Explore every episode of the podcast The Lipstick Pickup Podcast with Emily Vardaman Walters
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICKENBACKER GUITARS AND MOMMY ISSUES WITH BOSTON'S RiFFiNDoTs | The Lipstick Pickup Ep.7 #geartalk | 29 Jan 2025 | 01:21:59 | |
Emily bonds over TONE, Pete Townshend and Andy Summers in this fun-filled chirping bird session with singer-songwriter and home recording enthusiast Britta Pejic. | |||
| BIRDWATCHING WITH NYC LEGEND ROB MASTRIANNI | The Lipstick Pickup Ep.6 #guitar #falconry #birding | 29 Jan 2025 | 01:04:08 | |
It's not easy becoming a legend in NYC but Brooklyn-born Rob Mastrianni has managed to do it as both a Park Ranger and a Guitarist. Birdwatching and music all come together with insightful talk about ecological SUSTAINability and Rob's history with Masonite guitars with Lipstick Pickups. | |||
| DOIN' TIME WITH PATRICK SWEANY AND BUKKA WHITE | The Lipstick Pickup Podcast | Ep. 5 #bluesguitar | 28 Jan 2025 | 00:44:30 | |
On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, I ask Nashville-based Blues guitarist Patrick Sweany to talk to me about the guitar stylings of Bukka White and we hope it RESONATES with music history lovers. | |||
| THE LIPSTICK PICKUP PODCAST: Flying High With Austin Guitar Legend David Grissom | 24 Jan 2025 | 01:25:18 | |
Austin's David Grissom has worked with some of the greatest names in contemporary music, and Emily gets to talk to him about his formative years with Joe Ely and guitar manufacturer Paul Reed Smith. Also discussed are his selection of guitars with Lipstick Pickups including a double-neck that was custom made by luthier Jerry Jones. | |||
| MAKE AMERICA SUSTAIN AGAIN: Matthew Paige Parties Like It's 1969 With a See-Through Guitar | 24 Jan 2025 | 00:51:13 | |
On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily And Matthew Paige get historic with a recording made on the morning of the 2024 Presidential Election. If you want to know our results, you have to turn the news on and watch it. | |||
| THE LIPSTICK PICKUP PODCAST: Touching Tone with Nashville's Wade Cofer | 22 Jan 2025 | 01:17:05 | |
Nashville's Wade Cofer is a multi-instrumentalist and luthier who talked to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast back in June and the episode SUSTAINS... More on Wade his Tone Authority can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/wadecofer/ https://reverb.com/item/67487571-cofer-fender-telecaster-deluxe-2018-black | |||
| It's January 20th, 2025 and we're dropping the mic and the ball on a new and improved Lipstick Pickup Podcast with Nashville's Ray Duncan. She's a committed Danelectro Tone Ambassador with a brand new single called Used To It and Emily get's to help her " | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:28:23 | |
It's January 20th, 2025 and we're dropping the mic and the ball on a new and improved Lipstick Pickup Podcast with Nashville's Ray Duncan. She's a committed Danelectro Tone Ambassador with a brand new single called Used To It and Emily get's to help her "swear it in" on Inauguration Day. Enjoy...Lipstick Pickup Citizens of The World! | |||
| THE LIPSTICK PICKUP PODCAST PILOT with multi-instrumentalist and producer Michael Weber Jr. | 19 Jan 2025 | 00:48:05 | |
The New Lipstick Pickup Podcast gets off to a bang with a pilot episode with guitarist/creator Michael Weber Jr. It's an episode that's packed with action and all the guitars that he used on our snappy new intro. Enjoy, Lipstick Pickup Fans! Transcript | |||
| EVERYTHING'S BIGGER IN TEXAS: JAKE RYNEARSON AT RIO GRANDE PICKUPS | The Lipstick Pickup Ep.8 | 04 Feb 2025 | 01:21:36 | |
Emily calls Jake Rynearson at Rio Grande Pickups to learn about the their new "Wide Boy" lipsticks for Silvertone and get's a TEXAS-sized portion of Houston guitar tone history. More from www.riograndepickups.com: "Rio Grande Pickups was founded by two legendary characters of Lone Star history, David Wintz and Bart Wittrock. In 1972 they opened one of the South's first and finest vintage guitar stores, Rockin' Robin, in Houston. A vintage guitar scene barely existed in those days. By 1982 David and Bart expanded the shop to introduce their own line of Texas-toned electric guitars, known to folks around the world as Robin Guitars. In addition to wanting fiery and more toneful pickups for their own guitars, the boys saw a need for a different kind of pickup to go in the guitars they'd been selling and repairing for years. Both wondered "why aren't we getting enough out of these old Teles and Strats? What's with all this low output bullshit?" By the end of the arena rock era breakout bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and so many others embraced vintage guitars, bringing them back into vogue. Dave and Bart realized what was missing in these 'old' instruments was that hot sound players of the '90s wanted. So, in 1993 Rio Grande was born to deliver Hot Texas Tone for the masses. Now, some 30 years later, Rio Grande continues to make well over 100 different models for all kinds of guitars, basses, playing styles and attitudes. Our hot Texas sound still reaches into every corner of the globe, bringing that Texas heat everywhere they go to the delight of countless players. And while we like it HOT, HOTTER, or HOTTEST around here, we have plenty of models for subtlety too. " | |||
| CAWS AND EFFECT: Gear Escape with Nada Surf's Matthew Caws | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 9 | 10 Mar 2025 | 01:05:56 | |
Emily calls Matthew Caws in Cambridge, England to congratulate him on the success of Nada Surf's Moon Mirror and talk gear! From www.nadasurf.com “Moon Mirror,” the band’s new album, and first for New West Records, is out today. You can also watch the new video for “Second Skin” directed by Spencer Gentz. Rolling Stone said “Moon Mirror is one of their best…” calling it “Nada Surf’s most musically and emotionally passionate album in years, on the level of gems like Let Go, The Weight Is A Gift, and The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy… a sterling tribute to the kind of inspiration that endures and deepens over the long haul.” Uncut Magazine called it “Masterful power pop with a cerebral core… the band’s deepest and most accomplished effort yet.” MOJO called it “Wonderful” in their 4 Star review, while No Depression said “Moon Mirror represents a step forward for the band… one of the best albums of their long career.” | |||
| BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH RICK TAYLOR OF SILVERTONE GUITARS | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 10 #guitartone | 13 Mar 2025 | 01:07:28 | |
Emily telephones Rick Taylor of Silvertone to discuss the Roots of Rock and how they are modernizing the brand with new and re-designed products. If you like thoughtfully-made, affordably-priced instruments, the future is bright! | |||
| TAKIN' CARE OF BUSINESS WITH SEAN DUNOON OF NASHVILLE'S GUITAR CENTER | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 12 | 30 Mar 2025 | 01:17:30 | |
On this episode of the Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily mixes business with pleasure with a Saturday night hang with Guitar Center staffer and musician Sean Dunoon. Emily and Sean discuss the history of Guitar Center, the business of buying and selling instruments, and the thrill of your first double-neck guitar acquisition. Once they wrap up their sales pitch, Sean gives Emily several demos – first, on Emily’s Jerry Jones electric sitar, then on his own silverburst Danelectro double neck, and, finally, his favorite guitar, a 1964 Guild. The stairway to heaven and the heart of Saturday night goes straight through the Lipstick Pickup Podcast! | |||
| WE DID! Mergers and AMPLIFICATION with Nashville's Matthew Paige | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 11 #nashville #danelectro #amplification | 22 Mar 2025 | 00:40:29 | |
Emily telephones Matthew Paige in Nashville for a TONAL review of his vintage Danelectro amp, Chuck Prophet's '64 shorthorn, and The City Of Nashville Police Department. Teaser: Matthew tried to fight the law with an amplifer and the law won... | |||
| SILVERTONE SUNDAY STORM SHELTER WITH MATTHEW PAIGE | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 13 | 06 Apr 2025 | 00:46:47 | |
Nashville guitarist and Lipstick Pickup Podcast Tone Ambassador Matthew Paige returns to spend Silvertone Sunday with Emily preaching the gospel of the legendary amp-in-case and his early days in Nashville. Emily and Matthew explore the unique features of these guitars, their durability, affordability, and how they have shaped Matthew's performances. They also touch on the challenges of traveling with instruments, the sentimental value of guitars, and the evolution of Matthew's musical career in Nashville. Pull up a pew, clap your hands, and say a prayer to Silvertone guitars! | |||
| TRUE CRIMES OF CLASSIC ROCK WITH MUSIC WRITER AND HISTORIAN ANGIE MOON | The Lipstick Pickup Podcast Ep.21 | 29 Jun 2025 | 01:51:26 | |
Follow Angie here: https://www.instagram.com/angiemichellemoon https://crazyonclassicrock.com/ | |||
| PEAVEY CULT INDOCTRINATION WITH PROFESSOR DEAN FARLEY | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 20 | 27 Jun 2025 | 00:28:27 | |
Dean Farley, a seasoned string designer, returns to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast to discuss the life and legacy of Hartley Peavey, a pivotal figure in the music industry. They explore Peavey's innovative spirit, his business acumen, and the impact he had on the music world, particularly through Peavey Electronics. The discussion highlights Peavey's unique personality, his approach to business, and the lasting influence he has had on musicians and the industry as a whole. | |||
| MISSISSIPPI DEEP WOODS TONE WITH DRUMMER ALLEN JONES | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 19 | 13 Jun 2025 | 01:33:25 | |
In this episode of the Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily talks to Nashville-based, Mississippi native drummer Allen Jones. They discuss their mutual connections in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and delve into Allen's musical history, from his early influences growing up in a remote town to thriving in the vibrant Hattiesburg music scene. They discuss the importance of community in music, the challenges of touring, and the creative growth that comes from DIY collaboration and recording. They cover the historical significance of the Pine Belt region and its impact on music, as well as his influential experience of working at the Peavey Leakesville plant, where he gained insights into guitar manufacturing and setup. We hope you enjoy this trip into Mississippi music culture and free-enterprise. | |||
| PROOF READING THE DANELECTRO STORY WITH HOWARD DANIEL | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 18 | 01 Jun 2025 | 01:15:27 | |
On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup podcast, Emily gets 411 help from Nathan Daniel's son Howard about the myth of the Lipstick Pickup and the importance of getting the Danelectro record straight. Please visit https://pen4rent.com/ for more from Howard Daniel. "I've learned so much from you and I should have been keeping better notes, but this time we're going to have it for the record. And I hope to add this sort of approach to future episodes in my podcast where I just simply call somebody like you, 411-INFORMATION. The best approach and one of the inspirations for my podcast is the power of the telephone. I'm calling Howard to introduce him to my listeners and give some service to some great work that he's done, keeping the world informed about his father, Nat Daniel, and the world of Danelectro. They can all be found on his website, which is www.pen4, the number 4. It's pen4rent.com. which is how I met you. And then when I first started publishing the podcast, I heard from you, and we've had an occasional phone call ever since, and this one we're going to record. " | |||
| PYRAMID SCHEMES WITH THE KING OF STRINGS, DEAN FARLEY | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 17 #guitarstrings | 27 May 2025 | 00:38:31 | |
On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily gets a primer on the career of The String King, Dean Farley of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. More on Dean from https://pyramid-saiten.de/de/direct/ "Dean Farley began his journey with guitar strings during the summer of 1970 at age 16. Little did he know at the time that this period would radically change his life’s direction. Between the months of July and August, guitar strings in America were going through a major change in their basic sound. Previously, the strings Dean played were very rich in their tone and had a much more soulful sound! That was early July. However, by a week into August, things had changed drastically. This “new” (rather foreign) sound of the sets he bought a few hours before his weekly jam session were noticeably brighter in character, yet strangely, lacked the sweet midrange and full bass response from the sets he had bought only several weeks before. Simply put, Dean couldn’t get that wonderful original sound from his Telecaster/ Fender Super Reverb amplifier combination—despite even after fooling around with the amp’s various controls for far too long. This was a very frustrating and confusing dilemma. At this point, Dean’s curiosity completely took over and he was hell-bent to find strings that sounded “right” to his critical ears. A few years down the timeline, he had several opportunities to learn about the incredible variety of metals used in the manufacturing of silicon wafers in the semiconductor industry. In Silicon Valley, Dean was lucky he had access to extremely high tech equipment which would benefit him as a string designer in the near future. It might be noted here that Dean Farley is the only individual in the string business who actually has a solid connection to the semiconductor industry in a very real sense; his father happened to be the one who, originally, came up with the now famous nickname of “Silicon Valley” long before it finally stuck as the formal name of the Santa Clara Valley, CA area around 1971. As the early to mid 1980s came along, Dean finally got into the string business for himself. He recognized from the start that the only way that he could make any success with this was to think in very different terms. Indeed, he literally had to pretend like he had no competitors if he was going to create anything truly special. By the mid 90s, Dean’s string adventures had led him into a side gig as a journalist and this resulted in him starting to write monthly columns about guitar string history and design in Vintage Guitar magazine. It was right here where Dean wrote about Pyramid Strings’ history and their association with The Beatles. Eventually, in 2006, Dean met Pyramid‘s director, Max Junger, at a trade show in Los Angeles. The two of them had an immediate connection and the rest of this story has been currently manifesting into a wonderful relationship that will leave some deep marks on the musical world. It’s great to be here at Pyramid! This is an absolute honor and pleasure to design thoughtful and unique concepts in guitar string designs that should inspire every musician of any style or background." | |||
| SYMPATHETIC STRINGS WITH STU SNYDER OF TOKYO JAPAN | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 16 | 02 May 2025 | 01:31:55 | |
The Lipstick Pickup Podcast calls former New Yorker Stu Snyder to discuss his migration to Tokyo, collectable guitar strings and his late friend session guitarist Vinnie Bell. The dialogue highlights the importance of recognizing lesser-known figures in the music industry and their impact on popular culture. In this segment, the conversation delves into the history and significance of the electric sitar, highlighting the contributions of Reggie Young and Vinnie Bell. Stu and Emily discuss the importance of oral history in preserving musical legacies, particularly in light of the passing of influential musicians. They also explore the intricacies of guitar strings, their impact on tone, and the evolution of string preferences among musicians, emphasizing the connection between string quality and sound. more on Stu can be found at: https://stupendousmusic.com/ | |||
| BABY SITAR BLUES-FOLK WITH NASHVILLE'S MATTHEW PAIGE | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 15 | 25 Apr 2025 | 00:37:56 | |
On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Nashville's Matthew Paige returns to talk to Emily about strings, threads, and what it means to be "Tailor-Made" in Nashville. Matthew imagines some Americana possibilities on a Jerry Jones Baby Sitar and discusses the recording of his new acoustic folk EP with Stager Microphones. More on Matthew Paige and his upcoming European Tour: 🔥 Bobby Bare Jr. feat Matthew Paige – European Tour 2025 🔥 | |||
| SYMPATHETIC STRINGS: GUITARIST JAMES DEPRATO | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 14 | 12 Apr 2025 | 01:01:18 | |
This episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast returns to its humble origins with a flashback to a conversation from December 2023 between Emily and Bay Area guitarist (and her first "Sympathetic String") James DePrato. A longtime Bay Area resident and member of Chuck Prophet's Mission Express, James stays busy as an in-demand session player in addition to gear development and endorsement projects. James, who was Emily's very first guest, discusses how he views himself as a practitioner of music rather than a collector, how he's still chasing the feeling of being scared of music, and that a song doesn't have to make sense to be great. James also shares his love and reverence for Danelectro guitars and shows off a few from his collection including a Danelectro double neck, his homemade modified electric sitar, and his 12-string Jerry Jones. The jailbreak starts right here, right now with the Lipstick Pickup Podcast! | |||
| SUMMER STRINGS MAKE ME FEEL FINE, STU SNYDER PT. II | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 22 | 11 Jul 2025 | 01:21:29 | |
In this episode of the Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily welcomes back Stu Snyder to discuss various topics related to vintage instruments, music recording, and New York City and it's rare birds. They pickup where they left off with a discussion of his vintage guitar string collection and also get a look at his specimen lefty Rickenbacker, among other things. There's also Lipstick Pickup Merch on the way and Stu and Emily touch on the rock and roll legacy and costume history of the Bandana. | |||
| THE SITAR GOES ELECTRIC WITH ANGIE MOON | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 23 | 16 Aug 2025 | 01:42:13 | |
Writer, blogger and rock historian Angie Moon returns to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast to help Emily take the Sitar Electric and discuss a subject of her authority, Beyond The Sitar: Indian Influences in Classic rock. The conversation explores the concept of "Insomnia," the role of session musicians, and the impact of culture, fashion and style on rock culture, highlighting how these elements intertwine to shape artistic expression. More on Angie and the music discussed: https://crazyonclassicrock.com/2017/01/10/indian-influences-in-classic-rock/ https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75UVBqXxCXo5HQKHuNCvAk?si=21916da5c6b54659 | |||
| GUITAR TOWN SHOW AND TELL WITH NASHVILLE'S MICHAEL McADAM | The Lipstick Pickup Ep.24 | 23 Aug 2025 | 01:07:28 | |
Guitarist Michael McAdam comes by The Lipstick Pickup Listening Lounge with an armful of interesting guitars and talks to Emily about playing professionally in Guitar Town for nearly 4 decades. It's a journey of a million miles and it all started on a Silvertone guitar and that's why he still loves the TONE of Masonite and Lipstick Pickups. More on Michael at : | |||
| INTO THE LIPSTICK STRAT-OSPHERE WITH GUITARIST STEVEN COOPER | The Lipstick Pickup Ep.25 | 06 Sep 2025 | 01:44:06 | |
On this episode, I take a trip through the Lone Star State with Steven Cooper, a native Texan and Nashville-based touring/session guitarist who has worked with a variety of artists including the Watson Twins, Patrick Sweany, Jessie Baylin, Nicole Atkins, and his own band Indianola. Steven's knowledge of lipstick Stratocasters can be traced back to his youth spent at Dallas' legendary Charley's Guitar Shop and two of Texas' favorite guitar-playing sons: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Charlie Sexton. In addition to discussing the Lipstick Stratocaster's rich history, we explore the importance of communication and professionalism, navigating Nashville's music culture, and the complexities of owning vintage guitars. Chapters | |||
| FAMILY REUNION WITH JACK BRUNSON OF JACK'S GUITARCHEOLOGY | The Lipstick Pickup Podcast Ep. 26 | 16 Sep 2025 | 01:32:11 | |
On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, I make a Scouting Trip to see Lipstick Pickup Community Cornerstone Jack Brunson of Jack's Guitarcheology in Lebanon, Tennessee. Jack shares his journey in the world of guitars, from his early days of fixing broken instruments to establishing https://www.jacksguitarcheology.com/ and brick-and-morter location on the Lebanon Town Square. Our discussion digs into the importance of preserving vintage guitar construction, the legacy of retailers like Sears and Roebuck on instrument accessibility, and the collaborative spirit within the sales and service network that he built to serve the Nashville Music Community. We also discuss our mutual admiration for Danelectro Re-creationist, luthier Ian Williams of Nepco Guitars and Jack helps me show off Ian's latest high flyin' creation, my Birdman electric sitar. Come get your vibration high with this fun visit! | |||
| SLIDIN' INTO STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN WITH BLUES GUITARIST JOHAN BORGH | The Lipstick Pickup Ep. 28 | 03 Oct 2025 | 01:23:31 | |
On the episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, I call accomplished Blues Guitarist Johan Borgh of Stockholm, Sweden to discuss his new album Island Blues and the Danelectro Guitars that are a critical part of his sound. https://www.instagram.com/johanborgh/ Chapters | |||
| SOUND TREATMENT WITH WOLF STEPHENSON OF MALACO MUSIC GROUP | The Lipstick Pickup Podcast Ep.27 | 24 Sep 2025 | 01:43:38 | |
On this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast I go on location to my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi to having a very inspirational talk with audio engineer/producer Wolf Stephenson of Malaco Music Group. Wolf helped found and build “The Last Soul Company" Malaco Records in 1967 and he and his partners have managed to outlast major record label competitors and remain independent for nearly six decades. The small, mostly unheard-of independent record label has been home to multiple recording artists and songwriters and has a catalog of original recordings and music copyrights, numbering into the thousands. The history of Malaco is one of the most enduring success stories in the history of recorded music and Wolf's personal history is just as phenomenal. He's a survivor with Gospel to spread and I hope you enjoy this visit to the one and only Malaco Music Group. https://www.youtube.com/@malacomg "Malaco Records is an American independent record label based in Jackson, Mississippi, United States,[1] that has been the home of various major blues and gospel acts, such as Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Bland, Latimore, Z. Z. Hill, Denise LaSalle, Dorothy Moore, Little Milton, Shirley Brown, Tyrone Davis, Marvin Sease, and the Mississippi Mass Choir. It has received an historic marker issued by the Mississippi Blues Commission to commemorate its important place on the Mississippi Blues Trail.[2] A tornado on April 15, 2011, destroyed much of the company's main building and studio at 3023 West Northside Drive in Jackson, Mississippi, which have since been re-built.[3]" | |||
| GOIN' GREEK WITH MATTHEW PAIGE AND A DANELECTRO BELLZOUKI | The Lipstick Pickup Ep.29 | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:45:06 | |
Emily and DeeOhGee's Matthew Paige delve into the fascinating history of the Bellzouki, a unique 12-string electric guitar. They explore its history, cultural significance, and the impact it has had on various music genres. Matthew shares his personal experience with the instrument, discussing its features and the challenges of playing it. The conversation also touches on the broader context of 12-string guitars in music, the road life of musicians, and the joy of discovering and sharing musical instruments. | |||