The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

This week, we travel all the way to Nazareth, Pennsylvania to interview Fred Greene (Vice President of Product Management at Martin Guitars) and Tim Teel (Martin's Director of Instrument Design). The decisions these two individuals make have a huge impact on Martin's current (and future) guitar offerings. We chat about the behind-the-scenes process of making new Martin models, how Martin prepares for big unveilings like the NAMM Show, the influence guitar forums have on their output, the guitar-building community in general and much more. This insightful chat is easily one of our favorite conversations about the guitar industry we've had to date. This episode is brought to you by Carter Vintage, Martin Guitars and Gibson. Order the new Fretboard Journal 44 by clicking here.

Bassist extraordinaire Tal Wilkenfeld joins us on the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about coming to the US to pursue music, opening for the Who and about the making of her new album, Love Remains. We also talk about her gear of choice, including her rather unique baritone guitar (built in part by Jackson Browne). This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases. Like what we're up to? Consider subscribing to the paper or digital edition of the Fretboard Journal.

Portland, Oregon-based singer-songwriter Jacob Miller joins on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast. We talk about gear (including the lucky horse trading he did to get his cherished '40s Epiphone archtop), his debut album ('This New Home') and much more. This episode is sponsored by Mono Cases. http://www.jacobmillermusic.net

Mandolin great Andy Statman joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his new album, 'Monroe Bus,' taking lessons from David Grisman, the influence of Bill Monroe, finding tone and much more. Portions of this interview can be found on the Fretboard Journal's online piece on Statman here: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/features/interview-andy-statman-on-monroe-bus/ But Andy was so insightful during that conversation that we decided to run the whole talk as a podcast. We hope you enjoy it. This episode is sponsored by Mono.

Legendary singer-songwriter Steve Earle joins us this week for one of the best conversations we've had in years. Over the course of this nearly hour-long chat, Earle talks to us about meeting and working alongside his hero, Guy Clark, how sobriety changed his playing and his ever-growing guitar collection (135+ instruments as of this recording). Earle also discusses overcoming his fear of Telecasters, his love for the guitars of James Trussart, his favorite amps, gambling tips and more. Earle's Guy Clark tribute album, Guy, is out now. We can't recommend it enough. This week's podcast is sponsored by Mono Cases. Check out all their case and pedalboard offerings at monocreators.com. Don't forget to subscribe to the Fretboard Journal Podcast on iTunes and please leave us a review!

Acclaimed luthier David Eichelbaum joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his restoration and repair work, guitarmaking and a lot more. Eichelbaum is based in Ojai, California and on any given day may find himself working on a pre-war Martin or a '59 Burst. He also talks to us about his own builds - historically-accurate Fender re-creations and his acoustic guitars - and what has to be one of the most unique car hobbies around. All told, it's a fun chat with a long-time friend of the Journal.

Seattle's Greg Ruby lives and breathes jazz guitar. When he's not gigging with various ensembles, this former member of Pearl Django is a busy composer and music educator. Ruby's latest project is one of his most ambitious, Oscar Alemán: Play Along Songbook, Volume One. On this week's podcast, Ruby walks us through the unbelievable life of Alemán (a peer of Django Reinhardt's with an equally made-for-Hollywood back story). We also talk about Greg's early introduction to gypsy jazz and hear about the mammoth task he had in assembling this collection of tab/notation (the first dedicated to Alemán's music). http://gregrubymusic.com https://www.fretboardjournal.com

Damien Jurado joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the making of 'In the Shape of a Storm,' his incredible new solo acoustic album. During our chat, Jurado talks about the inspiration he received from a no-name nylon-stringed guitar; walks us through the album's sparse production (just two microphones; recorded in just a couple of hours); explains why he moved from the Pacific Northwest; and speaks candidly about his relationship with the late, great Richard Swift. Plus a lot more...

The always delightful Sam Amidon joins us on the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about music, the joys of touring by bus and much more. We also chat about growing up in a folk music-filled household, Amidon's take on the Harry Smith's The Anthology of American Folk Music and get the the story behind his cherished Martin OM-15. Check the Fretboard Journal site for our new video with Amidon performing "Juma Mountain."

By popular demand, Folkway Music's Mark Stutman returns to give us even more behind-the-scenes tales of vintage guitar repair. We talk about Gibson acoustics and what it would take for new Gibsons to capture the coveted tone of their '30s and '40s predecessors. We also chat about the art of neck resets (Mark is featured in a feature on resets in the FJ #44, out soon) and much more. A must-listen if you love vintage acoustic guitars. https://www.folkwaymusic.com

Fingerstyle guitarist Kinloch Nelson joins us on this week's FJ Podcast to talk about Partly on Time: Recordings 1968-1970, his new (and highly recommended) anthology on Tompkins Square. The backstory on these demo and previously unreleased recordings is simply incredible. Kinloch sheds light on the making of these long-lost recordings, his guitars of choice and the ill-fated session he was supposed to do with John Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas, plus a lot more... Into high end acoustic guitars? If so, you should know about the Artisan Guitar Show, taking place April 12-14 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. https://artisanguitarshow.com http://www.tompkinssquare.com

Guitarist Mike Baggetta stops by the Fretboard Journal to talk about the making of his incredible new album 'Wall of Flowers,' which features in the incredible rhythm section of Mike Watt on bass and Jim Keltner on drums. Baggetta describes the incredible influence Watt's music had on his playing over the years, talks to us about his gear of choice (including his Saul Koll-built guitars and Fryette amps) and much more. https://mikebaggetta.bandcamp.com/album/wall-of-flowers

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we celebrate the larger-than-life personality and music of Dick Dale, who passed away at the age of 81. We begin by talking to Matt Warshaw, surf historian and the author of the Encyclopedia of Surfing. Then we talk to frequent FJ contributor Jim Washburn about the time he spent with Dick Dale over the years. Lastly, we talk to John Page of John Page Guitars, who worked with Dick during his time at the Fender Custom Shop.

Tim O'Brien (Hot Rize) joins us on this week's podcast to talk about his excellent new, self-titled Tim O'Brien Band album, out March 15, 2019. The album is features an array of covers, new tunes and even a co-write with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. We also discuss his guitar of choice (a 1937 Martin 00-18), his lengthy relationship with Mike Kemnitzer (Nugget Mandolins), how he balances his busy session work schedule and a lot more.

Fingerstyle guitarist Adam Miller joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his music, growing up in Australia, the influence that Tommy Emmanuel had on his playing and the incredible collection of acoustic and electric guitars he's been able to amass. Check out Adam's excellent 2018 album, 'The Defining of Success' or the new acoustic EP 'Love/Home/Fight/Solo' on Spotify or wherever you stream music. This week's episode is sponsored by Vibes, the safer alternative to foam earplugs. Use promo code FRETBOARD to get 15% off plus free shipping at www.discovervibes.com. Love the FJ Podcast? Then you hopefully know we have two more podcasts in our family: Luthier on Luthier and the Truth About Vintage Amps with Skip Simmons. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/luthier-on-luthier-with-michael-bashkin/id1208172851?mt=2 https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-vintage-amps-with-skip-simmons/id1442046563?mt=2

Daniel Romano is an insanely talented (and prolific) multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Canada. Over the last decade, he's released music that has varied from folk and country-inspired to power pop and punk. Romano came by the Fretboard Journal and talked to us about his varied sounds, his recording habits and, of course, his gear. We also shot a video of him playing two songs from his latest record, 'Finally Free,' which we'll be posting next week. Like the FJ Podcast? Consider subscribing to the Fretboard Journal magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/subscriptions

Andy Powers of Taylor Guitars stops by the Fretboard Journal offices to talk about the new Taylor Grand Pacific series of guitars, his influences and a lot more! Plus, NAMM updates, a great deal on Fretboard Journal subscriptions and a few surprises.

In 1974, Minnesota-based musician / railroad brakeman Kevin Odegard was asked if he wanted to help out on a local Bob Dylan recording session. Little did he know that he would be sitting in on one of the great rock albums of all time, Dylan's Blood on the Tracks. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Odegard about that fateful invite, his previous encounters with Dylan, his guitar work on "Tangled Up in Blue" and much more. We also get the story of the '69 Martin D-28 that Odegard used for the Blood session, which is currently for sale via Dream Guitars. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine and use the coupon code PODCAST to save $5 off your order. https://www.dreamguitars.com/shop/instruments/guitars/steel-string-guitars/flattop/1969-martin-d-28-from-bob-dylan-s-blood-on-the-tracks-251916.html

For over twenty years, Bob Minner has served as touring acoustic guitarist for Tim McGraw. But Bob's day job barely scratches the surface of this fascinating multi-instrumentalist. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to this acclaimed acoustic musician about his love for bluegrass music, what it's like to tour with a country music superstar and we discuss his new solo album, Six String Sanctuary: The Acoustic Hymns Project. https://minnerguitar.com/store https://www.fretboardjournal.com

Fingerstyle guitarist William Tyler joins us on the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his new album, 'Goes West' (Merge Records) and a lot more. Tyler's been making his mark in the American-primitive space since his 2010 release 'Behold The Spirit' and has broadened his sonic and compositional palette with each succeeding release. It's our opinion that he's just getting started and we were thrilled to have the FJ's Ryan Richter interview him for this episode. 'Goes West' enjoys a stellar personnel including guitarist Meg Duffy, bassist and producer Brad Cook, drummer Griffin Goldsmith, keyboardist James Wallace, engineer Tucker Martine, and even a guest appearance by Bill Frisell.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Southern California builder Eric Galletta. Eric has been building electric guitars for over 25 years and has worked alongside numerous guitarmaking legends, including Wayne Charvel (Charvel Guitars) and Bernie Rico (BC Rich). But the focus of much of our conversation is Eric's love for the guitars of Paul Bigsby. Eric talks to us about his fateful encounter with R.C. Allen, the magic found in Bigsby-built guitars and about his own re-creations of these ultra-rare instruments.

Memphis-based musician Liz Brasher stops by the Fretboard Journal to talk about her early influences, her gear and much more. Check out Liz's debut solo, 'Painted Image,' out on Fat Possum Records.

Tommy Emmanuel and Jerry Douglas join us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about guitars, the art of collaboration and much more.

Kenneth Pattengale (Milk Carton Kids) joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his new Martin Kenneth Pattengale Special guitar (available exclusively at Gruhn Guitars). This guitar has quite a backstory: Kenneth set out to make the ultimate American-made guitar for musicians on a budget, an homage to his '50s 0-15. After many twists and turns (and literally years of prototypes), Martin and Kenneth were able to design a unique guitar with a stained torrefied Adirondack spruce top, mahogany back and sides and dovetail neck joint for less than $2200. We also chat about Kenneth's growing collection of vintage Martins, including his '55 0-15 and his shadetop 1932 0-17, music production and more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret, Lee Valley and Lowden Guitars.

On this week's FJ Podcast, we're joined by Joey Landreth of the Bros. Landreth. We talk guitars (including his Alexander Sorokin-built instrument), coffee, career choices and more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret, Lowden Guitars and Lee Valley Tools.

This week, we're joined by Folkway Music founder Mark Stutman. Over the years, Stutman has earned accolades from guitar collectors around the world as one of the finest vintage acoustic repairmen around, especially when it comes to Gibson guitars from the '30s and '40s. But he didn't start out wanting to fix 70 year old guitars: He originally wanted to build instruments just for left-handed players. During our podcast, we also discuss what it takes to run an independent guitar store in 2018 (and beyond), the mentors he's found along the way, the unique quirks found only in Golden Era-Gibson guitars and some of his favorite instruments that have crossed his bench. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Lowden Guitars and Lee Valley Tools. Want to sponsor the Fretboard Journal Podcast? Drop us a line at [email protected].

Musician David Benedict was a bit of a late bloomer, not taking up the mandolin until he was 13 years old. Since then, David has become one of the most innovative and sought after mandolin players and instructors around. His new album, The Golden Angle, showcases his talents as an instrumentalist and composer alongside a team of great musicians, including Missy Raines, David Grier and Stuart Duncan. We chat about the making of the album, his Apitius Mandolin mandolin and a lot more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret, Lee Valley and Lowden Guitars.

Guitarist Billy Strings joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about one of the more interesting instruments we've learned about this year, an electric guitar that his grandfather built in prison (check out the hashtag #prisonguitar on Instagram to see pictures). Billy and Scale Model Guitars of Nashville have spent the last several months restoring the handmade instrument and it's finally finished. We also learn about his Preston Thompson guitar, the D-28 he purchased from Bryan Sutton and why he lugs a Fender Deluxe Reverb to all of his acoustic shows. At 22:32, we also get the heartwarming story of how Billy stumbled upon and recovered his father's Martin D-93. We'll be featuring Billy and the Prison Guitar restoration in the Fretboard Journal soon with all-new pics. Subscribe today and we'll make sure you get the issue. Holiday shoppers: Remember that the Fretboard Journal makes for a great gift… we offer one, two and three-year gift subscriptions to our reader-supported magazine. This episode is brought to you by our friends at Lowden Guitars, RetroFret Vintage Guitars and Lee Valley.

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Mandolin virtuoso Sam Bush joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about Revival: The Sam Bush Story, the recently-released full-length documentary on his life and music. We also talk about "Hoss," his 1937 Gibson F-5; learn why Sam has never owned a Lloyd Loar mandolin; and hear about his musical upbringing in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Revival is now available for rent or purchase via Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Revival-Sam-Bush-Story/dp/B07GQVHML2 Longtime FJ readers may remember that Sam graced the cover of the Fretboard Journal #19, in a feature where he and Tim O'Brien interviewed each other. This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Retrofret, Lee Valley and Lowden Guitars.

Amp repairman Skip Simmons calls it like he sees it. He joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about vintage guitar amp repair, why smaller wattage amps can be better for the average player, and what bargains still exist in the world of amplification. We also talk Filmosound conversions, Alexander Dumble, repair horror stories and a lot more. Going forward, Skip will be hosting a monthly podcast called the Truth About Vintage Amps for the Fretboard Journal where he will be fielding questions from you, our listeners. Send any and all amp questions and comments to [email protected]! Skip was featured in the FJ's 33rd issue. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Lowden Guitars and Lee Valley. http://skipsimmonsamps.com

Composer/jazz guitarist/singer-songwriter Anthony Wilson joins us on this week's FJ Podcast to talk about his forthcoming project, Songs and Photographs, a vinyl LP bundled with a 48-page book featuring his photography. We of course talk about Wilson's gear (guitars and cameras) but we also dive deep into his songwriting process, the influence photography has had on his music and much more. https://anthonywilson.bandcamp.com This episode of the Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Lowden Guitars, RetroFret Vintage Guitars and Lee Valley.

A lot of acoustic guitarists have a favorite pickup that they install on their instruments. Singer-songwriter/guitarist David Wilcox has more like ten…and he uses them all at the same time. On this week's podcast, we talk to David about his very unique method for amplifying and recording his guitars, including the numerous pickups and mics he installs (Joe Mills, Sunrise, McIntyre Acoustic Featherand others!). We also talk about his signature model RainSong guitar and his forthcoming order with acclaimed luthier Jason Kostal. Beyond all the gear talk, David walks us through his Custom Songs program (where he takes commissions from fans to write songs specifically about their lives), the fateful moment that inspired him to take up the guitar and a lot more. This episode is sponsored by Lowden Guitars, Lee Valley Tools and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

John McEuen joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, learning from Doug Dillard, the creation of his solo album, Made in Brooklyn (and the unique way it was recorded), plus a lot more. Check out the Fretboard Journal website to watch McEuen perform "Brooklyn Crossing." This week's episode is sponsored by Lee Valley Tools, Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Lowden Guitars.

Guitarist Mike Squires went straight from the Marines to the Seattle music scene, eventually becoming a guitarist in Harvey Danger, the Long Winters and Alien Crime Syndicate. These days, he's living on the East Coast and dividing his time between a day job, playing guitar for Duff McKagan's Loaded and posting short music clips on Instagram under the hashtag couchriffs. On this week's FJ Podcast, we have a fun chat with Squires about his music journey, get his tips for how to land a gig as a guitarist ("be nice," "learn ALL the songs..") and much more. This episode is sponsored by Lowden Guitars, Lee Valley Tools and RetroFret Vintage Guitars. Order the new Fretboard Journal Electric Guitar Annual here.

Vermont-based luthier Adam Buchwald (Circle Strings) joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about leaving his family business to start repairing and building instruments, his time at Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Froggy Bottom Guitars, the launch of Circle Strings and his new budget acoustic line, the Iris Guitar Co. This episode is sponsored by our friends at Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Lee Valley. https://www.irisguitarcompany.com http://www.circlestrings.com http://retrofret.com http://leevalley.com

National Flatpicking Champion and Grant Farm founder Tyler Grant joins us on the Fretboard Journal Podcast this week. We chat about the fascinating world of flatpicking guitar competitions and the strategies Tyler employed to win them, the formation of Grant Farm and his new duo record with Robin Kessinger, Kanawha County Flatpicking. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Jazz icon John Pizzarelli joins us to talk about Nat King Cole, his dad (Bucky Pizzarelli), his Radio Deluxe show and much more! This episode is sponsored by Lee Valley Tools and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-subscription-no-auto-renew

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to one of the most popular guitar instructors around, Corey Congilio. In addition to Corey's contributions at TrueFire (where he has online lessons on soloing, blues licks and a lot more), we hear about his work representing makers like Martin Guitars and Fishman, the life of a session musician and much more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret and Lee Valley tools. http://coreycongilio.com

On this week's podcast, we talk to jazz guitarist Miles Okazaki about his epic new project, Work: The Complete Compositions of Thelonious Monk. On it, he transcribes and performs the 70 known Monk compositions for solo guitar. We learn about his arrangement process, the guitar he used for the recordings and the rules he gave himself before tackling this huge undertaking. https://okazakiwork.bandcamp.com/releases

On today's Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast, we're talking to YouTube sensation Ryan "Fluff" Bruce. With his Riffs, Beards & Gear channel, Fluff has conducted deep dives into all sorts of gear questions, unboxed the cheapest guitars imaginable on Amazon and, most importantly, had a ton of fun. Along the way, he's garnered over 250,000 YouTube subscribers. We talk to Fluff about the unlikely career of a professional YouTuber (including the even more unlikely training he received as an editor of adult films!), his band Rest, Repose, and his signature model guitar built by Balaguer Guitars. Plus a lot more… Use the coupon code PODCAST when you check out at fretboardjournal.com and receive $5 off your order. This week's episode is sponsored by Lee Valley Tools and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Acclaimed singer-songwriter/producer Joe Henry joins us to talk about his latest recording projects, his writing habits and more! This episode is sponsored by Lee Valley and Retrofret Vintage Guitars.

Brighton, England's Gwenifer Raymond joins us on this week's podcast. Raymond started playing guitar and drumming in punk and rock bands, but eventually stumbled upon Appalachian music, pre-war blues and John Fahey. Since then, she picked up a PhD, became a video game programmer and has just released her first album of Fahey-inspired American Primitive music, You Never Were Much of a Dancer (Tompkins Square). It's a fascinating journey that we cover on today's podcast, as well as her choice in gear and much more. This episode is sponsored by Lee Valley, Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Dying Breed Music.

Austin-based Tom Ellis is one of the world's most respected mandolin makers. On this week's podcast, we talk to him about how he got his start building instruments, the fateful day he showed Ricky Skaggs his second-ever mandolin and about the inlay work he does at Precision Pearl, Inc. today. We also chat about how Tom shared his shop with Bill Collings in the early '80s, talk about torrefied wood, discuss the merits of using CNCs in a high-end build and a lot more. This episode is brought to you by Lee Valley and Retrofret.

This week, we talk to Reverb.com's Dan Orkin. Dan recounts the company's early days, its explosive growth, some current marketplace trends when it come to guitars (including what's hot right now and what isn't) and a lot more. This episode is sponsored by Lee Valley and Retrofret. If you like the FJ Podcast, we hope you'll leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, iTunes or wherever you stream it. Use the coupon code PODCAST when you check out at fretboardjournal.com and save an additional $5 off any order.

This week, we talk to one of the unsung heroes in the world of boutique guitars, Bruce VanWart of Collings Guitars. Bruce is the first official Collings employee and the one person who has touched nearly every instrument the company has produced since the late '80s (almost 30,000 instruments). He reflects upon working alongside Bill Collings during the company's earliest days, talks about his process evaluating wood for the company's instruments and describes the 2018 re-launch of the Collings C-100. The C-100 was the brainchild of Bill Collings, a guitar with a dreadnought-sized lower bout with a skinnier upper bout and waist. Around 20 original C-100s were made in the mid-'90s. They were reintroduced at the 2018 NAMM Show. Here's a video featuring Bob Minner playing one of the first Collings C-100s made in 2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3d7izbaBZE This episode is sponsored by Dying Breed Music, where there is an ever-growing inventory of vintage Martin and Gibson flattop guitars from the golden era.

Cory Wong is a force of nature: The thirty-something guitarist performs in Vulfpeck, the Fearless Flyers and on innumerable sessions. On this week's podcast, we talk to Cory about the Minneapolis music scene (including his interactions over the years with Prince), why he loves clean amps and green screens, his impressive right-hand technique, Blake Mills and more. Cory's second album, The Optimist, is available for pre-order with all sorts of cool perks: https://www.corywongmusic.com

Acclaimed guitar repair guru Tom Crandall of TR Crandall Guitars joins us to talk about the making of two gorgeous videos currently on fretboardjournal.com. In the videos, Tom is shown doing his magic to two vintage Stella guitars, a 12 and 6-string. Both guitars required extensive restoration work and a neck reset. Tom also talks about his background as a largely self-taught luthier, current projects he's working on and much more. https://trcrandall.com

This week, we welcome frequent FJ contributor Nathaniel Riverhorse Nakadate onto the podcast. Over the years, Riverhorse has penned some of our favorite articles for the FJ, including his features on Huey Long, Paul Buskirk and Darrell Scott. We talk to Riverhorse about the making of these features, his writing career (including his prolific work writing about fly fishing), his favorite guitars and much more.

Stephen Bishop - the guy behind pop hits "On and On," "It Might Be You" and "Save It For a Rainy Day" - joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk guitars (especially the gorgeous instrument that he commissioned from Danny Ferrington), movie making, songwriting and more.