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The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

Each week, the Fretboard Journal interviews some of our favorite musicians, instrument builders and historians.
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Now displaying: 2021
Dec 20, 2021

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.

Dec 12, 2021

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.

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.

 

Dec 5, 2021
For the last two years of this podcast, we've shared the stories of several musicians who have made the most of their COVID lockdown: Daniel Romano's wildly prolific recording streak; Mason Stoops' pivot to the visual arts; and Tristan Scroggins doing his best to tame the often-maligned tenor banjo. Today, we meet Duncan Price, a tireless guitar experimenter. Price lives on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he does setup and repair work for a mom-and-pop guitar store called Good Times Music. But during his off-hours, he's crafting some truly unique electric guitar experiments that blend single-string pickups, fretless necks, under-pickguard piezo pickups and more. Despite not having anything to sell or even a brand name, his Instagram posts have captured the attention of musicians-in-the-know on Instagram, who geek out on his posts, his music, and his latest tinkerings. One of those followers happens to be guitarist/producer Blake Mills, who ended up reaching out to Price and is now playing one of his early prototypes (and making some truly gorgeous music on it). 
 
On today's podcast, we hear about Price's background, the influence El Rayo-X's Bernie Larson had on him starting out, the quest he's on to make a great fretless-necked, infinite sustain guitar and more. Price also has been inspired by our Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast and talks about some of his recent amplifier builds, as well. This interview may be the first time you've heard about Price and his guitar creations, but it definitely won't be the last. I hope you enjoy getting to know him. 
 
Follow Duncan Price on Instagram and see what exactly we're talking about 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.

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.

 

Nov 27, 2021

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.

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.
Nov 20, 2021

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

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.
Nov 15, 2021

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

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.
Nov 9, 2021

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

Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network 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.
Nov 6, 2021

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

Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network 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.
Oct 30, 2021

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

Scroggins has had an eventful month: He won the IBMA 2021 Writer of the Year award for his music journalism and then, just a couple of weeks later, released a truly unique solo album, 'One-Ring Circus.' That album features Scroggins - best known for his mandolin playing - in the midst of a truly wild pandemic project, playing solo instrumental tunes on a vintage tenor (four-string) banjo. It's an amazing undertaking filled with great playing ... and a far cry from what you imagine when you think about "tenor banjo" music. We hear about the making of the record, his decision to release it on cassette (don't worry, it's also on all the streaming platforms), and the Paramount tenor he used for it. 
 
This conversation also goes deep: Scroggins talks about his unusual upbringing, growing up on the road playing mandolin for his dad, banjo player and bandleader Jeff Scroggins. We hear about the pressures of bluegrass competitions, his move to Nashville, mental health, and his decision to stay busy (Scroggins has been steadily releasing some great mandolin instruction books), plus a lot more.
 
Look for pieces Scroggins penned on John Reischman and Bela Fleck in the Fretboard Journal's next two issues. You're going to love them. Subscribe here to get them: start a print subscription or a digital / PDF subscription
 
Follow Scroggins' many projects here: https://www.tristanscroggins.com
Bandcamp for 'One-Ring Circus': https://tristanscroggins.bandcamp.com
Scroggins playing "Seneca Square Dance" from the record at Carter Vintage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waiFNRqk9oE

This week's Fretboard Journal Podcast is brought to you by Retrofret Vintage Guitars.
 
Note: We are currently working on our 50th issue of the Journal. We'd love to hear your stories about how the FJ (or its podcast) has changed your life. Got a noteworthy instrument with a great back story? Email us about that, too... at podcast@fretboardjournal.com.
 
We'd also love it if you all subscribed to the magazine so we can start our next 50 issues stronger and bigger than ever.  
 
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.
 
Oct 22, 2021

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.

Oct 12, 2021

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.

Oct 1, 2021

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

Sep 25, 2021

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

Sep 13, 2021

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

Sep 3, 2021

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 podcast@fretboardjournal.com.

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. 

Aug 27, 2021

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. 

Aug 20, 2021

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. 

Aug 13, 2021

"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. 

Jul 29, 2021

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. 

Check out Maury's Music Podcast here: https://www.maurysmusic.com/podcast

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. 

Jul 22, 2021

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. 

Jul 6, 2021

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 podcast@fretboardjournal.com. Don't forget to leave us a review on iTunes, too.

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. 

Jul 2, 2021

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

 Brought to you by Calton Cases and Martin Guitars.
 
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here.
 
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.

 

Jun 16, 2021
For our 328th podcast, we celebrate the music of Bahamian guitarist Joseph Spence (1910-1984) and the forthcoming release of Encore: Unheard Recordings of Bahamian Guitar and Singing (out July 16, 2021 on Smithsonian Folkways). Recording engineer, musician and producer Peter K. Siegel joins us to talk about how he recorded these 13 tracks (both in NY and at Spence's home in Nassau), the unlikely guitar that Spence used (it's not what you think), and the music traditions of Andros that led to Spence's singular sound. We also get some advice on other Bahamian music to check out, learn how a former member of the Baha Men (yes, the "Who Let the Dogs Out" band) is trying to keep Spence's music alive, and hear about Siegel's recording session with Doc Watson. It's a great chat. 
 
Go to fretboardjournal.com to hear four tracks from 'Encore' here. Pre-order the album here or via Bandcamp.
 
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here.
 
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.

Jun 11, 2021

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. 

Trust us: Whether you're befuddled by the world of pedals (like Jason), a Tone Mob fan, a DIY musician or a luthier looking for marketing advice, there's something in this conversation for you! 
 
Follow Blake here: https://tonemob.com

Blake's new album, American Cyclops' 'Tom, Do You Have Anything Sharp On You?'  is streaming everywhere now.

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.

Jun 2, 2021

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. 

On this week's podcast, we talk to Jackson about his love for old guitars, the rich guitarmaking culture he resides in (acclaimed builder Wayne Henderson was once his neighbor) and the wood he selects for his builds. We also talk about a special guitar he just built and donated to help benefit the Floyd Country Store. Act fast and you can buy a raffle ticket and enter to win it via this link: https://www.floydcountrystore.com/event/jackson-cunningham-guitar-raffle-drawing-2021-06-11 
 
Follow Jackson via his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CunninghamHandmadeInstruments/

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.

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