Best The Fretboard Journal Podcasts (2025)

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Podcast 506: Emma Harner 55:38

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15d ago55:38

55:38

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 he…

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Ep. 150: "Throw It In the River" 1:40:52

5d ago1:40:52

1:40:52

It's the 150th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps! How did that happen? Thanks, as always, for being a part of the world's finest call-in tube amp repair show. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to [email protected]! Include a photo, too. Some o…

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103. Andy Manson 45:01

7d ago45:01

45:01

For episode 103 of the podcast, we speak with legendary guitar maker Andy Manson. Andy shares stories from his early days of building and tells us about his commitment to traditional construction techniques and how his craft has evolved over the years. Andy also discusses some of his most iconic instruments, how his approach has shifted with age, a…

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Ep. 149: "Have Fun" (Special Guest: Jim Campilongo!) 1:09:18

22d ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Support our sponsors: Amplified Parts; Grez Guitars; Better Help, and Emerald City Guitars! Acclaimed guitarist Jim Campilongo joins Skip and Jason to talk about his music and gear journey, vinyl treasures, George Barnes playing "Little Rock Getaway" (link), Vance Terry & Jimmy Rivers, Silverface Princeton Reverb love; Celestion G-10 speakers; Laik…

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Ep. 7: Andy Pitcher 55:42

23d ago55:42

55:42

For our long-awaited 7th episode, we speak with Andy Pitcher, a Brooklyn-based guitarist steeped in the world of improvisation and composition. We discuss his early introductions to music and how the guitar found its way to him; growing up in the shadow of New York City; the guitar as an emotional support system; and much more. To learn more about …

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Podcast 505: Adam Levy Returns 49:01

24d ago49:01

49:01

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 …

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Podcast 504: Jacob Jolliff 53:42

1M ago53:42

53:42

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!) an…

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Ep. 148: "Lining Up" 1:35:12

1M ago1:35:12

1:35:12

We're back with episode 148 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Jason survives a month in Peru; the schematics of acupuncture; speaker break-in; and more! Our sponsors: Amplified Parts; Grez Guitars; Better Help, and Emerald City Guitars Topics discussed: :00 Jason goes to Peru, Skip gets the new Fretboard Journal 11:20 What’s on Skip’s Bench: A roast…

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102. Michel Pellerin 1:17:09

1M ago1:17:09

1:17:09

For episode 102 of the podcast, I talk with Michel Pellerin, an inspiring guitar maker from Québec. Michel shares his journey, from teaching guitarmaking at lutherie schools to his time at the Godin factory, to developing and teaching his own advanced finishing course. We also dive into his current line of guitars — from parlor to harp — and how he…

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Podcast 503: Hank Heaven 51:40

2M ago51:40

51:40

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.c…

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Podcast 502: Dan Reeder 40:09

2M ago40:09

40:09

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 wor…

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Podcast 501: Mike Buchman 44:07

2M ago44:07

44:07

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…

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Podcast 500: Jon Rauhouse 1:00:45

2M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

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. https://jonrauhouse.com This episode is brought to you by BetterH…

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101. Peggy White 43:23

2M ago43:23

43:23

On Episode 101 of the podcast, we welcome Peggy White, an exceptional acoustic guitar builder from Ontario, Canada. Peggy has honed her craft under the guidance of some of the finest luthiers in the world, including Sergei de Jonge, Linda Manzer, and Michel Pellerin. In this episode, she shares the story of her musical journey, her experience worki…

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Podcast 499: Anna Vogelzang 50:38

2M ago50:38

50:38

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 FRETB…

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Ep. 147: "Kosher Sound" 1:48:27

2M ago1:48:27

1:48:27

Episode 147 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Jason is headed to Peru, hemp speakers, resistors, modding PAs for harps, Lilly vs Lily at the Fender factory, kosher sound, and more! Fluidics: https://acoustics.org/pressroom/httpdocs/132nd/2aaa8.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ5wZRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETA4eUxOc0djNTJqWnJRVVBTAR7SSMwDpCna1oRbSpuMLYDJrD1VRKzf8vbj3…

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Podcast 498: Andy Pitcher 40:39

3M ago40:39

40:39

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 …

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Ep. 146: "Where the Spot Is" 1:30:00

3M ago1:30:00

1:30:00

Episode 146 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Troubled drummers, bulk Gatorade, more typewriter and Rockford Files talk, and a bunch of amp questions. Reminder: Amplified Parts now has amp kits! Thanks, as always, for being a part of the world's finest call-in tube amp repair show. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? …

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Podcast 497: Joellen Lapidus 1:21:37

3M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

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 instr…

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Podcast 496: Dan Gabel of Peghead Nation 40:24

3M ago40:24

40:24

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…

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Podcast 495: Free Range 1:10:41

3M ago1:10:41

1:10:41

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 …

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100. Jim Olson 55:15

4M ago55:15

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…

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Podcast 494: Jamie Etherington on the Luthier's Tool Box 49:07

4M ago49:07

49:07

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 quic…

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Ep. 145: "I Have a Swimming Pool" 1:22:51

4M ago1:22:51

1:22:51

Episode 145 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Kahlua brie, replicating Nirvana's In Utero sound, hissy reverb units and more! Thanks, as always, for being a part of the world's finest call-in tube amp repair show. Want amp tech Skip Simmons' advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fr…

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Podcast 493: Buzzy Levine of Lark Street Music 48:18

4M ago48:18

48:18

Did you watch 'A Complete Unknown' and wonder where all those vintage instruments came from? If so, you're in luck. This week, we're talking to Buzzy Levine of Lark Street Music. Over 20 of the instruments featured in the movie came from Buzzy himself and we hear all about the process, his reaction to the finished film, and how he avoided a 'Hatefu…

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Podcast 492: New Acoustics With Old Souls (Live from the Fretboard Summit 2024) 47:19

4M ago47:19

47:19

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…

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99. Maegen Wells 53:05

4M ago53:05

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 …

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Ep. 144: "You've Got to Feed Those Things" 1:36:07

5M ago1:36:07

1:36:07

Episode 144 of the Truth About Vintage Amps: Flashing Flukes, reflections on NAMM, variable plate capacitors, hot buttered rum (and popcorn!), and more! Need some help with your tube amps? Be a part of our show by sending your voice memo or written questions to [email protected]! Some of the topics discussed this week: 1:13 Jason goes to…

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Podcast 491: Jim D'Addario 46:14

5M ago46:14

46:14

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 favori…