The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

Lots of us daydream about one day building a guitar from scratch. A set of guitar strings? That seems nearly impossible. On this week’s podcast, we talk to Scott Marquart, the founder and owner of Stringjoy. In the span of a decade, he’s gone from launching a custom guitar string company out of his bedroom to running an expansive factory in Nashville building a wide variety of guitar, bass and mandolin strings. It's a story unlike any we've ever told. We learn about the company’s growth, the machines needed to make strings, why he just entered the mandolin market and so much more. Try a set of Stringjoy strings out and get 10% off your first order with the discount code FRETBOARD. https://stringjoy.com Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/ Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

For the last several months, we’ve been following Micah Bruce of Bruce Guitars as he builds a unique guitar that he'll unveil at the 2023 Fretboard Summit. It’s an instrument based on the classic Harmony H49 Stratotone shape, but it’s completely overhauled and like nothing that ever left the Harmony factory.   This week, we catch up with Micah and hear all about the new guitar, which he’s dubbed his Jayne model, after his daughter. We also hear about the other instruments he’s building for the showcase, his thoughts on relic’ing, what makes a great Tele, his ukulele output and so much more. https://bruceguitars.com/ Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. Come see Micah! https://fretboardsummit.org/ Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

Richard Smith is unstoppable. The British fingerstyle guitarist has a grueling tour schedule, a busy Nashville studio that he recently adapted into a video studio, online music lessons, and probably a few projects that we don't even know about. But, mostly, he's got a lot of driving to do.  In June, Richard stopped by the Fretboard Journal in between concert stops for a loose, caffeine-fueled chat about life on the road, the music of Chet Atkins, keeping your chops up, the brilliance of the house concert circuit, and so much more. We also talk about David Schmidt's piece in the Fretboard Journal #52 about learning "The Entertainer" thanks to Smith's online lesson and why Richard's goal is to be able to book 365 tour dates a year, but not play them.   We packed a lot into the hour before his parking meter was up. It's a fun chat with one of the world's best guitarists. You'll love it.  https://www.richardsmithmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/richardsmithmusic/ Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/ Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

We have a new addition to the Fretboard Journal's podcast lineup, Steel: The Steel Guitar Podcast! Once a month, host Matt Perpick will interview steel players (young and old) about their stories, their gear, and inspiration.  For his first installment, Perpick interviews Rich Hinman, a steel player who has backed the likes of k.d. lang, Sara Bareilles, and Rosanne Cash. He’s also a frequent collaborator with FJ favorite Adam Levy.  Today, we're giving you a sneak peek at the first 15 minutes of the debut episode so you can check it out. Want to hear the whole thing? Subscribe to Steel: The Steel Guitar Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to hear the whole hour-plus interview. It's great, even if you don't play steel. We'll have a new, full-length FJ podcast episode out tomorrow.  Love our podcast offerings and all that we do? Help us grow by supporting us on our brand-new Patreon for as little as $5 a month. You'll get bonus podcasts, ad-free episodes and more.  Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/ Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings(get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.  

In just four years, 14-year-old Wyatt Ellis has gone from discovering bluegrass music for the first time to becoming one of its rising stars. This is the story of a prodigy who taught himself how to play the mandolin (and guitar and fiddle) through the pandemic and has already graced stages with Peter Rowan and Billy Strings. He has a Grand Ole Opry appearance under his belt, a new single with Sierra Hull (and an album in the works), and he's the proud new owner of one of Marty Stuart's old Gibson Lloyd Loar-signed mandolins. During our chat, we hear how he did it, what it's like to play with your music heroes, and where he's headed. https://wyattellis.com/ Wyatt Ellis & Sierra Hull - "Grassy Cove" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TgNSPKCsX8 Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/ Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

We first spoke to electric guitarmaker Jon "Sully" Sullivan on the podcast back in 2018 (episode 204). This week marks Sully's long-awaited return back onto the podcast. We talk about his '71 Trella model; how he's incorporated technology like CNCs into his builds; the economics (and realities) behind creating your own import line of guitars (his Korean-made Conspiracy series is currently taking reservations); why he's taken a break from teaching guitar-making; and so much more. Plus: the je ne sais quoi of French words; the genius of Duncan Price (@diskobebe), the NAMM Boutique Guitar Showcase, trademark talk, and more!  Follow: https://www.sullyguitars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sullyguitars/ Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer Our Fretboard Summit is taking place August 24-26, 2023 in Sully's hometown of Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org/ Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

This week’s double-header of an episode is all about the 2023 Fretboard Summit taking place August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. As you hopefully know, the Summit is a three-day-long guitar show and festival curated by the Fretboard Journal. All weekend long, you can meet some of your favorite players and guitarmakers, try out new products, and have some fun. Performers include Tommy Emmanuel, Jeff Parker, Jorma Kaukonen, Via Mardot and numerous others…and you’re invited. Register: https://fretboardsummit.org/ We start the podcast off by talking about some new Summit additions and updates, including many not currently announced on the site. At 15:36, we interview guitarmaker Creston Lea of Creston Guitars. He’s attended every Summit the Fretboard Journal has thrown and shares some of his favorite memories over the years. Then we get a recap of last year's Nickel Wound Chef competition, where Creston was pitted against Duncan Price in an hour-long Partscaster build-off (think: Iron Chef but for guitarmaking). Last, but not least, Creston tells us a bit about his current guitar builds, what it’s like to have Gene Parsons install B-Benders on one of your guitars, and much more. http://crestonguitars.com/  Watch the Nickel Wound Chef highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A6cioaiHBM Creston competed against Duncan Price: https://www.instagram.com/diskobebe/ Trophy maker Tom Longobardi: https://tomlongobardi.com/ At 45:32, we talk to luthier Micah Bruce of Bruce Guitars. Micah is making a very special, Harmony H-49-inspired electric guitar that one lucky Summit attendee will go home with. We chat about the Summit build, the art of lamination, how modern luthiers utilize CNCs in their builds, re-topping vintage Martins, and hear about what other guitars Micah will be bringing to Chicago. It’s a great chat. https://bruceguitars.com/ We still have a very limited number of three-day, all-access Summit passes available that include all the weekend’s programming and the concerts. Just want to come to the lutherie showcase and guitar shop? Tickets are now on sale for $30. They will also be available at the door.   Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

Meet Jonathan Stout, a Southern California-based jazz guitarist best known as a bandleader in the swing dance world. Jonathan's story is unlike any we've ever heard: Here's someone who cites Kirk Hammett as an influence, along with Benny Goodman guitarist Allan Reuss. He's a player, a scholar of early jazz guitar, a drummer, and he can even get you out of a traffic ticket (yep, he's also a lawyer).  During our chat, we talk about the unique music requirements of modern-day swing dances, we hear about Jonathan's favorite vintage guitars, and learn why he's so obsessed with Reuss. Plus a lot more...    This is one of our favorite interviews to date and we think you'll love it. https://www.campusfive.com/ Listen to Jonathan Stout's solo album, 'Pick It and Play It': https://jonathanstout.bandcamp.com/album/pick-it-and-play-it Watch Jonathan play at the Fretboard Journal: https://youtu.be/PPqJtVVT9I8 Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order.

Saltwater Hank is a Ts’msyen musician based in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. On Canada Day, 2023, he released his new and boldest album to date, 'G​̱​al'u​̈​u​̈​nx Wil Lu Holtga Liimi.' It’s an entire country album sung in Sm'algyax, the Ts’msyen language. On this week’s FJ Podcast, we talk to Saltwater Hank about the project, its release day (and why that’s important), his songwriting process, the power of language, the gear he used and so much more. It's a great chat. https://saltwaterhank.bandcamp.com/album/g-alu-u-nx-wil-lu-holtga-liimi Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals. 

You've never heard a tale like that of guitarist Rick Deitrick. A product of the '60s, Rick went from playing the accordion as a kid in Ohio to joining a rock band and performing at love-ins throughout Southern California. Once he found a $100 Yamaha acoustic at a pawn shop, his life took a new turn: He'd take his guitar (sans case) out on hikes and create acoustic instrumentals influenced by his surroundings. The byproduct of these hikes was a series of self-released albums, now reissued as a boxed set by Tompkins Square Records. Quirky backstory aside, it's gorgeous music that has stood the test of time.  This interview has it all: 1960s love-ins, a cranky John Fahey, a two-foot-tall chipmunk, a guitar sacrificed in a fit of rage, and a musician who continues to march to the beat of his own drummer. Learn more about Rick Deitrick's 'The Unguitarist: Complete Works, 1969-2022' here:  https://tompkinssquare.bandcamp.com/album/the-unguitarist-complete-works-1969-2022 Follow Jason's new Substack here for behind-the-scenes FJ content: https://substack.com/@fretboardjournal Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's legendary Old Town School of Folk Music): https://fretboardsummit.org Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals.