The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

This is one of our favorite interviews to date: FJ contributor, guitarist, singer-songwriter and educator Adam Levy joins us for a very special interview about his new trio record, 'Spry,' his new book with Ethan Sherman ('String Theories') and so much more. Adam recounts stories of growing up in California and watching his grandfather, George Wyle, serve as a musician and music director on TV shows. He talks about his first Hollywood session, taking lessons from Ted Greene, working alongside Norah Jones (and writing his first song, ever, for her), playing with Tracy Chapman, working at Guitar Player (and how his guitar once ended up on the cover of GP), working on 'Spry,' the art of titling instrumental tracks, and so much more. Adam also shares a bunch of insights from his new book with Ethan Sherman, 'String Theories,' which we can't recommend enough. https://www.adamlevy.com/ https://stringtheoriesbook.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: 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 off your Izotope order. You can also get 10% off your Native Instruments software at Native-Instruments.com with code RUIN10. Some restrictions apply.

George Gruhn will need little introduction to most Fretboard Journal followers. George is, quite simply, one of the most respected vintage instrument authorities in the world and the owner of Gruhn Guitars, one of the best guitar stores on the planet. So why, at the age of 78, did he want to take a stab at creating his own guitar line? "I want to have fun," he tells us. "And fun means designing new items, doing things that are meaningful... I did this because, while the world does not need more clones of Martin, Fender or Gibson, there is space for something that is new...but it needs to have a reason to exist." On this week's podcast, we talk to Gruhn about these new guitars, which he's dubbed the Versitar line. We hear about how his guitar creations have evolved from the Tacoma instruments he designed decades ago; why he decided to build his own guitar factory in Lebanon, Tennessee; and why there may be more models coming...and a dealer network beyond his own store. We also hear about his favorite tonewood combinations on these instruments, his take on the vintage instrument market in 2023 and so much more. https://guitars.com/gruhn-versitar I've spoken to Gruhn numerous times over the last 20 years and I've never heard him quite this excited. I hope you enjoy our chat. Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free along with bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: 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 and check out the new updates for Ozone 11 and their vocal software, Nectar 4.

This week, we're sharing another unforgettable session from the 2023 Fretboard Summit: A conversation with acclaimed luthiers Wayne and EJ Henderson. Wayne is a legendary figure in the world of acoustic guitars, an NEA National Heritage Fellow, and the subject of Allen St. John's 2005 book, 'Clapton's Guitar.' Daughter EJ (Elizabeth Jayne) Henderson is continuing the Henderson legacy of instrument building out of her Asheville, NC workshop, but with a focus on sustainable woods. https://www.waynehenderson.org/ https://www.ejhendersonguitars.com/ During our chat, we hear about how they each took up guitar building; the instruments they brought to the Summit; their current output; how their workshops differ; and much more. We also hear the duo play a couple of songs. Recorded live at the Fretboard Summit on August 25, 2023. Our next Summit takes place August 22-24, 2024 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free along with bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: 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 and check out the new updates for Ozone 11 and their vocal software, Nectar 4.

Josh Scott (JHS) interviews Andy Powers (Taylor, Powers Electric) live from our 2023 Fretboard Summit! Drew Shirley (Switchfoot) joins in on the fun. They discuss Andy's career before Taylor, his creative process today, the new Powers Electric line of guitars, and much more. https://www.taylorguitars.com/ https://powerselectricguitars.com/ https://www.jhspedals.info/ Recorded live at the Fretboard Summit on August 26, 2023. Our next Summit takes place August 22-24, 2024 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free along with bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: 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 and check out the new updates for Ozone 11 and their vocal software, Nectar 4.

Every month, Mike Adams (@puisheen) joins Jason for a lively recap of guitar industry news. This time around, we talk all about last month's Fretboard Summit in Chicago! Mike talks about a chance enounter with Z.Vex, Star Trek sleep sounds, some of his favorite Summit discoveries, the JHS Germanium Chef competition, and more. Jason talks about the new electric tenor guitar he received, some of his favorite Summit moments, and plans for the 2024 Summit (August 22 - 24, once again at Chicago's Old Town School). We then talk about Mike's recent surprise appearance with Glen Hansard and the Swell Season at their Chateau Ste. Michelle concert. Watch Mike play alongside Glen here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwlkBugPN4H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: 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

Jorma Kaukonen (Hot Tuna, Jefferson Airplane) joins us onstage at the Fretboard Summit to talk about his love for Flammang acoustic guitars, "the Legendary Typewriter Tape" with Janis Joplin, why he's about to take a break from electric gigs, the status of Fur Peace Ranch, the magic of Jack Casady, "Water Song" "Embryonic Journey," why it's easier to teach songwriting than do it, CBD oil, and so much more. Recorded live at the Fretboard Summit on August 25, 2023. Our next Summit takes place August 22-24, 2024 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. 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 and check out the new updates for Ozone 11 and their vocal software, Nectar 4.

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.