I’ve been listening to podcasts for quite some time now, but very sporadically. None have really caught my interest, until recently, as a result of my research into building instruments. My ulterior motive, of course, was to extract any information useful to that goal. And the podcasts I have found have furthered that, but I’ve discovered much more to enjoy in some episodes. In particular, interviews with some very interesting people; luthiers, (some renowned, some dilettantes), musical artists, tennis stars and more. All with a story to tell, many run-of-the-mill, some eye-opening.
So far, my favourite podcasts are the ones associated with the Fretboard Journal, as they are invariably interviews of interesting people.
My intention here is to list the Podcasts (along with useful links), and to highlight episodes that have piqued my interest or are otherwise significant.
Podcast: The Fretboard Journal [website] – by Jason Verlinde
The link listed above is a page on the magazine’s website. Who they are;
“The Fretboard Journal is an archival-quality, quarterly publication celebrating all things guitar (and other fretted instruments). In each issue, we dig deep into the nooks and crannies of the music and gear world, interviewing both legendary players and the innovators of today. It’s been called a “guitar magazine for grown-ups.”
As the editor of the magazine is based in California, he has access to many of the greats (artists and luthiers) who have moved there in search of exposure. As a result the podcasts tend to be interviews of very interesting and influential people. Examples include Sam Bush, David Wilcox, John McEuan, Joe Glaser, and many others.
The first episode I want to highlight is #221 – John McKeuan;
John McEuen joins us on this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk about the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, learning from Doug Dillard, the creation of his solo album, Made in Brooklyn (and the unique way it was recorded), plus a lot more.
Podcast: Luthier on Luthier [website] – by Michael Bashkin
The next podcast I really enjoy is actually also associated with the Fretboard Journal, and shares space on the main website’s Podcast Page. I’m not sure yet why two separate podcasts, but obviously the intent for this one is more focused – interviews of Luthiers.
Episode #22 is an interview of Joe Glaser, of Glaser Instruments;
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 from the episode:
- http://www.plek.com/en_US/home/
- https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/534655/the-feather-thief-by-kirk-wallace-johnson/9781101981610/
- http://www.galloupguitars.com/northwoods-seminar.htm
- https://www.theblackbirdacademy.com/
- https://nashville.mi.edu/
Podcast: The Fret Files [website] – Eric Daw
This one is usually a sort of call-in show – questions and answers about, usually things like how to fix intonation, what sort of pickups are best, etc. Some of it can be elucidating. Sometimes, however, he (Eric Daw) will do an interview, and usually they are of interest. Eric calls himself a “Guitar Scientist”, and runs a business doing guitar repairs and making custom electrics (“Pin-up” guitars). His wife Melissa also helps with the podcast, and makes custom leather guitar straps.