The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

Burlington, Vermont's Zach Nugent has made a successful career out of emulating the guitar playing of Jerry Garcia and the music of the Grateful Dead. To accomplish this feat, he amassed an incredible collection of vintage gear ... allowing him to access whatever gear Jerry was playing during a particular era. Zach's attention to detail is only matched by his work ethic: He takes the music of the Dead very seriously and, contrary to what one would assume about a Jerry Garcia disciple, he's never touched drugs or even alcohol. On today's FJ Podcast, we talk to Zach about what it takes to be one of the most in-demand Dead-style guitarists, the gear that Jerry used over the years, why Zach hates 1/4" cables, and so much more. We also talk about his recently released album 'Good So Far,' which shows a completely different side of his playing and songwriting and features guest appearances by John Popper and Peter Rowan. It also boasts a rare appearance of Jerry Garcia's own Wolf guitar, built by Doug Irwin. All told, it's a great chat with a fanatical guitarist and guitar historian. We think you'll love it. https://www.zachnugent.com Look for more on Zach and the guitar sounds of Jerry Garcia in our 51st issue, coming soon. 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases. Order the Fretboard Journal here: http://fretboardjournal.com/subscribe and support this podcast and all that we do.

Guitarist and composer Bill Orcutt has always worked on the fringes of music: He's crafted noisy punk as a guitarist in Harry Pussy, served raw blues-inspired acoustic music as a solo artist, and has even composed computer music. With his new album, 'Music for Four Guitars,' he creates something completely different: 14 compositions for a guitar quartet that, as of now, doesn't really exist. Between Bill's mesmerizing, looped playing (on what turns out to be a Telecaster with two strings removed) and his DIY recording technique (Logic with a "pawnshop" amp plug-in), it's like nothing else you've ever heard. It harkens to the classic sounds of early Minimalism, but with an entirely new twist. On the podcast, Bill sheds light on this beguiling record, talks to us about his recording process, and explains why he used only the bridge pickup for these compositions. He also describes how he re-created Randy Newman's 'Sail Away' album cover photo and hints at when 'Music for Four Guitars' will actually be played by four guitarists (himself being one of them). Buy this album on Bandcamp and you'll get an 84-page PDF score of these compositions. Who knows? You and three friends may be the first to play them in their entirety. https://billorcutt.bandcamp.com/album/music-for-four-guitars 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases. Order the Fretboard Journal here: http://fretboardjournal.com/subscribe and support this podcast and all that we do.

Recorded live at the 2022 Fretboard Summit in Chicago: Steve McCreary, GM of Collings Guitars & Mandolins joins Fretboard Journal publisher Jason Verlinde for a candid discussion about the revered guitar and mandolin company. During our session, we get Steve's thoughts on numerous topics: Collaborating with Julian Lage on the Collings' 470 JL and OM JL models; the work that went into the matching pairs of guitars that Collings made just for the Chicago Fretboard Summit; and how the company has changed since Bill Collings' passing. Plus a lot more... The Fretboard Summit took place August 25-27, 2022 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music; we hope to return the Summit to Old Town once again in 2023. Special thanks to our 2022 Fretboard Summit sponsors: Martin Guitar, Henriksen Amplifiers, Santa Cruz Guitar Co., Yamaha, Collings, RODE, Reverb, and Galloup Guitars. 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

For over 20 years, Woody Platt served as a guitarist in the Steep Canyon Rangers. During that time, the band became one of the highest profile acts in bluegrass music and accompanied Steve Martin on innumerable dates. Earlier this year, Woody announced his retirement from the band. On this week's FJ Podcast, we talk to the musician about how he came to that decision, what projects he's currently focused on, his life as a fly fish guide, and some of the many life and stage lessons he learned from Steve Martin. This episode 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek) joins us this week to talk about his new album, 'Watkins Family Hour, Volume 2.' This project, inspired by the Watkins Family Hour monthly shows at Los Angeles' Largo club, features Sean and Sara Watkins in a studio setting alongside the likes of Lucius, Madison Cunningham, Jon Brion, Jackson Browne, Benmont Tench, Fiona Apple, and others. We talk about the magic of Largo and the community that surrounds it; Sean's favorite guitars (and keyboards); his work as a soundtrack composer; and much more. Listen to the album here: https://orcd.co/volii Learn more about Largo here: https://largo-la.com Love our podcast and magazine? Our Chicago Fretboard Summit takes place August 25-27 at the Old Town School of Folk Music. We have concerts with Molly Tuttle, Julian Lage, and the Milk Carton Kids, live podcast tapings, and a 50-exhibitor handmade guitar show. Go here for details: https://fretboardsummit.org This episode 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

With the Fretboard Summit at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music just over a week away (August 25-27, 2022), Jason shares some last-minute updates on this sprawling guitar gathering, as well as a surprise announcement or two (any Dead fans out there?). We hope to see you there! https://fretboardsummit.org The Summit will have 50 of the greatest handmade guitarmakers showcasing their creations, in addition to guitar experts and authorities, incredible musicians (Molly Tuttle, the Milk Carton Kids, Julian Lage), and lots of surprises. It's a rare opportunity to meet many former FJ Podcast guests in-person, including TJ Thompson, Steve McCreary (Collings), Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Co., Andrew Enns of Yamaha, Maegen Wells, the Milk Carton Kids, Creston Lea, Duncan Price, and dozens more. Tickets are still available. We are now selling single-day guitar show-only passes, as well as single-day All-Access passes which get you into the lectures, workshops, evening concerts, and the occasional game show. This episode 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

Acclaimed luthier Linda Manzer joins us this week to talk about her latest creation, Sunflower Guitar for Ukraine. This instrument, sporting a gorgeous sunflower inlay headstock and a Ukraine flag-themed Hoffee case, will be on tour for several months raising awareness for the war relief efforts in Ukraine and The $1k Project for Ukraine. Eventually, it will work its way to Ukraine so that guitarists in the country can record with it. During our conversation, Linda recounts her inspiration for the guitar and how it was built. We also hear from Stephen Bennett, one of the instrument's caretakers, about his time with the guitar. The Sunflower Guitar page: https://sunflowerguitar.com Donate: https://opencollective.com/1kproject/contribute/flower-of-ukraine-guitar-by-linda-manzer-the-usd1k-project-for-ukraine-initiative-42653 Linda Manzer on the FJ's Sweep the Floor Podcast: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/sweep-the-floor-ep-1-linda-manzer/ See the Sunflower Guitar at the Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org This episode 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we introduce you to a young guitarmaker at the very beginning of his career, Asheville, North Carolina-based luthier Judson Riviere. Fresh out of high school, Judson enrolled himself in the Minnesota State College Southeast's Guitar Repair and Building program (aka simply as Red Wing). He then dove deep into guitar repair work for Steve Mason in Kansas and, for the last two years, has apprenticed under acoustic guitarmaker Jason Kostal in Arizona. Judson is finally ready to start building guitars under his name. We talk about the skills he's learned along this journey, how Red Wing turned him into an acoustic guitar fanatic, what the apprenticeship for Jason Kostal looked like, his own guitars, and much more. The Fretboard Summit, our three-day gathering for guitar fanatics, takes place in Chicago August 25-27, 2022. fretboardsummit.org Get our 50th issue of the Fretboard Journal by subscribing here. This episode 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we check in with Creston Lea of Creston Guitars. We talk about his current guitar production, buying trends, how he utilizes a CNC on his builds, his website documenting every guitar he's built, and so much more. Creston also recounts his memories of attending the first two Fretboard Summits. We'll be throwing a 2022 Fretboard Summit at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music (Aug 25-27, 2022) where Creston will be competing in our first-ever Nickel Wound Chef competition against builders Duncan Price and Meredith Coloma. As on the Iron Chef show, only one build will reign supreme. crestonguitars.com fretboardsummit.org Get our 50th issue of the Fretboard Journal by subscribing here. This episode 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases.

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Geoff Farina of the band Karate. In the mid-'90s, the Boston-based group earned a cult following with their indie rock-meets-jazz sound. Geoff recounts the band's early days, when he was working part-time for Bill Finnegan assembling Klon Centaurs. He talks about life on the road, the group's breakup, and how they eventually were able to reissue their out-of-print albums on the Numero Group. Most importantly, Geoff is just a rabid guitar nut: He's currently a music educator in Chicago, where he spends his free time buying and selling guitars (acoustic and electric) and building tube amplifiers. July 2022: Karate is currently reunited and back on the road. Follow their tour dates here: https://karateallston.bandcamp.com To order the Numero Group's Karate reissues, click here. This episode 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; Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope purchase); and Calton Cases. To purchase our magazine or learn about the 2022 Fretboard Summit, visit us at www.fretboardjournal.com.