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:
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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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, 'G̱al'üünx 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).