The Tone Mob Podcast

We have got a good one for you this week! Clark and Cassandra from AmpRx (the makers of BrownBox) share the story of how they met on stage in Nashville as professional musicians, and eventually how they came to run the company. It is definitely not a traditional route to owning a music gear company! (You are going to like this.) We discuss the clean/dirty power, what problems their products address, troubleshooting noise issues, ELECTRIC VIOLIN, power conditioners, MYSTERY NOISES, favorite pedals, VINTAGE BASS, and a whole lot more! Check out the AmpRx lineup HERE https://www.brownbox.rocks/ Check out Cassandra's Instagram HERE https://www.instagram.com/cassandrasotos Check out Clark's Instagram HERE https://www.instagram.com/clarksingleton_ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weather in Tennessee 01:37 The Story of Brown Box and Clark and Cassandra's Involvement 06:16 Acquiring Brown Box and Moving to Nashville 07:24 Having Engineering Background and the Decision to Run Brown Box 10:54 Clark and Cassandra's Background as Musicians 13:19 Discovering Other Skills and Interest in Problem Solving 15:49 Introduction to the Brown Box and AC Voltage Optimization 19:32 Underpowering and Overpowering Amps 21:32 Effects of Voltage Variations on Amp Performance 24:38 Expanding Product Line and Future Plans 26:21 Importance of Power Conditioning and Voltage Optimization 27:16 Power Filtering and Manipulation 35:33 Electric Violin and Bass Gear Setups 43:35 Importance of Grounding and Noise Interference 49:40 Favorite Boss Pedals 52:00 Exploring Signal Splitting with the LS1 Pedal 54:36 Stereo Setups and Effects Loop 55:30 The Most Popular Boss Pedal: The Tuner 56:10 The DS1 Pedal: Great Distortion Sound 58:43 Favorite Overdrive Pedals 01:01:58 Favorite Pizza: Classic Margarita and Italian Sausage Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode I'm talking to Jack Brunson, the founder and owner of one the country's raddest guitar stores in the country, Jack's Guitarcheology. We dive right into his story and Jack shares his journey from growing up in rural Kentucky, to working at Mario Guitars and eventually starting his own guitar store. We chat talk about their eclectic tastes in guitars and the joy of finding unique and unusual gear. Jack also reflects on the challenges and rewards of running a guitar business and offers advice for aspiring guitar store owners. Guitar stores can become hubs for their local music communities and we discuss the importance of building a community around a music retail store and how important that is to focus on for success in music retail. Rubber bridges, making the switch to full time self employment, and a whole lot more on this episode. Enjoy! Check out Jack's website HERE: https://www.jacksguitarcheology.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I have a long overdue episode out for you with my dude Phillip Carter from The 40 Watt Podcast. Phillip and I have recorded on numerous occasions on both his show, and as guests on The Guitar Nerds. So I actually knew Phillip's personality pretty well, but what I didn't know was his story, so we dive right into that on this episode! The conversation covers the topics of self-perception as a musician, redefining success, finding passion, and the art of podcasting. We get into into the mindset of musicians, the concept of success, and the importance of pursuing one's true passion. Check out Phillip on The 40 Watt Podcast HERE https://40wattpodcast.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I know that you love guitar, but have you ever loved guitar so much that caused you to get a .9 GPA? Or were you ever voted "3rd most whipped" by your friends? (But not to a significant other, but to GUITAR?) Mike Cole suddenly fell in love with guitar seemingly out of nowhere, and when it happened, he knew he had found his life's work. That said, his story didn't shake out quite how he was imagining when he first started bending those six strings. On this episode, we discuss just HOW Mike got his start on guitar YouTube, what he's learned on that journey, the difficulties that come with it, the evils of telecom companies and a whole lot more! Check out Mike's YouTube channel HERE https://www.youtube.com/@mikecole4489 Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mighty Joe Branton has returned to The Tone Mob Podcast! It is a happy occasion indeed! On this episode, Joe and Blake talk about the evolution of their podcasts and the importance of newer creators finding a niche. (Joe drops some good wisdom on that particular point). Somehow the dudes also touch on, of all things, SPORTS. (Don't worry, that is short lived.) Joe shares his current musical inspiration and his band's approach to writing and recording. They also discuss the use of vintage-inspired gear and the dynamics of bass in a band. In this conversation, Joe Branton and Blake discuss their preferences and experiences with bass guitars and amplifiers. They explore the different tones and effects they enjoy, as well as their favorite brands and models. Joe shares his love for vintage bass sounds and his desire to incorporate them into his music. Joe even goes as far as to help Blake out with a bass centric problem that many guitarists-turned-bassists run into... What bass amp to buy? All of this and more on this very low-end focused episode of The Tone Mob Podcast! Takeaways Finding a specific niche can help in breaking into podcasting or any other creative field. Having a passion for the subject matter is crucial for long-term engagement in podcasting. Balancing different interests and projects can be challenging but rewarding. Simplifying gear setups and focusing on dynamics can enhance the overall sound and performance of a band. Finding the right bass tone is crucial for supporting the overall sound of a song. Experimenting with different bass guitars and amplifiers can lead to unique and interesting tones. Vintage bass sounds can add a dynamic and nostalgic element to music. Using plugins and recording techniques can provide flexibility and convenience when recording bass. Ashdown, Ampeg, and Hartke are recommended brands for bass amplifiers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcasting 08:05 The Evolution of Podcasting and Music 22:47 Finding Inspiration and Obsessions 26:25 The Dynamics of Bass in a Band 31:23 Exploring Bass Tones and Effects 32:00 Incorporating Vintage Bass Sounds 35:19 The Importance of Bass Tone in a Song 42:30 Options for Recording Bass 49:38 Recommended Bass Amplifier Brands Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Love shares his journey as a musician and how he got into live looping. He talks about the importance of being present and connected with the audience during performances. He also discusses the role of meditation in his music and how it helps him stay focused and centered. Michael emphasizes the power of music to bring people together and create a shared experience. In this conversation, Michael Love discusses the importance of physical, spiritual, and mental health in music. He shares how he incorporates warmups, meditation, and fasting into his routine to stay connected to his music and take care of himself. Michael also reflects on the self-destructive tendencies that many musicians experience and the importance of self-care. He talks about the evolution of his music from arranging for a big band to performing with a stripped-down setup and the impact it has had on his songwriting. Michael also shares details about his upcoming album trilogy and tours. Check out Mike's music on the usual streaming platforms and on his website HERE https://mikelovemusic.com/ Keywords music, live looping, pedals, solo gig, meditation, presence, audience connection, music, health, warmups, meditation, fasting, self-care, self-destructive tendencies, songwriting, album trilogy, tours Takeaways Being present and connected with the audience is crucial during performances. Meditation helps Michael stay focused and centered while performing. Music has the power to bring people together and create a shared experience. Physical, spiritual, and mental health are interconnected and important for musicians. Taking care of oneself is crucial for sustained creativity and success in music. Arranging for a big band and performing with a stripped-down setup have influenced Michael's songwriting. Looping and using a loop pedal have allowed Michael to create dynamic live performances. Michael's upcoming album trilogy, starting with 'Leaders,' is a culmination of years of work and collaboration. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Discovery of Michael Love's Work 01:36 The Start of Michael's Musical Journey 06:38 Expanding the Pedal Board and Experimenting with Effects 10:54 Improving Sound Quality and Control in Live Performances 15:20 The Importance of Presence and Energy in Live Shows 23:59 Incorporating Meditation into Performances 30:49 The Universal Power of Music 32:46 The Importance of Health in Music 36:22 Navigating Self-Destructive Tendencies 42:20 From Big Band Arrangements to Stripped-Down Performances 45:16 The Power of Looping in Live Performances 56:43 Introducing the Album Trilogy: 'Leaders', 'Teachers', and 'Healers' Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once in a while the Patrons of this podcast tell me that one of the bonus episodes NEEDS to be released publicly, and when Phil McKnight came on late last year that happened again! I received a bunch of messages telling me that this bonus episode should NOT be behind closed doors, and if the Patrons ask I need to deliver. If you aren't familiar with Phil, he is one of the most successful guitar gear content creators of our time, and has a wealth of knowledge about many aspects of this weird industry. You should definitely listen to his first appearance on the podcast. Just scroll back in your feed a bit, and it'll be there! So here is the Patreon bonus episode with Phil, and we get down to business on this one. The business of guitar stores, the business of guitar YouTube, the business of guitar brands. You are going to dig it! Make sure you check out Phil over on his YouTube channel HERE https://www.youtube.com/c/PhillipMcKnight Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are bass players actually more important than guitarists? Do we need to thin out our guitar sound? Do thru-hole pedals sound better than SMT based guitar effect technology? Can you play music using a saw blade? On this episode Blake and Mr Glyn discuss their current projects and collaborations. We also into the world of guitar pickups, exploring topics such as different core types, the impact of string materials on tone, and the importance of context in shaping a guitar's sound. We also touch on the psychology of playing expensive guitars and the role of experimentation in finding the right instrument. In this conversation, Mr Glyn discusses his love for guitars, his move to New Zealand, and his experience as a guitar repairer. He shares his passion for different types of pickups and the importance of the magnetic field in shaping the sound. Oh yeah, and DOOM METAL. We get into that too. Check out Glyn's work on his website HERE: https://mrglynspickups.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current Projects 10:49 The Role of Context in Shaping a Guitar's Sound 39:28 The Influence of Pickups and the Magnetic Field 45:53 Exploring the Genre of Doom Metal 54:55 From the UK to New Zealand: A Guitar Journey Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I imagine that you have probably heard a song called Youth Of A Nation? Well Marcos definitely gets into the story around that song! We start off with a HEAVY dose of nostalgia with Blake telling the story of "P.O.D. on the Pepsi. box" and Marcos diving into some San Diego bands. Marcos discusses the music scene and the diverse range of genres that have emerged from the city. He talks about the importance of creating a unique sound and vibe as a musician, drawing inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath, Metallica, and Soundgarden. Marcos also emphasizes the need for musicians to be open-minded and experimental in their approach to music, and expresses his hope for a resurgence of originality in heavy music. Marcos emphasizes the need for artists to take risks and follow their own vision, rather than simply imitating what is popular. But ALSO the blessing/curse combination that comes with having an original sound. DJing, tube amps, songwriting, the role of producers, staying true to yourself, and a WHOLE lot more on this episode! Check out Marcos' DJ Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/mark3yt05/?igsh=d2xpZDJkc3Rwb2Jw Check out Marcos' personal Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/officialmarcoscuriel?igsh=YXU0MmRvYjkyYW15 P.O.D. Website HERE: https://payableondeath.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Blake interviews Jon Deiley from Northlane about his journey in music. They discuss topics such as starting a band, the challenges of pursuing a career in music, and the evolution of their gear and recording techniques. Jon shares his experiences with different studios, amps, and effects pedals, highlighting the importance of finding the right sound for their music. They also touch on the rise of digital modeling and the convenience it offers in terms of portability and versatility. In this conversation, Blake and Jon discuss the benefits of recording a DI (direct input) signal when tracking guitars. They highlight how a DI signal allows for flexibility in reamping and experimenting with different tones later on. The conversation takes a turn as they share personal experiences with eye injuries and the importance of protecting one's hearing. Takeaways Starting a band and pursuing a career in music can be challenging, but with dedication and passion, it is possible to succeed. Finding the right gear, including amps and effects pedals, is crucial in creating the desired sound for a band's music. The rise of digital modeling has made it easier to achieve a wide range of sounds and offers convenience in terms of portability and versatility. Balancing creativity and the business side of music is essential for long-term success. Recording a DI (direct input) is important for flexibility and allows for experimentation with different tones and effects in post-production. Recording a DI signal when tracking guitars provides flexibility for reamping and experimenting with different tones later on. Protecting one's eyes and hearing is crucial to avoid injuries and long-term damage. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:57 Starting a Band and Gear Evolution 24:55 The Rise of Digital Modeling 28:53 Balancing Creativity and the Business Side of Music 30:57 The Importance of Recording a DI 32:13 Recording a DI Signal for Flexibility 33:39 The Importance of Hard Drive Space 39:13 Protecting Your Eyes and Ears 54:49 Favorite Boss Pedals and Pizza Preferences Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Blake and Matt Eich discuss the growth of Mule Resonator Guitars and the development of the Mavis guitar. (The first wooden Mule guitar build!) We explore the importance of unique sounds and the balance between innovation and expression in instrument design. We also discuss the unique experience of building musical instruments and the emotional impact they have on people. They explore the feeling of creating something that becomes a tool for artistic expression and the responsibility that comes with it. They also delve into their shared interests outside of music, such as jujitsu and fly fishing, and the similarities in the flow state experienced in these activities. They emphasize the importance of being present and fully engaged in whatever they are doing. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the benefits and challenges of pursuing a passion full-time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:22 The Development of the Mavis Guitar 08:32 The Importance of Unique Sounds 13:48 Balancing Innovation and Expression in Instrument Design 28:19 The Emotional Impact of Building Musical Instruments 35:13 The Flow State in Jujitsu, Fly Fishing, and Instrument Building 39:31 The Responsibility of Being a Tool Maker for Musicians 45:06 The Benefits and Challenges of Pursuing a Passion Full-Time Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Tone Mob Podcast, host Blake Wyland interviews David Greeves from Great Eastern FX. David shares his background as a music journalist and how he fell into writing about equipment from the gear world. He also discusses his journey into pedal design and the challenges he faced along the way. The conversation covers the inspiration behind the name Great Eastern FX and the launch of the company. Also in this episode, we get a sneak peek at the XO Variable Crossover pedal and Blake shares a short demo. (A first on this podcast!) David and Blake discuss the versatility and educational potential of the crossover pedal. Including creating complex effects chains and splitting the signal for different amps. David shares the origin of the pedal and how it evolved from a harmonic tremolo concept. They also discuss the importance of using your ears and understanding frequency ranges in music. The conversation concludes with David's favorite Boss pedal, the TR2 Tremolo, and his favorite kind of pizza. Takeaways David Greaves started his career as a journalist writing for music magazines before transitioning into pedal design. The inspiration for the name Great Eastern FX came from the Great Eastern Railway Company and the desire to project a sense of establishment and professionalism. The XO Variable Crossover pedal allows users to split their guitar signal into low and high frequency bands, enabling the use of different effects on each frequency range. The XO Variable Crossover pedal offers new creative possibilities for guitarists, allowing them to experiment with different effects on specific frequency ranges. Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:09 Getting Started in Music and Pedal Design 15:19 Launching Great Eastern Effects 24:04 Introducing the XO Variable Crossover Pedal 27:48 Blake's Experience with the XO Variable Crossover Pedal 30:41 Exploring Different Ways to Use the Pedal 32:21 The Versatility of the Crossover Pedal 33:01 Excitement for Bass Players 34:08 Educational Potential of the Pedal 36:31 The Origin of the Pedal 39:56 The Importance of Using Your Ears 43:24 The Impact of Frequency Ranges 46:37 The Complexity of Sound in a Band Context 49:02 Designing Pedals for Different Guitarists 50:29 The Innovation of Rock and Roll Sound 52:59 Favorite Boss Pedal: TR2 Tremolo 54:12 Favorite Kind of Pizza: Italian with Artichokes, Ham, and Mushrooms Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Markus Reeves from Reeves Electro returns to the podcast! On this episode we discuss how business has changed since he first started, and how his daughter is now building pedals full time as well! We also dig into some rather exciting new adventures that are happening with the progress of Reeves Electro Shop 2.0 on the horizon. Paypal whoas, and how he approaches his work with a "Rick Rubin" mindset, the big lightbulb moment, balance, bad gigs... All of this and more on this week's edition of The Tone Mob Podcast! If you aren't familiar with Markus's work I highly suggest that you head listen to his first appearance on the podcast. (I'm sure is you type "Markus Reeves Tone Mob" into the search bar of your podcast player it'll pop right up!) You can also find his website with all of the details HERE > https://reeveselectro.co.uk/ Takeaways Reeves Electro now supports Markus and his daughter full-time. The workshop expansion and move to a new house present logistical challenges, but Markus is determined to maintain a separate workspace. Markus plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign to support the workshop move and is offering perks such as build-a-pedal days and personalized messages. The squelch control on a CB radio inspired Markus to explore a pedal with a squelch circuit. Markus' daughter became interested in building pedals through her involvement in testing transistors and other components. Seeing his daughter succeed in building pedals brings Markus great joy and fulfillment. The pandemic had a significant impact on Markus' business, leading to a surge in orders and logistical challenges. PayPal can freeze your account due to increased activity, highlighting the challenges small businesses can face with financial platforms. Markus is hesitant to expand his business and prefers to maintain a personal touch in his pedal building process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:05 Reeves Electro Expansion 03:10 Growing Instagram Presence 04:09 Need for Bigger Workshop 05:08 Moving Workshop and House 06:37 Crowdfunding for Workshop 07:34 Build-a-Pedal Days 08:01 Perks for Crowdfunding 09:07 Moving Challenges 10:11 Intensive Process of Moving 11:48 Crowdfunding Date and Details 13:01 Discussion on Moving Production 14:14 Parking Challenges 15:53 Conversation about Cars 19:29 Maintaining Aesthetics in Different Builds 21:23 Exploring Modulation Effects 22:26 Drive and Fuzz as Red Wines 23:14 Interest in Maestro FZ1B Circuit 24:05 The Squelch Control 27:40 How Markus' Daughter Got Interested in Building Pedals 28:03 Testing Transistors 29:02 Testing Other Components 29:54 Building Her First Pedal 31:19 The Joy of Seeing His Daughter Succeed 34:08 Finding Fulfillment in Doing What You Love 36:20 The Impact of the Pandemic on Markus' Business 38:46 Dealing with PayPal Issues 43:06 Expanding the Business and Hiring Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Blake interviews Marty Schwartz, a renowned guitar teacher and one of the first music instructors on YouTube. Marty shares his journey of becoming a successful guitar teacher and the early adoption of YouTube for teaching guitar lessons. He discusses the impact of Guitar Hero on teaching classic rock songs and the benefits of video lessons for students. We also get into using YouTube to enhance private lessons, and the challenges he faced during the 2008 economic crash. We also get into his experience creating lesson courses and DVDs and how he started working with music brands. He discusses the process of getting a signature guitar and building relationships with brands like D'Addario and Gibson. Marty also mentions his involvement in Gibson's G3 mentorship program and his collaborations with the brand. Takeaways Marty Schwartz became a successful guitar teacher by seizing opportunities and working hard. YouTube provided a platform for Marty to teach guitar lessons at scale and reach a wider audience. The popularity of Guitar Hero helped introduce classic rock songs to a new generation of guitar students. Video lessons offer students the flexibility to learn at their own pace and review material as needed. Marty's success on YouTube was a result of timing, preparation, and embracing new technology. Creating videos for specific songs and optimizing video titles for search engine optimization (SEO) helped Marty attract more viewers. Marty's commitment to daily YouTube videos and using YouTube as a referral tool contributed to his success as a guitar teacher. Learning from other music YouTubers can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and The False Episode 500 Celebration 01:16 Marty's Journey as a Guitar Teacher 03:15 Timing and Preparation for YouTube Success 04:14 The Impact of Guitar Hero on Teaching Classic Rock Songs 05:10 Benefits of Video Lessons for Students 06:08 Transitioning to Full-Time YouTube Guitar Teacher 07:12 Teaching Music at an Elementary School 08:11 Using YouTube to Enhance Private Guitar Lessons 09:08 The Impact of the 2008 Economic Crash 10:07 Focusing on YouTube Videos During Challenging Times 11:06 The Evolution of Marty's YouTube Channel 12:19 Discovering the Importance of SEO for Video Titles 13:14 Creating Videos for Specific Songs 15:16 Teaching Classic Rock Songs to Kids 18:28 Doubling Down on YouTube as a Referral Tool 19:05 The Early Days of YouTube and Monetization 20:01 Using YouTube as a Marketing Tool 22:29 Learning from Other Music YouTubers 23:23 Transitioning from Private Lessons to YouTube 25:26 Creating Lesson Courses and DVDs 27:21 Working with Music Brands 29:16 Getting a Signature Guitar 31:57 Building Relationships with Brands 34:00 Working with D'Addario 35:25 Participating in Gibson's G3 Mentorship Program 39:44 Collaborating with Gibson 00:00 Introduction and Signature Guitar 02:58 The Reality of Touring 06:03 The Connection with Fans 08:58 The Realities of Touring 13:01 Dealing with Scams and Fake Videos Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Blake interviews Chris and Matt from Driftwood Guitars. This is an EXTREMELY YouTube driven episode. (Thanks Rhett Shull!) As the Driftwood Guitars channel has grown, so has the guitar building business and we talk about their approach, how to balance the guitar building side with the video side, negative troll comments, mental health, and a whole lot more! Head over to the Driftwood Guitars website HERE! https://www.driftwoodguitars.com/ And their YouTube HERE https://www.youtube.com/@DriftwoodGuitars Takeaways Building guitars was a hobby that turned into a business YouTube played a significant role in growing their business and connecting with customers. YouTube has revolutionized the guitar world, making it more accessible and exciting. Balancing marketing/promotion work can be difficult, but it's necessary. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:58 Getting Started in Guitar Building 03:01 Transition to YouTube 06:02 The Impact of YouTube on the Business 08:08 The Evolution of YouTube and its Influence 09:31 The Growth of Guitar Podcasts 12:21 The Shift in YouTube's Perception 15:36 The Journey into YouTube 19:46 The Early Days of YouTube 20:45 Creating Quality Content 21:14 Finding Your Voice on YouTube 22:09 Listening to the Audience 23:08 The Power of Momentum 24:18 Discovering Your Niche 25:14 Analyzing Video Performance 26:09 The Importance of Thumbnails and Titles 27:11 The Viewer's Perspective 28:05 The Unpredictability of Video Success 29:24 Balancing Passion and Views 30:27 The Impact on Business 31:09 Expanding Reach and Sales 32:08 Direct Connection with Customers 33:09 Competition and Quality 34:27 The Power of YouTube Algorithms 35:51 The Work Behind the Scenes 38:47 The Balance Between YouTube and Guitar Building 41:27 The Path to Success 44:03 The Role of Luck and Algorithms 45:53 The Power of YouTube Collaborations 46:35 The Importance of YouTube for Creators 47:03 The Evolving Landscape of YouTube 47:55 Balancing YouTube and Guitar Building 48:23 YouTube as a Tool for Business Growth 50:15 Dealing with Negative Comments on YouTube 51:13 Developing Resilience through Online Criticism 52:47 Appreciation for the Online Creator Community 53:32 Final Thoughts and Shoutouts 56:26 Favorite Boss Pedals 59:06 Favorite Kind of Pizza 01:04:02 Closing Remarks Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tye Tyler (Shock The Fox)shares his journey from the corporate world slinging cell phones to becoming a full time guitar builder. He discusses his background in woodworking and how he got into building guitars. We also go over the importance of sharing the process of guitar building and engaging with folks in a genuine way. He also talks about the joy of opening a guitar and the satisfaction of building for others. This is a banger of an episode, and you really should check out Tye's work on his webiste HERE: https://shockthefox.com/ Takeaways Sharing the process of guitar building can engage customers and create a deeper connection. Trusting the builder's creativity and giving them freedom can lead to a more exciting and satisfying final product. The joy of receiving a custom guitar is like experiencing Christmas morning as an adult. Innovative approaches and attention to detail can set a guitar builder apart and create a unique product. Chapters 00:00 Technical difficulties 01:00 Introduction and background 03:02 From Oil City to the corporate world 04:22 Transition to woodworking and guitar building 05:46 Bartering for guitars 07:15 Transition from corporate world to guitar building 08:14 Building guitars and the quest for expertise 09:37 Sharing the process of guitar building 11:25 The joy of opening a guitar 20:05 The satisfaction of building for others 22:24 Telling the story of the build 23:21 The fascination with the guitar building process 25:38 The importance of engagement and storytelling 27:07 The excitement of receiving a custom guitar 29:17 Trusting the builder's decisions 30:48 The uniqueness of Tye Tyler's guitar building 36:17 Innovative approaches in guitar building 37:24 Attention to detail in guitar building 37:54 Attention to Detail in Guitar Building 39:00 Neck Resets and Guitar Modifications 42:29 Customizing Guitars and Personal Projects 44:06 Critiquing Traditional Guitar Building Methods 46:21 The Importance of Reinforcement in Guitar Design 50:31 Finding Fulfillment in Guitar Building 57:54 The Balance Between Creativity and Efficiency in Business 01:01:31 Favorite Boss Pedal 01:02:46 Favorite Kind of Pizza Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Blake interviews Scott Strange from Templo Audio Devices. They discuss Scott's traveling lifestyle and the challenges of running a business while constantly on the move. Scott shares his approach to finding the right balance and bringing in help to scale his company. They also talk about the importance of specialized skills in business and the human element that is absolutely essential in companies. Finally, Scott introduces some of the new pedals he has been working on and his design process. We also get into the process of translating vintage preamps into pedal form and the importance of embracing imperfections in sound. We also dive into some of Scott's favorite cuisines that are in the town he current resides in. Check out Scott's wares at his website HERE https://templodevices.com/ Takeaways Running a business while traveling requires finding the right balance and bringing in help. Specialized skills are essential for the growth and success of a company. Maintaining the vision and the human element in a company is crucial for its long-term success. Scott has been working on new pedals and has been focusing on simplifying the design while still offering flexibility. Translating vintage preamps into pedal form requires creativity and experimentation. Embracing imperfections in sound can lead to unique and interesting tones. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Living in Mexico 01:40 Scott's Traveling Lifestyle 03:06 Challenges of Running a Business While Traveling 06:41 Finding the Right Balance and Bringing in Help 10:09 The Importance of Specialized Skills in Business 13:06 Managing Growth and Maintaining the Vision 15:49 The Human Element in Companies 20:41 New Pedals and Design Process 28:55 Translating Pedals 30:03 The Outer Limit 32:12 Adding Functionality 34:09 The Real Deal Studio 36:35 Embracing Imperfections 39:00 Vintage Preamps 41:07 The Appeal of Imperfection 43:59 The 2-Track Pedal 47:08 Scaling Production 54:21 Upcoming Products 57:42 The Pocket Studio Comp Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Molly Miller discusses her early start in a family band and her formal education in guitar. She shares her approach to teaching and the importance of balance in her career, which includes performing, teaching, and session work. Molly also talks about her approach to gear and pedals and the challenges of imposter syndrome in the music industry. She offers tips for traveling musicians and emphasizes the importance of self-care and staying centered while on tour. In this conversation, We also get into the benefits of limitations in creativity, and the all important element of gratitude. Molly's website is HERE: https://www.mollymillermusic.com/ Takeaways Molly is intensely focused on guitar, specifically. Balancing exercise with travel can be challenging, but planning and flexibility can help. Finding the right gear and equipment is a personal process, and it's important to have setups that work well for individual preferences and situations. Limitations can foster creativity and lead to new discoveries in music-making. Gratitude for the opportunities in life and the ability to pursue passions is important for personal fulfillment. The Molly Miller Trio has an upcoming record release and tours planned for the future. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:23 Early Musical Journey 03:02 Formal Education and Academic Approach 06:36 Balancing Different Musical Paths 10:10 Career Goals and Evolution 16:18 Love for Gear and Pedals 19:06 Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt 26:06 Famine Mentality in the Music Industry 30:05 Tips for Traveling Musicians 32:44 Maintaining Balance and Centeredness on Tour 33:49 Self-Care and Exercise 34:35 Balancing Exercise and Travel 35:28 Love for Nashville 36:16 Stability During the Pandemic 37:23 The Changing Landscape of Nashville 37:49 Gear and Equipment 38:55 Finding the Right Gear 39:19 Molly's Touring Rig 40:13 Favorite Pedals and Amps 41:13 Favorite Pedal Brands 42:22 The Challenge of Reconfiguring Pedal Boards 43:09 Blake's Vertical Pedal Board Setup 43:33 The Benefits of a Hybrid Digital and Analog Setup 44:38 The Ever-Changing Nature of Pedalboards 45:53 The Importance of Limitations in Creativity 46:38 Making Music for the Love of It 48:16 Reflecting on Childhood Dreams 49:30 Gratitude for the Opportunities in Life 50:11 The Wonder of Everyday Life 51:38 The Humility of Being a Musician 52:41 Upcoming Record Release and Tours 53:29 Favorite Boss Pedal 54:05 Favorite Kind of Pizza Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Blake and Landon discuss their experiences in making that sweet, sweet content. We also talk about our time at Gear Fest and the importance of networking and building relationships in the industry. (Its always good to have buddies!) We also discuss the evolution of YouTube and the changing landscape of the platform. Landon shares his journey from being in a band to starting his YouTube channel and how he found his niche. (We also get into the unpredictability of the platform, and the difficulties of explaining their work to others and the perception of being a YouTuber/podcaster.) Landon and I also get into the topic of soundproofing and how we built out our studios for content creation SECOND and loud amps FIRST. We also discuss the misconceptions surrounding soundproofing and the importance of using the right materials. Finally, they discuss the weird side of doing this for a living and the impact it can have on mental health. In this portion of the chat, Landon and Blake discuss a range of topics, from dark thoughts and serial killers to the permanence of the internet. We get real weird with it! Takeaways Networking and building relationships in the industry is crucial for content creators. Finding your niche and creating content that resonates with your audience is key to success. Soundproofing and building a dedicated studio space can greatly improve the quality of your content. Incorporating and understanding the business side of content creation is important for long-term success. Many people have misconceptions about soundproofing and believe that certain products or techniques are effective when they are not. Soundproofing projects can be challenging and require a lot of time, effort, and research. Soundproofing in apartments can be difficult due to limitations on modifications. Exploring new technology in music gear can enhance the creation process. Being a content creator comes with its own set of challenges, including the unpredictability of YouTube algorithms and the outside perception of being a YouTuber or Podcaster. Subscriber engagement and success on YouTube can be inconsistent and difficult to predict. A large online presence can have a dark side and impact mental health. The internet never forgets, and everything you say or do online can be permanent. Having fun should be a priority, even in professional pursuits like music. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gear Fest 07:15 Getting Started in Content Creation 17:33 Transitioning to Full-Time Content Creation 23:16 Finding Your Niche and What Works 26:11 Soundproofing and Building a Studio 29:37 The Importance of Incorporating and Business Side of Content Creation 31:26 Acoustic Caulk and Soundproofing 32:09 Misconceptions about Soundproofing 35:01 The Uncertainty of First Time Soundproofing Projects 36:15 Challenges of Soundproofing in Apartments 37:21 Exploring New Technology in Music Gear 39:37 Future Projects and Collaborations 43:30 Navigating the Perception of Being a YouTuber 45:11 The Difficulty of Explaining What You Do 49:18 The Challenges of Being a Content Creator 53:11 The Unpredictability of YouTube Success 56:06 The Mystery of YouTube Algorithms 59:35 The Inconsistency of Subscriber Engagement 01:01:11 The Dark Side of Fame and Online Presence 01:02:10 Dark Thoughts and Serial Killers 01:03:00 The Forgetfulness of Live Streams 01:03:47 The Permanence of the Internet 01:04:15 Landon's Channel and Having Fun 01:05:15 Favorite Boss Pedal 01:06:20 Favorite Kind of Pizza Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary Justyna Kelley is a "Nashville-by-way of France" recording artist, producer, songwriter, actress, and a whole bunch of other stuff! In this conversation, Justyna and Blake discuss her background in music, her work as a producer, and her love for different genres. Justyna shares her experiences growing up in Nashville and being surrounded by country music. She also talks about her journey as a musician and how she ended up living in Paris. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of putting oneself out there and finding your people. She also shares stories about her guitars. Later in the conversation, Eddie joins the chat to discuss Steve Cropper's guitars, how Justyna and himself work together, and a whole lot more! including writing from titles and finding sources of inspiration. They also share their experiences with song ideas coming from dreams and the importance of using the mighty voice memo app! You are going to like this one! Check out Justyna's website HERE: https://www.justynakelley.com/ Give her a follow on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/justynakelley If you'd like to work with Eddie and Justyna check out their website HERE: https://www.eddieandjusty.com/ Takeaways Writing from titles can be a methodical approach to songwriting. Song ideas coming from dreams Having a simple rig and a few versatile electric guitars can be effective for live performances. Working in TV and film can involve writing music specifically tailored to the project. Sometimes a change of scenery is what you need. Cheese pizza and bacon cheeseburger pizza. We'll leave it at that. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:25 Working in the Studio 11:19 Understanding the Role of a Producer 13:46 The Joy of Collaborative Music Making 15:11 Early Musical Influences 22:26 Exploring Different Genres 25:37 Living in Paris and the Influence of Travel 30:16 Favorite Guitars and Songwriting 33:25 The Significance of Instruments 34:12 Tom Waits Story 35:16 Personal Writing Process 36:39 Writing from Titles 37:12 Methodical Approach to Songwriting 37:25 Finding Inspiration 38:11 Song Ideas in Dreams 39:33 Using Voice Memos 40:28 The Importance of The Voice Memo App 44:46 Justyna's Personal Rig 45:45 Electric Guitars 52:26 Working in TV and Film 57:03 Justyna's Music and Album 58:54 Favorite Boss Pedal 01:00:46 Favorite Kind of Pizza Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode, host Blake Wyland interviews John Dyer Baizley from the band Baroness. They discuss the band's touring rig and guitar setup, the importance of band chemistry, and the role of the song and audience in live performances. John also shares insights into the band's intuitive approach to songwriting and the exploration of ideas that don't fit the band's sound. Additionally, they touch on John's visual artistry and his influences as an artist. Custom Rickenbackers, favorite BOSS Pedals, and of course pizza are the topics of the day! You are going to enjoy this! Takeaways Band chemistry is crucial for creating a balanced and dynamic live performance. The role of each band member is to support and enhance the overall sound, rather than seeking individual attention. The band's writing process is a combination of structured and intuitive approaches, allowing for creative exploration and discovery. Trusting instincts and embracing creativity without overthinking can lead to unique and exciting musical moments. John's visual artistry is influenced by a variety of artists and mediums, and he continues to explore and evolve as an artist. Trying different pizzerias around the world can be a fun and delicious experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Touring 02:06 Touring Rig and Guitar Setup 05:00 Custom-Built Rickenbacker 06:29 Finding the Right Gear 08:54 Balancing Tonal Characteristics 11:48 The Importance of Band Chemistry 13:38 Supporting Each Other as Band Members 16:32 The Role of the Song and Audience in Live Performances 19:06 Creating Dynamic Performances 21:33 The Evolution of the Band's Writing Process 23:20 The Intuitive Approach to Songwriting 25:13 Trusting Instincts over Intelligence 27:31 Exploring Ideas that Don't Fit the Band 32:17 John's Visual Artistry 37:20 Influences and Artistic Journey 48:26 John's Five Influences 52:26 Closing Remarks 54:35 Favorite Kind of Pizza 55:22 Exploring Pizzerias Around the World Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Loux is a musician out of Kansas City who is best known for being a HUGE part of the widely popular JHS Show on YouTube. You've seen him, you've heard him play, but do you know his story? I certainly didn't! So I figured I should get him on the podcast to find out just exactly how he became a part of one of the most popular guitar gear channels on the World Wide Web! Let's just say that Jack Black was definitely involved. Check out Nick's music HERE: https://linktr.ee/nickloux Check out The JHS Show HERE: https://thejhsshow.com/ The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever heard of ANYONE hitting the road and visiting basically every single guitar store in the United States? Few have done it, and even fewer have done it for a guitar accessories brand. But Charlton Moore of Franklin Strap has, and his efforts were a large part of the reason that Franklin Strap & Glider Capo is carried in well over 1000 retailers across North America. (And the world at this point.) We dive into how he did this under the tutelage of the late, great Greg Bennett, his classical music schooling, writing 300+ songs a year, and a whole lot more! Check out Franklin's wares at their website HERE: https://franklinstrap.com/ Give Charlton a follow and check out his music on his Instagram https://www.instagram.com/c_mozie The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we currently at a place where we can talk about "the old days" of The Internet? Are blogs cool again? Is Generation Y going to flock to the written word? Which Batman is the scariest Batman? My good buddy, published writer, guitarist, gear enthusiast, and YouTuber Jason Mays of Working Class Music has returned to the podcast to talk about all of this and a whole lot more! Check out Jason's new YouTube channel HERE > https://www.youtube.com/@JasonTMays Check out Working Class Music HERE > https://www.youtube.com/@WorkingClassMusic The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Klon. There are few words in the guitar world that will get guitarists clamoring, foaming at the mouth, or shouting hysterically like the word Klon. (I'll let you decide if that is a negative or a positive in your own mind.) So much so that even the best clones of the legendary circuit can send folks right into a frenzy. And if those clones are using some of the same hard-to-source components as the original? Well, people lose their almost as hard as they do over an original! My buddies over at Wampler Pedals had just that happen at the end of last year with the Germanium Tumnus release, and I invited my buddy/co-host Richard Oliver (a man of many hats at Wampler) on the podcast to discuss just that. Let's get into it! Need a website? Why not have Richard make you one? Check his company out HERE https://amplify-creative.com/ Give Richard a follow on his Instagram HERE https://www.instagram.com/olly_1975 Check out the Wampler Pedals website: https://www.wamplerpedals.com/ The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is officially a tradition now! My dude Dewey from the Peer Pleasure Podcast is back on for our annual Year In Review. We dive right in and discuss the WEIRDEST things that happened while we were recording the podcast this year, and trust me when I say there are some really, really weird things that guests have done while recording. Squirrels, clock mechanics, "hitting them where they ain't" and well... I don't want to spoil it. This is a good one. Make sure you check out Dewey's show Peer Pleasure Podcast wherever you listen to this one! Check out our 30 Day Guitar Challenge HERE https://stringjoy.com/30-day-guitar-challenge/ The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Randall Taylor (better known as Amulets) is a Portland based musician who is well known for his very unique approach to ambient/post rock. He records to tape loops and manually manipulates the loops in real time while playing guitar. Its a fascinating process and produces textures unlike anything you've ever heard. He's also a super cool and fascinating dude! We had an excellent chat and I think you are really going to enjoy it. Dive on in! Check him out on his website HERE: http://www.amuletsmusic.com/ The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phil McKnight is one of the most popular content creators in the guitar gear space. He's been spreading his knowledge of gear on YouTube for around a decade now, and yet... There is still a LOT that people don't know about Phil himself. So we dive into the Phil McKnight story pretty heavily on this episode and uncover how all of this unfolded for him. It's a pretty crazy story that not very many people know, so give this a listen and enjoy! Subscribe to Phil's channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PhillipMcKnight The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the opportunity to sit down with singer/songwriter Calder Allen when I was at Fairwell Fest over the summer. This dude didn't start writing until 2020 and he is already churning out some really incredible stuff. It's a quick one, but we had a really cool conversation about his story, fly fishing and a whole lot more. Enjoy! Check out Calder on his website HERE: https://www.calderallen.com/ The Text Chat is back!Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Fairwell Fest conversation, I sat down with The Band The Brook And The Bluff. Unlike most episodes, on this one I'm talking to the WHOLE BAND! These Fairwell Fest episodes are recorded in the "green room area' of the festival and it is a much different environment than I'm accustomed to, and I was running around like a maniac for the whole weekend. So you'll notice the vibe is slightly different, but not in a bad way. These dudes are super cool, and I think you are going to enjoy this chat! Check out the band on their website HERE: https://www.brookandbluff.com/ The Text Chat is back!Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry is back on the podcast! Barry builds some of my favorite guitars ever, but he isn't just an expert luthier. Barry is an real deal acoustician by trade and has a vast array of experience managing, creating, and controlling sound in almost any environment imaginable. On this episode we talk about his transition to building guitars full time, and some of his more challenging builds as an acoustical consultant. We also talk about what is "wrong" with guitar products, and why do we like them like that. There is a lot of info on this episode, you are going to love it! Check out Barry's work on his website HERE: https://www.grezguitars.com/ Here is the link for Tim Christ's GoFundMe and email proof of your $25 to [email protected] The Text Chat is back!Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does producing music work when there are a significant number of "cooks in the kitchen?" Can more brains on a project lead to a better outcome? Or does the result become a shadow of the former concept? Taylor and I dive into all of that, plus some REALLY exciting updates from the land of Mixwave, we talk in depth about his recent obsession with vintage guitars, "in-the-box" vs "out-of-the" box mixing, and a whole lot more! Give Taylor a follow on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/taylorlarson Check out the Mixwave products HERE: https://www.mixwave.net/ The Text Chat is back!Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Colt Capperune is an incredibly talented music producer in Nashville, TN. This is his second appearance on the podcast and we recorded this at Sweetwater during Gearfest 2023. We are a bit delirious, but that sometimes that makes for the best episodes! Grills, lawn mowing, pellet smokers, and WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON WITH DOLBY ATMOS???? We get into it, and I think you are going to like it! Make sure you check out his YouTube channel HERE : https://www.youtube.com/@ColtCapperrune The Text Chat is back!Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spilly Cave is a fantastic guitarist, composer, video creator, and as it turns out... an EXCELLENT conversationalist. I met Spilly (Billy) through him becoming a Stringjoy artist, and just loving the music he makes after I discovered it. This dude spent multiple years posting videos EVERYDAY before he actually gained traction publicly, and we discuss his mindset/approach during that timeframe. He's not a serious gear head, but he has developed a VERY unique sound nonetheless. I think you are going to be inspired by this conversation. Give Spilly a follow on his Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/spillycave and on TikTok HERE https://www.tiktok.com/@spillycave The Text Chat is back!Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My dude Ian Fowles is back on the podcast this week! If you are not familiar with The Aquabats, you need to get familiar. (Unless you are allergic to fun. If so, you are going to have a SERIOUS reaction.) Ian and I talk about balancing work life and Dad life while on tour, his signature pedal with RUDETECH, lefty guitars, and a whole lot more. Give Ian a follow on his Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/ianwfowles Check out all things Aquabats on their website HERE: https://www.theaquabats.com/ The Text Chat is back!Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you really have to give up ALL of your rights to get attention in the mainstream? Is country music having a Nirvana/Grunge moment? What drives folks to head to Nashville? Is it harder to make it now vs "the good old days"? Colby Acuff is a country music artist from Northern Idaho who is currently residing in Nashville. The dude has fantastic songwriting chops, and puts on a great live show. I am super, super excited to get this episode out there, and I think you are really going to enjoy this conversation. Check him out on his website HERE: https://www.colbyacuff.com/ Give him a follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colby_acuff The Text Chat is back!Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mitch Stark is a guitarist and songwriter for the band Silent Planet. On this episode we take a deep dive into his backstory, the evolution of his guitar rig, some of his major influences, and how he is approaching songwriting these days. (Chester Bennington and crew have a lot to do with it! Give Mitch a follow on the ole Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/mitchastark/ Check out Silent Planet on their website HERE: https://silentplanetmerch.com/ The Text Chat is back!Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we have the comedy world's foremost guitar gear nerd on the podcast! Mr. Dave Hill has managed to pull together a rather fascinating career as a creative person. Dave is a published author, a professional stand-up comedian, a televison writer, a sketch comic, radio host, a musician and as I mentioned...obsessed with guitars. We had a great chat about his encounters with baboons in Africa, how he integrates guitar into his stand-up, his career and a whole lot more! Check out his new book, The Awesome Game and all things Dave on his website https://www.davehillonline.com/ You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew Oram is a British luthier who is making some of the most striking, yet classic, designs that I have seen in recent memory. Taking inspiration from an old, forgotten treasure you might have uncovered in your Grandparent's attic, Matt is making guitars that feel like they should have existed for years, but somehow haven't. Until now! We also dive into diving into entrepreneurship with both feet vs taking a slower approach, his approach to design, how he made the most insane ONBOARD EFFECTS BARITONE ever, and a whole lot more. I think you are going to love this episode. Check out Fidelity Guitars on their website HERE: https://www.fidelity-guitars.co.uk/ Check them out on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/fidelityguitars You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting a guitar store is really hard. Keeping a guitar store alive is even harder. Having a SUCCESSFUL guitar store when you are in a hyper-competitive and saturated market like Nashville is an insane task. Blair White is one of the founders of Eastside Music Supply in Nashville, TN and his team has managed to create a thriving store against all odds. I wanted to get him on the show to tell his story, and get his take on what has driven Eastside to be a destination spot for guitar enthusiasts. He drops some great nuggets of wisdom on this episode, you aren't going to want to miss it! Check them out in Nashville, and on their website HERE https://eastsidemusicsupply.com/ You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine your are flying to Africa on a hot tip. And that hot tip is that there is The Holy Grail of vintage Gibsons waiting for you there. Thats right. You are flying to Africa to acquire a 'Burst Les Paul for Joe Bonamassa. For John Shults, that is a part of his reality. John has a company called True Vintage Guitar and he makes his living by traveling all over the world hunting down the finest, rarest examples of vintage Fenders & Gibsons. And he did it by carefully buying and selling guitars over time. It is a fascinating story. Dive on in! Enter to win the Meris LVX Giveaway by checking out this page HERE: https://tonemob.com/lvx/ You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode I sat down with my dude Matt Holl from Wren & Cuff to chat about... Well... Big Muffs of course! But we didn't stop there! We dove deep down the rabbit hole of all things music. Including the somewhat controversial subject of paying for expertise. Whether that be a professional Mastering Engineer, an experienced Producer, or investing your money in an obsessively developed product. I think you are going to enjoy this chat! Check out Matt's work at https://www.wrenandcuff.com/ Enter to win the Meris LVX Giveaway by checking out this page HERE: https://tonemob.com/lvx/ You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You are in for a real treat with this episode folks! Today I'm talking with Gina Gleason from the legendary band, Baroness! We dive straight into her career and how she ended up playing in one of the most iconic bands to ever come out of Philly. But not before we dissect what life was like playing guitar for Cirque Du Soleil. Yes you read that correctly. We are talking about LITERAL guitar acrobatics on this one! Check out the band on their website HERE: https://yourbaroness.com/ Give Gina a follow HERE: https://www.instagram.com/ginagleasongtr You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"We can't be everything to all people, or we'll end up being not anything to anybody." - Jeremie Murfin If you EVER thought about starting a guitar or musical instrument store, you really need to listen to this episode. Geoff and Jeremie are two of the partners in an epic independent guitar store called Five Star Guitars here in the Portland, Oregon area. They are celebrating their 25th anniversary as a company, and they have grown tremendously over that time period. Which flys directly in the face of the general narrative around retail and guitar stores in particular. Whether you currently own a music store, are thinking about starting one, or just love the experience of going to a guitar store... you need to listen to this episode. Check them out at https://www.fivestarguitars.com/ You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode I sit down with flatpicking phenom Trey Hensley to discuss his story. The dude started out extremely young and almost immediately started performing live. All of these years later, he's not only one of the most sought after pickers in the bluegrass scene, but a wide ranging music enthusiast and super rad dude. You are in for a treat with this conversation! Check out Trey's website HERE: http://treyhensley.com/ Give him a follow on Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/treyahensley/ You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The man, the myth, the guitar legend Ariel Posen has returned to the podcast for the third time! On this episode we dissect the idea of what makes up a "real song". Is one method of creation more valid than another? Does improvisation count as songwriting? Does more time spent on a project mean that more people will appreciate it? We dive into a all of this and a whole lot more on this episode of podcast about guitar stuff. Sometimes. Check out all things Ariel on his website HERE: https://www.arielposen.com/ You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sometimes you have to prank your bandmates into making the right choices! Andy Marsh from Thy Art Is Murder is on the podcast this week and we are talking about AMPS. Specifically Andy & co's journey through the world of high gain amplifiers and how they landed in the digital world for live use. We also talk about Andy's "hands-on" approach to running a band/business, and the type of mindset he has had since first picking up the guitar. Check out the band on their website HERE https://www.thyartismurder.net/ You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"I think the road ahead is going to be a lot more difficult..." Those were the words that Derek Eastveld said to his family after Revv's very first NAMM show. On this episode Dan and Derek sat down with me to discuss the history of Revv as a company, and to dissect the challenges associated with running a guitar amplifier company in the modern era. This is a fantastic glimpse into the minds of some of the folks at the top of the guitar amplifier game. You seriously do not want to miss this one! Check out The Gear & Beer Livestream on the Revv YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/@RevvAmps Check out the killer gear on the Revv website Here: https://revvamplification.com/ Here is the clip of Dan's band Tinnitus at the Winnipeg Zoo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lId7n4caVZw You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Papastavrou has been a part of the hardcore/death metal/progressive metal/heavy music community since she was a teenager. She is currently playing guitar and fronting the band Kallias. She has had a pretty wild musical journey that has taken her all across the globe, found her learning how to perform harsh vocals, and writing original music all the while. We had an epic conversation about her musical journey, how her guitar rig has changed over the years, working with Jackson Guitars to develop some entirely new (at the time) concepts and a whole lot more! Kallias is about to release their album The First Ascent on August 25th. Check out more info on their website https://www.kalliasofficial.com/ Give Nicole a follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nicole_papastavrou You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This one has been over a year in the making! I had the opportunity to sit down with Mark and Dan Gooday of Ashdown Engineering to chat at GearFest and we had an absolutely incredible chat! Ashdown is a UK based amplifier company that is most widely known for their innovations in the bass amplification market, and the iconic VU Meter adoring their equipment. Mark starts off the discussion by diving into his history as a driving force behind Trace Elliot, and we dive into the nuances of running a manufacturing operation. Dan also chimes in and talks about his story of joining the family business, helping form the brand identity, the "Ashdown Forest" and a whole lot more. Check them out on their website HERE: https://ashdownmusic.com/ You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices