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Let's welcome back to the Georgia Songbirds, local singer-songwriter Thomas Hinds. Thomas came back on the show to catch up and let us know what he's been up too. It's been a few years since he was on so we had alot to talk about. We talked about his new music, poetry, Taylor Guitars, and so much more. He even played us a few songs and did the 1st Behind the Music. So pull up a seat and listen in to our conversation.
Innovation and Tradition: Taylor Guitars at NAMM 2026Walking into the Taylor booth at NAMM 2026 felt like stepping into a sonic candy store. Jim Kirlin's words, not mine—but he's right.I sat down with Jim to talk about what Taylor is bringing to the table this year, and it comes down to two distinct directions: the Next Generation Grand Auditorium series and the Gold Label Collection. Modern innovation on one side, vintage inspiration on the other.The Next Gen guitars build on Taylor's flagship Grand Auditorium—that versatile middle-size body that works for everything from fingerpicking to strumming. But they've added three significant upgrades.First is the Action Control Neck. It's a patented design with a long tenon joint that enhances resonance and tonal transfer between neck and body. More importantly, it lets players adjust string height in seconds through the sound hole. Climate changes, different venues, personal preference—you can dial it in on the fly. That's the kind of player-centric thinking that removes obstacles from the playing experience.Second is Scalloped V-Class Bracing. Andy Powers introduced V-Class back in 2018, and this evolution adds warmth and low end while maintaining that clear, balanced Taylor articulation. You get more of everything without losing what makes a Taylor sound like a Taylor.Third is the new Claria Pickup system. It's discreet—sound hole mounted with volume, mid contour, and tone controls. The goal was simplicity. Plug in, play, express yourself. No fussing with complicated setups depending on the venue. Just reliable amplified sound wherever you are.Then there's the Gold Label Collection—a completely different approach.These are non-cutaway guitars with traditional styling inspired by instruments from the 1930s and 40s. Andy Powers designed them to broaden Taylor's tonal palette and reach players who've never been drawn to the brand before.The new square shoulder dreadnought caught my attention. Deeper body dimensions than a traditional Taylor dread, with serious lung capacity inside. You strum those chords and feel the low end push back. Fan V-Class Bracing gives it projection and response that traditional dreadnought fans will appreciate.There's also round shoulder dreadnoughts and super auditoriums—the latter based on the Grand Auditorium but with all the curves pushed out for more air mass. Many feature torrified tops that give them an aged, played-in character right out of the case.The headstock shape is different. The logo styling is older. It's Taylor paying respect to tradition while still building with modern precision.What struck me most was how intentional both directions are. Taylor isn't abandoning their modern sound—they're expanding what's possible. Next Gen for players who want cutting-edge innovation. Gold Label for players who want vintage warmth and resonance.Two paths. Same commitment to removing obstacles and inspiring players.That's 50 years of guitar making at work.Sean Martin interviews Jim Kirlin from Taylor Guitars at NAMM 2026 for ITSPmagazine.__________________________This is a Brand Highlight. A Brand Highlight is an introductory conversation designed to put a spotlight on the guest and their company. Learn more: https://www.studioc60.com/creation#highlightGUESTSJim KirlinEditorial Director at Taylor GuitarsRESOURCESLearn more about Taylir Guitars Strings Guitars: https://www.taylorguitars.comAre you interested in telling your story?▶︎ Full Length Brand Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#full▶︎ Brand Spotlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#spotlight▶︎ Brand Highlight Story: https://www.studioc60.com/content-creation#highlight Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today, we're asking you to rethink how you judge progress in podcasting. Is it really about choosing quantity or quality, or does the answer depend on where you are and what you're building? In this installment of our Obsession Worthy Podcasts series, led by co-host Jonathan Howard, we break down How I Built This, focusing on the Taylor Guitars episode. We look closely at how a strong cold open widens the audience, builds curiosity, and signals that a show is worth sticking with. From there, the conversation moves into systems, completion, and why finished work teaches you more than half-done ideas ever will. Hopefully, after hearing this, you'll consider the process and rethink what growth actually looks like when you're trying to build a podcast with staying power. Episode Highlights: [03:04] Flight delays and boarding frustrations[05:06] Customer service lessons from a travel experience[15:07] Obsession-worthy podcast series overview[26:15] The origin story behind Taylor Guitars[31:38] Balancing cold opens for video and audio[35:17] Why human stories matter in podcasting[43:53] The quality versus quantity debate[53:56] Taylor Swift guitar storyLinks & Resources: The Podcasting Morning Chat: www.podpage.com/pmcJoin The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingApplication To Submit Your Show For Evaluation: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45U57S-XgoA/viewform?usp=headerHow I Built This: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/episode/10386-taylor-guitars-kurt-listug-and-bob-taylor-from-3700-shop-to-global-icon/Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
A bright blue guitar covered in orange koi fish vanished from a museum display … and Swifties immediately knew what it meant.That distinctive guitar—the one Taylor Swift used to record Speak Now—had been a gift. Hand crafted, by the founders of Taylor Guitars. When she brought it back on stage during her Eras tour, the fans went wild.In this episode, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug tell the unlikely story behind one of the world's most respected acoustic guitar brands—how it grew from a tiny San Diego repair shop doing $30,000/year into a global business with nine-figure revenue. And how it survived every challenge that should've ended it: a distributor deal that didn't add up, a brutal market crash in the disco era, and such slow growth that—five years into the business—the founders could barely pay themselves a salary ($15/week).It's a story about serendipity, obsession, and the quiet power of a partnership where each person knows their lane—Bob with relentless craftsmanship, Kurt with the discipline to turn it into a massive business.Plus: the purple 12-string featured in Prince's “Raspberry Beret” … the MTV Unplugged boom that boosted the business … and why the founders eventually chose to convert the business to 100% employee ownership.What you'll learn:The operating principle that changed Taylor's production: one finished guitar beats 10 half-finished onesHow to make a slow-growth business survivable (and why Bob saw it as “education”)How to recognize a bad distribution dealThe design innovations that drew musicians to Taylor guitarsWhy Bob got a call from Taylor Swift's dad when she was 14—and the iconic guitar her fans grew to loveHow the business managed demand shocks during COVIDWhy an ESOP can be a founder's best “succession plan” decisionWhat a great partnership looks like in practiceTimestamps:(Timecodes are approximate and may shift depending on platform.)00:06:39 – The high school moment: “I didn't have $175 … so I thought, I'll just make a guitar.”00:07:14 – The American Dream shop: the hippie setup that became a launchpad00:10:20 – The “baseball bat neck” problem with guitars—and Bob's happy-accident innovation00:11:59 – Buying the shop for $3,700 … then realizing it didn't include the name (or phone number)00:22:31 – The sentence that changed everything: “Would you rather have 10 half-done guitars or one done guitar?”00:26:28 – The distributor deal that ended in layoffs: good sell job, bad math, and what they learned00:38:30 – Buying out the third partner: why the business doubled when “the brakes were off”00:59:52 – Before Taylor Swift was Taylor Swift: a phone call from a proud dad, and a promotional concert that almost went unheard01:09:36 – The inflation economics of guitar building***Hey—want to be a guest on HIBT?If you're building a business, why not get advice from some of the greatest entrepreneurs on Earth?Every Thursday on the HIBT Advice Line, a previous HIBT guest helps new entrepreneurs work through the challenges they're facing right now. Advice that's smart, actionable, and absolutely free.Just call 1-800-433-1298, leave a message, and you may soon get guidance from someone who started where you did, and went on to build something massive.So—give us a call. We can't wait to hear what you're working on.***This episode was produced by Alex Cheng with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant with research help from Rommel Wood. Our engineers were Patrick Murray and Maggie Luthar.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, we feature Anne Middleton, a conservation professional whose career has taken her from Montana to Cameroon and now to California, bridging the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. From investigating international wildlife crime with the Environmental Investigation Agency to procuring sustainable ebony wood in Cameroon for Taylor Guitars, Anne's journey reflects her commitment to collaborative environmental solutions. In the fall of 2025, Anne was invited to present at TEDx – check out her talk on wildfire prevention, which is linked in the show notes. Currently with WILDCOAST, Anne previously served as Executive Director at ECOLIFE Conservation and held positions with the San Diego County Water Authority and Sustainability Matters. With degrees in biology from Oberlin College and Environmental Science and Management from UC Santa Barbara's Bren School, Anne believes that business can be a powerful instrument for positive change. We explore her perspective on coastal and marine conservation, public-private partnerships, and what it takes to create lasting solutions to our planet's most pressing environmental challenges.
Commercial photography with Patrick Fore, the Terrible Photographer, and Negotiating the Emotional and Psychological Landscape of Professional Photography.Patrick Fore is a commercial photographer and art director from San Diego, California. He spent four years as the lead photographer and brand designer for Taylor Guitars and now runs his own commercial photography studio.He's also the host of the Terrible Photographer podcast, where he talks about photography, creativity, and the struggles of being a pro.Notable Links:Patrick Fore PhotographyThe Terrible PhotographerPatrick Fore Instagram*****This episode is brought to you by Luminar Neo, an AI powered photo editor.Try Luminar Neo today at skylum.com, and use promo code "RICHARD" for a 15% discount, just for my listeners.*****This episode is brought to you by Kase Revolution Plus Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I've tried all of them, but in recent years I've landed on Kase Filters.Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, Ultra-Low Reflectivity, zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment.And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.
In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Andy Powers joins co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug to reflect on his journey from crafting his first guitar to becoming Taylor's CEO, President, and Chief Guitar Designer. Together, they discuss the importance of taking risks to fuel inspiration and drive innovation. Andy shares personal stories about his early fascination with woodworking and music, his unique approach to guitar-making and the happenstance first meeting with Bob Taylor that shaped his path at Taylor Guitars. Discover how they navigated the challenges of the pandemic to create the Circa 74 amplifier and the American Dream Series.
Round 2 of the Six Nations is fully discussed, including how the WRU are not like Taylor Guitars. You heard it here first. If you want the full episode, ad free and full of the match chat the head to patreon.com/bloodandmud and sign up for next to feck all Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug reflect on pivotal moments in Taylor Guitars' journey, from adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to embracing innovative approaches like Urban Ash. They share how Taylor navigated factory closures and supply chain issues while meeting the rising demand for guitars, showcasing the resilience and creativity of the team during uncertain times. The conversation also explores Bob's round-the-world forestry tour, where he made discoveries about sustainable tree planting and end-of-life practices as well as the role of governance in reforestation. Kurt and Bob recount the quirks of owning a private jet, sharing stories of air travel adventures and unexpected challenges. Finally, they discuss Andy Powers becoming a partner, the transition to employee ownership, and how these choices have shaped Taylor's commitment to its employees, artists
Ever wondered if Taylor Guitars really live up to the hype? As a professional gigging musician, I decided to put them to the ultimate test in a side-by-side comparison with a $600 Martin guitar. In this episode, I'm revealing everything you need to know about Taylor's craftsmanship, materials, and specs—plus the surprising reasons why I can't stand them!
In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug revisit the latter half of the 2010s and discuss Taylor Guitars' commitment to sustainability and innovation. They explore the challenges of responsibly sourcing woods like ebony and koa, the cultural nuances of working in regions like Cameroon and Hawaii, and efforts to reforest and plant these tonewoods sustainably. Bob reflects on the importance of respecting local cultures and laws, while Kurt shares insights into the shifting strategies for branding and marketing in a dynamic industry. It's a compelling look at Taylor's mission to support artists and uphold ethical practices.
In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug dive back into the history of Taylor Guitars during the 2010s. Together, they reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped their approach to innovation, sustainability and leadership. They share their experience meeting Andy Powers and how he exhibited the qualities they sought in a successor. They also discuss the unique challenges of designing electric guitars, how the company balances musicality with environmental responsibility, and redesigning the 600 Series and 800 Series. Don't miss this enlightening conversation! #TaylorGuitars #50thAnniversary
In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug take us back to the early 2010s—a transformative era for Taylor Guitars. Discover how the GS Mini became a global sensation, redefining the small-bodied guitar market with its blend of sound, affordability, and portability. Bob shares the story behind its design and why it's his proudest accomplishment in guitar building. The episode also dives into Taylor's acquisition of the Crelicam ebony mill in Cameroon, a bold move that sparked the company's sustainability journey. Learn how embracing colored ebony revolutionized guitar manufacturing and why Bob and Kurt believe in the long-term impact of this courageous decision. Don't miss this fascinating conversation! #TaylorGuitars #50thAnniversary
Players have definite opinions on whether Martin Guitars are better than Taylor Guitars, and vice versa. Here is my take on the subject.
In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug once again look back on Taylor Guitars' journey through the 2000s. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Taylor Guitars. Discover why the introduction of nylon-string models allowed Taylor to tap into a broader market. Bob explains the trial-and-error process behind the development of the ES and ES2 pickup system as well as the struggles they faced with different electronic solutions. They also reflect on the fine balance between artistry and business, sharing insights on how the company competes with itself by continually innovating, even as it faces competition from other brands. #TaylorGuitars #50thAnniversary
In this episode of our 50th Anniversary podcast, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug revisit Taylor Guitars' journey into the early 2000s. They explore the evolution of the NT Neck, the challenges of scaling up production and the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Tecate. They also reminisce about the historic Liberty Tree guitars and their release of elaborately designed and inlaid guitars like the Gallery Series Living Jewels Guitar, featuring inlays of koi fish, and the Cujo Guitar. Plus, learn about how they forged a relationship with a young Taylor Swift and the Swift family.
In this episode of Remarkable People, join host Guy Kawasaki as he engages in a fascinating conversation with Andy Powers, renowned luthier and guitar designer. Together, they explore Andy's journey from a young guitar enthusiast to becoming the master luthier at Taylor Guitars. Discover how Andy's innovative designs have shaped some of Taylor's most acclaimed guitars and learn about his latest venture, Powers Electric. Andy shares insights on guitar craftsmanship, the evolution of instrument design, and his experiences working with music icons like Taylor Swift and Elvis Costello.---Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable. With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy's questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow Remarkable People. Listeners of the Remarkable People podcast will learn from some of the most successful people in the world with practical tips and inspiring stories that will help you be more remarkable. Episodes of Remarkable People organized by topic: https://bit.ly/rptopology Listen to Remarkable People here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827 Like this show? Please leave us a review -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally! Thank you for your support; it helps the show!
In which our heroes discuss the animated X-Men in a second part. Well before X-Men '97 came out, also. MeMeMes: Halo (tv); Green Hog Band, "Dogs From Hell" (album); Jason Aaron, Punisher: King of Killers (comic); living and breathing; music; Taylor Guitars
Join Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug as they retrace Taylor Guitars' journey through the 1990s. It was a decade of pioneering innovation and tremendous growth for the company. In part 4 of our historical podcast, Bob and Kurt reminisce about the inspiration for Taylor's brand identity, the invention of the Grand Auditorium body style, the artists who inspired them, and how computer-controlled machines enabled them to design and build guitars in a whole new way.
Get all the latest Tips For Guitar Playing Success news and insights including upcoming episodes and other guitar happenings! In this Newsletter Marlene describes June's 4 episodes, plus she talks about Taylor Guitar's 50th Anniversary and the launch of her new Guitar Tips Community! Join the Guitar Tips Community TODAY! Taylor Guitars' Interview with Bob Taylor & Kurt Lustig Marlene's Guitar Courses & Learning Resources Learn to Play Guitar in a Day! Coaching Sessions Marlene's Tips For Guitar Playing Success book Thursday Tips blog Thank you to our sponsor! GatorCo.com We are a Sweetwater.com affiliate. Also available on... @applepodcasts @applemusic @spotify @spotifypodcasts #newsletter #June2024 #guitarpodcastepisodes #TaylorGuitars50thAnniversary #GuitarTIpsCommunity #jointoday #guitar #learnguitar #playguitar #guitartips #guitarpodcast Credits: Creator, Host, Producer: Marlene Hutchinson This podcast was made possible in part by: Gator Cases I Create Sound - For help getting your best sound go to www.icreatesound.com
On this show we take a journey through the challenges facing our world's forests. What does it take to protect tropical rainforests in places like the Amazon from illegal logging? What about the corporations profiting off the illegal logging trade? Host Jack Eidt speaks with Forest Policy Specialist Scott Paul on his transition from activism with Greenpeace to corporate sustainability with Taylor Guitars. Many of the woods traditionally chosen to make acoustic guitars are under pressure due to a range of factors, including rising global consumption patterns and land conversion, and too often in many parts of the world, a lack of dedicated governance. Stressing the importance of ethical wood sourcing for musical instruments, Scott Paul shares how Taylor Guitars' innovative projects in Cameroon and Hawaii are setting new standards for environmental responsibility in the music industry. We hope to uncover the intricate relationship between forests, guitars, and global sustainability. For an extended interview and other benefits, become an EcoJustice Radio patron at https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio Resources/Articles: https://woodandsteel.taylorguitars.com/authors/scott-paul/ Scott Paul is Taylor Guitar's Director of Sustainability [https://www.taylorguitars.com/about/sustainability]. Prior to this, the majority of his career was spent as a forest policy specialist and activist, including 14 years at Greenpeace. Scott has worked for The White House Office on Environmental Policy, participated in the UN forest policy dialogue since 1995, and has served on multiple boards of directors, including the Forest Stewardship Council. His work has taken him to the Amazon, the Congo Basin, Southeast Asia, the Canadian boreal, Alaska, and the Russian Far East. He is also the first person in over 100 years to have been arrested for Sailormongering. Jack Eidt is an urban planner, environmental journalist, and climate organizer, as well as award-winning fiction writer. He is Co-Founder of SoCal 350 Climate Action and Executive Producer of EcoJustice Radio. He is also Founder and Publisher of WilderUtopia [https://wilderutopia.com], a website dedicated to the question of Earth sustainability, finding society-level solutions to environmental, community, economic, transportation and energy needs. Podcast Website: http://ecojusticeradio.org/ Podcast Blog: https://www.wilderutopia.com/category/ecojustice-radio/ Support the Podcast: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ecojusticeradio PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=LBGXTRM292TFC&source=url Executive Producer and Host: Jack Eidt Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats Episode 222 Photo credit: Scott Paul
After a tumultuous start and some early setbacks, Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug persevered into the '80s—a decade in which the music scene was not particularly friendly to acoustic guitars. As the acoustic market languished, Bob and Kurt found ways to keep their fledgling operation on its feet and growing, seizing unexpected opportunities to support the business when conditions were less than ideal. But it wasn't all cloudy skies. As Bob and Kurt discuss in the third episode of our oral history podcast, Taylor began making guitars for artists, building guitar cases in house, Bob introduced the Grand Concert model, and the company reached a milestone with its first million-dollar year.
In the second episode of our oral history podcast, Taylor Guitars co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug dive into the challenges they experienced in the first years of the company's existence. Though they faced financial obstacles, long night shifts and literal floods, there were also successes to celebrate, like signing their first distribution deal and seeing their guitars in the hands of household names like Neil Young. Bob and Kurt recount the lessons they took away from those difficult days as well as the early wins that helped them build momentum as manufacturers of quality guitars and forge a foundation on which the company could grow.
¿Eres músico? En esta entrevista, el Lic. Alexiomar Rodríguez, abogado de música y entretenimiento, entrevista a Daniel Fraire. Daniel Fraire ha desarrollado desde temprana edad una profunda pasión por la música que le llevó a iniciar su carrera en vivo a los 15 años, y posteriormente, a recorrer importantes escenarios de música en Latinoamérica y Europa. Egresado con honores en piano clásico por la Universidad de Texas en El Paso, Daniel se ha destacado no solo como pianista sino también por el distintivo sonido de su guitarra acústica, su interpretación musical y sus versátiles arreglos. Su extensa carrera abarca roles como productor, compositor, músico de sesión y arreglista, colaborando con grandes figuras como Jesús Adrián Romero, Lilly Goodman, Marcela Gándara, Carla Morrison, entre otros, y trabajando al lado de reconocidos productores. Además, ha contribuido como arreglista y director de orquesta de cuerdas en proyectos notables, incluyendo series de Netflix y álbumes aclamados. Daniel ha sido nominado siete veces a los Latin Grammys y colabora estrechamente con marcas líderes como Taylor Guitars. Reside en Tijuana, Baja California, con su familia, donde sigue activo en su estudio de grabación, aportando a diversos proyectos y giras, incluyendo recientes conciertos con Carla Morrison. Curso de Daniel Fraire: https://danielfrairecursos.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/seedcademy/message
Let's welcome to the Georgia Songbirds family a local singer songwriter from right here in Georgia Dylan Cole. Dylan came by the studio and we talked about movies, football music, Taylor Guitars and more. Dylan even played us a few songs live. We recorded this on the Superbowl weekend and made predictions see how we did. Pull up a seat and listen to Dylan and my conversation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thegeorgiasongbirds/message
In the first episode of this oral history podcast, Taylor Guitars co-founders Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug reminisce about growing up in San Diego, California, their passion for music and making things, and how their paths first crossed at the hippie-vibed American Dream guitar shop. Bob recalls his obsession with building guitars as a teenager, and he and Kurt reveal the foundation of their successful and enduring partnership, which began when Bob was just 19 and Kurt was 21.
Marc Seal, talented guitar player, recording artist, instructor and promotional specialist for companies like Guitar Center and Taylor Guitars, shares his journey to creating a sustainable living doing what he loves, plus he shares playing tips and his original music. In this episode Marlene chats with her friend Marc Seal about his guitar journey. He also talks shares bar chord and picking tips, as well as playing some of his mesmerizing original music. You don't want to miss this one! You can reach Marc Seal at his website Marlene's Guitar Courses & Learning Resources Learn to Play Guitar in a Day! Coaching Sessions Marlene's Tips For Guitar Playing Success book Thursday Tips blog Thank you to our sponsors! GatorCo.com LevysLeathers.com Bet these EARLY Black Friday Deals at Sweetwater.com We are a Sweetwater.com affiliate. So. when you purchase your guitar, guitar gear or anything else you might need from you are also helping to support this show - thank you! Available on... @applepodcasts @applemusic @spotify @spotifypodcasts @podbean #slackkeyguitar #Hawaiianslackkey #guitartuning #Howto #guitar #learnguitar #playguitar #guitartips #guitarpodcast #playon Credits: Creator, Host, Producer: Marlene Hutchinson This podcast was made possible in part by: Gator Cases Sweetwater.com I Create Sound - For help getting your best sound go to www.icreatesound.com
Bio- My name is Mingrey, I was born with the last name Lim but adopted by the Wong family since day one. I grew up in Malaysia, at age 11, my family migrated to United States. I served 4 years in the Navy upon graduation of High School and married at 21. After 3 daughters and 12 years of marriage, not by my choice I was divorced. I worked for an import company that made guitar cases for Taylor Guitars and music stand for Atlas Music Stands. Being both mom and the provider, made it tough for me to have any extra money for myself. I was introduced to hiking, by some friends from church. It didn't cost a whole lot and getting outdoors quickly became my respite. I'm very thankful that God gifted me with this tangible enjoyment. I basically dived right into the activities involving the outdoors. 15 years ago, I got married to my husband Eric, together we have 6 kids and 13 grandchildren. Now at age 55, my life pretty much involves being nana, teaching Sunday School, going on missions trips and enjoying the outdoors activities (hiking, backpacking, snow shoeing, occasional climbs). Guest Links- Connect with Anna, aka Mud Butt, at info@traildames.com You can find the Trail Dames at: Our website: Trail Dames The Summit: The Summit 2022 - Presented by the Trail Dames The Trail Dames Foundation: Trail Dames Charitable Foundation | Home Instagram: Instagram (@traildames) Facebook: Trail Dames | Facebook Hiking Radio Network: Hiking Radio Network Hiking Radio Network on Instagram: Instagram (@hikingradionetwork) Music provided for this Podcast by The Burns Sisters "Dance Upon This Earth" The Burns Sisters
Josh Scott (JHS) interviews Andy Powers (Taylor, Powers Electric) live from our 2023 Fretboard Summit! Drew Shirley (Switchfoot) joins in on the fun. They discuss Andy's career before Taylor, his creative process today, the new Powers Electric line of guitars, and much more. https://www.taylorguitars.com/ https://powerselectricguitars.com/ https://www.jhspedals.info/ Recorded live at the Fretboard Summit on August 26, 2023. Our next Summit takes place August 22-24, 2024 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. 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.
In a world dominated by overnight internet sensations and one-hit-wonders, emerging artist Ainsley Costello has her eyes set on creating a legacy that stands the test of time. A power house voice in the vain of Haley Williams or Pink, Ainsley's lyrics can also be delicately delivered. Costello's heartfelt and personal approach to lyricism translates into an easily digestible and heartwarming listening experience.At only 15, the Seattle native (now based in Nashville) released a strikingly diverse debut album titled ‘You Know I Am' – on the surface, a collection of country pop songs, but dig deeper and you'll unravel a multitude of diverse musical influences and lyrics that speak to all of the insecurities of today's teenage girls.In February 2020, Ainsley and her family relocated to Nashville, just as the world and the music industry shut down due to the Pandemic. But that didn't stop Ainsley, throughout quarantine she used her time to write new material and connect with dozens of Nashville "row writers" to hone and perfect her craft. Creating a body of work that speaks volumes for her young age Ainsley already has a catalogue of nearly 200 unreleased, and 24 published works. In 2021 Ainsley released a song each month, the equivalent of her second studio album and in 2022 she has released 5 more songs.Ironically, after moving to Nashville (the country music capital of the world), Ainsley began to pivot away from the country music that had originally inspired her. Realizing that Nashville was more than just country music her creativity cracked open. Her newest songs clearly have a more pop-rock leaning vibe. While many reviewers still hear elements of country tones in her voice, paired with the edgier music, some have started to describe her music as "country-punk" or "pretty pop." Inspired by Paramore, Kings of Leon and Caitlyn Smith (all hailing from Nashville) you clearly hear a unique sound emerging in her 2022 works. With a strong sense for live instrumentation others have described her music as a strain of LA/POP from the 90's and early 2000's. Another reviewer described it as acoustic college rock with a modern twist. With a dedicated and growing following it is clear that Ainsley is set on creating a career that stands the test of time.Ainsley began performing in school talent shows and musical theater productions at the age of 7. She has since gone on to study piano, guitar, vocal performance, and songwriting. She attended Tacoma School of the Arts as a freshman in high-school and shortly thereafter began traveling and touring the West Coast full-time. At just 15 Ainsley moved to online high-school (so she could tour) and simultaneously began taking classes at the prestigious Berklee College of Music Online. She graduated from high school at 16 and was formally accepted to the Berklee College of Music's Business Degree program shortly after. At just 19 years old, in May 2023 Ainsley graduated from Berklee College of Music with a Bachelors of Art in Music Business.Ainsley began performing live shows with a full band of adult professional-level musicians at just 13 years old. By the time she was 14 she could regularly hold down a 3-hour cover set. At 13 & 14 she was involved with unaired episodes of "The Voice" and "American Idol." At 14, Ainsley became one of Breedlove Guitars youngest endorsed artists and has since been endorsed by Mackie Sound and has strategic partnerships with Taylor Guitars and Sennheiser Microphones. To date she has performed over 200 shows in 20 states on festival, fair, and bar states alike.Ainsley Costello WebsiteSRTN Website
Every month, we recap the latest guitar industry news with offset guitar hero Mike Adams (@puisheen). The month of May was fairly slow on the guitar news front, but Mike and FJ Publisher Jason Verlinde soldier on and discuss some of their favorite YouTube videos of late, ponder the world of signature guitars, share Fretboard Summit updates, talk about a recent Yeah Yeah Yeahs concert, honor the Iron Sheik (RIP), and more. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and start with our new, 52nd issue: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Register for the Fretboard Summit (August 24-26, Chicago!): https://fretboardsummit.org Wire Instruments: https://www.wireinstruments.com/ Watch Mike bend a vibrato arm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92dBXYf7-5k Support Mike's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/puisheen Jason interviews Jim D'Addario, Bob Taylor and Andy Powers about Taylor Guitars' switch to D'Addario: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-dPpPuc4RE David Lindley Tribute Concert: https://www.fretboardjournal.com/columns/farewell-mr-dave-a-hometown-bids-goodbye-to-david-lindley/ Mason Stoops on Tim Pierce's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vrZjv8ojVQ The Truth About Vintage Amps Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-about-vintage-amps-with-skip-simmons/id1442046563 Our podcast is sponsored by Deering Banjos; 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 supported by Native Instruments, iZotope, and Plugin Alliance. Check out their Summer of Sound, the best-ever savings on ALL software, with 50% off products, updates, and upgrades, plus special hardware and software bundle deals.
The new DIT episode kicks off as Rhett and Zack celebrate Zack's close encounter with special effects mogul Adam Savage, of Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Matrix, and Tested fame. (Nerd alert: Zack and his wife have Ghostbusters uniforms—which they wore that day. There's a photo. Take a screenshot it in case you need to blackmail him later.) Rhett talks about the first single from his latest band, Good Trouble, who now have a YouTube channel. The dynamic duo also gives a seasonal warning about guitar maintenance. And then it's time for the main event: Andy Powers, CEO and chief guitar designer of Taylor Guitars.The SoCal native—and surfer—Powers provides his backstory in guitar design and building, starting with his hobbyist-musician parents and their friends. His first build … exploded, but he's done considerably better since! By the time he was a teenager, he was building and selling guitars on his own, as well as doing repairs for local music shops. But even before that, he'd gotten in trouble with the IRS for making too much money as a luthier. Later, van life, as a touring player, didn't satisfy him, but after he graduated college he already had a two-to-three-year waiting list of guitar orders. From there, it was a short twist of luck—and multiple encounters with company founder Bob Taylor—that brought him to Taylor Guitars.Powers also addresses conservatism in guitar design, and how to break the cycle while participating in the tradition. And yes, he dives into the tonewood controversy …. and tells a “basic truth” about guitars: neck woods and shapes do matter. As do personal touches, including the occasional crack in a top … and the bumper sticker covering it! Andy also comments on the difference between acoustic and electric players, and notes that “some of the best acoustic guitar sounds I've ever heard start with a microphone.” Powers observes: “It's pretty easy to go down those rabbit holes.” And these guys do! Especially when they talk how to get to best live acoustic guitar tone. And the grand finale: Andy, Rhett, and Zack dip a rig … and explain duplex scaling.00:18 Zach Met Adam Savage04:37 Noah Guthrie and Good Trouble Update10:36 Andy Powers joins the show!12:38 How did Andy Powers get started building guitars?24:18 Advice to people starting their careers30:22 How do you design something new? 35:07 Tonewoods. You knew it was coming. 41:15 A story about tonewoods44:46 What are you missing in your acoustic rig? 53:05 Tips for getting a good live acoustic sound58:41 Will Taylor ever make a pedal? 1:06:27 Andy dips a rigBig thanks to StewMac for sponsoring this episode. Head to http://stewmac.com/dippedintone to get 10% off!Subscribe, like, and leave us a commentSign up on our mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iaCee5Support us on Patreon for access to our discord server and other perks! https://www.patreon.com/dippedintoneMERCH: https://teespring.com/stores/dipped-in-toneFollow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/dippedintone Dipped in Tone is:Rhett Shull https://www.rhettshull.com/Zach Broyles / Mythos Pedals https://mythospedals.comPremier...
The always-entertaining guitar tech/writer/historian/musician Michael James Adams (@puisheen) joins Jason this week to talk about life updates, offset Fenders, the proper setup of a Jazzmaster setup and so much more. In a new feature, we then recap some of the memorable guitar news of the month of March 2023, including some cool guitar-centric events, the new EMG pickups for Jazzmasters (the EMG Retro Active JMaster), Taylor Guitars selling direct, the JHS Show / Digitech Bad Monkey saga, the passings of some great guitar heroes, and a lot more. https://www.instagram.com/puisheen Want to meet Michael, Josh Scott, Bill Frisell, and dozens of other guitar luminaries? Come to our 2023 Fretboard Summit August 24-26, 2023 at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music. Register here: https://fretboardsummit.org/ Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope (use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.
The Jay Franze Show: Your backstage pass to the entertainment industry
Welcome to The Jay Franze Show, where we dive deep into the stories and experiences of some of the most talented people in the entertainment industry. On this episode, we have the honor of chatting with Chad Wilson, an accomplished songwriter whose list of accolades and awards is nothing short of impressive.Chad has been recognized as a top 10 national songwriter by Taylor Guitars and HoriPro Entertainment Group, with his songs recorded by over 40 country music artists. He has had Billboard charting releases, a #1 country song in Belgium, a #1 video on CMT, and a number 1 song on the Cranked Up Country Top 25 Weekly Countdown. Chad has also been honored with 2 NIMA Awards, and most recently, he won the JMA Awards for Country Male Vocalist of the Year.During our conversation, Chad shares his journey as a songwriter and his passion for creating music that spreads kindness and love. He also talks about his inspiration and drive, which comes from being a father to his two beautiful daughters and wanting to leave a legacy through his songs that will always remind them of the love and joy he feels when being their daddy.Join us as we dive into the world of songwriting with Chad Wilson, and discover what it takes to create music that touches hearts and inspires kindness. Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Jay Franze Show!Show InformationHost: Jay FranzeGuest: Chad WilsonRecorded: March 6, 2023LinksJay Franze: https://JayFranze.comChad Wilson: https://www.chadwilsonofficial.com Support the show
Bret Keisling discusses the importance of buying employee owned and celebrates The NCEO's 2022 Holiday Gift Guide featuring selected employee-owned businesses including King Arthur Baking Company, Bob's Red Mill, Paramount Coffee, Card Kingdom, Duckhorn Portfolio, Taylor Guitars, Moog Music, W. W. Norton, Yankee Publishing, and West Paw. The full transcript of this episode, which includes links to all of the topics mentioned, is available on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/mini-cast-210-the-nceo-s-holiday-gift-guide
On this episode, Linda and Dana share their biggest takeaways from the John Maxwell Exchange they both attended recently. They both had big realizations with Bob Taylor, the foudner of Taylor Guitars, and they discuss what they learned about passion and leadership from him. They talk about how their perspective on the past and future shifted, and how people are drawn to certain jobs but normally discover a desire to lead along the way. They share a way Condoleezza Rice recommended looking at the past to panic less in the present, and what she has learned in leadership. They discuss their grueling Navy SEAL workout, and what they each learned about dedication and persevearance from the SEALs they spoke with. Get the Episode Guide here: https://courses.lindamckissack.com/elar-episode-guide
Two-hand tapping on guitar isn't easy. It's even harder on acoustic guitar. But what if there was an easy, step-by-step guide for learning how to tap on acoustic guitar? Tapping on guitar is an advanced technique. It provides a bright, ethereal sound (as long as you're not using overdrive or distortion!). And, for most of the guitar's existence, it's been used primarily on electric guitar. It's that classic shredding sound that was popularized by Eddie Van Halen and other electric guitarists. But what if the same technique is applied to acoustic guitar? On today's episode, you'll get an easy step-by-step guide to learning how to two-hand tap on acoustic guitar. It requires a good amount of dexterity and finger strength, but Tony's Acoustic Challenge members should be up for the challenge. By tuning down the guitar, breaking the technique into chunks, and creating actionable steps where you feel confident in your playing, I hope you can successfully apply these techniques to your playing. It's a bit of a specialized skill, but you never know what kind of creative horizons you may expand. Two-hand tapping is a fairly new technique for acoustic guitarists. If you want to hear more examples of this technique, I highly recommend you visit the modern fingerstyle acoustic guitar genre. Many of the players in this style are virtuosos, but you'll get a taste of what kind of sonic possibilities exist. Featured in this episode... - Hawktail - Molly Tuttle - Tommy Emmanuel - Martin Guitar - Billy Strings - Taylor Guitars - Mule Resonator Guitars - Carter Vintage Guitars - National Guitars
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric interviews Dave Staudte, veteran luthier, longtime guitar repairman and former Taylor Guitars employee. Eric and Dave talk about guitar humidification, guitar neck resets, fretwork, CA glue, stainless steel frets, and Dave's steel wool hack.
John Hartman is currently CMO of Ando, the leader in sustainable banking. He is an award-winning marketing executive who's worked with brands such as Oakley, SkullCandy, Volcom, L'Oreal, Lancome, Intuit, RayBan, HugoBoss, AAA, AARP, Intuit, WarnerBros and Taylor Guitars. Ando has disrupted the traditional banking industry by investing customer money exclusively in green initiatives like renewable energy and responsible agriculture, potentially giving users 27 times the impact of other environmental actions. Additionally, Ando is 100 percent transparent as to where those investments are made. These are just two of the many reasons Ando has been named a Certified B Corp, a recognition of their commitment to building a sustainable, inclusive economy that works for everyone. Ando users pay no monthly fees while enjoying the possibility of early paydays and easy transfers from old accounts. Find John Hartman Online: Ando Money - Sustainable Banking Find me online: This Sustainable Life: Solve For Nature Podcast: https://anchor.fm/solvefornature Blog: https://verdantgrowth.blog/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24IiwM0BPQ-_3DVz2KnuVw Twitter: https://twitter.com/VerdantGrowth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realverdantgrowth Instagram: http://instagram.com/verdant.growth or http://instagram.com/verdantgrowthofficial --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/solvefornature/support
Beatie Wolfe interviews Master guitar maker and Taylor Guitars CEO Andy Powers about his journey from making his first guitar, age 7, to Bob Taylor offering him a job, age 15, to being CEO today. Listen to this show that takes you from the power of purpose to crafting a legacy of excellence via the thread of service. Orange Juice for the Ears with “musical weirdo and visionary” (Vice) Beatie Wolfe explores the power of music across space, science, art, health, film and technology by talking to leading luminaries from Nobel Laureates to punk publishers about their life's work and musical DNA. Beatie Wolfe is an artist who has beamed her music into space, been appointed a UN role model for innovation and held an acclaimed solo exhibition at the V&A Museum. Andy Powers' Orange Juice for the Ears First song that imprinted? “Pipeline Sequence” by Honk / First album that shaped who you are? “Keep On The Sunny Side” from the record Will The Circle be Unbroken by Mother Maybelle & The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band / The music you would send into Space? “In the Morning When I Rise” by Sweet Honey in the Rock / The song you would have at your memorial? “Traumerei” by Robert Schumann played by Vladimir Horowitz / The album you would pass onto the next generation? “Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars (Corcovado)” from the record We Get Requests by Oscar Peterson // This show first aired live on dublab radio - tracks have been shortened for this podcast. The podcast was mastered by Dean Martin Hovey.
Charlie Parr is one of the most under-the-radar living guitar legends out there. He's known for his wild country blues and roots sound. In this video, you'll learn how to sound like this guitar legend and learn some tips and tricks from my years of knowing and playing with him! Charlie Parr is first and foremost a folk artist. He's incredible talented, humble, and dedicated to carrying on the traditions of folk music. Whether its hill country blues or a one of his original compositions, I highly recommend you check him out! Once you've gotten a taste of his sound, you're probably wondering how you can incorporate his techniques and style into your own playing. Luck for you, that's why I made this episode. I'll be serving 10 guitar lessons to help you emulate Charlie Parr. But more importantly, you'll learn how to find your own sound via the wisdom of Charlie Parr — just check out the episode and you'll know what I mean! Featured in this episode... - Charlie Parr - Smithsonian Folkways - Sam Bush - Taylor Guitars - Chicago Music Exchange
Tim talks about the decision-making process involved in leaving music as a full-time player… what he misses about playing and what he definitely doesn't miss… playing at Red Rocks, trusting himself more, karaoke, surfing, golf, family, and more. Really cool convo with an industry member who's respected, successful, and very well-liked by all Cool Guitar & Music T-Shirts!: http://www.GuitarMerch.com Tim's had a dual career in music. As a full-time guitarist, he was a side man with acts like Air Supply, Tanya Tucker & Laura Brannigan… he also co-founded a band that got signed to EMI, has done soundtracks, and currently produces other artists. Tim's also had a second career in artist relations, for Taylor Guitars Subscribe & Website: https://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/subscribe Support this show: http://www.everyonelovesguitar.com/support
What if I told you my favorite acoustic 12-string guitar was less than $300? This episode will cover my top 10 favorite acoustic 12-string guitars. From the high-end to the low-end, you'll get a wide variety of takes on 10 guitars. 12-string guitars are known for their full, rich sound. It gives a natural chorus sound to an acoustic guitar. They can be a little difficult to play. Sometimes they're even harder to tune. But I promise, it's well worth your time. The 12-string guitars that made my top 10 list are judged on value, tone, and beauty. They're all great guitars — especially the cheapest one. But for those who are loyal to Taylor Guitars, you'll be happy to know there are two Taylors on my list! Featured in this episode… Charlie Parr National Guitars Orangewood Guitars Taylor Guitars Fender Martin Guitar Guild Guitars Seagull Guitars Larrivee Yamaha Guitars
Hershall, we are glad to bring you another episode of this virtual train wreck. We had quite a day here at Pod'N Me. We talked about many various things as always. Those things included but were not limited to Taylor Guitars (not a sponsor), the anatomy of a boot, double tongued deacons.... I can't quite describe the episode, so give it a listen. We ended today with the ever popular segment, Name that Lyric, formally Name that Tune. The Deacon Dustin ran the lyric recitation (big word for recite which is also a fairly big word that means to repeat aloud) and got me and the Songleader in a proverbial quagmire (huge word meaning an awkward, complex, or hazardous situation). Hint: I lost... Well, we might could say, you all lost... and I just did! Anyhow, thanks for listening and send feedback if you so choose to devin@podnme.org and you can also take a look at our website podnme.org where you can now buy some underwhelming merchandise to support this ridiculous show... Enjoy and My God Bless you!
Hi friends. Hank and Dave recorded this week's episode before Taylor Hawkins' passing; however, we did review Dream Widow's new record (it slams) so we got to honor him in that way. RIP Taylor Hawkins.Otherwise, this was a big gear week as Taylor Guitars was named one of the top ten innovative manufacturers in the world, so obviously we needed to talk about why.Also discussed: Strum Perfect, Mattoverse Electronics' Solar Sound sun-powered pedal, Line 6 updating the DL4, the new Boss RE-202 Space Echo, Gibson partnering with Triumph motorcycles, UA Ukraine updates and Spark tease, Western Electric making guitar tubes, Trini Lopez deals, Alex Lifeson's upcoming auction, NAMM updates, and Gibson's 1967 Factory Tour.The Craftory.
Taylor Guitars raises the bar for acoustic guitars. But how do you know which Taylor Guitar is right for your needs? Stay tuned to hear about some of the best Taylor Acoustic Guitars for 2022. Taylor Guitars has been at the forefront of guitar making for decades. And they show no sign of stopping. Taylor Guitars was named one of the most innovative manufacturers by Fast Company — but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Taylor Guitars actually stand the test of time. They look phenomenal. They play incredibly with a variety of tones and body styles to accommodate any player. I haven't liked every Taylor Guitar I've played, though. Sometimes they're too chime-y or thin. Despite this, I think Taylor still makes some unforgettable acoustic guitars. That's why this episode is covering the five best Taylor Acoustic Guitars. In addition to hearing about Taylor Guitars, you'll also see... - Jeff Jewitt - New York Rangers - Mike Dawes - Bluegrass Life
Tyler Boone grew up in the Lowcountry of Charleston, SC. Boone first became enamored with the small club rock scene and slowly started making his way headlining major music venues & gaining traction on the radio waves all across the United States. These past few years have led him to open for some incredible talent and becoming an official Taylor Guitars endorsed artist, with his non-stop touring schedule in the southeast, midwest & west coast as both a solo performer or with his band. Bringing a perfect marriage of both Americana & Blues Alt Rock & has been self releasing music since 2012. Whether it's a blistering full band performance or an intimate songwriter showcase, Tyler's music catalog is well equipped to over deliver the two. He's never been the one to stick to trends and plans on always making it about his music first before being concerned about being told what to sing & perform about. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/dadcastco/support
JR Robison is a District Sales Manager at Taylor Guitars. In this interview, we discuss guitar collecting, tonewoods, models, and new guitars out from Taylor Guitars. We also talk about JR's recent move from Ramona California to San Antonio Texas so that he can better serve his reseller community.Taylor Guitars was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug, and has grown into the leading global builder of premium acoustic guitars. Renowned for blending modern, innovative manufacturing techniques with a master craftsman's attention to detail, Taylor acoustic guitars are widely considered among the best-sounding and easiest to play in the world. The company is a pioneer in the use of computer mills, lasers and other high-tech tools and proprietary machinery, and today, Bob Taylor is widely recognized throughout the musical instrument industry as the visionary acoustic guitar manufacturer.Today, Taylor employs over 1,200 people and produces hundreds of guitars per day exclusively in two factory complexes in the U.S and Mexico: El Cajon, California, and in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. (Taylor does not manufacture any guitars in Asia.) The company maintains an active dealer network, with Taylor guitars sold through hundreds of retail locations in North America and with international distribution to 60 countries, including a distribution warehouse and factory service center in the Netherlands.Our site has a wealth of information about what goes into making a Taylor guitar and how to make this very important decision. We have guides for how to find the right fit for you. Learn about the subtle differences in shapes and styles. Delve into different types of woods and construction, which are vital to the flavor and tone of an acoustic. Explore the Taylor line by series to find the look and style you want for your instrument.Every guitar player needs a great acoustic guitar – or several – in their collection. Finding the right acoustic guitar for you can be a daunting process even for the most seasoned player. If you are new to shopping for guitars, then it is even more critical that you learn all you can before you make your first purchase. If your first acoustic guitar is not the appropriate choice for you, then it can dramatically reduce the enjoyment you will get out of your instrument. If you are a new guitar player, the wrong guitar can be downright discouraging. You want a guitar that fits you, is effortless to play, and has the rich, beautiful tone you love to make it the instrument you dream of playing hour after hour.
In this episode of Masters of Community, we speak with Brian Oblinger, Chief Community Officer at Brian Oblinger Strategic Consulting. Brian has worked with top brands such as Acer, Alteryx, Autodesk, Comcast, eBay, The Home Depot, HP, PlayStation, and more. He also co-Hosts the podcast “In Before The Lock” with Erica Kuhl where they discuss community, customer experience, and leadership at scale. In this episode, we discuss how to plan community programs out for the long run and what community professionals need to do to help establish the community industry today. There's also a lot of good, high-level debate, which I hope gives you interesting insights. Who is this episode for? Senior professionals in the Community Industry and Chief Community Officers or equivalent designations. Three key takeaways: 1. Communities in early-stage companies: Communities that are built before companies find that product-market fit can help validate and refine ideas to build a product/service. Let this community development plan evolve (often it may evolve multiple times) alongside your community and product/service. What works now may not work six months down the line so you shouldn't let imposter syndrome creep into your mindset. Use advice as inspiration but don't use it as a diagnosis because “experts” will tell you what works for them but it may not necessarily work for you. 2. Trends in the industry of Community: The incorporation of Community into the core business plan is signaling a boom in the industry. This has also started generating interest from older companies that are looking to grow via the Community route. The tools, expertise, and thought leadership in the area of Community have exploded. This comes with a mix of very intelligent people but also some advice that will never be useful to anyone. 3. Has the Community Industry already reached its peak?: In the long run, Community may become a part of the broader customer experience and customer success initiatives, but it will take a long time for Community to gain its own identity as an independent pillar of business. This progress will look different in different parts of the world. Community professionals will need to accept that business will have a large hand in this progress and will need to learn to communicate in the “language of business” to build and maintain that synergy. Notable Quotes: 1. “There needs to be an understanding that, largely, the community is going to be driven by businesses going forward. Whether we like it or not, corporations and a lot of people [who] have the money, they're the ones that are doing this and sort of helping our industry grow right now.” 2. “We're in a position where if we want to truly seize this moment, we need to do that and we need to do it well” “It's one thing to say the community has this hub-and-spoke, that's a center of excellence and it plugs into the marquee and plugs into customers, but then you put it into practice and you [realize that].. these are not easy problems to solve… all these big questions that come up when you get into the weeds of what does community look like as a department, as a career path in a company.” 3. “Regardless of where it lives and what your title is … you have to become this cross-functional, collaborative animal to succeed in a lot of these companies, especially the bigger ones you have to get comfortable and be good at walking into rooms with people you've probably never worked with before. Meet them halfway and be able to tell a story [about the purpose of the Community].” 4. “When you get really good at that collaboration model, great things can happen” Answers to rapid-fire questions: 1. If you could only eat one kind of food for the rest of your life, what would that food be? Queso (Mexican cheese dip). 2. What's the most impactful or insightful book that you've ever read in the world of the community? Biographies of Bob Chapek (CEO of Disney), Bob Taylor (of Taylor Guitars). 3. Wildest community story? When Brian was moderating a PlayStation community, Sony had postponed a scheduled update and the Community got upset over it. 4. What's something that Brian and Erica (co-host of the “In Before The Lock” podcast) disagree about? Brian couldn't recall any because their experience is different, but they play off of each other and are good friends. 5. Favorite community engagement tactic or conversation starter? He asks more open-ended, multifaceted questions that spark insightful conversations. 6. Have you ever worn socks with sandals? Yes, when he was young. 7. Who in the world of the community would you most like to take for lunch to be dead or alive? Erica (co-host of “In Before The Lock” podcast) because she lives nearby or Holly Firestone of Venafi. 8. What's a community product or technology that you wish existed? Not a community technology but a time machine because it gives immense power of impact. 9. Weirdest community you've ever been a part of? A community about Squirrel enthusiasts that his ex-colleague Julie Hamill was a part of. 10. All of your life's lessons into one Twitter-sized piece of life advice? Treat people the way you want to be treated.
Scott's formal bio from Amazon: "Scott has spent his career as a storyteller connecting people with ideas. Along the way, Scott's work has generated millions of views through a feature-length documentary, multiple televisions series, short films, and a diverse range of commercial projects for Microsoft, NBC, Facebook, FOX, Taylor Guitars, Wired, and others. Now, Scott has created Playing with FIRE, which explores the growing community of frugal-minded folks choosing a path to financial independence and early retirement. He and his family reside in Bend, Oregon."Resources to Connect With Scott: Scott's Personal Website: http://www.scottrieckens.com/Scott's FIRE Planning Tools and Resources: https://www.playingwithfire.co/ Scott's Documentary: https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Fire-Pete-Adeney/dp/B081J5B63Y/Scott's Documentary Excerpts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwi5OBtwixXB6pWl6ax7p1gScott's Book: https://www.playingwithfire.co/the-bookScott's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playwithfireco/We also mentioned 1729 and Network States by Balaji S. Srinivasan.Help The Louis and Kyle Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend or leave a review!If you want to reach out to us, please do so on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LouisKyleShowEmail us: LouisandKyleShow@gmail.com