The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

Meet Emma Harner, an incredibly talented artist from Nebraska who, unbelievably, has only been playing guitar since the pandemic. 

Emma's complex playing, a mix of math rock and acoustic fingerpicking, and arresting vocals have earned her over 200,000 followers on Instagram and accolades from numerous guitar heroes.

During our chat, we talk about her guitar journey, including her time at Berklee, working at Guitar Center, her favorite tuning, her love for Radiohead, why she won't be covering Nick Drake or Adrianne Lenker any time soon, her new single, and so much more. It's a great conversation a...

Acclaimed guitarist, educator, songwriter, and all-around-great-human Adam Levy is back on the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

We talk about his new instrumental album, 'Household.' We discuss the concept behind this record, his desire to expand his band beyond the trio format; the unorthodox recording process he used to make the album; drummer Griffin Goldsmith (Dawes) and so much more. 

We are brou...

Jason is back on the Fretboard Journal Podcast to interview mandolin great Jacob Jolliff. Over the years, Jolliff has worked with a variety of bands, including Joy Kills Sorry, Yonder Mountain String Band, and his own Jacob Jolliff Band.

We talk about his time at Berklee, performing in mandolin competitions, his go-to mandolins (and microphone!) and so much more. A great chat with a player who should be on your radar.

Jolliff’s Mandolin Mysteries, Instrumentals Vol. 2 is a must-listen. Check it out.

https://www.jacobjolliff.com

We are brought to yo...

To rebel against musician parents, a young Hank Heaven wanted to be a French chef. But after a serendipitous moment of discovery, they became a Django Reinhardt expert. On Episode #503 of the podcast, Sofia Wolfson interviews Hank about their solo project, touring as a sideman, gypsy jazz, being in a broadway musical, and more. 

https://hankheaven.com

https://www.instagram.com/hank_heaven/

Hank’s latest record, Loaded Dice: https://hankheaven.bandcamp.com/album/loaded-dice

We are brought to you by:  
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com
(Use the code FRET...

Today on the podcast, FJ assistant editor Sofia Wolfson interviews legendary songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and visual artist Dan Reeder.

Born in Louisiana, raised in California, and now based in Nuremberg, Germany, Reeder has released several albums of self-recorded music using instruments he’s built himself. On this episode, we talk about working with John Prine and Oh Boy Records, the intersection between visual art and music, instruments he has built, and much more.

Be sure to give his latest record, Smithereens, a spin!

https://www.danreeder.com

We are brought to you by...

Mike Buchman is a Seattle-based guitar fanatic and the Fretboard Journal's newest hire!

On this week's podcast, we talk to Mike about his recent experience learning the craft of guitarmaking with Colorado-based builder/instructor Robbie O'Brien. 

We also talk about Mike's songwriting, his role at the FJ and so much more. 

https://mikebuchmanmusic.com
https://obrienguitars.com

Our 56th issue of the Journal is now mailing to everyone. We hope you love it. 

You've heard Jon Rauhouse's music on every episode of the Fretboard Journal Podcast. For our 500th episode, we decided to check in with Jon to hear about his journey as a steel guitarist. We also talk about working with Neko Case, interviewing Bud Isaacs for the FJ, and so much more. 

Musician Anna Vogelzang joins us this week to talk about songwriting, motherhood, Chicago (come see her at our 2025 Fretboard Summit) and more! 

Support Anna's Kickstarter here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theanna/afterglow-anna-vogelzangs-new-record

We are also brought to you by:  
Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com
(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com
Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

https://fretboardsummit.org/ (Au...

Guitarist Andy Pitcher promised himself that he would make a solo album before he turned 30. With just a few days to spare, the experimental/improvising guitarist recently released 'dot,' a beautiful album featuring great playing, a wide array of guitars - acoustic and electric - and some truly unique recording techniques.

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk about the record, his wild recording process, the gear he used (including his trusty Line 6 DL4).

It's a fun chat with a truly innovative musician.

https://andypitcher.bandcamp.com/album/dot

...

In the 1960s, Joellen Lapidus built the dulcimer you hear on Joni Mitchell’s Blue album. Over the years, she's also sold instruments to some of rock's biggest names like David Crosby, Garth Hudson, Jackson Browne, and even Harry Styles.

On this week's podcast, this acclaimed dulcimer maker gives us a crash course on the amazing history of the instrument. It's a wild story that will have you looking at the dulcimer in a whole new light. 

https://www.lapidusmusic.com/home

During our chat, we hear about how an entire generation of 1960s d...

Peghead Nation co-founder Dan Gabel joins us this week to talk about the online lesson portal's origin story, the growth they've experienced over the last decade, and some of their favorite online classes. 

The Peghead Nation roster contains many former Fretboard Journal subjects and familiar faces to anyone who loves our podcast. In 2022, they even won a Distinguished Achievement Award from IBMA, the International Bluegrass Music Association. 

This week, Peghead Nation is launching a live Flatpicking Old-Time Fiddle Tunes class with guitar virtuoso (and co-founder) Scott Nygaard.

https://www.pegheadnation.com

Th...

The Fretboard Journal's Sofia Wolfson interviews Chicago's Free Range (Sofia Jensen), whose second record 'Lost & Found' is out now. 

Jensen recounts learning guitar at the School of Rock, starting Free Range as a teenager, getting influenced by Pinegrove (and King of the Hill!), developing your sound, and so much more. It's a great introduction to an artist we know you'll love.

https://www.freerangesongs.com
https://www.instagram.com/free__range/

This week's show is sponsored by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com
(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first or...

This week, we talk to writer Jamie Etherington about his latest project, the Luthier's Tool Box.

The Luthier's Tool Box is the Fretboard Journal's first hardcover book release. It's an anthology featuring guitarmakers from around the world sharing the stories behind their most cherished tools. What began as a Fretboard Journal magazine article quickly evolved into a full-fledged book with nearly 100 contributors and full-color photographs. If you like our magazine or podcasts, you'll love this book.

Order the book here: http://fretboardjournal.com/tools

We also talk about Jamie's life in Australia, his...

Did you watch 'A Complete Unknown' and wonder where all those vintage instruments came from? 

Want to be a part of our next Summ...

How do you make a new acoustic guitar sound slightly more "vintage?"

This was the nebulous premise that Jason posed to three great builders at the 2024 Fretboard Summit: John Slobod (Circa Guitars), TJ Thompson, and Steve "Nully" Nall from Collings.

In this live panel, we hear these luthiers' thoughts on the topic, including wood, the importance of aging (even with a brand new guitar), the hardest body style to make sound period correct, and so much more. It's 45 minutes of great insights from three exceptional makers.

http://www.circaguitars.com/

https...

D'Addario founder and Fretboard Journal 55 cover subject Jim D'Addario joins us this week for a fascinating talk about strings, innovation, and so much more. 

We talk about Jim's first mentor, Mario Maccaferri; Jim's relentless work ethic, where he sees forthcoming innovation in guitar strings; and much more. It's a great chat with one of our favorite FJ subjects.

Check out the new issue of the Journal featuring Jim here: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/features/whats-inside-fretboard-journal-55/

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register today:  htt...

Frequent Fretboard Journal contributor Cameron Knowler returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his forthcoming new album, CRK. Inspired by classic Terry Allen and Ry Cooder records, CRK features expansive acoustic guitar playing and atmospheric touches that evoke Cameron’s Southwest roots.

We also go deep on good vs. bad guitars; horse trading with Norman Blake; the groundbreaking technique of Riley Puckett; drummer Jay Bellerose and more.  

Pre-order CRK and listen to Cameron’s new single, “Felicity,” here: https://worriedsongs.bandcamp.com/album/crk

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 21-23, 2025...

Ella Feingold is a Grammy-winning guitarist who has performed alongside Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu, Bruno Mars, and numerous other heavyweight musicians. She's also one of the most inspiring musicians we've ever met, a trans artist who shares her love for funk and rhythm guitar on Instagram on a near-daily basis with fans around the world.

On this week's podcast, we talk to Ella about her life as a recording artist, a music historian, and a video game orchestrator. We learn about the life-changing magic of inverted tuning (and how a couple of former Fretboard Journal subjects hipped...

Guest host Sofia Wolfson introduces us to Renny Conti, a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter/producer. They discuss Renny's introduction to music, the influence of Big Thief (Sofia just interviewed Adrianne Lenker for our 55th issue, btw), the beauty of cowboy chords and more. 

Renny's self-titled album is out today (January 17, 2025). Check it out on Spotify or Apple Music.

https://rennyconti.bandcamp.com

https://www.instagram.com/rennyonline/

Host Sofia Wolfson: https://sofiawolfson.bandcamp.com/album/imposing-on-a-hometown

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: http://fretboardjournal.com/subscribe

Our next Fretboard Summit t...

This week, we're joined by Mike Nelson, Martin Guitars' VP of Global Marketing.    Mike has a coveted job: He gets to tell the story of one of the world's most loved guitar brands.   We talk about the challenges Mike faces in his role, the yearslong planning process for new Martin models, where he sees growth in the industry, the Martin Custom Shop, NAMM, and more.    It's a unique take on the business of guitar.    Martin: https://www.martinguitar.com Martin's Custom Shop: https://www.martinguitar.com/about-martin-custom-shop.html?srsltid=AfmBOor0gH2rquaP_2ZQOYJxOALmzB6uprJCvpqFqfrSVMrSDGHo5qEz   2025 LA Fire Relief:  Musicares Fire Relief: http...

Singer-songwriter and Fretboard Journal contributor Sofia Wolfson recently joined our editorial staff. As we close out 2024, we decided to check in with her to get her recap of the guitar scene in NYC, her favorite records, artists to watch, the gear she loved and more. It's a deep dive full of new discoveries!    https://sofiawolfson.bandcamp.com/album/imposing-on-a-hometown   The Fretboard Journal is proud to present two PNW shows with Sofia: 

On Friday, January 10, 2025, Sofia will be performing at one of our favorite guitar stores, Strum in Portland, Oregon. Tickets are available here.

On Saturday, January 11, 2025, she’ll pla...

We first met Spokane, Washington-based luthier Tyson Soth at our annual Fretboard Summit. We loved his guitars and the story of how he fell into guitar making.    On this week's podcast, we share Tyson's story. He talks about learning from guitar maker Joel Stehr, the personal challenges that made him focus on guitars as a career, the financial perils of lutherie, why he doesn't hoard rare tonewoods, and so much more.    https://sothguitars.com   Follow Tyson Soth on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/tyson.soth.guitars/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: http://fretboardjournal.com/subscribe

Love the po...

Singer-songwriter/storyteller Jason Walsmith (The Nadas) joins us this week to talk about the life of an enterprising troubadour. In addition to performing in a variety of settings across the country, Jason is the founder of Guitar Satchel, a gig bag company inspired by heritage wax canvas clothing brands. We hear all about it.    We also talk about life on the road, van life for singer-songwriters, house concerts, corporate gigs, Bedell Guitars, the Fretboard Summit, and so much more. It's a great chat with one of our community members.    https://guitarsatchel.com https://jasonwalsmithstoryteller.com/home

Subscribe to the Fret...

In what has become a November tradition, Guru Singh - the Fretboard Journal's favorite guitar-loving yogi and spiritual teacher - returns to the podcast.

This time around, we hear more about his early days growing up in Seattle, including the now-customized Gibson J-45 that he purchased in the '50s, used throughout the '60s as a Reprise Records artist, and still plays today. We talk about his new album, en CHANT ed (out now on all the streaming platforms), working with Seal, and how he defines mantra music. 

https://gurusingh.com

en C...

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we're sharing an inspiring chat on guitarmaking and storytelling with UK-based luthier Daisy Tempest.

In just a few years, Daisy's YouTube channel - where she documents the craft (and toil) behind her handcrafted instruments - has exploded in popularity. (A recent video documenting the $36,000 acoustic guitar she built currently has over 300,000 views and counting.)

Still in the early stages of her guitar career, she's already expanded the audience for high-end acoustics with her fresh take on content creation and some truly gorgeous instruments. It will be fascinating to see...

Mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull can do it all: She juggles time with her own band, touring with Bela Fleck, and performing with the likes of Cory Wong, Brad Paisley, Billy Strings, and the Allman Betts Band. 

On this week's podcast, we discuss a pair of eclectic covers she's just shared: Tears for Fears' "Mad World" and the Grateful Dead's "Black Muddy River" and hear all about them. We also talk about life on the road, electric octave mandolins(!), being a free agent, the art of changing mandolin strings, plans for the future, and so much more.

This week, we're joined by Trevor Boone of Seattle's Emerald City Guitars. 

This week, we're launching a new monthly series called Meet the Contributors. It's where you can meet some of the many creative people who help make this magazine, our podcasts and our events possible. We'll profile the writers, photographers, filmmakers and creatives who make the FJ special...and hear about what other projects they're working on.

This month, we're talking to Vancouver-based editor and writer Brian Lynch. Over the years, he's profiled Paul Pigat and builder Warren Murfitt for us. Of course, when he's not writing or editing, he's playing guitar. Brian just released a wild new...

Bluegrass musician Woody Platt joins us this week to talk about his new solo album, 'Far Away With You' (Compass Records).

https://www.woodyplatt.com/music

Woody is best known as the former frontman and cofounder of Steep Canyon Rangers. In 2022, after countless shows with SCR and backing Steve Martin on-stage, Platt stepped down from the band to be closer to home. These days, he's busier than ever: In addition to playing, he's dabbled in real estate, worked as a fly fish guide, and spearheaded several music camps (including Bryan Sutton's Blue Ridge Guitar Camp).<...

Charleston, South Carolina's Daniel Patrick joins us this week for a lively talk about mandolins, being a gigging musician, and talking to your heroes.

Daniel is the host of the popular Mandolins & Beer Podcast. He just released a great new album called 'Around the Clock' where he does covers with an all-star array of fellow mandolin players (Sam Bush, Joe K. Walsh, Tim O’Brien, Ronnie McCoury, and others). 

https://danielpatrickmusic.bandcamp.com/album/around-the-clock

On this week's podcast, we're sharing our Q&A session with Martin CEO Thomas Ripsam live from the 2024 Fretboard Summit.

During our chat, Thomas and FJ publisher Jason Verlinde discuss Martin's plans for the future, the changing demographics of guitar consumers, intellectual property, sales channels, and much more. 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: 

http://fretboardjournal.com/subscribe

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. For a limited time, you can register now with discounted early-bird pricing: https://www.oldtownschool.org/concerts/2025/08-21-2...

What makes a great luthier tick? On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we attempt to find out. 

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: 

http://fretboardjournal.com/subsc...

On this week’s podcast, we talk to Alister Atkin, founder of Atkin Guitars.

Alister and his growing team are building vintage-inspired flattop acoustics in Canterbury, England. During our chat, we talk about the company’s history, its ongoing growth, the aged finish that Atkin instruments are known for, how they've penetrated the US market, and even the company’s choice to start making electric instruments.

We think you’ll love getting to know Alister and his story.

https://atkinguitars.com

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: 

http://fretboardjournal.com/subscribe...

Jayne Henderson and Sarah Weinberg join us to talk about Women in Lutherie, an online community and mentorship program connecting female instrument makers from around the world. 

Jayne is based in Asheville, North Carolina and is a second-generation guitarmaker. (Her father, Wayne Henderson, is a legendary builder of acoustic guitars and mandolins.)

Sarah is based in Tel Aviv, where she's the only female luthier in the entire city. 

Through Women in Lutherie, Sarah was able to meet Jayne and shadow her for two weeks in North Carolina, studying her build process. They attended ou...

This week, we’re sharing one of the highlights from our 2024 Fretboard Summit: Joe Henry in conversation with Blake Mills.

During their chat, these two acclaimed producers and singer-songwriters discuss working with legacy artists (Blake has famously worked with Joni Mitchell; while Joe has worked with everyone from Joan Baez to Solomon Burke), the importance of a beginner’s mindset in the studio, the magic of Jim Keltner, honoring the song, and so much more.

It was one of many unforgettable Fretboard Summit 2024 sessions. We hope you love it.

Recorded August 24, 2024.

http...

Detroit-based guitarist Nick Shillace joins us this week to talk about discovering the music of John Fahey, running a successful music school, and his excellent new album, A Rich Boy’s Measured Blues.

Nick is one of dozens of musicians and luthiers attending our 2024 Fretboard Summit, taking place August 23-25, 2024 at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. https://fretboardsummit.org

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition and reserve your copy of Fretboard Journal 54:
https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

This week's show is sponsored by:
StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io...

Two of Nashville’s finest guitarists – Tom Bukovac and Guthrie Trapp – join us this week to talk about their new album, IN STEREO. We chat about what brought them to Nashville way back when, the making of the album, the gear they used on it, tube amps, and so much more.

Order IN STEREO: https://bakedalaskarecords.com

Our 2024 Fretboard Summit takes place August 23-25, 2024 at Chicago's Old Town School. This year's Summit features 80 luthiers and exhibitors. Performers include Adam Levy, Colin Hay, Blake Mills, Joel Paterson, Jake Eddy, Jordan Tice, Valerie June, and Joe Henry. Regist...

Toronto's William "Grit" Laskin has been building acoustic instruments since 1971.

Best known as one of the world's foremost inlay artists, Grit painstakingly crafts wildly ornate fingerboard and headstock creations that serve as one-of-a-kind tributes to his clients and their passions.

When he's not building, Grit has also run a record label, performed around North America as a folk artist, and even invented an engraving filler used by fellow luthiers worldwide. In 2012, he was named to the Order Of Canada (C.M.)., Canada’s highest civilian honor. 

As if that weren't enough, Grit has jus...

In our 54th issue, Eric Pooley shares the story of Maya de Vitry going solo after her lengthy stint as one third of the Americana band The Stray Birds. It’s a poignant interview about starting from scratch, being vulnerable and taking chances.

On this week’s podcast, we hear even more about Maya’s journey with her collaborator Anthony da Costa. Maya’s new album, The Only Moment, is out now and we get the whole tale of how it developed and was recorded.

https://www.mayadevitry.com

The Fretboard Journal's Fretboard Summit ta...

Today we share an hour-long interview with one of the true greats of guitar-making, John Monteleone.

Collectors and musicians around the world have sought out John's archtop creations, resulting in six-figure price tags, a quartet of guitars at the Met (the Four Seasons), and even a song penned by Mark Knopfler (simply titled, "Monteleone"). He's also the subject of a full-length documentary, The Chisels Are Calling. 

As if that isn't enough, nearly 50 of his instruments from throughout his career have been amassed for a very special exhibit at the Long Island Museum entitled "Musical Masterworks: J...