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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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The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast
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Now displaying: 2023
Jul 3, 2023

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. 

Jun 29, 2023

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. 

Jun 21, 2023

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. 

Jun 14, 2023

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. 

Jun 9, 2023

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. 

Jun 5, 2023

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).

May 31, 2023

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).

May 24, 2023

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).

May 17, 2023

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).

May 9, 2023

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).

Apr 26, 2023

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.

Apr 19, 2023
Robbie Fulks joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his new album, 'Bluegrass Vacation.' Fulks' first full-length bluegrass album features an all-star lineup of guests including Sam Bush, Sierra Hull, Ronnie McCoury, Tim O’Brien, Alison Brown, John Cowan, and Jerry Douglas.
 
We talk about the alt-country pioneer's deep bluegrass roots, stretching back to his time playing in Greg Cahill's Special Consensus, his approach to songwriting (and writing in general), and we hear about a book Fulks is currently working on. Plus a lot more. 
 
http://www.robbiefulks.com/
 
The Fretboard Summit, our three-day celebration of all-things-guitar is taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Fulks old stomping grounds...Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Featured performers include Wayne Henderson, Jeff Parker, Jorma Kaukonen and much more.
 
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.
Apr 7, 2023

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/

Want to meet Michael, Josh Scott, Bill Frisell, and dozens of other guitar heroes?  Come to our three-day 2023 Fretboard Summit, taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. 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).
Apr 1, 2023

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 SummitRetrofret 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.

Mar 29, 2023

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

Want to meet Michael, 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/
 
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.
Mar 24, 2023

This week, Micah Bruce (Bruce Guitars) joins us to talk about the 2023 Fretboard Summit guitar giveaway and so much more. Bruce does a bit of everything: Electric builds, acoustics, repair and restoration. Speaking to us from his new shop space in Ohama, Nebraska, he recounts his early days in the guitar industry when he landed a job at Collings in Austin, Texas. We then talk about his time at Allison Guitars and Moniker and his decision to set up his own shop and work for himself. It's a candid look at the realities of the guitar industry and the life of a solo, largely self-taught guitarmaker.
 

Now the big news: Micah will be building a custom guitar that one lucky 2023 Fretboard Summit attendee will get to take home. 
 
Check out his current offerings: https://bruceguitar.com/build and tell us what you think the ultimate "Fretboard Journal" Bruce guitar would look like. Send your comments, ideas, and secret Brazilian rosewood stash GPS coordinates to podcast@fretboardjournal.com. 

And come see Micah and over 40 other great guitarmakers at our 2023 Fretboard Summit. All-access tickets are on-sale now. Lutherie-showcase only (no concerts, no workshops) tickets will be available soon.
 
The Summit takes place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. 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.

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

Mar 17, 2023

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.

Get tickets to our forthcoming 2023 Fretboard Summit in Chicago: 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.

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

Mar 14, 2023

This week, we're offering two episodes! 

First up: We're talking to Simon Haycraft of Preston Thompson Guitars about their new Peter Rowan-signature model dreadnought. This uniquely appointed guitar is limited to just 15 instruments...and the second-ever guitar is our latest Fretboard Journal Exclusive instrument currently for sale on our site. It will be the cornerstone of some lucky FJ reader's acoustic guitar collection. 
 
We talk to Simon about the design elements found in the Adi / Indian Rosewood guitar (with plenty of turquoise and koa touches), shooting sunbursts, and the custom inlay commissions he gets at Preston Thompson customers. 
 
 
 
Get tickets to our forthcoming 2023 Fretboard Summit in Chicago: 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.

 

Mar 1, 2023

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.

Feb 19, 2023

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.

Feb 14, 2023

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.

Feb 7, 2023

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.

Jan 29, 2023

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.

Jan 23, 2023

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.

Jan 19, 2023

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. 

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