Best For Luthiers By Luthiers Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 82: Lifetime Of Learning Part 2 1:02:07

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9h ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Becka and Liz talk with Roman Barnas and Lisbeth Butler about education. Special Guests: Lisbeth Butler and Roman Barnas .By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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Sixty years of printmaking, one more show | Under Rocks podcast 40:13

27d ago40:13

40:13

A new exhibit at Northern Illinois University’s Art Museum is an ambitious look at the school’s vaunted printmaking program, which is in its 60th year. It also marks the end of a chapter for the museum. In the latest Under Rocks podcast, curator Peter Olson takes us on a tour of the exhibit and clues us into what the future holds for the campus mus…

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Episode 81: Lifetime of Learning, Part 1 56:24

1M ago56:24

56:24

Liz Perry and Becka Hannigan talk with Alex Wilson of the VMSA and Antoine Nedelec of the CSVM. Special Guests: Alex Wilson and Antoine Nedelec.By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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A stalwart friend: Revisiting the Rock River Trail ride | Under Rocks 1:00:59

2M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In June of 2018, two brave correspondents set out to make history. WNIJ's Carl Nelson and Dan Libman would be the first to bike the Rock River Trail. Pedaling 320 miles in just five days, they even managed to send dispatches out to listeners every morning. We revisit their journey.

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Episode 80: The Future of English Violin Making 57:44

2M ago57:44

57:44

Elizabeth Perry talks with Benjamin Hebbert and John Wright about the future of training violin makers in the UK. Special Guests: Benjamin Hebbert and John Wright .By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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Episode 79: Bear Necessities: Navigating Economic Uncertainy 1:04:39

3M ago1:04:39

1:04:39

The market keeps changing. Luthiers, shop owners, and resellers are doing their best to stay profitable in a economic uncertainty. What are some practical steps to take? Join Rozie and Brandon as they talk with Daniel Jobe of the CPA firm Friedman, Kannenberg & Co., a group that has been serving the music industry for over 30 years. to discuss the …

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The Luthier Next Door | The Under Rocks podcast 33:22

4M ago33:22

33:22

In a quiet wooded neighborhood on the south side of Rockford, there’s a man making magic in his basement workshop. Tom Asher uses the tools, knowledge, and creative skills he’s gathered over a lifetime as a musician, woodworker, and artist -- to craft violins.By Dan Libman, Spencer Tritt, Susan Stephens

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Episode 78: You asked, we answered. 1:02:28

4M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Team Omo answers listener submitted questionsBy for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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Hiding history, preserving our past | Under Rocks podcast 23:14

5M ago23:14

23:14

2000 called and wants its phone book back. And now it's in the hands that last touched it 25 years ago. Join Northern Star reporters past and present as they relive the past and plan for the future through a time capsule in a wall at Northern Illinois University.By Spencer Tritt, Susan Stephens, Dan Libman

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Episode 77: Model Behavior 45:52

5M ago45:52

45:52

Jerry interviews violin makers Michael Doran and Ryan Soltis about making new models and personal models. Special Guests: Michael Doran and Ryan Soltis .By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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Episode 76: Bows & Riches with Richard Morency 1:03:03

6M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Katherine and Joshua talk bows with bow maker Richard Morency. Special Guest: Richard Morency .By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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Inside the snow globe: Putting Edith back in the Farnsworth House | Under Rocks podcast 35:48

6M ago35:48

35:48

One of the world’s most precious architectural gems rests on the banks of the Fox River in northern Illinois. Maybe you’ve seen the Edith Farnsworth House in Plano: It’s a mid-century glass and steel marvel designed and constructed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The Under Rocks team got a chance to visit and learn more about the woman who commissione…

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Meet Dave McMillan from Big Wreck 43:38

7M ago43:38

43:38

Send us a text In this episode of Brubaker Sessions, we welcome Dave McMillan, bassist for Big Wreck, who stopped by the Brubaker workshop for a guitar setup and ended up behind the mic! Dave dives into life on the road, what it was like opening for Mötley Crüe, and the gear that keeps his tone dialed in. Plus, he and Matt go deep on electronics, s…

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Where the cities meet the cornfields: Who's preserving our stories? | Under Rocks podcast 44:43

7M ago44:43

44:43

There's a museum around every corner in Illinois. The Under Rocks team explores three of them near us to see how they are preserving our histories. Got a favorite? Tell us at [email protected] Dan Libman, Spencer Tritt, Susan Stephens

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Episode 75: Killer Business Apps! 49:17

7M ago49:17

49:17

Guest host Becka Hannigan talks with Rozie DeLoach-Zimmerman and Anya Burgess about applications to make running your violin shop easier. Special Guests: Anya Burgess and Rozie Deloach .By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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Meet Derrick "Swol" Ray 32:47

8M ago32:47

32:47

Send us a text In this episode of Brubaker Sessions, we sit down with the one and only Derrick "Swol" Ray—bassist, producer, designer, and entrepreneur. Swol has played alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, including Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Alicia Keys, and many more. Currently on tour with Justin Timberlake, he stopped at Brubake…

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Vexed! The Illinois Enthusiast vs. The Illinois Flag Commission | Under Rocks podcast 51:21

8M ago51:21

51:21

Does Illinois really need a new flag? Or is the old "seal on a bedsheet" good enough? In this Under Rocks Extra, we call on our favorite expert, self-proclaimed state symbologist and Illinois Enthusiast John Kokoris to review the options the state's flag commission is offering. And he is, respectfully, not pleased.…

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NAMM 2025 Recap: Guitars, Legends & Behind-the-Scenes Stories 32:56

8M ago32:56

32:56

Send us a text The guys are back from NAMM, and we’re breaking it all down! In this episode of Brubaker Sessions, I sit down with Kevin, Brandon, and Matt to get the full scoop on their experience at the biggest music industry event of the year. We’re talking about the stunning guitars they brought, the legendary musicians they ran into, and the mo…

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Here we go again! Groundhog Day in Woodstock | Under Rocks podcast 34:45

8M ago34:45

34:45

Thanks to a small town in northern Illinois, Groundhog Day is bigger than one chubby rodent and its shadow dropping a dubious weather forecast. In Woodstock, the groundhog takes a backseat to the real cause for celebration: the 1993 Bill Murray movie that was filmed there. The Under Rocks team visited the famed town square with the head of the annu…

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2025 NAMM Show Special 34:01

8M ago34:01

34:01

Send us a text In this episode of Brubaker Sessions, the team dives into all things NAMM 2025! We break down the stunning lineup of custom bass guitars we’re bringing to the show, discuss the craftsmanship and details that make each instrument unique, and share what attendees can expect at Booth #5734. Plus, we couldn’t resist talking about Kevin O…

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The Napa Valley of Corn | Under Rocks podcast 42:07

9M ago42:07

42:07

Craft distilleries are the new craft breweries: There’s a growing number of these small operations in northern Illinois, offering their own take on the art of whiskey-making. And to wrap up another year of the Under Rocks podcast, our team heads out in search of some holiday spirit at Whiskey Acres in DeKalb.…

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Episode 74: The Linda Chronicles 52:16

9M ago52:16

52:16

Omo meets the Violin Chronicles! Special Guest: Linda Lespets .By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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The Cure Time Principle: The Secret to a Better Guitar Finish and a Better Life 44:14

10M ago44:14

44:14

Have you ever found yourself rushing through the guitar finishing process, eager to see the final result—only to end up facing frustration, soft finishes, or imperfections? In this podcast episode, I’m diving into the transformative power of "Cure Time"—not just as a technical approach to better guitar finishing, but as a principle that’s helped me…

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Meet Kevin Walker 44:56

10M ago44:56

44:56

Send us a text In episode three, Brubaker Artist Kevin Walker shares stories from his career, from touring with Justin Timberlake to somehow winding up at Prince's house. Graham and Matt dig in on some gear and technique too.By Brubaker Guitars

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Meet Kevin Brubaker Part 1 23:41

10M ago23:41

23:41

Send us a text In this debut episode of the Brubaker Sessions Podcast, hosts Graham and Matt sit down with Kevin Brubaker, master luthier and the creative mind behind Brubaker Guitars. They explore Kevin’s early inspirations, the challenges of building a guitar empire, and the secrets behind crafting instruments that define the sound of iconic musi…

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Meet Kevin Brubaker Part 2 23:00

10M ago23:00

23:00

Send us a text In the second part of our debut episode, hosts Graham and Matt continue the conversation with master luthier Kevin Brubaker. They dive into the excitement and chaos of the NAMM Show, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and how the event has shaped the guitar industry. Kevin also reflects on his journey and offers heartfelt advice he’d …

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The End of Things II: A walk in the woods at Lorado Taft | Under Rocks podcast 18:18

10M ago18:18

18:18

We say goodbye to a field campus that meant a lot to northern Illinoisans during its decades of serving students interested in the environment and the arts. And we revisit a deep dive we took into one of the works of art that made the Lorado Taft campus so special.By Dan Libman, Spencer Tritt, Susan Stephens

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Episode 73: The Bespoke Bow 47:16

11M ago47:16

47:16

Katherine and Brandon talk with Bow Maker Darrell Hanks about his process for creating a bow tailored to the players needs. Special Guest: Darrell Hanks .By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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There's always a cemetery | Under Rocks podcast 36:34

12M ago36:34

36:34

There's a big sprawling graveyard in northern Illinois where the people of Belvidere have been laid to rest for nearly 200 years. In the heart of the Belvidere Cemetery is a tiny community space with a big history: Pettit Chapel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Under Rocks team met with Sam Larson there to learn more about the history of the sa…

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Episode 72: Bruce Babbitt and the Music Region of Markneukirchen and Schönbach 52:24

12M ago52:24

52:24

Brandon and Jerry talk with Bruce Babbitt about studying instruments and bows of the Music Region of Germany, publishing books, and being a "pollinator" of violins. Special Guest: Bruce Babbitt .By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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Episode 71: Origin Stories 48:25

1y ago48:25

48:25

Katherine Kidwell and editor Joshua Litton go over community submitted responses of what got listeners into the trade, and what keeps them there.By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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A Game of Action and Exercise, or: How I stopped worrying about the Sox and learned to love vintage baseball 37:09

1y ago37:09

37:09

As this year’s season winds down, some unhappy White Sox fans turn to another era for their baseball fix. The Under Rocks team heads to Creston, IL for a vintage baseball match.

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Episode 70: The Baton with Philip J Kass 59:10

1y ago59:10

59:10

Rozie and Brandon talk to Philip Kass about his involvment with the VSA over the years. Also covered is the 50th anniversary of the VSA, and the upcoming convention. Special Guest: Philip J. Kass .By for Luthiers, by Luthiers

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Reach! It! Out!: Chasing the dragon boat | Under Rocks podcast 31:10

1y ago31:10

31:10

What do you get when you combine dragons, boats, a touch of “oh my!” and 22 dedicated athletes? The coolest sport you’ve never heard of! Dragon boating has roots in ancient China and branches all over the world…including a lake near you. The Under Rocks crew dons life vests and heads to Shabbona Lake for their latest adventure.…

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Desenlace. - Episodio 8 27:51

1y ago27:51

27:51

En medio de una profunda pérdida, exilio forzado y sorprendentes traiciones, surge la esperanza y un sorprendente acto de rebelión. Micaela lee el sorprendente contenido de la carta de la prisión de Bistec.By Nuestro Studios

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Los Secretos Salen - Episodio 7 26:54

1y ago26:54

26:54

Tragedias y caos golpean el vecindario cuando tanto Echauri Suárez como Orlando Contreras se ven obligados a confrontar un amargo secreto que devastará sus vidas y obligará a Orlando a exiliarse. Los secretos del vecindario también traerán nuevas revelaciones para Micaela Martínez.By Nuestro Studios

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From parks to Peaches to pickleball: The siren call of the Rockford Adventure Trail | Under Rocks podcast 44:46

1y ago44:46

44:46

Fun-starved explorers find gold (and prizes!) along the Rockford Adventure Trail. Join us for what could be the most ambitious Under Rocks ever!By Susan Stephens, Spencer Tritt, Dan Libman