Vermont-based guitar hero Paul Asbell joins us this week to talk about his new book, 'Stages: Ruminations, Rants, and Reminiscences on a Life in Music.'

In 'Stages,' Paul recounts stories from early in his career when he worked as a sideman for legendary blues artists on the South Side of Chicago. We also hear about Paul's unique upbringing, his love for luthier-made instruments, why he left Chicago for Vermont, and so much more. 

Order 'Stages' here: https://paulasbell.com/product/stages-ruminations-rants-and-reminiscences-on-a-life-in-music-book/

Our new, 57th issue of the Fretboard Journal is now mailing. Subscribe here to get it.

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026, at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

We are also brought to you by Seattle's own Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar. https://mmguitarbar.com

Musician and Fretboard Journal contributor Paul Burch joins us this week to talk about his just-published debut novel, Meridian Rising. The book, an imagined memoir by Jimmie Rodgers, is filled with insights on the Father of Country Music and some of the unbelievable collaborators he worked with. We talk about the making of the book, why Rodgers is so fascinating to Paul, Paul's new album ('Cry Love'), and so much more.  

https://paulburch.com/

Our new, 57th issue of the Fretboard Journal is now mailing. Subscribe here to get it.

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026, at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Ryan Richter, Dylan Day, and Harrison Whitford are wildly creative guitarists who happen to play with some of the most-streamed artists of the last few years, including Ed Sheeran (Dylan), Phoebe Bridgers (Harrison), and Lizzy McAlpine (Ryan). They are all based in Los Angeles. 

At the 2025 Fretboard Summit, we sit down with these three musicians to discuss their journeys as artists and collaborators. We hear about why they all landed in LA, how they work with big-name artists, the gear they are currently obsessing over, their solo recordings, and so much more. It's an introspective chat filled with insights. 

https://www.instagram.com/dylnday/
https://www.instagram.com/misterrichter/
https://www.instagram.com/scarrisonwhitford/

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

Subscribe to our reader supported print magazine: https://www.fretboardjournal.com

For the last several months, we've been following Micah Bruce of Bruce Guitars as he builds a unique guitar that he'll unveil at the 2023 Fretboard Summit. It's an instrument based on the classic Harmony H49 Stratotone shape, but it's completely overhauled and like nothing that ever left the Harmony factory.  

This week, we catch up with Micah and hear all about the new guitar, which he's dubbed his Jayne model, after his daughter. We also hear about the other instruments he's building for the showcase, his thoughts on relic'ing, what makes a great Tele, his ukulele output and so much more.

https://bruceguitars.com/

Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately: 
https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. Come see Micah! https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

Richard Smith is unstoppable. The British fingerstyle guitarist has a grueling tour schedule, a busy Nashville studio that he recently adapted into a video studio, online music lessons, and probably a few projects that we don't even know about. But, mostly, he's got a lot of driving to do. 

In June, Richard stopped by the Fretboard Journal in between concert stops for a loose, caffeine-fueled chat about life on the road, the music of Chet Atkins, keeping your chops up, the brilliance of the house concert circuit, and so much more. We also talk about David Schmidt's piece in the Fretboard Journal #52 about learning "The Entertainer" thanks to Smith's online lesson and why Richard's goal is to be able to book 365 tour dates a year, but not play them.   We packed a lot into the hour before his parking meter was up. It's a fun chat with one of the world's best guitarists. You'll love it. 

https://www.richardsmithmusic.com/

https://www.instagram.com/richardsmithmusic/

Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately: 
https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

We have a new addition to the Fretboard Journal's podcast lineup, Steel: The Steel Guitar Podcast!

Once a month, host Matt Perpick will interview steel players (young and old) about their stories, their gear, and inspiration. 

For his first installment, Perpick interviews Rich Hinman, a steel player who has backed the likes of k.d. lang, Sara Bareilles, and Rosanne Cash. He's also a frequent collaborator with FJ favorite Adam Levy. 

Today, we're giving you a sneak peek at the first 15 minutes of the debut episode so you can check it out.

Want to hear the whole thing? Subscribe to Steel: The Steel Guitar Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to hear the whole hour-plus interview. It's great, even if you don't play steel.

We'll have a new, full-length FJ podcast episode out tomorrow. 

Love our podcast offerings and all that we do? Help us grow by supporting us on our brand-new Patreon for as little as $5 a month. You'll get bonus podcasts, ad-free episodes and more. 

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

 

In just four years, 14-year-old Wyatt Ellis has gone from discovering bluegrass music for the first time to becoming one of its rising stars.

This is the story of a prodigy who taught himself how to play the mandolin (and guitar and fiddle) through the pandemic and has already graced stages with Peter Rowan and Billy Strings. He has a Grand Ole Opry appearance under his belt, a new single with Sierra Hull (and an album in the works), and he's the proud new owner of one of Marty Stuart's old Gibson Lloyd Loar-signed mandolins.

During our chat, we hear how he did it, what it's like to play with your music heroes, and where he's headed.

https://wyattellis.com/

Wyatt Ellis & Sierra Hull - "Grassy Cove" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TgNSPKCsX8

Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately: 
https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

We first spoke to electric guitarmaker Jon "Sully" Sullivan on the podcast back in 2018 (episode 204). This week marks Sully's long-awaited return back onto the podcast. We talk about his '71 Trella model; how he's incorporated technology like CNCs into his builds; the economics (and realities) behind creating your own import line of guitars (his Korean-made Conspiracy series is currently taking reservations); why he's taken a break from teaching guitar-making; and so much more.

Plus: the je ne sais quoi of French words; the genius of Duncan Price (@diskobebe), the NAMM Boutique Guitar Showcase, trademark talk, and more! 

Follow: https://www.sullyguitars.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sullyguitars/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately: 
https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Sully's hometown of Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

This week's double-header of an episode is all about the 2023 Fretboard Summit taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. As you hopefully know, the Summit is a three-day-long guitar show and festival curated by the Fretboard Journal. All weekend long, you can meet some of your favorite players and guitarmakers, try out new products, and have some fun. Performers include Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Parker, Jorma Kaukonen, Via Mardot and numerous others…and you're invited.

Register: https://fretboardsummit.org/

We start the podcast off by talking about some new Summit additions and updates, including many not currently announced on the site.

At 15:36, we interview guitarmaker Creston Lea of Creston Guitars. He's attended every Summit the Fretboard Journal has thrown and shares some of his favorite memories over the years. Then we get a recap of last year's Nickel Wound Chef competition, where Creston was pitted against Duncan Price in an hour-long Partscaster build-off (think: Iron Chef but for guitarmaking). Last, but not least, Creston tells us a bit about his current guitar builds, what it's like to have Gene Parsons install B-Benders on one of your guitars, and much more.

http://crestonguitars.com/ 

Watch the Nickel Wound Chef highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A6cioaiHBM

Creston competed against Duncan Price: https://www.instagram.com/diskobebe/

Trophy maker Tom Longobardi: https://tomlongobardi.com/

At 45:32, we talk to luthier Micah Bruce of Bruce Guitars. Micah is making a very special, Harmony H-49-inspired electric guitar that one lucky Summit attendee will go home with. We chat about the Summit build, the art of lamination, how modern luthiers utilize CNCs in their builds, re-topping vintage Martins, and hear about what other guitars Micah will be bringing to Chicago. It's a great chat.

https://bruceguitars.com/

We still have a very limited number of three-day, all-access Summit passes available that include all the weekend's programming and the concerts. Just want to come to the lutherie showcase and guitar shop? Tickets are now on sale for $30. They will also be available at the door.  

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately: 
https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

Meet Jonathan Stout, a Southern California-based jazz guitarist best known as a bandleader in the swing dance world.

Jonathan's story is unlike any we've ever heard: Here's someone who cites Kirk Hammett as an influence, along with Benny Goodman guitarist Allan Reuss. He's a player, a scholar of early jazz guitar, a drummer, and he can even get you out of a traffic ticket (yep, he's also a lawyer). 

During our chat, we talk about the unique music requirements of modern-day swing dances, we hear about Jonathan's favorite vintage guitars, and learn why he's so obsessed with Reuss. Plus a lot more...    This is one of our favorite interviews to date and we think you'll love it.

https://www.campusfive.com/

Listen to Jonathan Stout's solo album, 'Pick It and Play It':
https://jonathanstout.bandcamp.com/album/pick-it-and-play-it

Watch Jonathan play at the Fretboard Journal: https://youtu.be/PPqJtVVT9I8
Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

Saltwater Hank is a Ts'msyen musician based in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. On Canada Day, 2023, he released his new and boldest album to date, 'G​̱​al'u​̈​u​̈​nx Wil Lu Holtga Liimi.' It's an entire country album sung in Sm'algyax, the Ts'msyen language.

On this week's FJ Podcast, we talk to Saltwater Hank about the project, its release day (and why that's important), his songwriting process, the power of language, the gear he used and so much more. It's a great chat.

https://saltwaterhank.bandcamp.com/album/g-alu-u-nx-wil-lu-holtga-liimi

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

You've never heard a tale like that of guitarist Rick Deitrick. A product of the '60s, Rick went from playing the accordion as a kid in Ohio to joining a rock band and performing at love-ins throughout Southern California. Once he found a $100 Yamaha acoustic at a pawn shop, his life took a new turn: He'd take his guitar (sans case) out on hikes and create acoustic instrumentals influenced by his surroundings. The byproduct of these hikes was a series of self-released albums, now reissued as a boxed set by Tompkins Square Records. Quirky backstory aside, it's gorgeous music that has stood the test of time. 

This interview has it all: 1960s love-ins, a cranky John Fahey, a two-foot-tall chipmunk, a guitar sacrificed in a fit of rage, and a musician who continues to march to the beat of his own drummer.

Learn more about Rick Deitrick's 'The Unguitarist: Complete Works, 1969-2022' here: 
https://tompkinssquare.bandcamp.com/album/the-unguitarist-complete-works-1969-2022

Follow Jason's new Substack here for behind-the-scenes FJ content: https://substack.com/@fretboardjournal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

Banjo great Alison Brown joins us on this week's podcast to talk about her new album, On Banjo, and so much more. We chat about how she discovered bluegrass music while growing up in Southern California, her lifelong friendship with Stuart Duncan, the challenges of running a record label in 2023 (Alison and her husband run Compass Records), teaching, increasing the number of female banjo players, and a lot more. It's a great chat.

https://alisonbrown.bandcamp.com/album/on-banjo

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

Do guitars still sell in 2025? Is there a glut of unsold instruments? How have tariffs affected the high-end musical instrument space?

At this year's Fretboard Summit, we asked a handful of guitar retailers for their unfiltered thoughts on selling instruments in 2025. Included were Rebecca Jasso (Old Town School of Folk Music retail store), Joe Caruso (The Music Emporium), Matt Kappenman (Mass Street Music) and Nathan Schiller (Folkway Music).

Their thoughts on guitar retail may just surprise you, and their insights into how to take care of a customer (and stay profitable during these tumultuous times) were revelatory.

Recorded live at the 2025 Fretboard Summit. We'll be sharing more talks and panels from the Summit soon. Our next Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

https://www.fretboardjournal.com

Musician/producer Blake Mills and Chris Weisman sit down with us to talk about Jelly Road, the forthcoming album they've co-written (out July 14 via New Deal / Verve Records). They talk about how they met – Chris is based in Brattleboro, Vermont, while Blake is based in Los Angeles – and the writing and recording process behind the gorgeous new album. We also chat about Blake's recent appearance backing up Joni Mitchell at her already-legendary Gorge performance earlier this week, his current favorite guitars and gear (including the fretless guitar built by Duncan Price), the dangers of slide playing, and a lot more.

Blake appeared on our Mystery of G. Weller Podcast earlier this year: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-406-the-mystery-of-g-weller/

Listen to Mills' new single "Skeleton Is Walking" here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri-pr4Egzng

Pre-order Jelly Road:
https://blakemills.lnk.to/jellyroadID

See Blake Mills and Chris Weisman on their West Coast tour, now through June 2023: https://www.blakemillsonline.com

Chris Weisman's Bandcamp: https://chrisweisman.bandcamp.com

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, Chicago, Duncan Price will be there!): https://fretboardsummit.org

Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

Every month, we recap the latest guitar industry news with offset guitar hero Mike Adams (@puisheen). The month of May was fairly slow on the guitar news front, but Mike and FJ Publisher Jason Verlinde soldier on and discuss some of their favorite YouTube videos of late, ponder the world of signature guitars, share Fretboard Summit updates, talk about a recent Yeah Yeah Yeahs concert, honor the Iron Sheik (RIP), and more.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, Chicago!): https://fretboardsummit.org

Wire Instruments: https://www.wireinstruments.com/

Watch Mike bend a vibrato arm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92dBXYf7-5k

Support Mike's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puisheen

Jason interviews Jim D'Addario, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers about Taylor Guitars' switch to D'Addario: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-dPpPuc4RE

David Lindley Tribute Concert: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/farewell-mr-dave-a-hometown-bids-goodbye-to-david-lindley/

Mason Stoops on Tim Pierce's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vrZjv8ojVQ

The Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-vintage-amps-with-skip-simmons/id1442046563

Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

On June 9, 2023, Fretboard Journal contributor and Kalamazoo Gals author John Thomas will set out on the wildest adventure of his life: Bikepacking the 2700-mile Tour Divide mountain bike route, from Banff, Canada to the US/Canada border. On this very special bonus episode of the podcast, we check in with John before he rides off. We talk about his recent piece on the Scott Chinery Blue Guitar collection for the new, 52nd issue of our magazine, discuss John's health (he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020), talk about his hopes/fears for the ride, and so much more.

Follow John on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/john.thomas.98

Kalamazoo Gals:
https://kalamazoogals.com

John's Prostate Cancer Recovery Channel on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@prostatecancerrecoverydiar6315/featured

John Thomas and Greg Voros (Gruhn Guitars) at the Artisan Guitar Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4KUg4PENuE

Want to meet John and many other FJ Podcast guests? Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

When the pandemic hit and live gigs were canceled, innumerable musicians began live-streaming concerts from home as a way to stay connected with fans. Among those was San Francisco-based duo Craig Ventresco and Meredith Axelrod, who perform ragtime guitar, early jazz and blues songs from the 1890s to the 1930s. Fast forward three years and Meredith and Craig are somehow still at it, streaming live performances from their home six evenings a week. In fact, they just celebrated their 1000th live-stream concert.

On this week's FJ Podcast, we follow up with this pair of musicians whom we first documented on Ep. 290 of the podcast (link), back when they only had 100 or so shows under their belt. We hear about how their show has evolved, how they pick their repertoire, and so much more. 

Follow the duo on Meredith's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/meredithaxelrod

Support the duo here: 
Paypal.me/meredithaxelrod
Venmo: meredithaxelrod

Want to meet some of the many personalities interviewed on this podcast? Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

Musician, therapist and zine publisher Matt Baldwin joins us this week for an insightful chat about the creative process and so much more. Matt talks to us about his career as a guitarist and the influence that Robbie Basho and John Fahey had on his largely self-taught playing. We also talk about his 'How to Play Guitar' zine series, where he shares some of his favorite tips, quotes, and life hacks. Last but not least, we discuss the Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy that he's conducting out of his Southern California office and learn about the crucial role that music plays in these sessions with his clients. 

Some links discussed in this episode:
https://www.instagram.com/baldwin_unlimited/
https://www.ketamineprovidersnetwork.com/
https://www.music-centered.org/
https://bandcamp.com/tag/psychic-arts

Want to meet some of the many personalities interviewed on this podcast? Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

Musician, writer and educator Cameron Knowler joins us this week to talk about his incredible  self-published book, Guitars Have Feelings Too, and so much more. We learn about Cameron's singular upbringing in Arizona (including how he was "unschooled" for most of his youth) and hear about how a random encounter with Norman Blake's music as a teenager forever changed his life. We also get his thoughts on the difference between old time and bluegrass music, the perils of flatpicking contests, how to horse trade instruments with your heroes, and so much more.

Knowler is the FJ's newest contributor and in our 52nd issue, he pens a lengthy interview with Phoebe Bridgers' guitarist Harrison Whitford. We're happy to announce that Knowler will also be teaching the music of Norman Blake at the 2023 Fretboard Summit alongside Bob Minner.

Order your copy of Guitars Have Feelings Too here:

https://www.cameronknowler.com/shop-1/p/guitars-have-feelings-too

Want to meet Cameron, Bob Minner, Wayne Henderson, Josh Scott, Bill Frisell, and dozens of other guitar luminaries? Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

Offset guitar authority, tech and journalist Mike Adams (@puisheen) joins us for another monthly recap of guitar news, but this episode is about a lot more than just industry updates. To start, Mike shares a deeply moving story about the loss of his father. Around the 24-minute mark, we discuss some recent guitar news, including the new offerings that debuted at NAMM like the Guild Surfliner Deluxe, the Martin StreetLegend D-18, the T-Rex Binson Echorec, and the Yamaha FG9.

We also talk about the announcement of a new CEO for Gibson; the mystery of G. Weller; Fretboard Summit updates; the Dr. Herringbone 'Tone Traveler' (full review to come) and more.

Join Mike Adams' Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puisheen 
Jason Mays NAMM highlights: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/namm-2023-highlights/
The Mystery of G. Weller Podcast: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-406-the-mystery-of-g-weller/
The Dr. Herringbone Tone Traveler: https://www.drherringbone.com/

Want to meet Mike, Josh Scott, Bill Frisell, and dozens of other guitar luminaries?  Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Subscribe to our magazine here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code).

Detroit's Via Mardot makes incredible music that evokes classic exotica and Spaghetti Western soundtracks, but her journey is far from traditional. Since dropping out of high school, she's put all of her energy into composing, playing and learning new instruments and gear. She showcases her multi-track creations on Instagram - making captivating videos where she plays ALL the parts (including guitar parts, bass percussion, theremin, and musical saw) - and has garnered an astounding 100,000+ Instagram followers. She's also become a Reverend Guitars endorsee. 

On this week's FJ Podcast, we talk to Via Mardot about her growth as an artist, how she taught herself to play all of these instruments, and the perils of playing the musical saw. It's a great chat with a young artist doing something truly original. 
   
https://www.instagram.com/viamardot/

(Vintage movie Jason mentioned on the podcast: 'Multiple Sidosis'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mblxjfh5kE)

Via Mardot will be performing at The Fretboard Summit, our three-day celebration of all-things-guitar taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. In addition to Via Mardot, featured performers include Wayne Henderson, Jeff Parker, Bryan Sutton, Jorma Kaukonen, Jake Eddy, and numerous others. During the Summit, we'll also be hosting our first-ever Germanium Chef, an Iron Chef-inspired pedal build-off hosted by Josh Scott and featuring Robert Keeley against Heather Brown. There will also be jam rooms, parties, live podcast tapings, and tons of surprises.

Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/ 

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (use the discount code FRETBOARD and save 10% off your first order). Subscribe to our keepsake print magazine here.

Robbie Fulks joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his new album, 'Bluegrass Vacation.' Fulks' first full-length bluegrass album features an all-star lineup of guests including Sam Bush, Sierra Hull, Ronnie McCoury, Tim O'Brien, Alison Brown, John Cowan, and Jerry Douglas.   We talk about the alt-country pioneer's deep bluegrass roots, stretching back to his time playing in Greg Cahill's Special Consensus, his approach to songwriting (and writing in general), and we hear about a book Fulks is currently working on. Plus a lot more.    http://www.robbiefulks.com/   The Fretboard Summit, our three-day celebration of all-things-guitar is taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Fulks old stomping grounds...Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Featured performers include Wayne Henderson, Jeff Parker, Jorma Kaukonen and much more.   Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/   Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (use the discount code FRETBOARD and save 10% off your first order).   Subscribe to our keepsake print magazine here.

Prepare to have your mind blown by Michael King, founder of Cowbrand Design. 

Michael is an authority on vintage Chicago-made guitars (Kay, Regal, etc), a repair ninja, an early adopter of 3D printing and CNC machines, a designer, and the creator of some of the most stunning electric guitars around. On this week's podcast, we talk about his start working at a hobby store as a kid, the influence that Scott Chinery's Blue guitars had on his early work, the magic found in Kay electrics (and how to fix them), his residency with  Bantam Tools and so much more. 

We also talk about the space-inspired guitar Michael built for Vernon Reid, how he uses 3D printing and CNCs in his builds (and where he doesn't use them), and so much more. 

https://www.cowbranddesign.com/

Want to meet Michael, Josh Scott, Bill Frisell, and dozens of other guitar heroes?  Come to our three-day 2023 Fretboard Summit, taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/   Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings (use the discount code FRETBOARD and save 10% off your first order).

One last Fretboard Summit 2025 announcement: Jayne Henderson (EJ Henderson Guitars and Ukuleles) stops by the Fretboard Journal to tell us about the Asheville Guitar Project group build that she'll be unveiling at our annual guitar gathering. 

This group guitar build - combining the talents of Asheville-based luthiers Jayne, Kyle Landers, and Judson Riviere - features domestic blowdown woods from Hurricane Helene. 

We talk about the region and its recovery from the storm, the unique tone woods used for this guitar, what it's like to build a guitar with other makers, and so much more! 

Come see Jayne at the Fretboard Summit taking place this week: https://fretboardsummit.org/

The Fretboard Summit is our three-day festival celebrating great guitars and great guitar people. We have nearly 80 luthiers, amp builders, and pedal makers exhibiting, hourly workshops and master classes, and some mind-bogglingly great evening performances. The fun takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. 

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

https://www.fretboardjournal.com

Longtime Fretboard Journal correspondent Ryan Richter knows a lot about music. So, when Spotify turned him onto a mysterious album of guitar instrumentals entitled Pirate Songs of the Lower Islands, his curiosity was piqued. Who is G. Weller, the artist behind the collection of beguiling acoustic guitar instrumentals? When were these recordings made? And why would such a talented musician have basically no internet paper trail?

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, Richter tries to uncover the mystery behind Pirate Songs…  It's a journey that involves Weller's label, Full Color Sound Records, musician/producer Blake Mills, and a bait-and-tackle shop in Nova Scotia.

Listen to Pirate Songs of the Lower Islands on Spotify here.

Full Color Sound Records Bandcamp: https://fullcolorsoundrecords.bandcamp.com/music

Follow Ryan Richter here: https://www.instagram.com/misterrichter/

Our podcast is sponsored by the 2023 Fretboard Summit, Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

The always-entertaining guitar tech/writer/historian/musician Michael James Adams (@puisheen) joins Jason this week to talk about life updates, offset Fenders, the proper setup of a Jazzmaster setup and so much more. In a new feature, we then recap some of the memorable guitar news of the month of March 2023, including some cool guitar-centric events, the new EMG pickups for Jazzmasters (the EMG Retro Active JMaster), Taylor Guitars selling direct, the JHS Show / Digitech Bad Monkey saga, the passings of some great guitar heroes, and a lot more. 

https://www.instagram.com/puisheen

Want to meet Michael, Josh Scott, Bill Frisell, and dozens of other guitar luminaries?  Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/   Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

This week, Micah Bruce (Bruce Guitars) joins us to talk about the 2023 Fretboard Summit guitar giveaway and so much more. Bruce does a bit of everything: Electric builds, acoustics, repair and restoration. Speaking to us from his new shop space in Ohama, Nebraska, he recounts his early days in the guitar industry when he landed a job at Collings in Austin, Texas. We then talk about his time at Allison Guitars and Moniker and his decision to set up his own shop and work for himself. It's a candid look at the realities of the guitar industry and the life of a solo, largely self-taught guitarmaker.   https://bruceguitar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bruce_guitars/
Now the big news: Micah will be building a custom guitar that one lucky 2023 Fretboard Summit attendee will get to take home.    Check out his current offerings: https://bruceguitar.com/build and tell us what you think the ultimate "Fretboard Journal" Bruce guitar would look like. Send your comments, ideas, and secret Brazilian rosewood stash GPS coordinates to podcast@fretboardjournal.com. 
And come see Micah and over 40 other great guitarmakers at our 2023 Fretboard Summit. All-access tickets are on-sale now. Lutherie-showcase only (no concerts, no workshops) tickets will be available soon.   The Summit takes place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. https://fretboardsummit.org/   Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

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

For five decades, Lansing, Michigan's Elderly Instruments has been an institution for vintage guitar, banjo, and mandolin lovers. Founded in 1972 by Stan Werbin, the store has provided old and new instruments to countless musicians around the world through its storefront, legendary catalogs, and, now, website.

On this week's podcast, we talk to Elderly's new President, Lillian Werbin, about this famed store. She gives us a brief history, explains why she decided to work at the family business, and describes her hopes for the shop's future and the collector's market in general. 

It's a great chat with a young retail visionary who is committed to maintaining Elderly's stellar reputation while also looking forward.

Get tickets to our forthcoming 2023 Fretboard Summit in Chicago: https://fretboardsummit.org/   Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

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

This week, we're offering two episodes! 

First up: We're talking to Simon Haycraft of Preston Thompson Guitars about their new Peter Rowan-signature model dreadnought. This uniquely appointed guitar is limited to just 15 instruments...and the second-ever guitar is our latest Fretboard Journal Exclusive instrument currently for sale on our site. It will be the cornerstone of some lucky FJ reader's acoustic guitar collection.    We talk to Simon about the design elements found in the Adi / Indian Rosewood guitar (with plenty of turquoise and koa touches), shooting sunbursts, and the custom inlay commissions he gets at Preston Thompson customers.    Learn more about this Peter Rowan signature guitar: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fj-exclusive-preston-thompson-peter-rowan-signature-model-serial-002   Watch our 2023 Wintergrass Vintage Instrument Workshop here: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/video/wintergrass-2023-vintage-instrument-workshop-with-darrell-scott-and-matt-flinner/   Get tickets to our forthcoming 2023 Fretboard Summit in Chicago: https://fretboardsummit.org/   Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

 

Two of Nashville's finest musicians have teamed up once again for a new album.

On the recently released  'Living In A Song,' Dobro master Rob Ickes and guitarist Trey Hensley perform a collection of tunes that showcase their songwriting chops. On this week's podcast, we talk about the making of the album, Rob's background (he's a rare Dobro player who didn't start out on guitar!), the art of co-writing, working with Taj Mahal, the gear they use, Doc Watson, and much more.

Watch Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley perform "Moonshine Run": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZZMtb5iv98

https://www.robandtrey.com/

Subscribe to our print magazine here to support all that we do (and get the world's greatest guitar magazine in your mailbox every few months). 

Register for our 2023 Chicago Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023) here:
https://fretboardsummit.org/

The Fretboard Summit is a one-of-a-kind festival where you can connect with some of your favorite musicians, brands, and luthiers, including many you've read about in the pages of our magazine or heard on this podcast. Tickets are limited and going fast.

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

For our 400th episode, we mix things: You're invited to take a roadtrip with acclaimed luthier Isaac Jang and Fred Walecki of Westwood Music fame. Fred regales us with stories about working with Joni Mitchell, who he affectionately calls "Beethoven in drag." We hear about how he connected Joni with guitarmaker Ken Parker, how the Roland VG-8 allowed her to access her dozens of personalized tunings onstage, some Jaco Pastorius tales, and so much more.

Read our profile on Fred from the Fretboard Journal's ninth edition (now long out-of-print): https://www.fretboardjournal.com/features/community-center-fred-waleckis-fabled-westwood-music-is-part-instrument-shop-part-social-club/

https://www.facebook.com/malibumusicshop/
https://www.isaacjangguitars.com/

Register for our 2023 Chicago Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023) here:
https://fretboardsummit.org/

The Fretboard Summit is a one-of-a-kind festival where you can connect with some of your favorite musicians, brands, and luthiers, including many you've read about in the pages of our magazine or heard on this podcast. Tickets are limited and going fast.

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

On this week's podcast, we're joined by two instrument-making legends, Michael Gurian and Dick Boak. Gurian was of course the namesake founder of Gurian Guitars, while Boak famously worked at Martin Guitars for four decades.

Michael and Dick recently co-authored the Fretboard Journal's first standalone book, 'An Instrument Maker's Guide to Insanity and Redemption.' It's a compilation of off-beat and behind-the-scenes stories from dozens of instrument makers and repair people. Included are entries by George Gruhn, Kathy Wingert, Joe Glaser, Bob Taylor, Linda Manzer, and others.

During our chat, the duo talks about how the book project came together, the recurring themes found amidst these various luthiers' tales, why instrument makers need to have a great sense of humor, and so much more.

In addition to talking about the book, we also hear about the instruments Michael and Dick are currently working on,  including the all-spruce guitar that Boak recently built. Michael shares stories from the old days of wood buying in New York City and tells us about how he just reunited with one of his old clients, Paul Simon. 

It's a great chat with two acoustic guitar innovators.

Order the Gurian / Boak book here: 

https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/pre-order-an-instrument-makers-guide-to-insanity-and-redemption

Register for our 2023 Fretboard Summit here: 

https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

Seattle's Jimmy James has been one of the city's most exciting guitarists for years. He's currently the guitarist in the True Loves, among other projects, and was formerly in the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. On this week's podcast, we talk to the funk / jazz / soul / blues musician about growing up in Washington State, hearing "My Girl" for the first time, the music that helped shape his sonic palette, his cherished Silvertone, his time in New York City, and so much more. 

https://www.instagram.com/jimmyscratchjames/

The True Loves on KEXP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD2hNsY6G7E

Register for our 2023 Fretboard Summit here: 

https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

This week, mandolin virtuoso and educator Joe K. Walsh gives us a mini master class on the art of listening and improvising as we celebrate the release of his new album, 'If Not Now, Who?' 

The project features Walsh with Matt Flinner (banjo), guitarist Grant Gordy, Ella Jordan (fiddle), John Mailander (fiddle), John Suntken (drums), and Karl Doty (bass). Walsh walks us through the process of recording the record, talks about what he's learned after years of teaching at Berklee, and gives us a rundown of his current mandolin lineup.

The album is now available here: https://joewalsh.bandcamp.com/album/if-not-now-who

Order the Fretboard Journal magazine here: 

https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-subscription-no-auto-renew

Order 'An Instrument Maker's Guide to Insanity & Redemption' here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/pre-order-an-instrument-makers-guide-to-insanity-and-redemption

Register for our 2023 Fretboard Summit here: 

https://fretboardsummit.org/

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

3Bender's Wade Back joins us this week to share the fascinating history of 3Bender and reveal an incredible new product he's unveiling at this year's Fretboard Summit, the Steelmaster.

The Steelmaster is a string bender that can be mounted to any Jazzmaster-style guitar. It requires no drilling and works with stock or Mastery bridges.

Wade's story is one of a kind. We hear about his love for steel guitar, meeting elderly guitar tech Bob Stafford, and about the Steelmaster's origin story (which involves Black Bobbin's Shelby Pollard and last year's Summit).

https://www.3bender.com

Come see Wade and the Steelmaster at the Fretboard Summit taking place this week: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Showcase-only tickets are just $40. 

The Fretboard Summit is our three-day festival celebrating great guitars and great guitar people. We have nearly 80 luthiers, amp builders, and pedal makers exhibiting, hourly workshops and master classes, and some mind-bogglingly great evening performances. The fun takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. 

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

https://www.fretboardjournal.com

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we pay tribute to David Crosby. 

Croz was a dear friend to the Fretboard Journal magazine and all that we do. Over the last 15 years, we were lucky enough to interview him several times about his music, his guitar collection, and more. 

For this episode, we're sharing two of our favorite interviews with Croz: One that he and Joe Henry had at the first Fretboard Summit (originally aired as episode 92 of this podcast). We're also sharing a previously unheard interview that we did with Crosby in 2021 around the 50th anniversary of his solo album, If I Could Only Remember My Name. He tells us about the making of that seminal album, working with Jerry Garcia, his (at the time) new album, For Free, and his love for working with the Lighthouse band. We also chat about what he was listening to at the time (including Sarah Jarosz) and more. 

We hope you enjoy these two candid talks with a true music hero who kept pushing the creative envelope until the very end. If you enjoy this episode (or any others) please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and please share the show with friends. 

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

On this week's podcast, we're talking to singer-songwriter Lincoln Barr, who recently released a gorgeous new album, 'Forfeit the Prize.' Lincoln was a fixture of Seattle's music scene for years but currently resides in Lexington, South Carolina. That hasn't stopped him from assembling an all-star group of musicians - scattered around the country - for his latest project.

During our interview, we talk about his influences (including Burt Bacharach), how he assembled the lineup found on his record, his songwriting process, and more.

To coincide with this interview, we'll be posting a new video with Lincoln performing at the Fretboard Journal's Seattle headquarters. Follow us on YouTube to watch it. 

Guitarist Jake Eddy joins us this week for a lively conversation about bluegrass, guitars, social media, and more.

Jake was one of the big discoveries for many attending the 2022 Fretboard Summit at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk. During this week's talk, we discuss his bluegrass roots in West Virginia (including his first gigs as a banjo player alongside his grandfather), his recent performances with Andy Statman, why he hates being considered an internet guitarist, and why he recently signed on as a Yamaha artist. It's a great chat.

SEATTLE: The Fretboard Journal is presenting Jake Eddy at Seattle's Rabbit Box Theater in Pike Place Market this Saturday, January 7 at 6 p.m. If you're near Seattle, come see what all the fuss is about. Admission is free, but give a donation to Jake! 

Jake Eddy: https://jakeeddy.wixsite.com/website

Jake's IG (which you should all follow): https://www.instagram.com/thejakeeddy/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal here.

Fretboard Summit 2023 tickets. 

Order our new book, 'An Instrument Maker's Guide to Insanity and Redemption' here. 

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.

 

 

Guitarist Jamie Stillway joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the making of her new album, 'Lullaby for a Stranger.' This meditative, effects-laden, and ambient-leaning record is a departure for Stillway, who is best known for her exquisite flattop playing.

From her new home on Vashon Island in Washington, Jamie tells us about the original inspiration for this project, the guitar that's transformed her playing style (a 15" archtop built by luthier Maegen Wells), why she wanted this release to come out on vinyl, and much more.

http://jamiestillway.com

Stillway has shared a new video for FJ Podcast listeners, featuring her playing "Wood and Windows." It was filmed by fellow guitarist and frequent collaborator Eric Skye. Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFRNQbUn1f8

We are now offering presale discounted three-day tickets to the 2023 Chicago Fretboard Summit (link).

Get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season. Our 51st issue mails this week! https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

Many of us are methodically checking the water level on our Christmas trees right now. Are you also checking the humidity around your guitar collection? Hopefully, you are, as winter can wreak havoc on acoustic (and electric) guitars.     On this week's podcast, we pick the brain of Darrell Jennings, founder of American Music Furniture. Darrell is a lifelong instrument collector who has spent the last several years creating the ultimate guitar storage solution. We talk about proper guitar storage during the winter months, the importance of humidifying your guitar room, and so much more.    During our talk, Darrell offers suggestions on simple ways you can hydrate your guitars at home, and even tells us about some affordable systems that allow you to monitor your room's humidity and temperature while traveling. We also talk about the work that goes into American Music Furniture cabinets, the technology that they employ, and a lot more.    https://americanmusicfurniture.com   Some of the products also mentioned on this episode:    Dampit Guitar Humidifier (Amazon link)   D'Addario Humidipacks (Amazon link)   Govee WiFi Hygrometer Thermometer monitor (Amazon link)   We are now offering presale discounted three-day tickets to the 2023 Fretboard Summit (link).

Get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season. Our new issue mails this week! https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

On this week's podcast, we're talking to acclaimed mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull!   Hull was recently on tour with Cory Wong. This interview was conducted in-person at the Fretboard Journal before her November 10, 2022 concert at Seattle's Moore Theater.    We chat about how she and Cory connected, her approach to playing mandolin in a largely electric setting, her current gear (including her pickups), and about the recent composition she penned for the 2022 FreshGrass Festival. Plus a lot more... 

During Sierra's visit, she performed a solo version of "Over the Mountain" for our cameras. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/AqTrKDJGSRM
The Fretboard Journal is launching a Substack where we'll be sharing even more content, including photo outtakes, essays, and special podcasts. Be an early supporter here: https://fretboardjournal.substack.com

And don't forget to get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

 

https://www.sierrahull.com

The Fretboard Journal is launching a Substack where we'll be sharing even more content, including photo outtakes, essays, and special podcasts. Be an early supporter here: https://fretboardjournal.substack.com

And don't forget to get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

This week, we talk to one of the young guns of vintage instrument dealing, 33-year-old John Shults of True Vintage Guitar.

John is based out of Birmingham, Alabama and has a unique business model. As his Instagram account reveals, he's seemingly on an endless guitar safari, traveling around the world and acquiring closet-find Fenders and Gibsons, often from the instrument's original owners or their family members. His sales strategy is unique, too. John not only has a knack for finding rare instruments, he also knows how to tell a great guitar story.    During our chat, John tells us about his decision to become a vintage instrument dealer and some of the many tricks of the trade he's picked up over the years. We learn about the perils of traveling with large amounts of cash, how he puts anxious sellers at ease, and the trends he's noticed in today's vintage electric market. We also learn about why, after a decade of being an online-only retailer, John is about to open his first brick & mortar showroom.    https://truevintageguitar.com
https://www.instagram.com/truevintageguitar/?hl=en

The Fretboard Journal is launching a Substack where we'll be sharing even more content, including photo outtakes, essays, and special podcasts. Be an early supporter here: https://fretboardjournal.substack.com

And don't forget to get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

Author Kristina R. Gaddy joins us this week to talk about her new book, 'Well of Souls: Uncovering the Banjo's Hidden History.'

This is unlike any instrument history book you've ever read... and we can't recommend it enough.

Though it's widely known that the banjo was brought to the Americas via enslaved Black people, there's so much we still don't know about this instrument's earliest period. Through journal entries, books, art, surviving instruments, and some amazing detective work, Gaddy reveals that the banjo wasn't just a musical instrument for slaves... it was also a deeply important spiritual tool.

During our chat, we ask Gaddy about the making of the book, the unlikely places she found her evidence, and the construction of those earliest instruments. We also talk about the banjo's growing popularity with a new generation of Black musicians.

More on the book: https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393866803

More on Kristina R. Gaddy (plus some cool bonus photos of early banjos): www.kristinagaddy.com/wellofsouls

Pete Ross (Gaddy's partner / old-time banjo maker): https://www.banjopete.com

The Fretboard Journal is launching a Substack where we'll be sharing even more content, including photo outtakes, essays, and special podcasts. Be an early supporter here: https://fretboardjournal.substack.com

And don't forget to get a gift subscription to the Fretboard Journal this holiday season: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/fretboard-journal-gift-subscription

Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

The one-and-only Sam Bush joins us this week for an enlightening talk about John Hartford and so much more.

Sam has just released 'Radio John: Songs of John Hartford,' a tribute album to his old friend/mentor where he plays every instrument (acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, bass, and fiddle). We talk about the inspiration behind the album, the Hartford tracks he chose, and his recording process.

Sam also talks to us about some of the unique gear he employed. In addition to his tried-and-true 1937 Gibson F-5 mandolin (dubbed "Hoss"), he used a Silvertone bass with 40-year-old strings; a low-tuned banjo on loan from Bela Fleck, and a Cat's Eyes / Tokai copy of a Martin D-42.

It's a great chat with a true bluegrass music legend. We hope you enjoy it.

Get Sam Bush's 'Radio John' here: https://folkways.si.edu/sam-bush/radio-john-songs-of-john-hartford

Get a digital subscription to the Fretboard Journal here: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

Pre-order An Instrument Maker's Guide to Insanity and Redemption: Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the Instrument Making and Repair Community here.

Our podcast is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

A little over a month ago, UK guitarmaker Richard Waddell (Uberfrank Guitars) shared photos of his latest creation to Instagram: an electric baritone guitar built for musician and friend Daniel Marcus Clark. This wild instrument - featuring a unique offset body, a Charlie Christian pickup in the neck, a three-pole bass pickup, dual outputs, a built-in capo system, and even a secret compartment in the pickguard - made guitarists around the world take notice.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Richard and Daniel about their collaboration. We discuss the original inspiration for the body's shape (a vintage Coral Hornet), Daniel's unique live rig, the unlikely hinge that made the secret compartment work, the ideas that didn't make it in to the finished guitar, plus a lot more.

Daniel Marcus Clark's new album, 'I've been thinking,' is available now on Bandcamp if you want to hear this guitar (and musician) in action. https://danielmarcusclark.bandcamp.com 

https://www.uberfrankguitars.com

Love the show and want to support the Fretboard Journal Podcast? Pick up a digital subscription to our magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

(It's just $30 annually and it goes a long way towards supporting the show...and you get to read the Fretboard Journal!) 

Pre-order An Instrument Maker's Guide to Insanity and Redemption: Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the Instrument Making and Repair Community here.

Our podcast is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Calton Cases.

"Here's what happens when you invite a mandolin company, with crazy curiosity, to a guitar show four years in a row." -Adrian Bagale 

Northfield's Adrian Bagale joins us this week for what has to be one of the most insightful industry chats we've had in years.

We talk about what the company is unveiling at our 2025 Fretboard Summit in two weeks – a new instrument for guitarists – but we also talk about so much more.

For nearly 20 years, Northfield has built superb instruments both in the US and China. We discuss Northfield's unique business model, how they are navigating recent tariffs, and the growing popularity of acoustic music in China itself. Whether or not you play mandolin, Bagale's enthusiasm for music – and gear – is truly infectious.

https://www.northfieldinstruments.com

Come see Northfield and the new instruments at the Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

The Fretboard Summit is our three-day festival celebrating great guitars and great guitar people. We have nearly 80 luthiers, amp builders, and pedal makers exhibiting, hourly workshops and master classes, and some mind-bogglingly great evening performances.   The fun takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. 

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

https://www.fretboardjournal.com

Grammy-nominated bluegrass musician Frank Solivan has led a fascinating life. On this week's podcast, we talk to the frontman of Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen about a bit of everything: the band's new album, 'Hold On;' his side hobbies of lutherie, pick making, and leather tooling; his songwriting process on the mandolin; and more. 

Frank is a true renaissance man. This is a great chat; we think you'll love it. 

http://dirtykitchenband.com

https://toneslabs.com

https://thesolworks.com

Love the show and want to support the Fretboard Journal Podcast? Pick up a digital subscription to our magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

(It's just $30 annually and it goes a long way towards supporting the show...and you get to read the Fretboard Journal!) 

Our podcast is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; and Calton Cases.

Our Chicago Fretboard Summit was filled with highlights. Among them was TJ Thompson's return to the stage for another mind-blowing talk about following your heart, vintage guitar restoration, and so much more. 

During this 90-minute session, the acclaimed pre-war Martin guitar expert offered a bit of everything: Sage advice for new instrument makers; insights on how to protect the value of your acoustic guitars; life hacks that we can all learn from; and even a little beer koozie philosophy lesson. Toward the end of his session, TJ had some quick tips for fellow luthiers. A few benefited from a visual reference so we posted the video excerpts on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/xc02s7rp-bM

It's an unfiltered and candid talk from one of the guitar world's best.

For his talk, Thompson invited friends and clients David Ziegele and Al Drewes onstage. You'll hear them occasionally interject and offer their own personal experiences with vintage guitars. Apologies for the lav mic noise; we did our best to reduce it. Recorded live on August 27, 2022 at Old Town's Maurer Hall. 

The Fretboard Summit will return to Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music on August 24-26, 2023. We'll share ticketing information soon.

TJ's lutherie tool shop: https://proluthiertools.com

Donate to Linda Manzer's Sunflower Guitar for Ukraine: https://sunflowerguitar.com

Love the show and want to support the Fretboard Journal Podcast? Pick up a digital subscription to our magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer

(It's just $30 annually and it goes a long way towards supporting the show...and you get to read the Fretboard Journal!) 

Our podcast is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; and Calton Cases.

Special thanks to our 2022 Fretboard Summit sponsors: C.F. Martin & Co., Collings Guitars, Santa Cruz Guitar Company,  Henriksen Amplifiers, Yamaha Guitars, Reverb,  RØDE Microphones,  Galloup School of Lutherie, Acoustic Coffee and Calton Cases!

This week, we're talking to Simon Dunson, a young artist out of Chapel Hill, North Carolina who is pushing the mandolin to new and wild places. Dunson's debut jazz album, 'Chicken Bridge,' blew us away with its great playing, writing, and electric guitar effects... it's not at all what you think when you envision a "mandolin" record. Check out the opening track, 'Sydney,' here on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfUHAQivGHI

During our talk, we hear how Dunson started out as a bluegrass musician but became enamored with jazz and genre-blurring musicians like Bill Frisell and Chris Thile. We talk about his time as a student at Interlochen Center for the Arts and the New England Conservatory's Jazz Studies program; the gear that he's using today (including Dunson's pedalboard and the custom pickup that he found works best on the 8-string instrument), and a lot more. It's a fun introduction to a player you'll be hearing about for years to come.

Julian Lage has stated, "I am constantly knocked out by Simon's mastery as an instrumentalist, improviser, and conceptual artist."  We couldn't agree more.

https://simondunson.com
http://www.girouardmandolins.com

This Fretboard Journal Podcast is sponsored by Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); Retrofret Vintage Guitars; and Calton Cases.
Order the Fretboard Journal here: http://fretboardjournal.com/subscribe and support this podcast and all that we do.