Explore every episode of the podcast Pluck That

Episode 15

News:

Nick shares the 2026 Screamin’ Eagles Guitar Festival!

Rants:

Nick complains about a problem that keeps coming up with his electric guitars. Boyd follows this with a story from his youth about a friend, a amp, and a car.

Special Guest: Russell Welch

Gypsy Jazz all-star and 2026 Screamin’ Eagles Guitar Festival Guest Artist Russell Welch joins us to talk about his style, gear, and musical world.

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

News: Copycats, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo, Jim Reyelt, Juan Jose Alpizar, and Robby Brown)

Rants: Space Tiger, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Guest Intro: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Interlude: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2026-3-2

Episode 14

News:

Boyd introduces us to the latest Strat-shaped member of his guitar family. Nick hypes an upcoming concert as well as the 2026 Screamin’ Eagles Guitar Festival.

Rants:

More gig-related rants: last-minute changes, asking for too much, and more.

Special Guest: Patrick Sutton

This super-accomplished guitarist and chamber musician joins us to talk gear, training, the Patterson/Sutton Duo, recording, classical guitar world trends, and more!

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

News: Copycats, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo, Jim Reyelt, Juan Jose Alpizar, and Robby Brown)

Rants: Space Tiger, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Guest Intro: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Interlude: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2026-2-26

Episode 13

It’s Valentine’s Day! In this episode, we invite our WAGs (Wives of Guitarists…of course), Amy, Emily, and Rachel to share the love. They tell us how hot they think guitarists are, how many more guitars we need to buy, and that we definitely need to turn up our amps more.. Game show included!

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Game Show Intro: Space Tiger, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2026-2-11

Episode 9

News:

Mike shows us his new T-shirt and then complains about the challenges of selling guitars online; Bass give us a little show-and-tell of a new toy of his

Episode Guest: Jeremiah Stricklin

Guitarist/singer/songwriter/storyteller/comedian/creative light Jeremiah Stricklin joins the trio to discuss his band, Oh Jeremiah, how he conceptualizes his creative projects, and the challenges of working today as an independent artist. From Laurel, Mississippi, we are proud of this one!

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

News: Copycats, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo, Jim Reyelt, Juan Jose Alpizar, and Robby Brown)

Guest Intro: Space Tiger, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Interlude: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Guest Outro: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2025-12-30

Episode 11

News:

Nick talks about a recent and very special visit to a local high school.

Rants:

“We are gathered here” to rant about wedding gigs!

Episode Topic: Amps & Amp Maintenance

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

News: Copycats, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo, Jim Reyelt, Juan Jose Alpizar, and Robby Brown)

Rants: Space Tiger, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Topic Intro: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Interlude: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2025-11-6

Episode 10

News:

Nick shares a cautionary tale about his recent fall and how musicians need to be careful (he's ok!). Boyd discusses the successes of his latest pickup swap and provides a show-and-tell of his latest acquisition, an amazing Grez guitar. Bass shows off a cool guitar he's been borrowing and talks about a potential collaboration between his band, Gritty CIty Bang Bang, and another band.

Game Show!: 

Nick surprises the gang with Pluck That's first-ever game show segment: "Guitar Pedal or IPA"? If you've ever noticed how guitar effects pedals and IPAs (a type of beer) both have clever and imaginative names, you'll know why Nick has Boyd and Bass go through three rounds of a fun guessing game. Who will win...?

Episode Topic:

Barry Grzebik, founder of Grez Guitars, joins the trio to discuss his career background, innovative construction designs, guitar-making company, working with customers, and more.

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

News: Copycats, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo, Jim Reyelt, Juan Jose Alpizar, and Robby Brown)

Game Show!: Hill Over Hill, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Guest Intro: Space Tiger, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Guest Interlude: Space Tiger, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Guest Outro: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2025-12-17

Episode 9

News:

Bass is excited to “Pluck That” with a recent purchase; Boyd takes us behind the scenes on a recent performance using his “B Bender”; Nick talks about a recent gig and the challenges of getting a good live classical guitar sound.

Rant: 

In Part 3 of his series of rants about guitar competitions, Nick complains about “competitive” guitar music.

Episode Topic:

A Very Special Southern Miss Episode! The Trio discusses The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music, the Guitar Studio, and the past and present. They share fun stories from long ago and discuss exciting initiatives coming soon.

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

News: Copycats, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo, Jim Reyelt, Juan Jose Alpizar, and Robby Brown)

Rants: Space Tiger, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Topic Intro: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Interlude: Prelude Miniature No. 4, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2025-12-9

Episode 8

News:

Bass is about to sell his prized G&L guitar but then discovers something about the company. Nick breaks a problematic habit.

Guest:

Joshia de Jonge, noted Canadian builder of fabulous handmade classical guitars, joins us to discuss her guitars, innovative building techniques, and philosophies on sound and construction. She also provides insight into conventional wisdom about guitar maintenance, aging, repair.

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

News: Copycats, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo, Jim Reyelt, Juan Jose Alpizar, and Robby Brown)

Trio Interlude: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Guest Intro: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Guest Interlude: Petite Elegy, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Guest Outro: 

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2025-11-24

Episode 7

News:

Bass updates us on some recent work he did on his Eastman guitar. Boyd talks about the recent acquisition of a Foxrox AquaVibe. Nick’s voice is…different.

Guest:

Aaron McCloskey of McClostone Custom Amplification joins the Trio to talk about his amp-building roots, boutique amp construction business, and performing career.

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

News: Prelude Miniature No. 4, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Guest Intro: Space Tiger, by Jonathan Bass (played by Gritty City Bang Bang)

Guest Outro: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2025-11-19

Episode 6A special episode with just the Trio, sharing helpful information about guitar maintenance.Music:Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)Discussion Intro: Space Tiger, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)Interlude 1: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)Interlude 2: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)Recording date:2025-11-4

Episode 5No "News" or "Rants" with the trio in this one -- we dive immediately into the world of EarthQuaker Devices. Boyd prepared some great topics to discuss with our awesome guests!Guests:Julie Robbins and Jamie Stillman of EarthQuaker Devices share about their company, recent challenges posed by the current administration, and their vision for the future of effects pedals and their creative applications.For more information about these amazing pedals, visit earthquakerdevices.comMusic:Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)Guest Intro: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)Guest Interlude: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)Guest Outro: Copycats, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo, Jim Reyelt, Juan Jose Alpizar, and Robby Brown)Show Outro: Emily's Ditty, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)Recording date:2025-11-6

Episode 4

News:

Boyd talks about his latest effects pedal acquisition (the Nocturne Brains El Pescadoro); Nick talks about a church music gig that requires various skills and musical sections.

Rants:

Nick complains about the challenges of playing guitar in orchestra.

Guest:

Bokyung Byun, the incredible classical guitar virtuosa, joins us to talk about competitions, university life, being a woman in the field, and her latest recording project.

Music:

Show Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

News: Copycats, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo, Jim Reyelt, Juan Jose Alpizar, and Robby Brown)

Rants: Space Tiger, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

Guest Intro: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Guest Outro: Prelude Miniature No. 2, by Matt Van Brink (played by Nick Ciraldo)

Show Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2025-11-4

Episode 3

News:

Bass shares with the trio about his recent recording session in Knoxville. Boyd talks about his latest acquisition (a guitar case with wheels!). Nick talks about accidentally interrupting a college class by shredding too loudly next door....

Rants:

Nick complains some more about guitar competitions (part 2 of his series)....

Guest:

Eric Merchant, bebop jazz phenom and faculty at Southern Miss, talks about tone, guitars, technique, the New Orleans jazz scene, and more!

Music:

Intro: Hill Over Hill, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

News: Prelude Miniature 2, by Matt Van Brink (guitarist: Nick Ciraldo)

Rants: Space Tiger, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

Guest: Hill Over Hill, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

Outro: Emily's Song, by Mike Boyd (played by Mike Boyd)

Recording date:

2025-10-30

Episode 1

Notes:

The gang introduces the show! Bass and Ciraldo are impressed by Boyd's soliloquy and later on sympathetic to his G.A.S. The trio briefly describe what the show will and will not be, how it's different from the typical guitar podcast, and why they are doing it.

Music:

Intro and outro music: Hill Over Hill, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

Interlude 1: Prelude Miniature 2, by Matt Van Brink (guitarist: Nick Ciraldo)

Interlude 2: Fantasy in Homage to Segovia, by Michael Boyd (guitarist: Michael Boyd)

Recording date:

2025-10-15

Episode 2

Notes:

The trio re-introduces the show and catches each other up on their latest gigs and acquisitions. Nick rants about guitar competitions (part 1 of his series on this rant) and proposes that he host a "Guitar Olympics" one day.

Jazz great Ted Ludwig -- our first guest! -- joins in and shares about his training, experiences, values, and latest instrument collection.

---

Music:

Intro and outro music: Hill Over Hill, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

Interlude 1: Ronda Festiva, by Federico Moreno-Tórroba (guitarist: Michael Boyd)

Interlude 2: Space Tiger, by Gritty City Bang Bang (played by the band)

Interlude 3: Prelude Miniature 2, by Matt Van Brink (guitarist: Nick Ciraldo)

---

Recording date: 2025-10-23