The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

*** Sorry for the occasional Zoom audio lag, but this interview was too good not to share. *** All the way in Valencia, Spain, we're talking to the one-and-only Nacho Baños. Baños is the guy behind Nacho Guitars, 'The Blackguard Book,' and the new 'Pinecaster Book.' https://pinecasterbook.com If you've ever watched Julian Lage perform on his "Nachcaster" and wondered just who made it, this episode is for you. We hear about Nacho's early infatuation with American music; how he began buying and selling instruments while attending college in Boston; and why, in 2003, he started writing what would become 'The Blackguard Book.' We learn about the production team behind Nacho Guitars and how he almost retired from guitarmaking when he (temporarily) couldn't source decent swamp ash. He also explains the reasoning behind 'The Pinecaster Book,' his most ambitious publishing project to date. The four-volume set goes beyond the printed page, with all new photographs and multimedia video showcasing the guitars mentioned in the book. This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

Heroes' Voices is a Bay Area-based non-profit with a simple mission: To inspire and connect veterans through the power of music and playing guitar. On this week's show, we talk to Larry Chung and Richard Harrell from Heroes' Voices about their unique, distinctly grassroots organization, the free guitars and music instruction they've been offering to veterans and the partnership they've created with Gryphon Stringed Instruments. We also hear from Jesse, one of many veterans participating in Heroes' Voices today. https://heroesvoices.org Happy holidays! This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

Jake Doan is a Salt Lake City-based professional skier best known for his park and backcountry ski segments, where he turns the mountains into his personal playground. But Doan also happens to be a rabid guitarist and a member of the Pickpockets, a Utah-based Newgrass band. He recently released a short ski film called Parallels where he merged his passions for skiing and playing music: He not only skied in the film, he performed and recorded its soundtrack. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Doan about his bluegrass roots, the Collings OM he just picked up, the art of scoring and editing an action sports movie, and a lot more. It's a fun chat with a fellow guitar geek. Watch Parallels here. Support the Fretboard Journal and our podcasts by nabbing a subscription to our reader-supported magazine. This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

For the last two years of this podcast, we've shared the stories of several musicians who have made the most of their COVID lockdown: Daniel Romano's wildly prolific recording streak; Mason Stoops' pivot to the visual arts; and Tristan Scroggins doing his best to tame the often-maligned tenor banjo. Today, we meet Duncan Price, a tireless guitar experimenter. Price lives on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where he does setup and repair work for a mom-and-pop guitar store called Good Times Music. But during his off-hours, he's crafting some truly unique electric guitar experiments that blend single-string pickups, fretless necks, under-pickguard piezo pickups and more. Despite not having anything to sell or even a brand name, his Instagram posts have captured the attention of musicians-in-the-know on Instagram, who geek out on his posts, his music, and his latest tinkerings. One of those followers happens to be guitarist/producer Blake Mills, who ended up reaching out to Price and is now playing one of his early prototypes (and making some truly gorgeous music on it). On today's podcast, we hear about Price's background, the influence El Rayo-X's Bernie Larson had on him starting out, the quest he's on to make a great fretless-necked, infinite sustain guitar and more. Price also has been inspired by our Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast and talks about some of his recent amplifier builds, as well. This interview may be the first time you've heard about Price and his guitar creations, but it definitely won't be the last. I hope you enjoy getting to know him. Follow Duncan Price on Instagram and see what exactly we're talking about here. Support the Fretboard Journal and our podcasts by nabbing a subscription to our reader-supported magazine. This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

The always-entertaining Mike Squires (Couch Riffs) joins us to talk about his unique and hilarious project spawned from the Instagram era, #2 Record. The "record" - which clocks in at under three minutes - is a collection of brilliantly executed original songs... that are all 15 seconds or less. It's a recording that is equal parts writing exercise and social media commentary, but - most of all - it's filled with great (albeit quick) songs. "You get about 15 seconds of a [follower's] attention if you're lucky," he explains of the concept. "Why spend all that energy creating a product that will never be enjoyed? I'm going to cram it all into this 15 seconds of attention." Squires is a prolific creator and a talented musician who has played in the Long Winters, Nevada Bachelors, Harvey Danger, and Duff McKagan's Loaded. He is one the most tireless people we've ever met: A touring guitarist who holds down a day job; hosts, produces and edits Couch Riffs (a must-watch video series on YouTube and a podcast); and hosts the Golden Shower of Hits podcast. Mike's story is both funny and inspiring... we think you'll love it. https://themikesquires.bandcamp.com/album/2-record-digital-book-flexidisc https://www.couchriffs.com Support the Fretboard Journal and our podcasts by nabbing a subscription to our reader-supported magazine. Use the discount code SMALL to save on your order. This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

We wrap up Courtney Hartman's week-long podcast takeover by interviewing her from her new home in Wisconsin. Courtney describes the influences that led to her new album, Glade. We hear about the making of her new record, the unique studio she built on her family's Colorado farm, some of the gear (and guests) on the project and a lot more. This episode is sponsored by Izotope (use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% on their amazing software) and Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Courtney's website: https://www.courtneyhartman.com/home Album Stream Links: https://link.courtneyhartman.com/GLa Store: https://courtneyhartman.myshopify.com Bandcamp: https://courtneyhartman.bandcamp.com/album/glade Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2jLbcCta4ORz1pnrSR24dj Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

To celebrate the release of Glade, the gorgeous new solo album from singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney Hartman, we've handed her the keys to the Fretboard Journal Podcast. For the last week, Courtney has interviewed some of her favorite people in the fretted instrument world. For her latest installment, Courtney interviews Austen Hooks, best known for his Filmosound conversions and tube amp tech wizardry for Blake Mills and others. After hanging out at the first Fretboard Summit, Courtney also became an Austen Hooks amp owner. Courtney asks Austen about how got into repairing and building amplifiers, his design process, and how he repurposes industrial and military gear to have a second life making music. In a couple days, Jason will be back and talking to Courtney about her new album. In the meantime, check out Glade. Courtney recorded it on the Colorado farm where she grew up using an array of instruments and with some special guest cameos (including Gregory Alan Isakov). If you've only heard the bluegrass side of Courtney Hartman, you're in for a treat. Courtney's website: https://www.courtneyhartman.com/home Album Stream Links: https://link.courtneyhartman.com/GLa Store: https://courtneyhartman.myshopify.com Bandcamp: https://courtneyhartman.bandcamp.com/album/glade Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2jLbcCta4ORz1pnrSR24dj Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording (and tube amps!): Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

To celebrate the release of Glade, the gorgeous new solo album from singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney Hartman, we've handed her the keys to the Fretboard Journal Podcast. All week long, Courtney will be interviewing some of her favorite people in the fretted instrument world. She started the week off by interviewing Dana Bourgeois. This time around, she talks to Idaho-based luthier Lawrence Smart. Smart describes the role the outdoors has played on his creations, why he ended up building archtops (Courtney is often seen playing one), and why he's embraced innovations like fanned frets. There aren't many interviews with Lawrence available; enjoy this rare treat. Look for Courtney's next interview installment in a few days. This weekend, Jason will be back and talking to Courtney herself about her new album, too. In the meantime, check out Glade. Courtney recorded it on the Colorado farm where she grew up using an array of instruments and with some special guest cameos (including Gregory Alan Isakov). If you've only heard the bluegrass side of Courtney Hartman, you're in for a treat. Courtney's website: https://www.courtneyhartman.com/home Album Stream Links: https://link.courtneyhartman.com/GLa Store: https://courtneyhartman.myshopify.com Bandcamp: https://courtneyhartman.bandcamp.com/album/glade Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2jLbcCta4ORz1pnrSR24dj Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

To celebrate the release of Glade, the gorgeous new solo album from singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney Hartman, we've handed her the keys to the Fretboard Journal Podcast. All week long, Courtney will be interviewing some of her favorite people in the fretted instrument world. To start things off, she talks to Dana Bourgeois of Bourgeois Guitars. They discuss Dana's initial love for the guitar, his fateful discovery of the Irving Sloane book, his relationship with Tony Rice, his build process and more. It's an insightful chat with two of our favorite people in the Fretboard Journal community. Look for Courtney's next interview installment in a few days. Later this week, Jason will be back and talking to Courtney herself about her new album, too. In the meantime, check out Glade. Courtney recorded it on the Colorado farm where she grew up using an array of instruments and with some special guest cameos (including Gregory Alan Isakov). If you've only heard the bluegrass side of Courtney Hartman, you're in for a treat. Courtney's website: https://www.courtneyhartman.com/home Album Stream Links: https://link.courtneyhartman.com/GLa Store: https://courtneyhartman.myshopify.com Bandcamp: https://courtneyhartman.bandcamp.com/album/glade Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/album/2jLbcCta4ORz1pnrSR24dj Don't forget, beyond the magazine, the FJ now has an entire network of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we chat with musician, educator, and FJ contributor Tristan Scroggins. Scroggins has had an eventful month: He won the IBMA 2021 Writer of the Year award for his music journalism and then, just a couple of weeks later, released a truly unique solo album, 'One-Ring Circus.' That album features Scroggins - best known for his mandolin playing - in the midst of a truly wild pandemic project, playing solo instrumental tunes on a vintage tenor (four-string) banjo. It's an amazing undertaking filled with great playing ... and a far cry from what you imagine when you think about "tenor banjo" music. We hear about the making of the record, his decision to release it on cassette (don't worry, it's also on all the streaming platforms), and the Paramount tenor he used for it. This conversation also goes deep: Scroggins talks about his unusual upbringing, growing up on the road playing mandolin for his dad, banjo player and bandleader Jeff Scroggins. We hear about the pressures of bluegrass competitions, his move to Nashville, mental health, and his decision to stay busy (Scroggins has been steadily releasing some great mandolin instruction books), plus a lot more. Look for pieces Scroggins penned on John Reischman and Bela Fleck in the Fretboard Journal's next two issues. You're going to love them. Subscribe here to get them: start a print subscription or a digital / PDF subscription. Follow Scroggins' many projects here: https://www.tristanscroggins.com Bandcamp for 'One-Ring Circus': https://tristanscroggins.bandcamp.com Scroggins playing "Seneca Square Dance" from the record at Carter Vintage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waiFNRqk9oE This week's Fretboard Journal Podcast is brought to you by Retrofret Vintage Guitars. Note: We are currently working on our 50th issue of the Journal. We'd love to hear your stories about how the FJ (or its podcast) has changed your life. Got a noteworthy instrument with a great back story? Email us about that, too... at podcast@fretboardjournal.com. We'd also love it if you all subscribed to the magazine so we can start our next 50 issues stronger and bigger than ever. Don't forget, we now host an entire family of podcasts, about everything from lutherie to home recording: Luthier on Luthier; The Truth About Vintage Amps; The Truth About Recording & Mixing; Acoustic Voices; and Sweep the Floor.