The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

By popular demand, Folkway Music's Mark Stutman returns to give us even more behind-the-scenes tales of vintage guitar repair. We talk about Gibson acoustics and what it would take for a new Gibson to capture the coveted tone of its '30s and '40s predecessors. We also chat about neck resets (Mark is featured in a feature on resets in the FJ #44, out soon) and much more. A must-listen if you love vintage acoustic guitars. 

Fingerstyle guitarist Kinloch Nelson joins us on this week’s FJ Podcast to talk about Partly on Time: Recordings 1968-1970, his new (and highly recommended) anthology on Tompkins Square Records. The backstory on these demo and previously unreleased recordings is simply incredible. Kinloch sheds light on the making of these compositions, his guitars of choice and the ill-fated session he was supposed to do with John Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas, plus a lot more... 

Guitarist Mike Baggetta stops by the Fretboard Journal to talk about the making of his incredible new album 'Wall of Flowers,' which features in the incredible rhythm section of Mike Watt on bass and Jim Keltner on drums. Baggetta describes the incredible influence Watt's music had on his playing over the years, talks to us about his gear of choice (including his Saul Koll-built guitars and Fryette amps) and much more.  https://mikebaggetta.bandcamp.com/album/wall-of-flowers

On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we celebrate the larger-than-life personality and music of Dick Dale, who passed away this week at the age of 81.  We begin by talking to Matt Warshaw, surf historian and the author of the Encyclopedia of Surfing. Then we talk to frequent FJ contributor Jim Washburn about the time he spent with Dick Dale over the years. Lastly, we talk to John Page of John Page Guitars, who worked with Dick during his time at the Fender Custom Shop. 

Tim O'Brien (Hot Rize) joins us on this week's podcast to talk about his excellent new, self-titled Tim O'Brien Band album, out March 15, 2019. The album is features an array of covers, new tunes and even a co-write with Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. We also discuss his guitar of choice (a 1937 Martin 00-18), his lengthy relationship with Mike Kemnitzer (Nugget Mandolins), how he balances his busy session work schedule and a lot more. 

Fingerstyle guitarist Adam Miller joins us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his music, growing up in Australia, the influence that Tommy Emmanuel had on his playing and the incredible collection of acoustic and electric guitars he's been able to amass.  Check out Adam's excellent 2018 album, 'The Definining of Success' or the new acoustic EP 'Love/Home/Fight/Solo' on Spotify or wherever you stream music. 

Daniel Romano is an insanely talented (and prolific) multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Canada. Over the last decade, he's released music that has varied from folk and country-inspired to power pop and punk.  Romano came by the Fretboard Journal and talked to us about his varied sounds, his recording habits and, of course, his gear. We also shot a video of him playing two songs from his latest record, 'Finally Free,' which we'll be posting next week. 

Andy Powers of Taylor Guitars stops by the Fretboard Journal offices to talk about the new Taylor Grand Pacific series of guitars, his influences and a lot more! Plus, NAMM updates, a great deal on Fretboard Journal subscriptions and a few surprises. 

In 1974, Minnesota-based musician / railroad brakeman Kevin Odegard was asked if he wanted to help out on a local Bob Dylan recording session. Little did he know that he would be sitting in on one of the great rock albums of all time, Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks. On this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Odegard about that fateful invite, his previous encounters with Dylan, his guitar work on "Tangled Up in Blue" and much more.

For over twenty years, Bob Minner has served as touring acoustic guitarist for Tim McGraw. But Bob’s day job barely scratches the surface of this fascinating multi-instrumentalist. On this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to this acclaimed acoustic musician about his love for bluegrass music, what it’s like to tour with a country music superstar and we discuss his new solo album, Six String Sanctuary: The Acoustic Hymns Project.

Fingerstyle guitarist William Tyler joins us on the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about his new album, 'Goes West' (Merge Records) and a lot more!

Eric Galletta has been building electric guitars for over 25 years and has worked alongside numerous guitarmaking legends, including Wayne Charvel (Charvel Guitars) and Bernie Rico (BC Rich). But the focus of much of our conversation is Eric's love for the guitars of Paul Bigsby.  Eric talks to us about his fateful encounter with R.C. Allen, the magic found in Bigsby-built guitars and about his own re-creations of these ultra-rare instruments. 

Memphis-based musician Liz Brasher stops by the Fretboard Journal to talk about her early influences, her gear and much more.  Check out Liz's debut solo, 'Painted Image,' out on Fat Possum Records. 

Tommy Emmanuel and Jerry Douglas join us on this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about guitars, the art of collaboration and much more. 

Kenneth Pattengale (Milk Carton Kids) joins us to talk about his new Martin Kenneth Pattengale Special guitar (available exclusively at Gruhn Guitars). This guitar has quite a backstory: Kenneth set out to make the ultimate American-made guitar for musicians on a budget. We also talk about Kenneth’s growing collection of vintage Martins, including his ’55 0-15 and his shadetop 1932 0-17.