamer mods or for his more recent, digital signal processing effects, you're bound to learn something during this hour-long chat.

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

You may not know who singer-songwriter Odessa is, but chances are you’ve heard at least one of her songs. "I Will Be There," a tune found on her 2014 self-titled debut album, was used in a national car commercial and ended up being one of the most searched-for songs of the year. It also brought with it some of the headaches of the music industry: Managers, major labels… and expectations for another hit. "It was kind of a wild ride," Odessa tells us, looking back. "I'm still not exactly sure what happened."

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Odessa walks us through what transpires when a major label and an artist have differing views on success and how one recovers to stay true to their vision. We also talk about Odessa's a new, self-released Jonathan Wilson-produced album called All Things. It’s an album that we can’t recommend enough.

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

For years, Nelson, British Columbia's Craig Korth could be seen at bluegrass festivals sharing a trio of exceptional (and extremely pricey) instruments - his 1923 Gibson F-5 mandolin, a 1937 Martin D-28 and a pre-war Gibson flathead 5-string banjo - with nearly anyone. But Craig is a lot more than just a laid-back instrument collector. On this week's podcast, he fills us in on his early love for bluegrass, how he accumulated a world-class array of instruments with a blue collar job (hint: a lot of hard work, hustling and trading up) and about the Nimble Fingers music camp he ran for many years.

We also talk about Craig's foray into lutherie, the lessons he took from archtop maker Bob Benedetto and how Craig is currently coping with focal hand dystonia. Whether or not you're a fan of bluegrass music, we think you'll love this episode and Craig's outlook on life.

Note: The first few minutes of our interview have some internet connection issues but it clears up very soon. 

On this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, we’re talking to guitarist/instructor Jason Loughlin. Loughlin’s latest project is Sound on Sound, a rather unconventional TrueFire course dedicated to teaching the multi-track arranging of Les Paul. Over the course of the lesson, Loughlin walks students through a nine-guitar (!) arrangement of the jazz standard "After You’ve Gone." Though it sounds daunting, Loughlin is able to easily break down and demystify how recordings like this are made and reveal some of Les' favorite tone hacks, like emulating the sound of drums and bass via his six-string guitar.

We also talk to Loughlin about how to encapsulate those classic Les Paul sounds with modern gear, some of Loughlin's other loves – like early Sun Records recordings – and much more.  

This week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Mono and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Don’t forget to also tune into the Truth About Vintage Amps podcast, which is about to celebrate its first birthday.

Sound on Sound with Jason Loughlin: https://truefire.com/les-paul-guitar-lessons/sound-on-sound/c1442

Erick Coleman is known to thousands online simply as "tonechaser." But Erick’s story goes way beyond his social media posts: Coleman is an experienced luthier, a still-touring musician and the Senior Technical Advisor for Stewart-MacDonald, where he constantly develops and tests new tools for the company. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Coleman about his beginnings working on instruments, how he balances his work week and how he’s amassed a rather huge guitar and amp collection. We also talk about common mistakes people make on their first guitar builds, plus a lot more.  

Links: Erick’s social feeds: Instagram / Facebook

Erick's band: The D-Rays

Stewart-MacDonald: https://www.stewmac.com

The instruments that luthier Eric Weigeshoff (Skytop Guitars) crafts are striking. For starters, his acoustic guitars don’t even have a traditional top soundhole. On this week’s podcast, we talk to Eric about how his guitar designs have evolved over the years, the challenges of being a solo luthier, his love for side soundports and some of the offbeat tonewoods he's employed.

Follow Eric and Skytop here.

In 1996, Jay Boone founded Emerald City Guitars out of a funky storefront in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood. These days, ECG may occupy the same address but it has evolved into one of the world’s great vintage guitar destinations, a place where Dumble amps, Blackguard Telecasters and ‘Bursts line the walls alongside more affordable electric and acoustic guitars and amps. On today’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Jay about the growth of this family-run business; the sales trends he’s observed over the years; how a $400,000 'Burst gets sold; the vintage guitars he just can’t keep in-stock; plus a lot more. It’s a fascinating chat that covers a lot of ground: from vintage Gibson electrics to Martins, reverb.com and more.

This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.