Best The Fretboard Journal Podcasts (2025)

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Podcast 525: Paul Asbell 1:04:34

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3h ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Vermont-based guitar hero Paul Asbell joins us this week to talk about his new book, 'Stages: Ruminations, Rants, and Reminiscences on a Life in Music.' In 'Stages,' Paul recounts stories from early in his career when he worked as a sideman for legendary blues artists on the South Side of Chicago. We also hear about Paul's unique upbringing, his lo…

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Podcast 524: Paul Burch 57:05

10h ago57:05

57:05

Musician and Fretboard Journal contributor Paul Burch joins us this week to talk about his just-published debut novel, Meridian Rising. The book, an imagined memoir by Jimmie Rodgers, is filled with insights on the Father of Country Music and some of the unbelievable collaborators he worked with. We talk about the making of the book, why Rodgers is…

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Podcast 523: Grateful Shred's Dan Horne 23:39

1d ago23:39

23:39

Grateful Shred co-founder Dan Horne joins us for a chat about the making of the band, his love for the Dead (of course), and the tribute group's 2025 album, 'Might As Well.' We also talk about growing up in the Bay Area, Alembics and other gear, and so much more. Check out Grateful Shred on tour and see what all the fuss is about: https://www.grate…

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Ep. 155: "Realistic Carnival" 1:45:38

6d ago1:45:38

1:45:38

It's the 155th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, the call-in show where amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on all things tube amps. This week: Barn finds, lost dogs, an extra-grounded Jason (amp pun intended) and more! Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:05 Skip gets the new Fretboard Journal (link); do banjos belong in the Fr…

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107. Rory Dowling (Taran Guitars) 54:21

6d ago54:21

54:21

For Episode 107 of the Luthier on Luthier podcast, I'm joined by Rory Dowling, the owner and builder behind the beautifully crafted Taran Guitars. https://www.taranguitars.co.uk Rory talks about his team-based approach to building and his journey from furniture design to guitar making. We also take a deep dive into his unique methods for back braci…

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Podcast 522: Raymond Morin of Acoustic Music Works 1:17:52

19d ago1:17:52

1:17:52

Raymond Morin of Pittsburgh's Acoustic Music Works joins us this week for an insightful chat about running a guitar store, music and so much more. At a time when things seem pretty bleak for mom & pop guitar stores, Pittsburgh's Acoustic Music Works is a true success story. They have just relocated to a new, larger space, focusing on a select range…

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Ep. 154: "Compromise the Windings" 1:28:09

1M ago1:28:09

1:28:09

It's the 154th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, the call-in show where amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on all things tube amps. Some of the topics discussed this week: :42 Skip is back on the Ferguson TO-35 tractor; Roy Clark & Joe Pass 7:04 What's on Skip's bench: A Marshall Plexi Super Bass, Marshall bright caps, the Pet Shop …

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Podcast 521: Paul Rigby 50:38

20d ago50:38

50:38

Guitarist Paul Rigby joins us this week to talk about his 15-plus-year collaboration with Neko Case and so much more. We hear about growing up in Calgary (and why it's an oddly great town for guitarists); meeting Neko; writing for Broadway; songwriting help from the Black Stallion; and why his favorite electric guitar is a $123 partscaster. https:/…

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Podcast 520: Ben Garnett 45:05

1M ago45:05

45:05

Guitarist Ben Garnett joins us this week to talk about the making of his new acoustic album, Kite's Keep. Garnett's journey as a musician is one-of-a-kind. This former tuba player became infatuated with the guitar thanks to his uncle, Andy Timmons. He then discovered the Punch Brothers, immersed himself in bluegrass, and now has actual Punch Brothe…

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Podcast 519: Vilray 39:18

1M ago39:18

39:18

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we're joined by New York City-based guitarist and composer Vilray Bolles. Alongside Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive, he's one half of Rachael & Vilray, a duo with an uncanny knack for writing brand new songs that feel like they came straight from Tin Pan Alley. On their latest release, West of Broadway, t…

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106. StewMac's Brock Poling and Gene Imbody 1:04:41

2M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

On Episode 106 of the Luthier on Luthier podcast, I'm joined by Brock Poling and Gene Imbody from Stewart-MacDonald—the original luthier supply company. Brock and Gene take us behind the scenes to show how StewMac tools and products are developed, from the first idea all the way to delivery. We also talk about the company's history and where they s…

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Podcast 518: Courtney Hartman Returns 34:19

1M ago34:19

34:19

Singer-songwriter/guitarist Courtney Hartman joins us again on the podcast to share the story of her forthcoming album, With You. The album – her first since becoming a parent – is a beautiful collection of songs with a unique backstory. To help finish the record, she turned to fellow songwriter moms in her orbit. It's a beautiful record and a grea…

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Podcast 517: Jacob Cole 35:41

2M ago35:41

35:41

Melbourne, Australia-based guitarist Jacob Cole joins us this week to talk about his 2025 instrumental album 'Slow Gold' and so much more. We hear about his Cole's record-filled childhood, the guitar scene in Melbourne, recording in Tasmania (!), and his influences. It's an insightful chat with an artist we think you'll love. https://jacobcole1.ban…

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Podcast 516: Isaac Stalling 56:51

2M ago56:51

56:51

On this week's episode of the Fretboard Journal Podcast, we introduce you to Brooklyn-based guitarist Isaac Stalling. Isaac sits down with editor Sofia Wolfson to talk about his musical roots in Oklahoma City, moving to NYC, playing in dozens of bands at once, and his solo project. https://www.instagram.com/i_stalling_/?hl=en Our new, 57th issue is…

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Ep. 153: "A C in Chemistry" 1:33:46

2M ago1:33:46

1:33:46

It's the 153rd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps and Skip is having a happy day fielding your amp questions. From cleaning tweed to Magnatone varistors and all points in between, it's 90 minutes of tube amp knowledge, laughs, and some serious California trivia. Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:27: The 2025 Fretboard Summit; the impor…

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Martin Simpson 1:27:33

2M ago1:27:33

1:27:33

Martin Simpson is a true icon of the global acoustic music scene. As a guitarist, he has done a huge amount to push the boundaries of the acoustic steel string instrument - showing it can be an expressive and lyrical voice. As a songwriter, he is a masterful storyteller whose poignant lyrics are shared with a disarmingly gentle, no-frills delivery …

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Podcast 515: Ryan Richter, Dylan Day, and Harrison Whitford (Live from the 2025 Fretboard Summit) 58:34

2M ago58:34

58:34

Ryan Richter, Dylan Day, and Harrison Whitford are wildly creative guitarists who happen to play with some of the most-streamed artists of the last few years, including Ed Sheeran (Dylan), Phoebe Bridgers (Harrison), and Lizzy McAlpine (Ryan). They are all based in Los Angeles. At the 2025 Fretboard Summit, we sit down with these three musicians to…

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Ep. 152: "Gridley Bias" 56:43

2M ago56:43

56:43

It's the much-delayed 152nd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! Thanks, as always, for being a part of the world's finest call-in tube amp repair show. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to [email protected]! Include a photo, too. Some of the to…

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Podcast 514: Guitar Retail in 2025 (Fretboard Summit Panel) 58:16

2M ago58:16

58:16

Do guitars still sell in 2025? Is there a glut of unsold instruments? How have tariffs affected the high-end musical instrument space? At this year's Fretboard Summit, we asked a handful of guitar retailers for their unfiltered thoughts on selling instruments in 2025. Included were Rebecca Jasso (Old Town School of Folk Music retail store), Joe Car…

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105: TJ Thompson 1:18:33

3M ago1:18:33

1:18:33

For episode 105 of the Luthier on Luthier podcast, my guest is TJ Thompson — widely regarded as the foremost authority on vintage Martins and a master guitar maker in his own right. In our conversation, TJ reflects on why he builds guitars, why he sometimes feels unsuited to the work, and he shares thoughtful advice for fellow luthiers along the wa…

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Podcast 513: Jayne Henderson on the Asheville Guitar Project 29:35

3M ago29:35

29:35

One last Fretboard Summit 2025 announcement: Jayne Henderson (EJ Henderson Guitars and Ukuleles) stops by the Fretboard Journal to tell us about the Asheville Guitar Project group build that she'll be unveiling at our annual guitar gathering. This group guitar build - combining the talents of Asheville-based luthiers Jayne, Kyle Landers, and Judson…

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Podcast 512: 3Bender's Wade Black 23:21

3M ago23:21

23:21

3Bender's Wade Back joins us this week to share the fascinating history of 3Bender and reveal an incredible new product he's unveiling at this year's Fretboard Summit, the Steelmaster. The Steelmaster is a string bender that can be mounted to any Jazzmaster-style guitar. It requires no drilling and works with stock or Mastery bridges. Wade's story …

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Podcast 511: Northfield Instruments' Adrian Bagale 1:27:58

3M ago1:27:58

1:27:58

"Here's what happens when you invite a mandolin company, with crazy curiosity, to a guitar show four years in a row." -Adrian Bagale Northfield's Adrian Bagale joins us this week for what has to be one of the most insightful industry chats we've had in years. We talk about what the company is unveiling at our 2025 Fretboard Summit in two weeks – a …

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Podcast 510: Dave Hill 1:01:32

3M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Dave Hill is a comedian, actor, author, musician and podcaster. He's also a guitar fanatic. In fact, at the 2025 Fretboard Summit, he'll be performing an entire stand-up set on guitar (!) and doing some crowd work on your pedal boards. On this week's podcast, we talk to Dave about his love for guitar, why teenage gear obsessions are so hard to kick…

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Podcast 509: James Kee (East Nash Grass) 58:13

4M ago58:13

58:13

James Kee of East Nash Grass joins us this week to talk about his band's forthcoming album 'All God's Children' and the guitar he just acquired and restored, a 1955 Martin D-18 formerly owned by Earl Scruggs! During our chat, we learn all about the D-18's restoration (which Nashville luthier Hugh Hansen just completed), East Nash Grass' forthcoming…

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104. Michael Sankey 1:15:03

3M ago1:15:03

1:15:03

On Episode 104 of the podcast, I talk with Michael Sankey, a wildly creative guitar maker from Ottawa. Michael's work combines old-school methods like hand tools and hide glue with futuristic elements like 3D-printed metal parts. We get into how he balances tradition with innovation—and why he builds guitars based on his own ideas, not just what th…

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Ep. 151: "It Starts Out Cool" 1:20:23

3M ago1:20:23

1:20:23

It's the 151st episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! Thanks, as always, for being a part of the world's finest call-in tube amp repair show. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to [email protected]! Include a photo, too. Some of the topics discusse…

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Podcast 508: Summer School Electronics' Mark Turley 37:00

4M ago37:00

37:00

Summer School Electronics founder Mark Turley joins us this week to discuss the history of his pedal company, his day job as a schoolteacher, our Fretboard Summit gathering, and so much more. In what has become an annual tradition, Summer School will be debuting a new, wild pedal at our Summit. For the first time ever, Mark will also teach a pedal-…