Fretboard Journal



Raymond Morin of Pittsburgh’s Acoustic Music Works joins us this week for an insightful chat about running a guitar store, music and so much more.

At a time when things seem pretty bleak for mom & pop guitar stores, Pittsburgh’s Acoustic Music Works is a true success story. They just moved to a new, larger location with a focus on a handful of higher-end brands and the occasional in-house concert.

https://acousticmusicworks.com

We talk about Raymond pivoting career-wise into the world of guitars; the guitar-building class he took before he became a salesperson; Collings and some of the other brands Acoustic Music Works carries; and Raymond’s own Pleinview line of instruments.

Our new, 57th issue of the Fretboard Journal is now mailing. Subscribe here to get it.

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026, at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

The post Podcast 522: Raymond Morin of Acoustic Music Works first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



It’s the 154th episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps, the call-in show where amp tech Skip Simmons fields your questions on all things tube amps.

Some of the topics discussed this week: 

:42 Skip is back on the Ferguson TO-35 tractor; Roy Clark & Joe Pass

7:04 What’s on Skip’s bench: A Marshall Plexi Super Bass, Marshall bright caps, the Pet Shop Boys

11:43 Our sponsors Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts; more Fender Champ mods; a Champ gain input baffler; Soursound transformers

23:51 200 more power cords; IEC hijinks; Steve Soest

28:13 A 1954 Fender Tweed Twins and the low-powered versus high-powered Twins; Tweed Pros; Fender Champion 600 amps

31:49 A Lafayette PA with ECL82 tubes (watch on Instagram)

33:45 A 1960s Airline 62-9021A amp; how to tell a Supro/Valco from a Danelctro amp

37:33 Skip’s advice for a future repair business; liability insurance; the Boilermaker; the amp that couldn’t be fixed

49:06 A listener-submitted baffler: A Supro that needed a speaker recone?

52:29 What should I do with my new Knight 93350 PA head?

58:03 Should I build a 6G4 or a 6G4A in this Northern Electric PA-20 with six pre-amp sockets?

1:04:28 Wiring a Danelectro DS-100 speaker output for use with other cabs

1:11:10 Recommended media: The Birth of Loud; The Sweeney; Taggart

1:12:52 Burning up chokes in a Princeton Reverb

1:14:13 Listers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl-wAqplQAo

1:15:18 ESR meters and ceviche

Need amp tech Skip Simmons’ advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Want to share your top secret family recipe? Need relationship advice? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too.

Hosted by amp tech Skip Simmons and co-hosted/produced by Jason Verlinde of the Fretboard Journal.

Don’t forget, we have a Patreon page. Support the show, get behind-the-scenes updates and get to the front of the line with your questions.

Above: Listener Marcus’ Northern Electric amp, which he may turn into a Fender Super.  

The post The Truth About Vintage Amps, Ep. 154 first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



Guitarist Paul Rigby joins us this week to talk about his 15-plus-year collaboration with Neko Case and so much more.

We hear about growing up in Calgary (and why it’s an oddly great town for guitarists); meeting Neko; writing for Broadway; songwriting help from the Black Stallion; and why his favorite electric guitar is a $123 partscaster.

https://www.instagram.com/paul.rigby003/

Neko Case’s new album, ‘Neon Grey Midnight Green, is out now. https://nekocase.com

Our new, 57th issue of the Fretboard Journal is now mailing. Subscribe here to get it.

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026, at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

The post Podcast 521: Paul Rigby first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



Guitarist Ben Garnett joins us this week to talk about the making of his new acoustic album, Kite’s Keep.

Garnett’s journey as a musician is one-of-a-kind. This former tuba player became infatuated with the guitar thanks to his uncle, Andy Timmons. He then discovered the Punch Brothers, immersed himself in bluegrass, and now has actual Punch Brothers on his new album.

Give it a listen and then go check out Kite’s Keep on all the streaming platforms.

https://www.bengarnett.net

Our new, 57th issue of the Fretboard Journal is now mailing. Subscribe here to get it.

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026, at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

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

Photo: Natia Cinco

The post Podcast 520: Ben Garnett first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



On Episode 14 of Steel, we meet Travis Toy, one of Nashville’s deepest pedal steel players. Travis has shared the stage and studio with some of modern country’s biggest acts, including Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Luke Combs, Steve Wariner and Patty Loveless.

Travis is one of the deepest technical practitioners of pedal steel. He’s just as comfortable playing a honky tonk gig as he is shredding jazz funk fusion on E9. We discuss his fascinating musical upbringing in Kentucky, his obsession with ’90s country and GRP records, how he tries to play things that matter in the studio, and lots more.

Read more about Travis here:

https://travistoy.com/

http://www.travistoytutorials.com/

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3WdOaE9fKZThXhFWU9dsfe?si=78e43673760841d4

Steel is brought to you by the Fretboard Journal magazine and is mixed by Armen Bazarian.

The post Steel: Travis Toy first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



On this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, we’re joined by New York City-based guitarist and composer Vilray Bolles.

Alongside Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive, he’s one half of Rachael & Vilray, a duo with an uncanny knack for writing brand new songs that feel like they came straight from Tin Pan Alley. On their latest release, West of Broadway, the duo was inspired by both classic musicals and West Coast jazz. They even roped in Stephen Colbert for a cameo on the album.

During our chat, we talk about Vilray’s love for jazz, his days of busking (and the downside of cell reception at subway terminals), meeting Rachael at Boston’s New England Conservatory of Music, how they recorded West of Broadway and so much more.

Bonus: Watch Vilray perform “Forever Never Lasts” solo from West of Broadway!

Our new, 57th issue of the Fretboard Journal is now mailing. Click on the Subscribe link above to get it.

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026, at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

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

The post Podcast 519: Vilray first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



The post Luthier on Luthier: StewMac’s Brock Poling And Gene Imbody first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



Singer-songwriter/guitarist Courtney Hartman joins us again on the podcast to share the story of her forthcoming album, With You. The album – her first since becoming a parent – is a beautiful collection of songs with a unique backstory. To help finish the record, she turned to fellow songwriter moms in her orbit.

It’s a beautiful record and a great talk. Added bonus: We’re streaming her new single “Everything at Once” on our site here. Check it out!

Follow Courtney here.

Our new, 57th issue of the Fretboard Journal is now mailing. Subscribe here to get it.

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

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

The post Podcast 518: Courtney Hartman first appeared on Fretboard Journal.

The Fretboard Journal is proud to share a first listen of Courtney Hartman’s “Everything at Once,” from her forthcoming album With You (out November 14, 2025).

The record, her first since 2021’s Glade, features Hartman cowriting with fellow moms and artists, including Tift Merritt, Sarah Siskind, Emily Frantz of Watchhouse.

Support With You via Courtney’s Kickstarter or follow her here.

Above photo: Michelle Bennett

The post Song Premiere: Courtney Hartman’s “Everything at Once” first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



Melbourne, Australia-based guitarist Jacob Cole joins us this week to talk about his 2025 instrumental album ‘Slow Gold’ and so much more. We hear about his Cole’s record-filled childhood, the Melbourne guitar scene, recording in Tasmania (!), and his influences. It’s an insightful chat with an artist we think you’ll love.

https://jacobcole1.bandcamp.com/album/slow-gold

Read the poignant story Jacob’s sister penned for the Guardian here:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/07/i-spoke-for-my-brother-when-he-was-too-afraid-to-answer-now-he-speaks-in-melodies-and-i-have-learned-to-listen

Our new, 57th issue is now mailing. You can subscribe here to get it.

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

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

The post Podcast 517: Jacob Cole first appeared on Fretboard Journal.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Fretboard Journal, our new 57th issue serves as a reminder that great guitar stories are literally everywhere. This time around, we travel to the northern reaches of England, explore the electronics that helped expand Joni Mitchell’s live rig, pay tribute to some fallen guitar heroes, and celebrate the handmade instrument movement.

Here are some highlights found in this issue’s 128 pages.

Joni Mitchell has always pushed the boundaries of songcraft and guitar playing. In this issue’s cover story, writer Clay Frohman describes how, in the mid-‘90s, with some help courtesy of Westwood Music’s Fred Walecki, Joni explored the limits of guitar tech and tuning with the help of a Roland VG-8 synth. Acclaimed guitar photographer Eleanor Jane takes pictures of Joni’s actual rig, from the VG-8 to the guitar Walecki built for her.

California’s Tom Ribbecke is known for his cutting-edge archtop and bass creations. Vermont’s Michael Millard is a bit more old school; he’s the mastermind behind legendary acoustic flattop company Froggy Bottom Guitars. Fretboard Journal founder Jason Verlinde talks to these decades-old friends about the guitars they just built for each other in the instrument trade of a lifetime.

Contributor Daniel Marcus Clark interviews acclaimed UK-based luthier Stefan Sobell about his craft. Sobell is one of those rare stringed artisans who makes nearly everything, including acoustic guitars, citterns, mandolins and bouzoukis.

Vermont’s Adam Buchwald has not-so-quietly built one of the fastest-growing guitar companies around. Starting with his high-end Circle Strings imprint, Adam then segued into the budget-minded Iris brand, and is now the current owner of industry suppliers Allied Instruments and Gurian Instruments. Writer Matt Bushlow visits Buchwald and his expansive team at their Burlington headquarters to hear about this mini empire in the fretted instrument space. Photographer Aaron Blatt takes pics of Adam and his team.

Call it upcycling or maybe hot-rodding. Cameron Knowler interviews Shawn Lee of New Mexico’s Stay Gold Guitars, a store that specializes in taking vintage (but lesser-value) American-made acoustics and rebuilding them for greatness. It’s a place where old Harmony, Bruno and Regal instruments get a second life.

The Fretboard Journal’s Sofia Wolfson interviews singer-songwriter Andy Shauf, a Canadian-born musician with a knack for beautifully orchestrated pop songs. Shauf talks about his creative process and 2, the new album from his band Foxwarren.

Plus Maine folk artist Gordon Bok, vintage Martins, painted cases, and tons of surprises.

Thanks to our community of subscribers, contributors, and sponsors for helping make this issue a reality.

Want this issue? Subscribe today and we’ll send it to you.

The post What’s Inside: Fretboard Journal 57 first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



On this week’s episode of the Fretboard Journal Podcast, we introduce you to Brooklyn-based guitarist Isaac Stalling.

Isaac sits down with editor Sofia Wolfson to talk about his musical roots in Oklahoma City, moving to NYC, playing in dozens of bands at once, and his solo project.

https://www.instagram.com/i_stalling_/?hl=en

Our new, 57th issue is now mailing. Subscribe here to get it.

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

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

Above photo: Nicole Barley

The post Podcast 516: Isaac Stalling first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



It’s the 153rd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps and Skip is having a happy day fielding your amp questions. From cleaning tweed to Magnatone varistors and all points in between, it’s 90 minutes of tube amp knowledge, laughs, and some serious California trivia.

Some of the topics discussed this week: 

1:27: The 2025 Fretboard Summit; the importance of repair tags

6:55: Thanks for the mangos, John! And a food preservation tip

8:30: Our sponsors: Grez Guitars; Emerald City Guitars and Amplified Parts!

14:15 What’s on Skip’s bench? 60 amps in August; great Loma Rica deals; far out tubes

23:29 The big TV tubes in Standel amps (6DQ6 tubes, regulator tubes)

25:49 Skip’s near-death experience; The Edwin Hawkins Singers’ “O Happy Day” (YouTube)

31:05 Colman’s Hot Mustard

31:49 A giant yard sale in Dixon

34:23 More TAVA t-shirts; whatever happened to Jason’s Honda Scrambler?

38:04 An antique radio museum in Marysville, California

41:38 Calculating output transformer primary impedance

47:37 Cleaning tweed

49:58 Replacing the varistors in Magnatone/Americana amps; luthier Ken Bebensee; North San Juan, California; the Malakoff Diggins

56:53 Going to Guitar Center, a Gibson GA-20…or was it? Sierra Nevada Brewing Oktoberfest beer

1:01:20 The Rustic Kegger community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tavapodcast

1:02:51 El Pato in Alaska

1:03:41 Fender Tone Ring cabinets

1:05:54 A brown 1962 Fender Super with an 8516 transformer from a TV-front Super

1:11:01 Building a shell for a Falcon chassis

1:12:55 Building a Deluxe 5E3 clone in Brazil

1:20:17 Verellen’s solid-state Octal tube (link); how power attenuators work; Benson’s Monarch Plus power scaling

1:24:41 Recommended music: Texas Alexander & Lonnie Johnson’s “Crossroads” (YouTube); KZFR; Julian Lage; Bill Frisell

1:26:19 Noel Boggs and his Day Sleepers’ “Steelin Home” (YouTube)

1:27:16 Recommended reading: The RCA RC-30 tube manual (Amplified Parts link); California’s two Sebastopols

Need amp tech Skip Simmons’ advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Want to share your top secret family recipe? Need relationship advice? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too.

Hosted by amp tech Skip Simmons and co-hosted/produced by Jason Verlinde of the Fretboard Journal.

Don’t forget, we have a Patreon page. Support the show, get behind-the-scenes updates and get to the front of the line with your questions.

Above: Listener Rafael’s 5F2A-ish build in Brazil. Below: Jay’s El Pato sighting in Alaska. 

The post The Truth About Vintage Amps, Ep. 153 first appeared on Fretboard Journal.


Martin Simpson is a true icon of the global acoustic music scene. As a guitarist, he has done a huge amount to push the boundaries of the acoustic steel string instrument – showing it can be an expressive and lyrical voice. As a songwriter, he is a masterful storyteller whose poignant lyrics are shared with a disarmingly gentle, no-frills delivery that makes those of us who grew up in the North of England very glad to have done so, and everyone who didn’t wish that they had.

Throughout his career, Martin Simpson has been a vocal proponent of luthier-made guitars – from his early adoption of the work of Northumberland’s Stefan Sobell and Cumbria’s Fylde Guitars to his championing of the next generation of British lutherie with instruments by Taran Guitars in Scotland and Turnstone Guitars in England.

It is no exaggeration to say that Martin Simpson’s musicality and expectations from a guitar have informed the voice of the modern steel-string guitar, perhaps more than any other player. This is very cool indeed.

During my visit to Martin’s home, I had the good fortune to record him playing slide on his Taran guitar. You can watch that video here https://youtu.be/eFJK1zvmPc0, as well as exploring my own instrument by Casimi guitars: https://youtu.be/45WnYusgR4w.

This episode of Life on the Fretboard is brought to you with the kind sponsorship of the author John Stubbings, whose new novel ‘The Guitar Detective’ is a beautiful companion piece to his debut ouvre ‘The Devil Is In It.’ You can get your copy of ‘The Guitar Detective’ right here: https://orpharionpress.com.

You can learn more about Martin Simpson here:

https://martinsimpsonmusic.com

https://www.youtube.com/@MartinSimpsonOfficial

https://www.instagram.com/martinsimpsonmusic

To support Life On The Fretboard please click here https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745

Michael Watts:
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/user/michaelwattsguitar

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/

Website
https://michaelwattsguitar.com

https://www.fretboardjournal.com

The post Life on the Fretboard: Martin Simpson first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



Ryan Richter, Dylan Day, and Harrison Whitford are three wildly creative guitarists who happen to play with some of the most-streamed artists of the last few years, including Ed Sheeran (Dylan), Phoebe Bridgers (Harrison), and Lizzy McAlpine (Ryan). They are all based in Los Angeles.

At the 2025 Fretboard Summit, we sit down with these three musicians to discuss their journeys as artists and collaborators. We hear about why they all landed in LA, how they work with big-name artists, the gear they are currently obsessing over, their solo recordings, and so much more. It’s an introspective chat filled with insights.

https://www.instagram.com/dylnday/
https://www.instagram.com/misterrichter/
https://www.instagram.com/scarrisonwhitford/

Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

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

Subscribe to our reader-supported print magazine: https://www.fretboardjournal.com

Above: Jason Verlinde interviewing Harrison Whitford, Dylan Day and Ryan Richter at the 2025 Fretboard Summit. Photo: Sofia Wolfson

The post Podcast 515: Ryan Richter, Dylan Day, and Harrison Whitford (Live from the 2025 Fretboard Summit) first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



Support our sponsors: Amplified Parts; Grez Guitars; Better Help, and Emerald City Guitars!

It’s the 152nd episode of the Truth About Vintage Amps!

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@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too.

Some of the topics discussed this week: 

3:53 Real musicians ARE gearheads (redux)

6:40 Tom Gunterman gets two Grez’s

8:21 Yellow Jacket tube converters

10:27 Standel amps (redux); Todd Clinesmith; National Dobro amps; driver transformers and pre-war amps

17:35 Using an A/B/C switcher box to flip the phase on amp channels

21:45 Thanks to Chicago’s own @vintagetubeamplifiers for stocking the TAVA room at the Fretboard Summit

23:28 Building a clone AB763 with more headroom, ultralinear transformers

29:20 Yellow Jacket YJRs; eggs in ramen

Note: This was supposed to come out in mid-August (pre-Fretboard Summit), but your overextended co-host messed it up. Sorry. We’ll get back on schedule. -Jason 

Above: Listener Kendell’s AB763 Twin clone

Want amp tech Skip Simmons’ advice on your DIY guitar amp projects? Want to share your top secret family recipe? Need relationship advice? Join us by sending your voice memo or written questions to podcast@fretboardjournal.com! Include a photo, too.

Hosted by amp tech Skip Simmons and co-hosted/produced by Jason Verlinde of the Fretboard Journal.

Don’t forget, we have a Patreon page. Support the show, get behind-the-scenes updates and get to the front of the line with your questions.

The post The Truth About Vintage Amps, Ep. 152 first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



Do guitars still sell in 2025? Is there a glut of unsold instruments? How have tariffs affected the high-end musical instrument space?

At this year’s Fretboard Summit, we asked a handful of guitar retailers for their unfiltered thoughts on selling instruments in 2025. Included were Rebecca Jasso (Old Town School of Folk Music retail store), Joe Caruso (The Music Emporium), Matt Kappenman (Mass Street Music) and Nathan Schiller (Folkway Music).

Their thoughts on guitar retail may just surprise you, and their insights into how to take care of a customer (and stay profitable during these tumultuous times) were revelatory.

Recorded live at the 2025 Fretboard Summit. We’ll be sharing more talks and panels from the Summit soon. Our next Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026 at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

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

The post Podcast 514: Guitar Retail in 2025 (Fretboard Summit Panel) first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



For episode 105 of the Luthier on Luthier podcast, my guest is TJ Thompson — widely regarded as the foremost authority on vintage Martins and a master guitar maker in his own right. In our conversation, TJ reflects on why he builds guitars, why he sometimes feels unsuited to the work, and he shares thoughtful advice for fellow luthiers along the way.

https://proluthiertools.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.

The post Luthier on Luthier: TJ Thompson first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



One last Fretboard Summit 2025 announcement: Jayne Henderson (EJ Henderson Guitars and Ukuleles) stops by the Fretboard Journal to tell us about the Asheville Guitar Project group build that she’ll be unveiling at our annual guitar gathering.

This group guitar build – combining the talents of Asheville-based luthiers Jayne, Kyle Landers, and Judson Riviere – features domestic blowdown woods from Hurricane Helene.

We talk about the region and its recovery from the storm, the unique tone woods used for this guitar, what it’s like to build a guitar with other makers, and so much more!

Come see Jayne at the Fretboard Summit taking place this week: https://fretboardsummit.org/

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

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

Pic: Jayne showing off her entry in our Luthier’s Tool Box book.

The post Podcast 513: Jayne Henderson on the Asheville Guitar Project first appeared on Fretboard Journal.



3Bender’s Wade Back joins us this week to share the fascinating history of 3Bender and reveal an incredible new product he’s unveiling at this year’s Fretboard Summit, the Steelmaster.

The Steelmaster is a string bender that can be mounted to any Jazzmaster-style guitar. It requires no drilling and works with stock or Mastery bridges.

Wade’s story is one of a kind. We hear about his love for steel guitar and B-Benders, meeting elderly guitar tech Bob Stafford, and about the Steelmaster’s origin story (which involves Black Bobbin’s Shelby Pollard and last year’s Summit).

https://www.3bender.com

Come see Wade and the Steelmaster at the Fretboard Summit taking place this week: https://fretboardsummit.org/

Showcase-only tickets are just $40.

The Fretboard Summit is our three-day festival celebrating great guitars and great guitar people. We have nearly 80 luthiers, amp builders, and pedal makers exhibiting, hourly workshops and master classes, and some mind-bogglingly great evening performances. The fun takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music.

The Fretboard Summit is our three-day festival celebrating great guitars and great guitar people. We have nearly 80 luthiers, amp builders, and pedal makers exhibiting, hourly workshops and master classes, and some mind-bogglingly great evening performances.

The fun takes place August 21-23, 2025 at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music.

We are brought to you by: Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com

(Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

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

The post Podcast 512: 3Bender’s Wade Black first appeared on Fretboard Journal.