The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

Guitarist and composer Jim Fox has backed dozens of vocal luminaries over the years, including Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Rosemary Clooney and Dean Martin. During this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk about his start in music, attending Berklee, his early stint backing Bobby Vinton, and the numerous years he spent accompanying Frank Sinatra, Jr. We also talk about Fox's jazz albums, his friendship with late studio legend Bob Bain, and his obsession with the archtop guitars of Australian luthier Steve Gilchrist. The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Mono Cases. Want to support the show? Get a digital or print subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine. Digital subscriptions are just $30 per year. Links: https://jimfoxguitar.com/home http://www.gilchristmandolins.com/ https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/bill-frisell-with-bob-bain-and-dennis-budimir-a-musical-conversation/ The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Mono Cases.

Steve McCreary is the GM of Collings Guitars and Mandolins and one of the most respected members of the musical instrument industry. Since joining Collings in 1992, he's helped helm the Austin, Texas-based company's growth into mandolins, electric guitars, and – most recently – their more affordable Waterloo line of instruments. During this lengthy interview, we hear about Steve's unique background (he's a former stonemason), what it was like to work with the late Bill Collings (a larger-than-life character) and how the company is navigating the COVID crisis through 2020 and beyond. We also talk about Collings' ongoing collaboration with guitarist Julian Lage, hear about the '70s and '80s Austin music scene, and a lot more If you enjoy in-depth interviews with the people behind your favorite guitars, we'd love your support. Get a digital subscription to the Fretboard Journal for just $30 (click here) or a keepsake print edition subscription (click here). We know you'll love it. Fretboard Journal #46 just mailed and our next issue will be out in early December 2020. Subscribers also get subscriber-only perks. Previous Collings Interviews: Bill Collings on the Fretboard Journal Podcast (link) Bruce VanWart of Collings on the Fretboard Journal Podcast (link) Our tribute to Bill Collings in the Fretboard Journal magazine (link) The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Robert "Nitebob" Czaykowski is a legendary rock & roll sound engineer. For nearly 50 years, he's done front-of-house mixing for musicians both famous and infamous, consulted with musical instrument companies (there's a "Nitebob" setting on Fender Cyber-Twins), worked as a gear tech, and even served as Walter Becker's de facto "guitar pimp." During this sprawling talk (hopefully the first of many), Nitebob reflects upon years working for Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Iggy Pop, the New York Dolls, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Steely Dan, Lez Zeppelin, and REM (to name a few), talks about his early love for the guitar, explains what makes a great live mix and so much more. We think you'll love getting to know Nitebob. The Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. Support our show with a subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine (get our digital/PDF version or the keepsake print edition). Our new, 46th issue is now mailing featuring John Leventhal and Rosanne Cash, Hubert Sumlin, luthier Steve Grimes and many other guitar greats. Links mentioned: Nitebob on Roadie Free Radio; Nitebob on Joseph Arthur's Come to Where I'm From; Satellite Amplifiers on the Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast; and the Fretboard Journal's tribute to the guitars of Walter Becker.

For our 300th episode, we're mixing things up with an informal Zoom conversation with two of our favorite people, jazz guitarists Bill Frisell and Anthony Wilson. During this hour-plus chat, these two friends riff on influences, the Los Angeles jazz scene, Dennis Budimir, Gerald Wilson (Anthony's dad), Gabor Szabo, and so much more. Watch Bill Frisell perform alongside Dennis Budimir and Bob Bain here. Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. We are also sponsored by Izotope. Use the coupon code RUIN10 at izotope.com/ruinous to save 10% off any order. The Fretboard Journal's new 46th issue is now available, with features on John Leventhal and Rosanne Cash, Hubert Sumlin and much more. Order or subscribe via this link.

Guitar great Adam Miller joins us once again (he originally appeared on Fretboard Journal Podcast #240) to talk about the making of his fantastic new electric album, Unify. Miller has had quite an interesting year: He and his wife were all set to relocate to Los Angeles full-time when COVID hit and sent him back home to Australia. He recounts how Unify came together, the influence his California time had on the album and why he decided to re-record its guitar parts. We also hear about Adam's current gear of choice and a lot more. Check out fretboardjournal.com for a new video featuring Adam playing the track "Leaving" from his new album. This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Izotope. Use the checkout code RUIN10 when you check out at izotope.com/ruinous to save 10% off your next software purchase.

With Beginners (ANTI- Records), Christian Lee Hutson released one of our favorite records of 2020, so it only felt fitting to invite this Los Angeles-based musician back on the Fretboard Journal Podcast. During our chat, Hutson talks about the making of his album (including his previous failed attempts to record these songs); overcoming self-doubt; working alongside Phoebe Bridgers (who ended up producing Beginners and appearing on it); taking up the clarinet and flute in the middle of the pandemic and much more. We also talk about Hutson's guest appearance on the Reply-All Podcast, where he pieced together and re-created a forgotten pop song based on one listener's recollection. Subscribe to reader supported Fretboard Journal magazine in print or digital/PDF form and get our new, 46th issue, mailing next week. Christian Lee Hutson also appeared on the Fretboard Journal Podcast #161 during an earlier visit. This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases, Retrofret and Izotope. Use the checkout code RUIN10 at izotope.com/ruinous to save 10% off your next software purchase.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Jason checks in with luthier and fellow podcaster, Michael Bashkin. It's an unfiltered and fun chat about the boutique guitar industry at large, the annual output of an independent solo maker, Michael's Luthier on Luthier Podcast and a lot more. Jason also asks Michael about guitar shows, Moon spruce and the realities of building production guitars overseas. It's a nearly 90-minute look at the state of the handmade guitar market. https://www.bashkinguitars.com Luthier on Luthier on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/luthier-on-luthier-with-michael-bashkin/id1208172851

Beginning in March of 2020, while most of the world was in lockdown mode due to COVID, Daniel Romano did something truly remarkable: He began releasing an album nearly every week on his Bandcamp page. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to the Canadian musician about his prolific output this year: from a track-by-track re-creation of Bob Dylan's Infidels album played as if the Plugz were Dylan's backing band, to his British folk-inspired Alias Ensemble album, and all points in-between. We hear about some of the self-imposed rules he gives himself when recording, his current gear of choice, his forthcoming (ninth) album for 2020, 'How Ill Thy World Is Ordered' (out Sept. 18, 2020 on You've Changed Records) and a lot more. Romano is one of our favorite musicians and it was great to get a peek at his creative process. Further reading: The story of the Plugz and Bob Dylan's appearance on Letterman. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. Support the podcast by picking up a PDF or print subscription to the Fretboard Journal.

Chase Bliss Audio makes some of the most interesting pedals created today. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to founder Joel Korte about his company's rapid rise in popularity, his workflow, some of their latest creations and their ongoing collaborations with both pedal makers and musicians. We also talk about the human element found in Chase Bliss' output, some of the noteworthy videos they've produced, Korte's unique career path and plan for the future, mushrooms, and more. Stuff mentioned: Chase Bliss https://www.chaseblissaudio.com The Story & Retirement of Chase Bliss Wooden Boxes (video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7A5X10k8U8&t=7s The Chase Bliss Blooper campaign on Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/chaseblissaudio/blooper Paul Stamets on Joe Rogan (excerpt) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVhd56KYS6s Get the second-ever Fretboard Journal Electric Guitar Annual while supplies last. https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/2019-electric-annual-pre-order

For forty years, Bruce Harvie (Orcas Island Tonewoods) has carved out a nice existence for himself in the instrument making world as a tonewood supplier. His one-man operation is based in one of the most beautiful spots in North America (Washington State's San Juan Islands), where he sells spruce, redwood and other raw materials to mandolin and bowed instrument makers around the world. He's also a prolific musician. Though he makes his living selling hand-selected wood, Harvie is quick to point out that there's great instrument-making materials all around us, for cheap. "It's amazing how many mandolins get burned," he says. "I've gotten a lot of wood out of firewood piles." On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Harvie about his early instrument building days, how he sources his tonewoods, and about some of the lesser-used woods in instrument making that deserve a chance. Follow Orcas Island Tonewoods here and listen to Bruce's new album here. This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Musician and singer-songwriter Mac McAnally has led quite a life: As a teenager, he was a studio musician in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, able to jump from between sessions and studios as an in-demand acoustic guitarist. He soon started writing songs, got a record deal of his own and penned hit songs for Jimmy Buffett, Alabama, and other top country acts. Since 1994, he's played guitar in Buffett's Coral Reefer Band. As you'll hear on this podcast, McAnally is as humble as it gets, but he's also a ten-time CMA Musician of the Year winner. In 2007, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. McAnally just released his latest solo record, Once in a Lifetime. On this week's podcast, he recounts his early days in the Muscle Shoals scene, tells about his gear of choice (including his cherished, slot-head Martin guitar), and we talk about the making of the new album. This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

As a kid, guitarmaker Sherwood "Woody" Phifer would tinker with everything, from model airplanes to his high school track shoes. "I would look at something and I'd be redesigning it as I was looking at it," he says. Eventually, he was taking guitars apart, which led to him building his own instrument and stumbling upon Charles LoBue's Guitar Lab in 1970. Within a couple of visits to that influential NYC shop, he found his passion for lutherie and his life's calling. During this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Phifer tells us about that fateful trip to Guitar Lab (a shop that employed soon-to-be-legendary employees Larry DiMarzio, Charles LoBue, Ralph Novak and Steve Kauffman), walks us through some of his thoroughly original creations (including his archtop guitars, his chambered-body electrics, his unique bridge system and more), and describes what it's like to be one of the only Black guitarmakers in the country. https://www.phiferguitars.com https://www.fretboardjournal.com

Earlier this month, Gibson announced a $59,000 reward for the safe return of their 1959-1960 shipping ledger, a book that, if it exists, has been missing for decades. If found, the ledger could shed light on the details of Gibson's production of guitars during a legendary period of time, including the variations found on all those famed, uber-collectible '59 and '60 'Bursts. On this bonus episode of the Fretboard Journal podcast, we talk to Cesar Gueikian (CMO) and Mat Koehler (Head of Product Development) from Gibson about where they think the ledger might be, why they're on the hunt for it, and what they think they could learn from it. We also hear about some new and forthcoming Gibson projects, including collaborations with Jerry Cantrell and Adam Jones, forthcoming Flying V and white SG Custom Shop tributes to Jimi Hendrix, a Slim Harpo ES-330 reissue and a lot more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Michael Millard of Froggy Bottom Guitars reflects upon 50 years of guitarmaking with one of our most insightful podcast interviews to date. Millard is a legendary figure in the world of musical instruments, using the lessons he learned working alongside Michael Gurian in the early 1970s to create one of the most collectible acoustic guitar brands of the modern era. During this nearly hour-long chat, he talks about the unique ways Froggy Bottoms are made, describes his company's unorthodox business model, and announces his plan for retirement at the end of 2020. Millard was trained as a psychologist and his unfiltered thoughts on social injustice, the opportunities afforded him, and the danger of expectations are a breath of fresh air. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

For years, ragtime guitarist Craig Ventresco was one of the music world's best-kept secrets: The only way to see him was to catch him in his hometown of San Francisco, playing a solo show at a small cafe or with his gypsy jazz band, Gaucho. He seldom left the city and recordings weren't a big part of his career. Like many others, when COVID-19 and shelter-in-place orders hit, Craig and partner Meredith Axelrod turned to the internet to keep performing. Here's where things get interesting: With a minimalist setup, Ventresco and Axelrod started live streaming their performances on Facebook... not once a month or weekly, but every single night. As of this interview, Ventresco and Axelrod were up to 100-plus shows. And their unique take on ragtime guitar is suddenly finding new fans around the globe. On this week's podcast, we chat with Ventresco about growing up in Maine, getting turned on to 78 records, the years he spent busking around SF, his role on the 'Crumb' soundtrack, and his life online. We also talk about his Fraulini guitars, the music he's been obsessing over and much more. Links: Meredith Axelrod's Facebook page (where Craig and Meredith perform every night at 8pm PT): https://www.facebook.com/meredithaxelrod Their tip jars: Paypal.me/meredithaxelrod Venmo: @meredithaxelrod Fraulini Guitars: http://fraulini.com Fretboard Journal: https://www.fretboardjournal.com (Use the discount code PODCAST when you check out and save $5 off any order) This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

If you've read any guitar magazines over the last several years, you've probably seen the bylines of today's guests: Teja Gerken and Doug Young. The two Bay Area fingerstyle guitarists have written extensively about gear and technique for a variety of publications and today Teja is a partner at online music instruction portal Peghead Nation. On this week's podcast, they talk about their beautiful new instrumental album, simply titled Duets. They tell us about some of the unique guitars they used on the recording, give us tips for recording remotely via Zoom/Skype, and much more. Check out Duets here: https://tejaanddougguitar.bandcamp.com Order the Fretboard Journal's new Electric Guitar Annual here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/2019-electric-annual-pre-order This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Jontavious Willis is only 24, but he's already earned numerous accolades - and a Grammy nomination - for his mastery of the blues. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Willis from his home in Georgia about being a largely self-taught guitarist, the one standard tuning guitar lesson he took (just five years ago!), the gear he uses today (including his Fraulini 12-string guitar), and his love for original 78 records. We hear about the influence that Keb' Mo' and Taj Mahal had on his career (Mo' produced 'Spectacular Class,' the album that earned Willis the Grammy nod) and Willis tells us how, even during COVID-19, a community of young Black blues musicians is mentoring each other through social media. Willis also explains the #RobertJohnsonChallenge, where he and fellow musicians Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Marquise Knox are interpreting Robert Johnson tunes online, every Wednesday. Inspired by the recently discovered third photo of Johnson, the challenge is required viewing if you're a blues fan. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. Watch Willis' most recent Robert Johnson Challenge contribution here: https://www.facebook.com/JontaviousWillis/videos/250502482919394/ Follow him here: https://www.facebook.com/JontaviousWillis/ or here: http://jontaviouswillis.com Subscribe to the reader-powered Fretboard Journal here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com

Sarah Jarosz just released 'World on the Ground,' her first solo album in four years. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, she talks to us about the making of the album, working with John Leventhal (who produced the project and helped co-write a few songs), her favorite songwriting tools (including her Collings D1A and her Fletcher Brock-built octave mandolin), and much more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. https://www.sarahjarosz.com

For the last decade, luthier David Murray helmed an audacious project: Teaching the craft of guitarmaking to young Tibetan refugees in foothills of the Himalayas. It was one of the least hospitable places imaginable for a woodworking business (from both a climate and political perspective), but somehow the Dehradun Guitar Company steadily produced about one custom acoustic guitar a week. As David says goodbye to this chapter of his life – which we originally profiled in the Fretboard Journal #38 – we wanted to bring him on the podcast to hear what transpired. From Thailand, where his family currently resides, we talk about the challenges he experienced setting up Dehradun: the climate, CITES regulations, prohibitive shipping costs, an Indian government that threw his family out of the country and more. Despite all the above, Murray and his team were able to create around 200 amazing instruments and, he admits, "it was a dream come true." We also talk a bit about the Fretboard Journal today, the influence Bob Taylor had on him as a builder and business owner, and what's next for the Murrays.

Twenty years ago, former president Jimmy Carter planted a grove of Paulownia trees on his Georgia property. Wood from those trees was recently harvested and, thanks to World Tree and FJ contributor/luthier Todd Lunneborg, some of that wood harvest is currently being turned into some rather special guitars. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Lunneborg and acclaimed acoustic guitarmaker Jason Kostal about the project. Kostal recently completed his guitar featuring the Paulownia from Carter's grove and, thanks to a bit of a luck and some social distancing, he was able to show the former president his finished instrument. It's an unforgettable moment and a great story that we think you'll love. See pics of the finished guitar and of Carter with it here. Enjoy this episode? Share it with friends and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Support the Fretboard Journal by getting a digital subscription to our magazine for just $30. This week's podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Tom Power is a Canadian broadcasting great and frontman for folk band, The Dardanelles. He's also the host of 'Toy Heart: A Podcast About Bluegrass,' which has quickly become one of our favorite listens. On this week's FJ Podcast, we talk to Power about growing up in St. John's, Newfoundland, discovering bluegrass music through the 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' soundtrack, and his unlikely and fateful meeting with Blue Grass Boy Tom Rosenberg (one of only two other St. John's residents who played the banjo). Power walks us through his career in broadcasting (he hosts the popular, nationwide Q show), explains why he decided to travel through America interviewing bluegrass legends, and shares some of his favorite memories from meeting Alice Gerrard, Del McCoury, Bela Fleck and others. If you're into bluegrass music (or the roots of Americana), we can't recommend Tom's podcast enough. Listen to Toy Heart here or through Apple Podcasts. Support the Fretboard Journal by getting a digital subscription to our magazine for just $30. This week's podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

French-born, Rhode Island-based luthier Rachel Rosenkrantz (Atelier Rosenkrantz) is a tireless experimenter. Inspired by her years working in industrial lighting and design, she's embraced some truly unique, sustainable and downright wild materials. She also, of course, makes many traditional steel and nylon-string instruments out of classic tonewoods. During this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Rosenkrantz walks us through some of the eye-opening projects she's currently working on, including a ukulele constructed out of a mushroom, pickguards fashioned out of fish skin, banjo heads formed from kombucha mothers, and even an ondes Martenot. We also talk about working alongside archtop maker Otto D'Ambrosio, her appearance on Anthony Bourdain's show and more. Sit back and enjoy this conversation with one of the guitar world's true mavericks and be sure to watch the video she just submitted of our shop for #FJFest here: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/fjfest-rachel-rosenkrantz-atelier-rosenkrantz-shop-tour https://www.atelierrosenkrantz.com https://www.instagram.com/atelier_rosenkrantz/?hl=en

Fred Greene is the Vice President of Product Management for C.F. Martin & Co. in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. There, he oversees the research, development and production for Martin's numerous guitar models and strings. Typically, our conversations with Fred center around the new models Martin is unveiling, but this talk is a little different. With guitar production at a standstill due to COVID-19, we instead have a frank talk with Fred about how the guitar community has come together during this pandemic, the fears he has about the industry as a whole, the issues he foresees in the manufacturing supply chain when Martin gets back to work, and so much more. Fred is one of our favorite people in the guitar industry and is a repeat guest on our podcast (we loved talking to him and Tim Teel for FJ Podcast #254, check it out). If you enjoy this conversation, you may also like hearing our chat with Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Co. from last week, where we discuss how his company is dealing with current events and much more. Support the Fretboard Journal by getting a digital subscription for just $30: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer See our entire (and growing) lineup of #FJFest content here, including shop tours with TJ Thompson, Mark Stutman of Folkway Music and others: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/tag/fjfest/

This week's podcast is about a lot more than guitars: In the midst of a global pandemic, Richard Hoover, founder of the Santa Cruz Guitar Co., joins us for a candid conversation about running a successful small business, innovations in lutherie, his "bank of goodwill," being open-source, and so much more. We hear about his childhood growing up in California's San Joaquin Valley, the influence of the Whole Earth Catalog, the perils of dulcimer building, the serendipitous path that led him to guitarmaking, and even the books Richard is currently reading. He also offers us all a "logic array" that may help you re-frame your thinking through these challenging times. Note: There is unfortunately some Skype latency around the 49 minute mark. It only lasts a minute but we decided to leave it in to keep this conversation intact. https://santacruzguitar.com Other Santa Cruz Guitar Co. content from the FJ that you may enjoy: Richard Hoover on the Fretboard Journal Podcast #116: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-116-richard-hoover-santa-cruz-guitar-company/ Richard Hoover profile from Fretboard Journal #1 https://www.fretboardjournal.com/features/richard-hoover-santa-cruz-guitars Support the Fretboard Journal by getting a digital subscription for just $30: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Since 2005, Henriksen has created amplifiers for discerning jazz players. On this week's podcast, we talk to Peter Henriksen about the company his father (Bud Henriksen) founded in 2005, the specific needs jazz players have, and about some of the company's creations that cross genres and would appeal to players of all stripes. Peter is also the founder of the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival, which takes place every September in Arvada, CO. https://www.henriksenamplifiers.com/ https://www.archtopfestival.com This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. Want to support the podcast? Get a digital (PDF) subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and get six issues for just $30. Click here.

A couple of years ago, Sacramento's Tré Burt lugged his Flinthill acoustic guitar onto a bus from Northern California to Los Angeles to record some demos at a friend's studio. When that was done, he assumed he'd turn around and get started on another record. What Burt didn't realize was that those Dylan-inspired songs would end up being released on John Prine's Oh Boy record label as his debut album, Caught It From the Rye. (Even more impressive, Burt is just one of two artists to get signed to the label in the last 15 years.) On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to this singer-songwriter about his start, his signing to Oh Boy, his countless evenings as a busker in California, Oregon and Australia, getting heckled by Prine and a lot more. It's quite a journey and Burt is just getting started... This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. Want to support the podcast? Get a digital (PDF) subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and get six issues for just $30. Click here.

Want to support the podcast? Get a digital (PDF) subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine here and get six issues for just $30. Click here. Christopher Paul Stelling joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the making of his new, Ben Harper-produced album, Best of Luck. Stelling's journey is a fascinating one and we hear all about it: Mowing lawns in Florida so he could get his first guitar; honing his chops on the open mic circuit; discovering his first nylon-string guitar; his '50s Martin 00-17; getting signed to Anti- records; and even a brief stint building instruments alongside Rono mandolins in Boulder, Colorado. This is one of our favorite interviews to date and we wholeheartedly encourage you to check out Best of Luck. Stelling will also be appearing in the Fretboard Journal #46, out in April. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

This week, we're sharing an epic conversation with one of our favorite musicians, guitar great Jim Campilongo. Jim shares stories about growing up in San Francisco, his early guitar lessons, his ever-growing LP obsession and some of the fateful encounters that helped shape his point-of-view as an instrumentalist. We then discuss his move from San Francisco to New York; his new, Sundazed Best of compilation; his ongoing collaborations with luthier Chihoe Hahn (Hahn's Model C tele-style guitar); plus a lot more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases. Support the Fretboard Journal Podcast by getting a digital subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine for just $30 a year. You'll get our new issue (#45) immediately on the house and get four more issues. Click here to join us.

Dan Erlewine is, quite simply, a legend when it comes to lutherie. Through his countless videos and articles for StewMac, he's helped thousands of aspiring and veteran guitarmakers hone their craft. On this week's podcast, he reflects upon two of his most famous creations: A Strat-style guitar he built for Jerry Garcia and the Flying V he built for Albert King. Erlewine is building all-new replicas of both guitars and had examples at the 2020 NAMM Show. We also talk about naming Iggy Pop (his former bandmate), Dan's latest guitar creations, taking lessons from Clarence White and a lot more. A must-listen episode... This podcast is sponsored by Mono Creators and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Henry Kaiser and Rick Turner take over this week's episode of the Fretboard Journal Podcast to share H-13: A Tribute to the Santa Cruz Model H Guitar with us. This is a collection of newly-recorded tracks celebrating the musical life and legacy of Paul Hostetter (1945-2019). Growing up in Detroit, Paul Hostetter took up guitar as a teenager, dropped out of high school and got a job at Joe and Mary Fava's music shop teaching blues and folk-style guitar. He knew Joni Mitchell and Marvin Gaye. He played rhythm guitar in recording sessions at Motown Records. And, while still in Detroit, he attended Monteith College, a liberal arts branch of Wayne State University, eventually earning a bachelor's degree in philosophy. His experience there was broader than it sounds. He worked in a range of disciplines, among them metal-smithing, a skill that enabled him to support himself designing and making wedding rings. In addition, Paul was the inspiration for the SCGC Model H guitar. These instruments exist in 14-fret, 13-fret and 12-fret versions. All of the tracks on this album are recorded with SCGC Model H guitars. Most of the musicians were friends with Paul and chose tunes and musical modes of expression that would have made Paul smile. Beyond the incredible playing, this album is a tremendous showcase of just how varied one guitar model can sound, thanks to differing tonewood choices. It's also fascinating to hear Kaiser and Turner's expert commentary between songs. We hope you enjoy it. Track Listing 1 Martin Simpson – "When First Unto This Country" 3:30 2 Rick Ruskin - "Medley: Buck Dancer's Choice / Arkansas Traveler" 1:45 3 Happy Traum - "He Was a Friend of Mine" 4:42 4 Bruce Molsky - "Lasitera" 3:06 5 Josh Michaell - "Evening Reflections by Laguna Creek" 4:04 6 Kevin Carr - "Foliada de Bearducido" 3:27 7 Jody Stecher - "The Spider Hop" 4:57 8 D'Gary - "Mpiarak' Aomby" 4:39 9 Tony McManus - "Bach Cello Suite #1: Prelude" 2:20 10 Michael Gulezian - "Oh! Suzanna" 4:48 11 Rick Chelew - "It Could Be an Antelope" 3:18 12 Ed Pettersen - "The Harbor Road" 3:44 13 Paul Kotapish & Dan Warrick - "Belgian Waltzes" 2:58 14 Rick Turner - "Smith Grade March" 1:47 15 Marc Silber - "Searching for Spence > Leavin' You" 4:40 16 Rev. Heng Sure - "She Carries Me" 4:47 17 Eric Thompson - "Shake Shake Mama" 2:51 18 Henry Kaiser - "Hard Time Killin' Spoonful Blues" 7:25

Professional snowboarder Russell Winfield has had quite a life, filled with both sports and music. On this week's podcast, he talks to us his early love for the Grateful Dead; how he discovered guitar playing on roadtrips with fellow snowboarders; some of the influential music moments he had growing up; and his new project, Shout the People. Follow Shout the People here. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

"It wasn't like I was looking to make pedals my career, at all… it was just, 'I bet I can sell one to buy parts for this other one.'" –Robert Keeley, on his early work On this week's podcast, we talk to Robert Keeley of Keeley Electronics. When it comes to the world of effects pedals, Keeley is, quite simply, a legend. During our conversation, he recounts his early days flipping hi-fi gear he'd find at estate sales; explains why he never became an amp builder; outlines the importance of a great education for all of his employees; and walks us through the lifecycle of a pedal currently in development (the ECCOS delay/looper). Whether you know Keeley for his old Tube Screamer mods or for his more recent, digital signal processing effects, you're bound to learn something during this hour-long chat. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

You may not know who singer-songwriter Odessa is, but chances are you've heard at least one of her songs. "I Will Be There," a tune found on her 2014 self-titled debut album, was used in a national car commercial and ended up being one of the most searched-for songs of the year. It also brought with it some of the headaches of the music industry: Managers, major labels… and expectations for another hit. "It was kind of a wild ride," Odessa tells us, looking back. "I'm still not exactly sure what happened." On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Odessa walks us through what transpires when a major label and an artist have differing views on success and how one recovers to stay true to their vision. We also talk about Odessa's a new, self-released Jonathan Wilson-produced album called All Things. It's an album that we can't recommend enough. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

For years, Nelson, British Columbia's Craig Korth could be seen at bluegrass festivals sharing a trio of exceptional (and extremely pricey) instruments - his 1923 Gibson F-5 mandolin, a 1937 Martin D-28 and a pre-war Gibson flathead 5-string banjo - with nearly anyone. But Craig is a lot more than just a laid-back instrument collector. On this week's podcast, he fills us in on his early love for bluegrass, how he accumulated a world-class array of instruments with a blue collar job (hint: a lot of hard work, hustling and trading up) and about the Nimble Fingers music camp he ran for many years. We also talk about Craig's foray into lutherie, the lessons he took from archtop maker Bob Benedetto and how Craig is currently coping with focal hand dystonia. Whether or not you're a fan of bluegrass music, we think you'll love this episode and Craig's outlook on life. Note: The first few minutes of our interview have some internet connection issues but it clears up very soon. This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we're talking to guitarist/instructor Jason Loughlin. Loughlin's latest project is Sound on Sound, a rather unconventional TrueFire course dedicated to teaching the multi-track arranging of Les Paul. Over the course of the lesson, Loughlin walks students through a nine-guitar (!) arrangement of the jazz standard "After You've Gone." Though it sounds daunting, Loughlin is able to easily break down and demystify how recordings like this are made and reveal some of Les' favorite tone hacks, like emulating the sound of drums and bass via his six-string guitar. We also talk to Loughlin about how to encapsulate those classic Les Paul sounds with modern gear, some of Loughlin's other loves – like early Sun Records recordings – and much more. This week's Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Mono and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Don't forget to also tune into the Truth About Vintage Amps podcast, which is about to celebrate its first birthday. Sound on Sound with Jason Loughlin: https://truefire.com/les-paul-guitar-lessons/sound-on-sound/c1442

Erick Coleman is known to thousands online simply as "tonechaser." But Erick's story goes way beyond his social media posts: Coleman is an experienced luthier, a still-touring musician and the Senior Technical Advisor for Stewart-MacDonald, where he constantly develops and tests new tools for the company. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Coleman about his beginnings working on instruments, how he balances his work week and how he's amassed a rather huge guitar and amp collection. We also talk about common mistakes people make on their first guitar builds, plus a lot more. Links: Erick's social feeds: Instagram / Facebook Erick's band: The D-Rays Stewart-MacDonald: https://www.stewmac.com

The instruments that luthier Eric Weigeshoff (Skytop Guitars) crafts are striking. For starters, his acoustic guitars don't even have a traditional top soundhole. On this week's podcast, we talk to Eric about how his guitar designs have evolved over the years, the challenges of being a solo luthier, his love for side soundports and some of the offbeat tonewoods he's employed. Follow Eric and Skytop here.

In 1996, Jay Boone founded Emerald City Guitars out of a funky storefront in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood. These days, ECG may occupy the same address but it has evolved into one of the world's great vintage guitar destinations, a place where Dumble amps, Blackguard Telecasters and 'Bursts line the walls alongside more affordable electric and acoustic guitars and amps. On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Jay about the growth of this family-run business; the sales trends he's observed over the years; how a $400,000 'Burst gets sold; the vintage guitars he just can't keep in-stock; plus a lot more. It's a fascinating chat that covers a lot of ground: from vintage Gibson electrics to Martins, reverb.com and more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Once again, we're bringing back one of our favorite subjects to the Fretboard Journal Podcast. Andy Powers should need little introduction to longtime FJ followers: In less than a decade, he's gone from being a solo luthier working out of his dad's garage to being the face of Taylor's guitar development to (as of a couple weeks ago) becoming a co-owner / partner in the company. During this week's conversation, we talk about all of the above, learn about Andy's work habits and hear about some of the daily decision-making that goes on behind-the-scenes at Taylor. Support the Fretboard Journal and our podcasts during our first-ever Subscription Drive: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/support This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Support the Fretboard Journal and our podcasts during our first-ever Subscription Drive: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/support TJ Thompson is one of the most respected names in the world of vintage Martin guitars, a repairperson who can seemingly fix the impossible. Though he flies under the radar with no advertising and little publicity (aside from his occasional appearances in the Fretboard Journal), he has no shortage of work from collectors, high-end dealers and touring musicians. Occasionally, he even burns the midnight oil building Martin-inspired guitars under his own name. (As of this writing, he's built 87 guitars from scratch.) TJ returns to the FJ podcast in a conversation that covers a lot of ground: his background (the '70s Martin D-35 with intonation issues that got him started in lutherie, his stints with Dana Bourgeois and Elderly Instruments); the inspiration that he finds from people and problem solving; and a few of the complicated guitar repairs he has recently tackled. Though there are plenty of guitar geek revelations, more than anything this is a chat about following your passion and finding mastery in your craft. Because of that, it's one of our favorite episodes to date. Note: TJ also appeared in the Fretboard Journal #26 and has been on Fretboard Journal Podcast episodes 55, 97, 122 and 123. Links: TJ's Pro Luthier Tools Shop The 1947 Martin D-18 with a crushed side referenced during this conversation: https://www.instagram.com/p/B1rVQQvHVvD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Mark Stutman (Folkway Music) returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast for a sprawling conversation that covers the magic (and variables) of '30s vintage Gibson flattop guitars, his advice for aspiring luthiers, the allure of old strings (and what new strings he likes for old Gibsons) and much more. Stutman is a true authority when it comes to old Gibson and Martin guitar repairs and his restoration insights ("the enemy of Good is often Better") are invaluable for vintage guitar collectors. The Fretboard Journal has just launched its first ever subscription drive. If you haven't joined us yet, now is a great time. We'll be sharing all-new podcasts, videos and articles all month long: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/support-the-fretboard-journal/ This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

This week, we have a lively chat with graphic designer extraordinaire Aaron Draplin. Though Aaron is best-known as a visual artist – everything from magazines to books to concert posters to a US postage stamp – music is at the core of his work and upbringing. During our call, Jason talks to him Aaron about his music influences, his love for design of all stripes, his trajectory as a guitarist and the music lessons he's taking from fellow Portland resident Pete Krebs and much more. The Fretboard Journal has just launched its first ever subscription drive. If you haven't joined us yet, now is a great time. We'll be sharing all-new podcasts, videos and articles all month long: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/support-the-fretboard-journal/ This episode is sponsored by Roberto-Venn and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Singer-songwriter Joan Shelley talks to us about the making of Like the River Loves the Sea, her excellent 2019 full-length album. Shelley talks to us about the album's unlikely recording location (Iceland), her Collings guitar, her writing process and much more. Like what we're up to? Please support us by joining the Fretboard Journal via a print or discounted digital subscription. This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases.

Brent Mason is one of the most prolific and successful session guitarists of all time. He joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the life of a Nashville session musician, his guitars of choice, what he brings to the studio and much more. It's a fascinating chat about one of the lesser-known aspects of the music industry. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine via this link. This episode is sponsored by Roberto-Venn, Gibson, Martin and Carter Vintage Guitars.

Richard Walter, curator for Phoenix, Arizona's amazing Musical Instrument Museum, joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast. We talk about his background, his role at the museum and, most importantly, about MIM's current exhibit, The Electric Guitar: Inventing an American Icon. The exhibit, which closes on September 15, 2019, gathers a wide array of historic and legendary instruments, including Speedy West's Bigsby (profiled in a recent Fretboard Journal) and guitars from Alvino Rey, Bo Diddley and Les Paul. This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases with special thanks to FJ presenting sponsors Carter Vintage, Martin Guitars and Gibson. Want to support the show? Get a discounted one-year digital subscription to our magazine for just $30.

Most guitarists have seen a StringBender installed on a Telecaster at some point. But on an acoustic? That's a pretty wild concept. On this week's podcast, we talk to two of the finest flatpicking guitarists around - Trey Hensley & Chris Luquette – about the StringBenders that will soon be installed as an upgrade option on Preston Thompson Guitars. These two Thompson artists talk about the feel of a StringBender-equipped dreadnought, describe how it changes their playing and much more. Midway through the call, we patch in the one-and-only Gene Parsons, the device's storied inventor. He tells us how the StringBender was developed (thanks to Clarence White's inspiration) and even lets us know about a rather historic Martin D-18 that now has a StringBender installed in it. Want to know more? Check out our video with Try and Chris here: https://youtu.be/0SYOSsy4p20 Get a digital subscription to the Fretboard Journal magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer This episode is sponsored by Roberto-Venn, Gibson, Carter Vintage and Martin guitars.

"Keep an open mind about [wood]. We're not going to have these resources forever, especially if we're not careful about them." –Jayne Henderson Jayne Henderson (EJ Henderson Guitars) joins us on this week's podcast to talk about learning the craft of lutherie from her dad, Wayne Henderson. We also hear about her custom inlay work (and the thought process that goes into it); her affinity for sustainable woods (including oak); building a guitar for Doc Watson; ukuleles and much more. Mentioned on the podcast: The Luthiers Apprentice blog, the Hampton Brothers cut Red spruce; John Arnold's oak guitar. This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases with special thanks to FJ presenting sponsors Carter Vintage, Martin Guitars and Gibson. Want to support the show? Get a discounted one-year digital subscription to our magazine for just $30.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we sit down with Gibson CMO Cesar Gueikian. Cesar's story is fascinating: Long before he began working for the legendary guitar company, he was a successful business person and self-professed Gibson fanatic. These days, he gets to combine his finance background with his love for all-things-Gibson and has been a big part of the new Gibson leadership. During the course of our candid chat, he walks us through the challenges Gibson faces, tells us about some of the new models he's most excited for and much more. This episode is brought to you by Mono Cases, Roberto-Venn, Carter Vintage, Martin Guitars and Gibson. Order the new Fretboard Journal 44 by clicking here.

On this week's FJ Podcast, we talk to Paul Heumiller, founder of Dream Guitars. Dream Guitars is a highly-curated, online store featuring contemporary high-end, luthier-built acoustic guitars. At any time, they typically have over 100 new and pre-owned instruments from makers such as Wayne Henderson, James Olson, Leo Buendia and Jordan McConnell. During this chat, Paul tells us about the current market for these instruments, explains what he thinks separates a great acoustic builder from the rest and much more. This episode is brought to you by Mono Cases, Roberto-Venn, Carter Vintage, Martin Guitars and Gibson. Order the new Fretboard Journal 44 by clicking here.

A bonus episode this week! The Fretboard Journal's Ryan Richter talks to dobro, lap steel and pedal steel composer and instrumentalist Mike Grigoni. Ryan says, "In 2001, I had the good fortune of meeting Mike Grigoni on a Bainbridge Island beach. 'You gotta know this guy...' was the party line that day, and it was right on the money. Before departing Seattle, Mike and I collaborated on music, and though it never bore much tangible fruit, it was wildly informative for me. Mike's ample skill as a leader, accompanist, and composer was an invigorating force that's as much of an inspiration now as it was then. (When working on my own music, I often employ the 'what would Mike do here" postulate.') Mike's musical journey has taken him from traditional Bluegrass to Ambient music, a swing that could be a mirror reaction to his shift in academic focus from Ethnomusicology to Ethnography, a subject on which he's currently writing his dissertation in Durham, North Carolina. Grigoni's current release Mount Carmel is out now on Taylor Dupree's 12K label.