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Have you ever wondered how we got light gauge strings? To give some context, until 1962, strings were 12-52, or heavier, with a wound third, and nothing lighter was available unless you used a banjo string. How about this, did you ever wonder why every string manufacturer has a 10-46 set that has the exact same gauges, 10,13,17,26,36,46? And the same with 9s and 8s? Today we tell the tale of the maverick guitarists of the late 1950's who wanted lighter strings with an unwound 3rd string, and of the guitar shop owner in Tarzana, California, who was the sole person brave enough to make, market, and sell them.Thanks to Derek Brooks and Chris Harrington with Ernie Ball, and to Joe Spann at Gruhn Guitars.To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - https://my-store-be0243.creator-spring.com/#askzac #ernieball #guitarstringsSupport the Show.
George Gruhn will need little introduction to most Fretboard Journal followers. George is, quite simply, one of the most respected vintage instrument authorities in the world and the owner of Gruhn Guitars, one of the best guitar stores on the planet. So why, at the age of 78, did he want to take a stab at creating his own guitar line? "I want to have fun," he tells us. "And fun means designing new items, doing things that are meaningful... I did this because, while the world does not need more clones of Martin, Fender or Gibson, there is space for something that is new...but it needs to have a reason to exist." On this week's podcast, we talk to Gruhn about these new guitars, which he's dubbed the Versitar line. We hear about how his guitar creations have evolved from the Tacoma instruments he designed decades ago; why he decided to build his own guitar factory in Lebanon, Tennessee; and why there may be more models coming...and a dealer network beyond his own store. We also hear about his favorite tonewood combinations on these instruments, his take on the vintage instrument market in 2023 and so much more. https://guitars.com/gruhn-versitar I've spoken to Gruhn numerous times over the last 20 years and I've never heard him quite this excited. I hope you enjoy our chat. Love our podcast and want to support it? Join our Patreon and get episodes ad-free along with bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/Fretboard_Journal Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Get a discounted digital subscription and get our 52nd issue immediately: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/downloads/products/fretboard-journal-digital-subscription-offer Our podcast is sponsored by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off your Izotope order and check out the new updates for Ozone 11 and their vocal software, Nectar 4.
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.
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. https://timfrickguitars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/timfrickguitars/ 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.
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: https://robinsoninlays.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.
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 https://theblueguitars.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) and Dream Guitars.
Take a virtual road trip across the United States to visit four independent guitar stores and learn what makes them vital to the communities they serve. As you'll hear, each of these shops is more than just a retail outlet – and each of these shopkeepers has a unique perspective on why that is and what to look forward to in the future.Catch up with Richard Johnston of Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto, California; Stan and Lillian Werbin of Elderly Instruments in Lansing, Michigan; Raymond Morin of Acoustic Music Works in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and George Gruhn of Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee.We're releasing this episode during peak holiday shopping season for a reason. Please visit your local music store for all your gifting needs (or to treat yourself!) When you buy from local, independently owned businesses, 29.3% of the revenue is recirculated into the local economy (as opposed to 5.8% from Amazon.) And, please leave a comment on our website to give a shout out to your favorite store, wherever you live!Support the show:Join our community on Patreon, where you'll find bonus podcast episodes, guitar lessons, and plenty more great perks.Make a donation on PayPalLeave a review on Apple Podcasts (This helps other guitarists find the show and helps us. We really appreciate it!)Additional resources:Acoustic Music Works (2142 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217)Elderly Instruments (1100 N Washington Ave, Lansing, MI 48906)Gruhn Guitars (2120 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204)Gryphon Stringed Instruments (211 Lambert Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306)If you're shopping for a guitar, you might be interested in our guide to identifying acoustic guitar shapes and sizes. Also check out “Ask the Expert: Why Does My New Guitar Need a Setup?” and “How to Shop for a Used Guitar.”The Acoustic Guitar Podcast theme music is composed by Adam Perlmutter and performed for this episode by Jeffrey Pepper Rodgers.This episode is hosted by Nick Grizzle and Elton Bradman, produced by Tanya Gonzalez, and directed and edited by Joey Lusterman. Executive producers are Lyzy Lusterman and Stephanie Campos Dal Broi.The Acoustic Guitar Podcast is produced by the team at Acoustic Guitar magazine, including:Publisher: Lyzy LustermanEditor: Adam PerlmutterManaging Editor: Kevin OwensSenior Editor: Blair JacksonCreative Director: Joey LustermanDigital Content Director: Stephanie Campos Dal BroiDigital Content Manager: Nick GrizzleMarketing Services Manager: Tanya GonzalezSpecial thanks to our listeners who support the show on Patreon.Support the show
Odcinek #6 podcastu Pick Please! to kolejne historie znanych gitar - instrumentów należących do legend rock and rolla, które wybrzmiewają na znanych płytach.Dziś w programie: gitara ocalała z płonącego samolotu, Les Paul z dodatkiem marihuany i historia pewnej buteleczki z lekiem… muzyka: Łukasz WojciechowskiZachęcamy też do śledzenia naszego profilu na Facebooku - https://www.facebook.com/PickPlease/
Learn how to unlock open D minor tuning magic! This video will show you four easy steps that are vital in creating the perfect sound. Open D minor has a rich, full, and haunting tone. Buckle up for this spooky tuning! If you like the guitar I'm using in this episode, be sure to visit Mule Resonator Guitars to learn more about their resonator guitars. Open D minor tuning has one key difference between normal open D tuning: the G string is tuned to an F instead of an F sharp. Otherwise, the tuning is the same. Once you get into open D minor tuning, you're going to learn how to play a D minor scale, create chord shapes, and even improvise over the key of D minor. It's tons of fun playing in this open tuning and can provide haunting tones that are perfect for the Halloween season! In addition to talking about open D minor tuning, this week's Tuesday TAC Guitar Lick Challenge will utilize an open D minor tuning. So, if you're looking for a slick lick to throw into your D minor playing, be sure to check out the challenge this week! Last but not least, we'll cover the latest acoustic guitar news you can use. Featured on this episode... - Old Town School celebrating John Prine Way - Dead Sled Coffee and their spooky brews - Billy Strings, Gruhn Guitars , and a vintage Martin Guitar
Dr. Neil Park and Dr. David Hochberg discuss their mutual lifelong love of guitars, including childhood inspirations, their addiction to seeking out guitars for their collection and their amazing visit to Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, the Holy Grail of guitar shops. This special episode is a treat for every guitar slinger out there.
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.
If you're looking to plan a future guitar-geeky vacation, look no further than this incredible city. Whether you're into historic venues, shopping for guitars, or memorabilia, get ready to take a virtual vacation of THE Music City! On this episode of Acoustic Tuesday, I'm taking you through the top 10 guitar-geek destinations within Nashville, Tennessee. Besides taking a trip through Nashville, you'll hear plenty of historical tidbits and trivia, such as why Johnny Cash was banned from the Grand Ole Opry, how Gruhn Guitars got started in Nashville, and inside look at Carter Vintage Guitars. Nashville is an absolutely incredible city. There are few cities I would recommend more to a fellow guitar geek. That being said, I've created a list of the top 10 reasons you need to visit Nashville. So, be sure to watch the whole video! Let me know if I missed anything in Nashville. I'd love it if this became a resource for all guitar geeks looking for the best things to do in Nashville! ★ Request your invite to Tony's Acoustic Challenge today: https://tonypolecastro.com/al-request-invite/?ref=INVITE&src=AL ★ All show notes and links: https://acousticlife.tv/at151/ ★ Get the show: https://tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday
Music has always been a part of John Hedgecoth’s life and in 1974 it brought him to Nashville. Upon arrival he immediately hooked up with some of the best acoustic music players in town and his banjo playing was at one time put into service by the father of Bluegrass music himself, Mr. Bill Monroe. Another interesting note is that he and his wife Lynn were the first performers on opening night at the now world-famous Station Inn. He played mandocello in the Nashville Mandolin Ensemble which was founded by Butch Baldassari. John also spent 28 years working in the repair shop of the famous Gruhn Guitars where he got to work on exceptional instruments played by their exceptional musicians. In this episode John provides a glimpse into a past era of Music City sharing stories and experiences. John is still a gigging musician. He currently plays mandolin in The Contrarian Ensemble.
Kenneth Pattengale (Milk Carton Kids) joins us on this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast 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, an homage to his '50s 0-15. After many twists and turns (and literally years of prototypes), Martin and Kenneth were able to design a unique guitar with a stained torrefied Adirondack spruce top, mahogany back and sides and dovetail neck joint for less than $2200. We also chat about Kenneth’s growing collection of vintage Martins, including his '55 0-15 and his shadetop 1932 0-17, music production and more. This episode is sponsored by Retrofret, Lee Valley and Lowden Guitars.
In 1970 George Gruhn opened Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. Since then, the Gruhn client list grew to include the likes of Eric Clapton, Lyle Lovett, Emmylou Harris, Rick Nielson, and many of the greatest performers of the last half century. However, George is more than a vintage guitar expert, he is also a writer, businessman and a student of music history. Coming soon, George will add podcast host to his long list of accomplishments. On March 15th WSM, in partnership with Gruhn Guitars will launch Gruhn’s Vault: Conversations with the Masters. This new podcast series will feature George chatting with some of the many friends he has made over the years. Upcoming episodes include; Vince Gill, Ranger Doug & Too Slim from Riders in The Sky and songwriter, guitarist and Grand Ole Opry band member, Jimmy Capps Subscribe now to Gruhn’s Vault: Conversations with the Masters on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast directory. You can also hear complete episodes at WSM Online Dot Com.
George Gruhn moved to Nashville in 1969 after getting his bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and doing graduate work at Duke University and the University of Tennessee. In 1970, he established Gruhn Guitars, which is one of the largest dealers of vintage and used instruments in the world. The store buys, sells, consigns, trades and appraises fretted instruments and houses one of the world's premier vintage and used collections including classic Gibson, Fender, Martin, Epiphone, Gretsch and National instruments as well as a wide selection of new instruments from Martin, Taylor, Collings, and others. "Guitars, which I feel are the ultimate collectible, can be looked at, touched, listened to, and played. At the same time they are beautiful pieces of art that can be appreciated on so many levels. A guitar responds to the individual player and sounds completely different when you play it than when you listen to someone else play it. There is, therefore, greater depth of appreciation with musical instruments than with almost any other collectible, perhaps even more than with painting and sculpture." - George Gruhn George is the co-author of Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars, which is the comprehensive field guide to vintage fretted instruments, and the companion volumes Acoustic Guitars and Other Fretted Instrumentsand Electric Guitars and Basses. These books chronicle the history of American stringed instruments. His articles are published in numerous magazines. Gruhn Guitars is located at 2120 8th Avenue South in Nashville. Visit the store online at www.guitars.com
A few weeks ago me and some good friends took a trip to Nashville for the weekend. Gotta tell you about the trip and some of the cool stuff there.