The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

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).

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.