Advertise on podcast: The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

This week's show is a mini master class in the life of a working recording artist in 2026. Lance Allen (aka "the Guitarlancer") is a jack of all guitar trades: He teaches guitar to students around the world; he works in the gear industry as a consultant and demo artist; and he's a musician successfully navigating the world of digital streaming.  On this week's show, we get Lance's whole, fascinating story. We talk all about performance royalties, streaming trends, his favorite guitars, and how a couple of tracks on "peaceful guitar" playlists paid for his house! Plus, the Fretboard Summit, high-end Cort acoustics, the Chet Atkins Society, TikTok, backing Justin Trudeau (almost), coffee, and so much more.  https://www.lanceallenmusic.com/ Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 61 is now mailing to all subscribers:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription Our Fretboard Summit takes place August 19-21, 2027 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). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

Today, we take a deep dive into hardcore history with guitarists Michael Hampton (The Extorts, The Faith, Embrace, One Last Wish) and Brian Baker (Bad Religion, Dag Nasty, Minor Threat). These two legendary DC musicians make up one half of punk supergroup Fake Names, whose third album, Punk Ruins, is out now on Epitaph. https://fakenamesofficial.com Our guest interviewer for today's show is John Drenning, who recently penned a story on Baker for the 60th issue of our magazine. Read some highlights here. During the chat, the duo reminisces about the early days of hardcore, Gibson SGs, Henry Rollins, Ian MacKaye, The Decline of Western Civilization, the formation of Fake Names, and so much more. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 61 is now mailing to all subscribers:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

PSA: As winter approaches, it's time to protect your cherished instruments from drying out and damage. Today, we're talking to Joe Heiland from Boveda about their ridiculously simple (and ingenious) two-way humidity control packs. Joe walks us through the history of Boveda, their roots in the cigar (and cannabis) industries, and some best practices for looking after your guitars, mandolins, banjos and more.  https://store.bovedainc.com/collections/for-music We first met Joe and Boveda at our Chicago Fretboard Summit and we now have their control packs on nearly all of our guitars here at the Fretboard Journal. No matter what method you use, we hope this conversation inspires you to protect your instruments.  Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 61 is about to be mailed to all subscribers:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

This week, we're talking to Noah C. Lekas, one of the Fretboard Journal's longstanding contributors. Over the years, Noah has profiled a variety of subjects for our magazine's pages, from blues legend Hubert Sumlin to luthier Matt Eich of Mule Resophonics. Today, we're sharing this Colorado-based writer/musician's own journey, his near-fatal illness, the psychedelic therapy that helped save him, and the album that he just released to document the ordeal, 'Flowers of Perennial Dissent.' The spoken word and guitar project features guests such as Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) and folk artist Charlie Parr.  All told, it's a deep chat about the human condition, finding your why, gratitude, and so much more. We hope you like it.  Get the record here: https://www.blindowlrecords.com/products/noah-c-lekas-flowers-of-perennial-dissent Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 61 is about to be mailed to all subscribers:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we meet Charlotte Cornfield, a Toronto-based singer-songwriter who recently released her sixth album, 'Hurts Like Hell.' The album was recorded live off the floor at Phil Weinrobe's studio in Brooklyn and features guitarists Adam Brisbin and El Kempner, guest vocals from Feist and Buck Meek, and lots more.  We discussed Charlotte's writing process, how the different players left their stamp on this beautiful record, got the rundown on her one-pedal pedalboard, and more.  https://charlottecornfield.com Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 61 is about to be mailed to all subscribers:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we are talking to Jim and Frank from Wood & Wire Fine Fretted Instruments, a recently opened Chicago-area guitar store celebrating high-end and boutique instruments. This may just be the most Fretboard Journal-ish guitar retailer on earth. https://woodandwire.net Jim Newcomb served as CEO of the Old Town School of Folk Music and is responsible for bringing the Fretboard Summit to Chicago. Frank Hamilton is a former student at the Galloup School and headed the repair shop at the recently closed Guitar Works from 1999-2004. Wood & Wire distinguishes itself with an inventory featuring bigger boutique brands like Collings, Huss & Dalton and Boucher alongside hand-picked luthier-built instruments from legends such as Jason Kostal, Tyler Wells, Paul Woolson and others. They are also carrying both high-end acoustics and electrics, vintage instruments, and select amps. During our chat, we talk about the origin of the store, their desire to make it a community hub, guitar design, and so much more. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

The great John Leventhal joins us once again to talk about the making of his new solo album, 'National Drift.'  https://www.instagram.com/johnleventhal/ We talk about his recording process for the album, how the songs came to be, the guitars he's currently loving, the perils of compression and so much more.   Watch John perform "The Old Improv" on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/M-1JbpOEwVY Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

Frank Gross, founder of West Seattle's Thunder Road Guitars, joins us this week. Thunder Road is a unique brick-and-mortar success story. Thanks to some smart business moves (online and off), Thunder Road has thrived. In fact, Frank recently purchased and renovated a commercial space for the store!  During our chat, we talk about Seattle's thriving independent guitar stores; Thunder Road's offerings (they carry big brands like Fender and Gibson alongside consignment instruments); and so much more. https://www.thunderroadguitars.com   Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

On today's episode, guest host Ryan Richter sits down with multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Nate Mercereau. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of stringed instruments, Nate continues to redefine what it means to play and compose with the guitar as the centerpiece.  In this conversation, Ryan and Nate dive into the making of Mercereau's compelling new album, Fantastic Thoughts. They discuss the creative philosophy, gear setups, and spontaneous moments of inspiration that shaped the record, giving listeners an insider's look into Nate's unique artistic process. https://www.natemercereau.com   Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

Molly Tuttle joins us this week to talk about guitars (of course), her touring rig, life on the road and so much more.  We chat about vintage Martins, the new Martin double-neck guitar she's using (the Martin Grand J-28E DN), why she hasn't gone electric yet, and so much more. It's a fun chat with one of the bluegrass world's most inspiring artists.  https://www.mollytuttlemusic.com   Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). and Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington!

Bluegrass guitar hero Bryan Sutton joins us this week to talk about his brand-new album, From Roots to Branches, Vol. 1 ( Mountain Home Music Company). The album features Sutton in a duo setting with a bevy of friends, including Tommy Emmanuel, Billy Strings, Joe Bonamassa, Sierra Hull, the late Doc Watson, and others. As you'll hear, the performances range from straight bluegrass to a rather rocking tune with Billy Strings. We also talk about his Blue Ridge Guitar Camp, session work, the joys of downsizing your guitar collection, and the secret studio weapon known as the Epiphone Seville (who knew?). We even brainstorm on a rather hilarious Fretboard Summit golf tournament.   https://www.bryansutton.com https://www.blueridgeguitarcamp.com Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Maisy Owen joins us this week to talk about her gorgeous debut album, Dark on a Sunny Day (Tompkins Square). Maisy talks about her music-filled upbringing (her dad is songwriter Gwil Owen; radio programming legend Rob Bleetstein is a family friend); her decision to take up the guitar; unlikely jobs (and songwriting sessions); her newfound love for British folk and so much more. Maisy also performed some songs while visiting us, available on our YouTube channel. https://www.maisyowen.com   Get the record: https://tompkinssquare.bandcamp.com/album/dark-on-a-sunny-day Register for our 2026 Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/tickets Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Today, we pay tribute to singer-songwriter Glen Hansard (1970-2026), frontman for the Frames and Swell Season.  In 2009, Fretboard Journal publisher Jason Verlinde sat down with Glen at Seattle's Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub for an hour-long chat about guitars (including his famously worn Takamine), meeting your heroes, busking, and more. Today, we're sharing the audio from that conversation for the very first time.  This interview ended up serving as the cover story for our 17th issue, which we published in 2010. As you'll hear, this was recorded 16 years ago in a busy pub and was not meant to be a podcast. There is plenty of background restaurant noise and the occasional interruption from fans and waitstaff. But we think it paints a nice portrait of a truly unique artist. We hope you enjoy it.  The article that came out of this interview can be found here. We also filmed Glen busking in front of Pike Place Market minutes after this interview. Watch that here. Register for our 2026 Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/tickets Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Today on the podcast, Summer School Electronics founder Mark Turley joins us once again. We talk about Summer School's current pedal offerings, the 2026 Fretboard Summit, and the two pedal-making classes that Mark will be teaching at the Summit. https://www.summerschoolelectronics.com Sign up for Summer School's Pedal Classes: https://www.summerschoolelectronics.com/shop/p/fretboard-summit-pedal-building-class-amnk8 Register for our 2026 Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/tickets Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Today on the podcast, we are joined by guitarist Louis Campbell, who talks to us about growing up playing traditional music, studying with Martin Simpson, his affinity for using the electric guitar like a piano, and much more. You can check out his original music via his duo Spafford Campbell: https://www.spaffordcampbell.com Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription 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). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com