Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin (The Fretboard Journal)
Explore every episode of Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 Jul 2020 | 44. Mike Baranik | 01:13:56 | |
Mike Baranik has been making extraordinary world-class acoustic guitars for decades. On episode 44 of the podcast, Mike recounts the music influences that got him interested in guitars and tells us about his studies at the Roberto-Venn school in the early '90s. Mike also talks to us about his first guitar shows, finding his identity a a luthier, meeting deadlines, re-purposing tools, and using CNCs. Lastly, we get to hear all about Mike's successful venture into electric guitars and how it compliments his acoustics. Sponsored by Dream Guitars. Links | |||
| 29 Sep 2021 | 58. Flip Scipio | 01:21:17 | |
Flip Scipio's interest in guitars runs in many directions. He builds and eclectic assortment of guitars and other stringed instruments in addition to doing repairs out of his one-man shop in NYC. For episode 58 of the podcast, Flip reflects on his career in guitars and his time studying guitar making in London and in Spain with José Romanillos. We also hear about his time at Guild Guitars and Mandolin Brothers, and his work for high profile clients like Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, David Lindley, Ry Cooder and Bruce Springsteen. Finally, Flip explains to us why he likes guitars that are "like a dog in a cat suit." This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. Links: https://flipscipio.com/#skip https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1144521/ | |||
| 27 Jul 2017 | 7. Live from the 2017 GAL Convention | 01:00:50 | |
Our seventh episode of the Luthier on Luthier podcast is a little different from the rest. Rather than interview one builder, I have shorter interviews with several luthiers. Each of these interviews took place at the 2017 GAL (Guild of American Luthiers) Convention in Tacoma, Washington. During this podcast, you will hear from Dan Erlewine, Erick Coleman, Chelsea Clark, Jeffery Elliott, Chris Herrod, Steve Marchione, Don Macrostie, Evan Gluck and many others. You’ll also hear an adventurous tale of buffing from Harry Fleishman. If your into lutherie and have the chance to attend a guild meeting, I highly recommend it. There were a lot more people I would have liked to talk to but I just ran out of time. I know a lot of guitar builders listen to this podcast and it was great to meet so many of you in person, too. Links: http://www.danerlewine.com/ | |||
| 28 Apr 2021 | 53. Mario Beauregard | 00:54:23 | |
Mario Beauregard is among the world's finest and most distinctive archtop and flattop guitar makers. For episode 53 of the podcast, Mario goes into the history and execution of his unique faceted designs and how they differ from traditional archtops. Mario also discusses his time at the Roberto Venn school and how it led to apprenticeships with Ervin Somogyi and Taku Sakashta. He shares advice for new builders, talks about overcoming challenging times and confirms a wild story about rescuing some bottles of wine. This episode is sponsored by Allied Lutherie, Dream Guitars and Caddis Eyewear. Use the discount code LUTH15OFF to save $15 off your next Caddis purchase. | |||
| 27 Sep 2023 | 82. Richard Hoover (Santa Cruz Guitar Co.) | 00:44:45 | |
Richard Hoover is the founder of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company, which has been a leader in the world of boutique acoustic guitars since 1976. For episode 82 of the podcast, recorded live at the 2023 Fretboard Summit, Richard shares his guiding principles, thoughts on running a company, selecting materials, and much more. Links: https://gofund.me/56ef4040 (GoFundMe for luthier Joel Wilkens) https://www.instagram.com/ Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 28 Dec 2023 | 85. Al Beardsell | 00:58:05 | |
Al Beardsell makes beautifully designed and crafted guitars in Winnipeg, Canada. Al started building as a musician because he could not find, or in some cases, afford the kind of guitars he wanted to play. For episode 85 of the podcast, Al shares with us his thoughts on engineered sides, electric acoustic hybrids, making pickups, and much more. Finally, Al discusses why he thinks guitar making was the only career path for him and how he recently came to this understanding. https://www.beardsellguitars. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 05 Nov 2019 | 35. Ken Parker | 01:01:43 | |
Legendary guitar maker Ken Parker is known worldwide for his innovative archtop guitars. For Episode 35 of the podcast, I caught up with Ken after the first-ever Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival. Ken shares how he blends his deep understanding of classical methods with modern techniques and materials to achieve his goal of making the ultimate acoustic instrument. Link: Ken Parker Archtops
| |||
| 05 Jun 2020 | 42. Steve Klein and Steve Kauffman | 00:44:05 | |
Steve Klein and Steve Kauffman have been making some of the world's finest and most innovative guitars since their partnership began in the 1970s. For episode 42 of the podcast, I caught up with them at the 2020 NAMM show where they share their origins, give us their thoughts on Kasha designs and tonewoods, and tell us how they have been able to successfully collaborate for over 40 years. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. Links
| |||
| 04 Dec 2019 | 36. Sam Guidry | 01:06:38 | |
Sam Guidry not only teaches at the Galloup School of Guitar Building, he also makes world-class acoustic guitars. For Episode 36 of Luthier on Luthier, Sam tells us the unexpected way he started at the Galloup School and what he enjoys about teaching. Sam also runs us through some his guitar's unique design features, and how he uses a top rating measurement system to achieve consistency and get the sound that he wants. We also hear about his time as a touring musician and his latest project, Caseadillo Case Covers. Links: | |||
| 28 Jul 2021 | 56. Saul Koll | 00:53:31 | |
Saul Koll makes some of the world's finest electric guitars from his one-man shop in Portland, Oregon. For episode 56 of the podcast, Saul discusses his design process and its origins. Saul also tells us about his influences, the new Koll effects pedal and forthcoming amp, making hardware, and his views on tools from pocketknife to CNC. This episode is sponsored by Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 02 Feb 2020 | 38. Martin Keith | 00:58:30 | |
Martin Keith makes acoustic guitars and electric basses out of his one-man shop in Woodstock, New York. For our 38th episode, Martin tells us about his early careers as a journalist and professional bass player before landing a job with Joe Veillette. There, he made over 1000 guitars before starting his own brand. Martin also discusses guitar design and builders that he draws inspiration from. He also tells us about running the Beacon Banjo Company founded by his father, Bill Keith, in the 1960s. Links: http://www.veilletteguitars.com/ https://www.martinkeithguitars.com/ This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. | |||
| 25 Feb 2023 | 75. Tim Frick | 00:49:33 | |
From a young age, Tim Frick knew that he wanted to make instruments. As a teenager, he began building basses for himself. He'd eventually take a class with famed archtop guitarmaker Tom Ribbecke, work at Gary Brawer's repair shop in San Francisco, and then spend years alongside lutherie legend Frank Ford at Gryphon Guitars in Palo Alto, California. These days, Frick is based in Portland, Oregon, where he repairs guitars and builds his own archtop guitar creations. For episode 75 of the podcast, Tim tells us about his journey, why he uses mostly hand tools, and his thoughts on voicing archtops. We also talk Japanese hand tools and much more. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company (check out their new Gruhn Guitars blend), Stringjoy Strings, and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 26 May 2021 | 54. Willie Carter | 01:07:20 | |
Willie Carter has travelled the world as a guitar tech for Otis Taylor; worked at Gryphon and Santa Cruz guitars; served as a professional recording engineer; and is co-founder of Carter Poulsen guitars, where he and Eric Poulsen are making great acoustic guitars out of their workshop in Santa Cruz, Calif. For episode 54 of the podcast, Willie weaves all of these parts of his life together and describes the moment he fell in love with guitarmaking. Willie also talks about his favorite woods, the positive aspects of building in a partnership, reflects on being a minority as a guitar maker, and developing your own magic style. Links: https://www.instagram.com/ This episode is sponsored by Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 01 Jul 2020 | 43. Adam Buchwald | 00:41:50 | |
There is not much that Adam Buchwald doesn't do in the world of guitars. He owns Allied Lutherie (which he recently relocated from California to Vermont to better service East Coast builders), he builds Circle Strings guitars and is also the co-owner of the Iris Guitar and Mandolin company. For episode 43 of the podcast, Adam tells us how a once-aspiring musician and music major at the University of Vermont ended up working at Retrofret Vintage Guitars and becoming a full-time luthier with a diverse business model. Links https://www.irisguitarcompany.com/
| |||
| 23 Sep 2024 | 94: Michael Millard (Froggy Bottom Guitars) | 00:45:23 | |
Episode 94 of the podcast is a live interview at the 2024 Fretboard Summit with the incredible Michael Millard of Froggy Bottom Guitars. Michael has over 50 years of guitar-building experience. In 1970, he spent four years working with Gurian Guitars before launching Froggy Bottom. He shares with us lessons learned from customer interactions, guitars, martial arts and much more. https://froggybottomguitars.com Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 12 Jul 2019 | 31. Sean Kochel | 00:55:11 | |
When you look at a Sean Kochel guitar you will notice the shotgun shell knobs, the bullet casing fret markers, and the 100 year-old woods from demolished buildings that are featured in all his guitars. For episode 31 of the podcast, we visit Sean's remote shop in the mountains outside of Missoula, Montana. It takes us a little while to discuss to his cool guitars, because Sean has quite a history: from working in Alaska's oil fields, to snowboarding and bee keeping, all before starting his successful guitar business. Finally, Sean tell us about his Croatian grandfather's tamburtiza instruments and how these could be the inspiration of the original Fender headstock. To learn more visit: http://www.kochelguitars.com/ This episode is sponsored by Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery, Gibson Guitars, Martin Guitars and Carter Vintage.
| |||
| 19 Apr 2017 | 4. John Bogdanovich | 01:32:19 | |
On episode 4 of the Luthier on Luthier podcast, I interview classical guitar maker John Bogdanovich. John aspired to be a professional classical guitar player but was waylaid by stage fright and went onto another career path before he came to study with renown woodworker James Krenov. His studies with Krenov eventually led him back to the guitar world but this time as a maker. John is also the author of the excellent book Classical Guitar Making, published by Sterling press. In this in-depth interview, John and I cover a lot of ground and he makes no bones about where he sees room for improvement in today's players, guitar makers and their instruments. | |||
| 30 Jan 2024 | 86: Aluminati Guitar Company | 00:52:15 | |
Aluminati Guitars offers innovative, environmentally friendly, and beautifully designed guitars built in Asheville, North Carolina. For episode 86 of the podcast, I sit down with the company's founder, James Little. James tells us about the aluminum, carbon fiber and Lucite components used to make their complete instruments, OEM necks, and off-the-shelf parts. He also shares with us how the company got started, how the bike industry helped their fabrication, some new projects, and his plans for the future. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 26 Jan 2021 | 50. Tom Ribbecke | 01:03:07 | |
Tom Ribbecke is a lutherie legend and one of the originators of the custom guitar scene as we know it today. For episode 50 of the podcast, Tom walks us through his first 50 years of guitarmaking, including the evolution of his sound bubble guitar, his Halfling model, and his compliant rim guitars and basses. Tom also takes us back to the ‘70s guitar building scene in San Francisco and ends the podcast with some truly profound advice for aspiring builders. Links: http://www.jackcasady.com/the-diana-bass-by-tom-ribbecke/ This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and American Music Furniture. | |||
| 29 Mar 2023 | 76. Dick Boak | 00:57:01 | |
Dick Boak started as a draftsman at Martin guitars and stayed for 42 years taking on numerous roles at the company, including Director of the Martin Museum and Archives; Director of Advertising and Artist Models; Guitar Designer, Founder of the 1833 Shop; and more. For episode 76 of the podcast, Dick tells us about his first attempt at guitarmaking, the influence of the Whole Earth Catalog, and how he ended up Martin, thanks to some enterprising dumpster diving. We also talk about how his role at Martin changed over the years, what it's like to collaborate with well-known artists on signature models, and how Martin as a company has changed over the decades. Lastly, we hear about Dick's other pursuits and passions as an artist, solo luthier, author, poet, musician, teacher and archivist for none other than Mario Andretti. Link: https://www.dickboak.com Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company (check out their new Gruhn Guitars blend), Stringjoy Strings, and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 27 Mar 2024 | 88. Casimi Guitars | 01:09:51 | |
Lifelong friends Mathias Roux and Matthew Rice make visually stunning and beautifully executed Casimi Guitars out of their shop in South Africa. For episode 88 of the podcast, Mathias and Matthew discuss how they developed their visual style and the voice of their guitars. They also share their thoughts on the division of labor in the shop, their time working in Marc Maingard's shop, planning inlays, and the pros and cons of making guitars in South Africa. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 28 Oct 2021 | 59: Tim Kill | 00:55:19 | |
Tim Kill started building guitars as a teenager in his grandfather's workshop. He then went on to travel the world before returning home to Australia to play bass in bands, study classical guitar building, and double bass restoration, repair and construction. Tim then went onto to start his own shop building a wide variety of instruments including stick basses, Indian classical slide guitars and Weissenborns. During our chat, Tim tells us about his influences, the handmade tools that his grandfather left him, his finishing processes and his non-guitar hobby... racing vintage motorcycles. Link: timkillcustom.com This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 30 Jan 2023 | 74. Larry Robinson | 00:53:43 | |
Legendary inlay artist Larry Robinson has been adorning guitars with jaw-dropping inlays for over 40 years. For episode 74 of the podcast, Larry discusses the creative and the technical side of inlay work and working with directly with guitar builders and players. Larry also shares his experience working on the Millionth Martin guitar, as well as other now-famous inlay projects. We also hear about Larry’s first jobs in lutherie, his books and instructional materials, and how he sources his raw materials. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company (check out their new Gruhn Guitars blend), Stringjoy Strings, and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 26 Nov 2018 | 24: Evan Gluck (New York Guitar Repair) | 01:17:07 | |
Evan Gluck runs New York Guitar Repair and is often asked to lecture on aspects of running a small business. This is a bit ironic considering that Evan claims "my profession is not to work." In fact, there are many counter-intuitive things that Evan says and it is all part of his unique perspective on guitar repair and life. Also, according to google, Evan is the best guitar repair person in the world.
| |||
| 26 Dec 2019 | 37. Al Petteway | 01:28:10 | |
Award winning guitarist Al Petteway has been performing since the age over 12 across a variety of musical styles. These days, he is best known as a Celtic fingerstyle guitarist and for the gorgeous soundtracks he composes for documentary films. Over his 50 year career, Al also worked as a photo editor for National Geographic. For Episode 37 of the podcast, Al traces the path of his musical history, and shares several great stories along the way. He also gives advice to musicians and guitar builders about how to make better music and instruments. Links | |||
| 28 Feb 2020 | 39. Kathy Wingert | 00:45:21 | |
Kathy Wingert crafts some of the best and most beautiful acoustic guitars being made today out her shop in Los Angeles. For Episode 39 of the podcast, I sit down with Kathy and talk about photographing and marketing guitars, the development and design of her models and her experience as a female in craft with an abundance of men. Kathy also tells us about her time in college studying and performing classical guitar and how she got started in luthiere with a violin maker at World of Strings music in Los Angeles. Links: This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. | |||
| 21 Feb 2017 | 2. Burton Legeyt | 00:47:01 | |
Burton Legeyt started building guitars without any formal training or apprenticeship. Instead he came to guitarbuilding through painting, picture framing, metal working and vintage watchmaking equipment. His open-minded approach gives his guitars a distinctive look and feel, even down to the tuning machines. In this interview we cover restoring vintage tooling, his definition of art, why he started (and stopped) shaving braces with a razor blade. | |||
| 23 Aug 2021 | 57. Beau Hannam | 00:54:09 | |
After finishing degrees in Theology and Fine Arts, Beau Hannam learned to make guitars in Gerard Gillet's shop in Australia. Beau then went onto teach and build guitars alongside Gerard for the next 10 years, before moving to the US in 2010. For Episode 57, Beau fills us in on his time as a luthier in Australia and his reasons for leaving. He also tells us why he started making ukes, and we also learn about his novel inlay techniques and his YouTube instructional videos. Finally, we go through a long list of people who should not listen to this interview. https://www.beauhannamguitars.com This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 28 Sep 2022 | 70. Michael Gurian | 00:39:27 | |
Michael Gurian started building guitars in the early 1960s and then founded the Gurian Guitar Company. He’d go on to create one of the first successful boutique steel string guitar companies of the modern era, with clients ranging from Paul Simon and Jackson Browne to Pierre Bensusan. Michael has also consulted with major guitar companies and eventually became a supplier for wood, materials, and tools used by other makers. Now retired, he's building instruments, by-hand, once again. For episode 70 of Luthier on Luthier, recorded live at the 2022 Chicago Fretboard Summit, Michael recounts some of his accomplishments and setbacks. He also shares his thoughts on running a business to starting in lutherie today and much more. https://www.gurianinstruments.com Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 30 May 2023 | 78. Keisuke Nishi (Keystone Guitars) | 00:53:13 | |
This month's podcast features one of my favorite builders, Keisuke Nishi of Keystone Guitars. Keisuke went to luthier school in both Japan and the US, worked for First Act, and then did an apprenticeship with acclaimed guitarmaker Mario Beauregard. For episode 78 of the podcast, Keisuke compares his educational experiences and discusses how he was eventually able to start his own shop in Tokyo. He also shares his thoughts on design, the luthier scene in Japan, and much more. Links: https://www.keystone-si.com/ https://ogawainlay.com/ Love Luthier on Luthier? Support it via our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/ Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. | |||
| 28 Nov 2022 | 72. Bryan Galloup | 01:34:01 | |
Bryan Galloup started out as a tool and die maker and now runs one of the largest lutherie schools in the US, in addition to making his own line of highly-coveted acoustic guitars. For episode 72 of the podcast, Bryan tells us about his background before making musical instruments, the path that led to the development of his wood grading system, and his views on voicing guitars. We also discuss running a school and what it's like to collaborate with his former students. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 13 Dec 2017 | 13: Rick Turner | 01:19:32 | |
For episode 13, we talk with acclaimed guitarmaker Rick Turner. Rick has made, designed and worked on instruments for some of the biggest names in music including the Lindsey Buckingham, Jerry Garcia, Phil Lesh, David Crosby, David Lindley and Ry Cooder, just name a few. In addition to his own line of guitars, Rick also was a founding partner of Highlander pickups, Alembic guitars, Duncan Turner Acoustic research and he holds the patent for the CF guitar neck. Over the course of our conversation, Rick takes us through some his current and past projects, while giving us insights into his thought process and how he takes design inspiration from outside of the guitar world. | |||
| 25 Mar 2021 | 52. Dan Erlewine | 01:04:14 | |
Dan Erlewine literally wrote the book on guitar repair: He's the author of The Guitar Player Repair Guide, which was first published in 1990. A well-worn, dog-eared copy of that book is always close to my bench and it's how I first learned guitar repair. (I bet it taught many of this podcast's listeners, as well.) Over his 50 year career, Dan developed many of the methods luthiers use today and he never shied away from taking on the most challenging repairs. For the 52nd episode of the podcast, Dan tells us about his career as a touring musician, opening for some of the biggest acts in the late '60s. He also discusses the guitars he built for Albert King and Jerry Garcia, his time at Stewart MacDonald, some of his toughest repairs, his favorite tools, and his new signature model DE-11 guitar made by the Iris Guitar Company. Links: https://www.irisguitarcompany.com/ This episode is sponsored by Allied Lutherie, Dream Guitars and American Music Furniture. | |||
| 23 Jan 2018 | 14. Robbie O’Brien | 00:59:26 | |
Today, Robbie O'Brien is well-known for his growing catalog of online guitar making courses as well as his popular one-on-one guitar making classes. On Episode 14, he and his wife Adrianna tell us about his start building guitars in São Paulo, Brazil, his teaching philosophy and how the act of building a guitar can be transformative for many of his students. Robbie says, "I never planned a career like this." This episode is sponsored by Luthier Suppliers. Links: | |||
| 31 May 2024 | 90. Jeff LaQuatra | 00:56:01 | |
Jeff LaQuatra is a professor of guitar and has directed the guitar program at Colorado State University since 2016. For episode 90 of the podcast, Jeff shares his musical journey from student, to winning and judging competitions, to teaching. Jeff also talks about how he prepares his students to make a living as a professional player and what advice he gives them regarding buying their first concert-grade guitar. Finally, Jeff discusses his plans for a new guitar venture starting this fall. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
| |||
| 26 Mar 2019 | 28. Michael Watts | 01:02:18 | |
Michael Watts is a London-based guitarist deeply steeped in the custom guitar world. Michael knows how to have the "tone talk" both with guitar builders and players. For our 28th episode, Michael discusses his latest CD, gives advice on ordering a custom guitar, and shares his insights into the relationship between luthiers and musicians. https://michaelwattsguitar.
| |||
| 27 Jan 2022 | 62. João Cassias | 01:16:51 | |
João Cassias makes electric, acoustic, and archtop guitars out of his three-person shop in São Paulo, Brazil. For Episode 62 of the podcast, João tells us how he got bit by the luthierie bug and about his early guitar studies in São Paulo. He recounts how, with the support of his family, he was able to come to the US to attend the Galloup school and spend time at Ervin Somogyi and Tom Ribbecke’s shops. João shares stories and lessons from each of those experiences and tells us why the archtop guitar is his favorite. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 22 May 2018 | 18. Edward Victor Dick | 01:10:06 | |
Edward Victor Dick started his lutherie career over 40 years ago. Since then, he has owned music retail stores, burned out, flown a small plane around Canada, worked on a farm, returned to lutherie, studied traditional lute building, and taught guitar building and repair. Today, he runs Victor Guitars in Denver, Colorado, where he does a bit of all of the above. Edward is someone I greatly admire and I am honored to have him share his story on this month’s Luthier on Luthier podcast. | |||
| 27 Feb 2024 | 87. Joe Zon (Zon Guitars) | 00:59:03 | |
Joe Zon of Zon Guitars has been pushing the limits of bass building with phenomenal results since the early 1980s. For episode 87 of the podcast, Joe explains his theory and the construction of all-composite necks and how they are used to enhance the sounds of the wood. Joe also discusses his collaboration with Bartolini pickups, active versus passive electronics, bolt-on versus neck-through construction, and why the Hyperbass is a misunderstood instrument. Finally, Joe shares a few stories about his time making basses for legendary musician Rick James. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 22 Nov 2017 | 12. Jordan McConnell | 01:32:51 | |
Jordan McConnell is both an accomplished guitar builder and professional musician who spent 10 years touring with The Duhks. On today's podcast, he tells us how he manages to successfully navigate both careers at the same time and about his current musical projects and guitars. Jordan has had quite the journey from "an aimless high school graduate who mostly cared about punk rock and skateboarding" to being a professional, top-tier luthier. Links: | |||
| 29 Nov 2021 | 60. Shelley Park | 01:03:53 | |
Shelley Park builds some of the finest guitars in the Selmer-Maccaferri tradition out of her one-person shop in Vancouver, Canada. Shelley’s obsession with guitar started as a teenager and, by the age of 19, she was learning to build guitars with renowned luthier and player, Michael Dunn. For Episode 60 of the podcast, Shelley discusses the structure, sound and setup of Maccaferri-style guitars, and tells us about her cylinder-top model based on a 1920s Vega guitar. Shelley also talks about business challenges, views on social media, her favorite tools, and much more. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 29 Apr 2020 | 41. Abe Wechter | 01:00:52 | |
Abe Wechter has done it all: From building guitars one-at-a-time, to running guitar factories both domestically and abroad. For Episode 41 of the podcast, Abe and I take a walk to escape the noise at the 2020 NAMM show. His story takes many twists and turns including successes and failures, corrupt business partners, heartbreak and romance. Abe's guitar story starts 40 years ago in his Paw Paw, Michigan shop and continues and stretches today to Guangzhou, China, where he's a major OEM guitar manufacturer. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. | |||
| 22 Feb 2021 | 51. Ian Davlin ("Ian Hates Guitars") | 00:59:55 | |
Ian Davlin, who goes by the online moniker "Ian Hates Guitars," may have a complicated relationship with guitars, but he sure is good at fixing them. For episode 51 of Luthier on Luthier, Ian tells us about working for Breedlove Guitars and his eventful interview process at Nashville's famous Gruhn Guitars, where he worked for many years. Ian also tells us about the development of his heat stick neck removal tool and his popular finish touch up class he teaches at Dan Erlewine's shop. These days, in addition to doing repairs, Ian runs a Patreon supported guitar repair group which has proved to be an invaluable source for excellent information on all aspects of the business. Links: https://ianhatesguitars.com https://www.patreon.com/ianhatesguitars https://www.instagram.com/ianhatesguitars This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and American Music Furniture. | |||
| 28 Oct 2024 | 95. Mark Stutman (Folkway Music) | 01:04:39 | |
Mark Stutman is renowned for vintage guitar repairs and is also the owner of Canada's Folkway Music in Waterloo, Ontario. For episode 95 of the podcast, Mark goes into the history of his repair career and how it all started with the search for a good left-handed guitar. Mark also shares with us some of the unique challenges of working on vintage Gibsons and much more. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 22 May 2019 | 30. Jeff Bamburg | 00:47:27 | |
For our 30th episode of the podcast, we talk with Colorado-based instrument builder Jeff Bamburg. Jeff tells us about his multifaceted approach to the guitar business; including running a retail shop, his custom line of Bamburg guitars, his production line of Rocky Mountain guitars, as well as teaching lutherie and doing repairs. Jeff also explains why one of his goals is to build a business that he can sell, and about his experiments with double-top and true-tempered guitars. Link: | |||
| 29 Jul 2022 | 68. Eric Schoenberg | 00:44:27 | |
Musician, vintage instrument expert, and guitar dealer Eric Schoenberg is largely responsible for the resurgence of OM-size guitars. In the early 1970s, Eric worked with the Martin guitar company to start making OM guitars based on their own late 1920s and early 1930s designs. The project at times also included names we all know such as Dana Bourgeois, TJ Thompson, Julius Borges, John Slobod, Bruce Sexauer, Robert Anderson, Randall “Sparky” Kramer, and others. For Episode 68 of the podcast, we hear the history of Eric's path as a professional player, guitar designer, and retailer, and his thoughts on OM's, 12 fret vs 14 frets guitars, and much more. Link: https://om28.com/ Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 26 Mar 2020 | 40. Nik Huber | 00:53:20 | |
Nik Huber comes from a long line of woodworkers, and he carries on his family trade with his team of eight employees that craft exceptionally fine traditionally influenced electric guitars. For episode 40 of the podcast, I met up with Nik at the 2020 NAMM show where he tells us how he got started under the guidance of Paul Reed Smith after finishing an apprenticeship in cabinetry. Nik also shares his views on woods, finishes and hardware and more. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. Links: | |||
| 24 Oct 2017 | 10. Chris Jenkins of Lame Horse Guitars | 01:17:33 | |
On episode 10, we head to Texas to sit down with Chris Jenkins of Lame Horse Guitars. Along with his son Jeremy, Chris builds uniquely ornamented guitars, gitjoes and ukuleles. On this podcast, he walks us through his first career in accounting (which lasted just sixty days) and then his second career as a veterinarian (which lasted forty years). Along the way, Chris decided to fix the broken neck on Jeremy's bass; he hasn't stopped building since. Chris takes us through the development of his models and his fully adjustable neck joint. Finally we hear the original, not to be believed, story of the cowboy ukulele. Website links: Don't forget to listen to episode 11, where we talk to Jeremy Jenkins! PS: Want to support Luthier on Luthier? We're auctioning off a Lame Horse Cowboy Ukulele to help support the show. Details here. | |||
| 30 Mar 2018 | 16. Isaac Jang | 00:58:02 | |
Issac Jang spent almost ten years apprenticing and repairing guitars before he started making instruments under his own name. This slow and steady approach has worked well for Issac, who is now one of the most sought after young builders in the market today. On this week's podcast, we talk about his guitars, his apprenticeship with Kathy Wingert and much more. Links: | |||
| 26 Oct 2022 | 71. Max Krimmel | 00:53:55 | |
For his entire life, Max Krimmel has dedicated himself to two paths: Making and music. Though Max stopped building guitars in 1983, he went on to craft dulcimers and marimbas and create turned alabaster pieces, some of which are on display in the Smithsonian. For episode 71 of the podcast, I sit down with Max in his Nederland, Colorado studio to hear his thoughts on being an independent guitar maker in the '60s and 1970s. We talk about his very last guitar, Kasha bracing, and the transition he made to making other instruments and crafts. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company and Dream Guitars. Luthiers for a Cause: https://www.luthiersforacause.org | |||
| 26 Dec 2018 | 25. Marc Beneteau | 00:54:53 | |
Marc Beneteau has successfully navigated a career in building custom guitars since 1974. For our twenty fifth episode, Marc takes us back to his early years, talks to us about forging his own path and describes how he has remained focused and passionate about guitar building over all these years. Links:
| |||
| 17 May 2017 | 5. Dave Bruzza (Greensky Bluegrass) | 00:50:19 | |
On this month's podcast, I sit down with Dave Bruzza, lead guitarist of the contemporary band Greensky Bluegrass. We follow his career path from an aspiring luthier in Michigan all the way to his career today as a successful professional guitar player. We also dig into his guitar quiver and discuss what he values in each of his acoustics. Bruzza's on-stage gear is ever evolving, which he also discusses. We end up discussing his musical influences, heroes and musical outlook in this detailed interview. Links Mentioned: Support Luthier on Luthier via its Patreon page or purchase a Luthier on Luthier t-shirt here.
| |||
| 28 Mar 2022 | 64. Bruce Sexauer | 00:59:55 | |
Veteran luthier Bruce Sexauer has been building guitars for over 50 years. For episode 64 of the podcast, Bruce tells us about his moldless method of construction, his oil varnish finish, and his collaborations with Eric Schoenberg. Bruce also shares is thoughts on the relationship between function and beauty in his guitars and how this relates to personal growth. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 20 Oct 2020 | 47. Frank Ford | 01:07:49 | |
In 1969, Frank Ford and Richard Johnston started the legendary Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto, California. On episode 47 of the podcast, Ford tells us what it is like to run one of the world's premiere repair shops for over 50 years. We hear about the early days of Gryphon (including their initial attempts to build and sell handmade instruments). Ford also talks about the store today, his philosophy on communicating with customers, his favorite repairs, and how, thanks to Dan Erlewine, he got started in teaching. Links: | |||
| 14 Aug 2017 | 8. John Slobod (Circa Guitars) | 01:11:34 | |
For our eighth episode, I talk to luthier John Slobod. John shares his thoughts on why vintage guitars sound the way they do, and how he honors them in his own Martin-inspired instruments. We also go through John's journey from working with Dana Bourgeois and later with Julius Borges before starting his own Circa guitars. In this interview, John also offers some valuable advice to new luthiers. | |||
| 29 May 2022 | 66. Dusty Gregg | 00:57:35 | |
Dusty Gregg spent years as a professional touring guitarist and road tech before starting his own line of guitars. For episode 66 of the podcast, Dusty tells us about how his time on the road serving professional musicians influenced his guitar designs. He also shares his thoughts on winding pickups, pickup magnets, carbon fiber, and much more. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie, and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 28 Jul 2023 | 80. Larry Fitzgerald | 01:17:39 | |
Larry Fitzgerald is considered one of the world’s top guitar repairmen. As a teenager, Larry was often hanging around NYC’s famous guitar shops on 48th Street. After a year at the Berklee College of Music, he worked at Rudy’s doing repairs and eventually assisted John Suhr in making the renowned Pensa/Suhr guitars. Larry then worked at Mandolin Brothers before opening up his own shop. For episode 80 of the podcast, he shares his thoughts on fretting, neck angles and so much more. Larry also tells us how it all got started thanks to some sage advice from his grandfather. Link: https://www.fitzgeraldguitars. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon. | |||
| 16 Jul 2018 | 20. Harry Fleishman | 01:16:17 | |
Harry Fleishman has been designing, building, teaching and repairing guitars for over 45 years. His guitars always push the design envelope, from his numerous one-of-a-kind handmade guitars to the anti-gravity bass he designed for Jackson. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics including tone, his favorite amp and pickups and the source of his creative inspiration. As Harry puts it, "I want to build something I have never seen, felt, heard or played before." Links
| |||
| 28 Dec 2021 | 61. David Russell Young | 00:42:11 | |
David Russell Young has been making violin bows for over 30 years, but before that he was a guitarmaker. And, in 1975, David published The Steel String Guitar: Construction and Repair, one of the few books on guitarmaking at the time. It would go on to inspire countless builders. For episode 61 of the podcast, David takes us back to his first guitars and how he came to write the influential book. He also tells us why he switched to bowmaking and gives us a primer on bow materials and construction. At the end of our chat, David reflects on his 50 years as a luthier and offers his thoughts on the current world of custom guitars. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 27 Jul 2024 | 92. Mark Blanchard (Blanchard Guitars) | 01:05:37 | |
Guitarmaker Mark Blanchard has a background in machining, a skill he learned at a young age from his dad. These days, he uses his metal-working skills to not only make his own excellent truss rods but also a CNC lathe and many of his own tools, including chisels and planes. Mark does all this out of his one-person shop, located in the mountains of California making highly collectible and outstanding guitars. For Episode 92 of the podcast, Mark tells us how it all got started, and we discuss his use of Chlandi patterns, top selection, and much more. http://www.blanchardguitars.com Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 02 May 2023 | 77. Joshia de Jonge | 00:50:28 | |
Joshia de Jonge builds world-renowned classical guitars out of her one-person shop in Western Quebec. Joshia grew up in a famed guitar-building family and was helping her dad, Sergei, build and teach guitarmaking while she was still a teenager. For episode 77 of the podcast, Joshia tells us when she decided to make lutherie her full-time profession and why she now focuses on nylon-string creations. We also talk about double tops, tornavoz, side ports, laminations and much more. Link: https://joshiadejonge.com/ Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Stringjoy Strings, and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 17 Mar 2017 | 3. Laurent Brondel | 00:55:48 | |
Before moving to the United States, Laurent Brondel was a professional musician in France for 20 years. He originally moved to New York and, along the way, Laurent started to work on his own guitars. Laurent eventually found himself in rural Main and, after working for a time at Bourgeois guitars he started building guitars under his own name. For our third episode, Laurent and I talk about this journey and hear his perspectives on the music industry, vintage Martins, his varnish finishes as well as his new electric guitars. | |||
| 25 Feb 2025 | 99. Maegen Wells | 00:53:05 | |
Maegan Wells is known for her beautifully crafted archtop guitars and mandolins made in her one-person shop in Northern California. For episode 99 of the podcast, Meagan shares her guitar-making journey, starting with attending Bryan Galloup's Galloup School of Guitar Making and Guitar Repair, followed by apprenticeships, side jobs, and a stint at LMI. Meagan also discusses her views on smaller archtop guitars, contrasting sides, and much more. She also reveals a new project on the horizon! http://www.maegenwellsguitars.com/mwg Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 27 Apr 2024 | 89. Josh Rieck (J. Rieck Lutherie) | 00:57:57 | |
Josh Rieck has many arrows in his luthier quiver. He builds and repairs instruments, and also owns a full-service music store in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Josh started out studying double bass in college and then completed the Guitar Repair & Building program at Red Wing College in Minnesota. He does it all: Violin family instruments, acoustics, and electric guitars. For Ep. 89 of the podcast, Josh tells us about his journey as a guitarmaker, including the year he worked behind-the-scenes at the National Music Museum, the growth of his own repair shop, and more. Josh also talks about his latest shop acquisition, a PLEK machine. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
| |||
| 30 Dec 2024 | 97. Max Monterosso | 01:02:05 | |
Max Monterosso builds beautifully detailed steel string guitars, harp and electric guitars out of his one-person shop in the Veneto region of Italy. For episode 97 of the podcast, I caught up with Max at the Acoustic Guitar Village Show in Cremona, Italy this past October. https://www.instagram.com/maxmonte_guitars/ Max shares insights from building harp and steel string guitars, his thoughts on 3D printers and CNC in his shop, and discusses how visiting other builders has helped shape his career. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
| |||
| 19 Sep 2018 | 22. Joe Glaser | 01:19:17 | |
When you walk into Joe Glaser's Nashville shop, you get the sense that they can do any guitar job, or even make any guitar part, and do it at the highest caliber. Simply put, Glaser has one of the most respected repair shops in the world. For episode 22 of the podcast, Joe takes time out of his busy schedule to share his valuable insights into how he does it, from his problem solving to his people skills and how he runs his business. Glaser is a legend among Nashville's elite musicians and for good reason. Links: | |||
| 23 Sep 2020 | 46. Nicolai Schorr | 00:53:55 | |
Nicolai Schorr makes instantly recognizable and remarkable electric guitars mostly with hand tools out of his home shop in Berlin, Germany. For episode 46 of the podcast, Nicolai takes us through the inspiration for and the development of his thoroughly original models. He also discusses his neck construction, artistic background, and his philosophy on enjoying work and the guitar building process. Links- This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. | |||
| 28 Jun 2023 | 79. Mitsuhiro Uchida | 00:39:05 | |
Support Luthier on Luthier with our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/ You may not know the name Mitsuhiro Uchida, but you should. Mitsuhiro is a national treasure of Japan and has influenced makers like Michi Matsuda and Isaac Jang, who join me for today's podcast. Uchida-san started his international lutherie journey working for guitar companies in Japan and then moved to Germany to do repairs before working at Lowden Guitars in Ireland. In the 1990s, he moved back to Japan to set up shop on a remote mountainside where he builds incredible one-of-a-kind creations. For episode 79 of the podcast, Uchida-san tells us his story and his philosophy of guitar making. Links: http://www.melodist-net.com/~ https://asamiuchida.thebase. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. | |||
| 29 Jun 2021 | 55. Jeff Jewitt | 00:57:26 | |
Jeff Jewitt has been interested in guitar building since the 1970s. As the inventor of TransTint dyes, Jeff is widely recognized as a leading expert in all types of finishes and is the author of five books on the subject. For our 55th episode of the podcast, Jeff talks about the start of his finishing products companies, as well as which solvents are most hazardous to your health (and how to safely use them). We also hear about Jeff's own line of guitars and his preferred finishing method for his own instruments. Link: https://homesteadfinishingproducts.com This episode is sponsored by Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars.
| |||
| 27 Nov 2020 | 48. Nigel Forster | 01:20:01 | |
Nigel Forster started building guitars at age 17 as an apprentice with Stephen Sobell... and he stayed with Sobell for the next 15 years. Along the way, Nigel has taken some truly interesting globetrotting side trips, including studying in Buddhist monasteries. During one of those trips Nigel wrote a book titled, Making a Living in Lutherie, which is filled with both practical tips on running a shop and life advice that Nigel describes as "soft-core Buddhism." These days, Nigel is building a variety of acoustic instruments including steel strings flattops, tenor guitars, archtops, mandolins and Irish bouzoukis out of his shop in Queensland, Australia. Links: This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. | |||
| 23 Feb 2018 | 15. Geoff Luttrell (SF Guitarworks & Sonoma County Guitarworks) | 01:09:04 | |
For Episode 15, we sit down with Geoff Luttrell, owner of SF Guitarworks and Sonoma County Guitarworks. Geoff started out as a welder in oil refineries and went through several other careers before owning and operating one of the top guitar repair shops in the United States. Geoff takes us through all the offerings of San Francisco Guitarworks including repairs and classes and we go in-depth into operation of his PLEK services. He also offers some sound entrepreneurial advice and some valuable life lessons. Links: | |||
| 04 Sep 2019 | 33. Michael Hornick (Shanti Guitars) | 01:03:26 | |
With encouragement from his friend Richard Hoover, Michael Hornick (Shanti Guitars) made his first guitar in 1985. He has not stopped building since. Michael also runs the instrument building workshop at the Bluegrass Academy, which started at the 1992 Telluride Bluegrass festival and is now held annually at RockyGrass. For episode 33 of the podcast we catch up with Michael on a sunny afternoon during RockyGrass. Michael shares stories from building the spray booths at Santa Cruz Guitars to how he marketed his instruments largely through the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Even in his retirement, Michael has not slowed down a bit and is still in love with the craft. | |||
| 29 Aug 2024 | 93: Seth Baccus | 00:55:45 | |
Seth Baccus creates a range of beautiful electric guitars in the UK. Seth learned the guitar business and guitar making from renowned luthiers Andy and Hugh Manson, who also happen to be his stepdad and uncle, respectively. For episode 93 of the podcast, Seth tells us about his retail experience and being a road tech for John Paul Jones and the Led Zeppelin reunion tour and how these experiences helped inform his own guitars. And for Patreon supporters only, Seth and I get into his pickup choices and more tales from the Led Zeppelin reunion tour rehearsals. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 02 Jan 2023 | 73. Michael Watts | 00:54:45 | |
Guitarist Michael Watts is back for episode 73 of the podcast. Michael recounts the history of Scott Chinery’s famous Blue guitar collection and how it led to his new gig working for the Archtop Foundation. Michael also shares with us his views on flattop vs. archtop guitars, his experience with online gigs during Covid lockdowns, previews all his latest projects, including a new podcast he's hosting for the Fretboard Journal (Life on the Fretboard with Michael Watts), and, finally, his finest cure for jetlag. Links: https://michaelwattsguitar.com/home Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company (check out their new Gruhn Guitars blend) and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 19 Sep 2017 | 9. Paul Heumiller of Dream Guitars | 00:55:12 | |
For our ninth episode, I sit down with Dream Guitars founder and owner, Paul Heumiller. If you build or play custom guitars you probably already know Paul's name and that Dream Guitars is one of the top boutique guitar dealers in the world. Paul discusses his philosophy for life and business and how for him they are one in the same. Paul also talks about how Dream Guitars got started and the successful partnerships he has forged with some of today's most collectible builders. Lastly, Paul gives some great advice to new and established builders about competing with your own guitars on the secondary market, and how to avoid burning out. Links: | |||
| 24 Oct 2017 | 11. Jeremy Jenkins of Lame Horse Guitars | 01:01:00 | |
On episode 11, we sit down with Jeremy Jenkins, who builds Lame Horse Guitars alongside his father Chris. Jeremy tells us how he fell into guitarmaking through his father and how it ended up becoming a full-time career. He talks about his life in the music city of Austin and how the role of music has changed for him over time. We also learn about what makes a bad movie good, and about his many other interests outside of guitars. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? We're auctioning off a Lame Horse Cowboy Ukulele to help support the show. Bid here. Links: PS: Don't forget to listen to episode 10 of Luthier on Luthier, where we interviewed Chris Jenkins. | |||
| 25 Feb 2019 | 27. Farhad Soheili (FSC Instruments) | 00:57:57 | |
For Episode 27 of Luthier on Luthier, we sit down with Farhad Soheili, who was as self-described guitar-infatuated teenager playing and working on instruments 10 hours a day. More than 20 years later, Farhad now owns FSC guitars based in Brooklyn, New York, where he builds incredible vintage-inspired electric guitars and runs a full service repair shop. Farhad shares his insights into running a small business in a big city and how he keeps inspired. Links: | |||
| 28 Feb 2022 | 63. Retrograde Guitars | 00:53:21 | |
Glenn Nichols of Retrograde Guitars builds instruments inspired by the catalog guitars of the 1940s and '50s. For episode 63 of the podcast, he tells us how he is re-imagining laminated tops and how he treats them as acoustically tunable plates. He also shares how, after getting a degree in art, he ended up working for Santa Cruz guitars and luthiers Kenny Hill and Bill Tippin. We also talk about the spirit varnish he uses on all his guitars, his wood choices and more. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 23 Oct 2018 | 23. John Kinnard | 00:58:07 | |
John Kinnard has always been a part-time guitar builder while being a full-time high school science teacher. On this episode of Luthier on Luthier, John shares his perspectives on 40 years of building instruments. It's a fascinating talk with someone who makes guitars for a love of the craft. | |||
| 20 Jun 2018 | 19. Jason Kostal | 01:18:56 | |
Jason Kostal has led a full life: He graduated from West Point, served in the Army, earned an MBA and spent time as an executive in the corporate world. When he was ready for a new challenge he took up guitarmaking and now his instruments are considered to be among the best being made today. On this month's show, Jason talks candidly about branding, customer relations and his path into lutherie. Thanks to GLUBOOST for sponsoring this episode. Links
| |||
| 24 Apr 2019 | 29. Roger Sadowsky | 00:30:53 | |
Roger Sadowsky makes guitars for many of today's top professional guitarists, and his instruments are in heavy rotation on stages and in studios across the world. For episode 29 of the podcast, we caught up with Roger at the 2019 winter NAMM Show. Roger shares his thoughts on electric guitar tonewoods, neck design, and the story of how in 1972 he put down the scalpel and picked up a chisel. It would start him on the path to becoming one of the world's most highly respected guitar makers. | |||
| 08 Aug 2019 | 32: Trevor Gore | 01:06:39 | |
Trevor Gore has a goal to build better guitars. To that end, he has applied the full force of his expertise as a professional engineer to research and document the physics of how acoustic guitars work and develop the methods to control the sound. Trevor lays all this out in his two-part book, Contemporary Acoustic Guitar Design and Build, co-authored with Gerard Gilet. For episode 32 of the podcast, I sit down with Trevor after his modal tuning workshop and he gives us an overview of his approach to designing guitars. Trevor then tells us how he went from an engineering student racing sailboats in the UK to living in Australia and how his dissatisfaction with his own guitar started him on his quest to build a better one. Links Roberto-Venn Guitars (this week's sponsor)
| |||
| 20 Feb 2017 | 1. Ervin Somogyi | 01:03:40 | |
Ervin Somogyi is often referred to as the luthier's luthier: His guitars are among the most well-known and sought after custom instruments being made today. Ervin has influenced the custom guitar world, not with his own guitars, but also by training some of today's top builders and by authoring his two-book series the Responsive Guitar. For our debut episode of Luthier on Luthier, Ervin and I cover a lot of topics including what he enjoys most about guitar building, his approach to understanding how guitars work and his thoughts on design. | |||
| 29 Jun 2024 | 91. Noemi Schembri (Noemi Guitars) | 00:49:19 | |
Noemi Schembri builds outstanding guitars out of her one-person workshop in Northern Italy. Noemi had an interest in woodworking at a young age and went to high school and college to prepare for a career in the wood industry. For episode 91 of the podcast, Noemi tells us how she ended up forging her own path in woodworking and how this led to her success as a guitar builder. Noemi also shares with us her approach to making different models, selecting topwoods, and the thought behind the visual aspects of her guitars. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
| |||
| 30 Aug 2018 | 21. Jay Lichty & Corrie Woods (Lichty Guitars) | 01:07:37 | |
For episode 21, I sit down with Jay Lichty and Corrie Woods, the creators of Lichty guitars. Jay was a carpenter and general contractor for 30 years when he took a guitar building course with Wayne Henderson. He has not looked back since. While Jay does the building, his wife Corrie handles the website and marketing for their growing enterprise. During our talk, the duo share their story, motivations and their unique approach to business. Links | |||
| 24 Mar 2025 | 100: Jim Olson | 00:55:15 | |
For episode 100 of the podcast, I talk with the legendary Jim Olson. Jim should need little introduction to most Luthier on Luthier listeners. His guitars have been played and cherished by artists including James Taylor (you can even spot the trademark headstock "O" during Taylor's appearance on the Simpsons), Paul Simon, Phil Keaggy, Zac Brown and Patty Larkin. Though he creates some of the most valuable flattop guitars around, his build process is all about efficiency and quality control. Jim talks about how his tooling and processes have changed over the years, how Bob Taylor talked him into his first CNC, early career challenges ("I couldn't give them away," he says about his first guitars), and about the subjective nature of a "better" guitar. Link: https://olsonguitars.com Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 30 Oct 2023 | 83. James Condino | 01:10:17 | |
James Condino builds and repairs guitars, mandolins and standup basses in Asheville, NC. And he plays all of them! For episode 83, James shares with us some commonalities and differences of all the instruments he works on, his business philosophy and the importance of playing music to his craft. Links: https://condino.com/ https://www.facebook.com/p/Condino-String-Instruments-100028847900108 Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 23 Dec 2020 | 49. Rosie Heydenrych (Turnstone Guitar Company) | 01:06:33 | |
Luthier Rosie Heydenrych is the builder behind England's Turnstone Guitar Company. On episode 49 of the podcast, she shares her approach to voicing instruments, including the use of tonewoods from her native England. She also discusses her views on women in lutherie, her work flow, and how she adopts new techniques and technology into her builds. Link: Turnstone Guitar Company. This month's episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. | |||
| 28 Nov 2023 | 84. Cristian Mirabella | 01:15:25 | |
Cris Mirabella (Mirabella Guitars) makes stunning archtop and electric guitars from his workshop on Long Island. For episode 84 of the podcast, Cris gives us a mini masterclass on New York archtop guitar history. We hear about the origins of Jimmy D’Angelico, Jimmy D’Aquisto, and Vincent DiSerio and how they are all intertwined. Then, Cris shares with us his own personal story of becoming one of the world’s best archtop guitar makers and how sometimes beautiful things can arise from tragic events. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 27 Jan 2025 | 98. Gary Southwell (Southwell Guitars) | 00:53:29 | |
For episode 98 of the podcast, I am joined by renowned classical guitar maker Gary Southwell. Based on the banks of the River Rede in Northumberland, England, Southwell has been building instruments since 1983. Gary and I talk about the unique characteristics of Bog Oak, the history and influence of 19th-century Viennese guitars, his interactions with Julian Bream, and some reflections on 50 years of guitar making. https://www.southwellguitars. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
| |||
| 29 Jun 2022 | 67. Les Godfrey | 01:27:31 | |
Les Godfrey makes world-class electric guitars and basses known for their unique style out of his one-person shop in Kingston, Canada. For episode 67 of the podcast, Les dives deep into his thoughts on design and the role of instrument making in his life. We also hear about his time working in Carl Thompson’s shop, his time as a touring musician, and how he started making guitars. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 30 Aug 2023 | 81. Nic Delisle (Island Instruments) | 00:51:55 | |
Island Instruments' Nic Delisle makes a wide variety of incredible and innovative guitars out of his Montreal workshop. For episode 81 of the podcast, Nic tells us all about the construction and origins of his new archtop double-top model. We also talk about the guitar co-op he operates out of, his milk paint finishes, his aluminum-neck basses, and more. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 17 Jan 2019 | 26. Ric McCurdy | 01:06:50 | |
For our 26th episode of Luthier on Luthier, we sit down with veteran guitarmaker Ric McCurdy of McCurdy Guitars. Ric takes us from building guitars barefoot in Santa Barbara, California to his busy NYC shop where he now makes some of finest archtop and electric guitars around. Ric also shares his insights into voicing archtop plates and changing the resonant frequency of a guitar neck. At the end of the day, Ric sums it up like this: "If I can help a musician get their art out and play a little better, that's what I want." | |||
| 26 Apr 2022 | 65. Doug Proper | 01:36:19 | |
Doug and Sharon Proper own and operate Guitar Specialist, one of the top repair shops in the country. Doug started out with ambitions of becoming a professional jazz guitarist and began repairing guitars to help pay for his music studies in college. For our 65th episode of the podcast, Doug tells us about approaching lutherie as a sound financial business and his philosophy on pricing and customer relations. We also talk about some of Doug's favorite tool, least favorite jobs, and much more. https://www.guitarspecialist.com Hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 30 Aug 2022 | 69. James Roadman | 00:43:41 | |
San Antonio’s James Roadman is not only a top-notch repair person but also the maker behind some incredible tooling for luthiers. For Episode 69 of the podcast, James tells us how he went from making his own drum set to repairing guitars. He also covers all his machine shop tools and how he uses them in both repair and machining. http://www.jroadman.com/instruments/ Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars. This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company and Dream Guitars. | |||
| 21 Jun 2017 | 6. Michi Matsuda | 00:53:25 | |
On Episode 6, I sit down with world-renown guitar maker Michi Matsuda. Originally from Japan and now living in the US, Michi is known for his inventive designs and craftsmanship. We stay mostly in the head-space of guitar making and talk about what is the identity of a guitar and how it affects music. And, I was surprised to learn how free-spirited Michi's approach to guitar making is. | |||
| 30 Nov 2024 | 96. Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival and the New Blue Guitars | 00:37:19 | |
Episode 96 of Luthier on Luthier is a collection of interviews from the 2024 Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival, sponsored by Henriksen Amplifiers. At the show, Cris Mirabella, Tyler Wells, and Maegan Wells each presented their guitars to the new Blue Guitars Collection. I sit down with each of them to hear their thoughts on the instruments and their construction. There is also a bonus interview with George Leach of the Phoenix Guitar Company, who just published a new book on guitar building. Patreon supporters: You can listen to the 2024 Blue Guitars presentation ceremony hosted Linda Manzer and Tom Ribbecke. Join us at https://www.patreon.com/luthieronluthier to hear the whole thing. Links Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars and StewMac. Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds. | |||
| 30 Sep 2019 | 34. Bill Comins | 00:55:56 | |
Archtop guitar maker Bill Comins started his career as an aspiring jazz musician. Thanks to that, he brings the player's viewpoint into his guitars. "If I go overboard on making things very resonant, I'm going to be fighting inconsistencies, and as player that is useless to me on the bandstand," he says. For our 34th episode, I sit down with Bill at the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival, where he shares his player-led insights into archtop guitar design, voicing and amplification. Bill also tells us about his Guitar Craft series line and explains how he has successfully navigated the world of archtops for over 25 years. In addition, I have a brief conversation with Peter Henriksen of Henriksen amplifiers, who is the the creator of the Rocky Moutain Archtop Festival. Peter tells us what it is like to put on a first year show, how the idea for it came about and his plans for the future. Links: | |||
| 18 Apr 2018 | 17. Luthiers Beyond Limits | 00:41:04 | |
On episode 17 of the Luthier on Luthier Podcast, we talk to the collective of legendary builders who make up the Luthiers Beyond Limits group. These mini interviews were conducted at the 2018 NAMM show where the LBL showcased their forward-thinking guitars. During this podcast, we hear from Mario Beuregard, Jean-Yves Alquier, Steve Klein, Claudio and Claudia Pagelli, Michi Matsuda and John and Serge of Tao Guitars. We hear the story of how and why these six artisans formed Luthiers Beyond Limits and about the unique instruments that were on display. | |||
| 20 Aug 2020 | 45. Michael Greenfield | 01:12:56 | |
Michael Greenfield makes spectacular acoustic guitars out of his state-of-the-art shop in Montreal. For episode 45 of the podcast, he takes us through his thought process on designing multi-scale instruments for drop tunings, and the evolution of his models. Michael also discuses his journey into the profession, building for the high end custom market, final guitar voicing, and much more. Links: This episode is sponsored by our friends at Dream Guitars. | |||