Guitar Blah Blah

Vintage Guitar Stories And Sustainable Guitar Making | Interview w/ Frank Deimel Of Deimel Guitarworks Pt. 2

February 27, 2021 20:07 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MB

In part two of my interview with guitar builder Frank Deimel, we talk more about the trend towards sustainable guitar making and trade some stories about our experiences with vintage guitars. A massive thank you again to Frank for joining me, and check out yesterday's episode for part one if you haven't already! Check out the Deimel Guitarworks site here, and follow them on Instagram here. You can also see the LesLee pickup in action here, and check out the synth connection/Synchroniser ...

Building Guitars For The Future Of Music | Interview w/ Frank Deimel Of Deimel Guitarworks Pt. 1

February 26, 2021 22:59 - 1 hour - 55 MB

In part one of my interview with Frank Deimel of Deimel Guitarworks, we discuss making guitars in the current times and go into the experimental electronics his models are known for. A massive thank you to Frank for joining me, and don't forget to tune in for part two tomorrow! Check out the Deimel Guitarworks site here, and follow them on Instagram here. You can also see the LesLee pickup in action here, and check out the synth connection/Synchroniser system here and here. You can als...

The Future Of Buying Gear Online

February 25, 2021 22:06 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Thomann's Stompenberg FX is another step on a path that just makes sense for the future of guitar gear. That said, I don't think it can ever replace going into a physical guitar store for me (but that's okay, it's not exactly meant to, necessarily). Check out Stompenberg FX and try it out for yourself here. Read about how Stompenberg FX works here. Check out Tonepedia here. Today's music is here.

Guitar Models Come And Guitar Models Go

February 24, 2021 22:10 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MB

As one awesome, unique guitar model is discontinued, a new one in another part of the world comes into existence – at almost the exact same time! Check out Franfret Guitars here on Instagram and Facebook Check out Moon Guitars here on Instagram and Facebook Today's music

Wooden Pickups And Pro Guitarist Stories

February 23, 2021 21:50 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

A double helping of awesome things to check out today in guitarland, one from a small custom builder, the other from the biggest of the big guys. Check out Wiggins Brand Pickups at their site and on Instagram. Today's music (and video suggestion) is here.

More Live Music And Guitar Streams To Enjoy At Home

February 22, 2021 21:46 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

Moving away from blabbing on about gear and guitar builds, here are some more awesome live music performances and guitar streams to enjoy at home – let's keep supporting musicians and live music when and where we can, even when it's just spreading the word or subscribing. House of Waters Live Concert Stream: sonyhall.com/events/house-of-waters-live-stream/ Thomas Erak Twitch: twitch.tv/tomserak Thomas Erak YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCWqfmSWj6w8zEebWe5a69HA Thomas Erak IG: instagram.c...

Win A Boutique Guitar! (US/Canada)

February 20, 2021 22:44 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

I've wanted to spend an episode going over the unique offerings of Moon Guitars in New Jersey, and this week gave me a good excuse to – seeing as they're giving away a guitar! Giveaway rules FB: Moon Guitars FB Giveaway rules IG: Moon Guitars IG Today's music: youtu.be/05YcPcV50zE

A Fascinating New Build From BilT Guitars

February 19, 2021 22:59 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

I've wanted to talk about the great stuff coming out of BilT Guitars for a long time, and this week I was given a good excuse to with the release of a very special new option on their Relevator model. BilT Guitars Site: biltguitars.com/ BilT Guitars FB: facebook.com/biltguitars BilT Guitars Instagram: instagram.com/biltguitars/ Today's music (and gear stuff!) suggestion: youtube.com/channel/UCeNWGEkXw2_VAHAgYuXVrpg/videos

The Guitar Story That Keeps On Giving

February 18, 2021 22:28 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MB

Whatever the truth, this story's proving more and more interesting at every turn. tampabay.com/life-culture/music/2021/02/11/tampa-man-who-built-guitar-from-uncles-skeleton-sure-looks-familiar/ cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/as-it-happens-monday-edition-1.5914619/story-about-florida-man-s-skeleton-guitar-appears-to-be-a-hoax-say-local-reporters-1.5914782 guitar.com/news/music-news/prince-midnight-skelecaster-skeleton-guitar-hoax-tampa-bay/ Today's music: divideanddissolve.bandcamp.com/album/g...

Invisible Guitars, Anyone?

February 17, 2021 22:12 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MB

We're putting the geek in guitar geek and the nerd in guitar nerd on this episode, with a short trip into speculating about chemistry. It's guitar related I swear. Journal article: advances.sciencemag.org/content/7/5/eabd7342 Today's music: youtu.be/ogdfUtT_g0E

Antibacterial Guitars And A New Model From Brian May Guitars

February 16, 2021 21:52 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MB

It's hard to keep up with all the awesome stuff going on in the world of guitar and music, even in these weird times. But here's a pick of two things that definitely caught my eye! Check out this video of Arielle talking about her original Two-Tone, the basis for her new signature guitar: youtu.be/-UC_CsNA9hg Today's music: youtu.be/dZfUC4nuK7U

Get To Know UniCut Guitars

February 15, 2021 21:33 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

With a consistent design philosophy all his own and the particular approach of a seasoned player, Geman guitar builder Florian Lüttke is creating something distinct in the world of 'pointy', heavy-music-oriented guitars. UniCut Guitars FB: facebook.com/unicutguitars/ UniCut Guitars IG: instagram.com/unicutguitars Axes & Blades YouTube Channel: youtube.com/channel/UCioxyaJTP_eTGPJDW48aBsg Today's music: youtu.be/fiFAh32VMMo

Guitar Is Good For You...But We All Already Knew That!

February 14, 2021 20:57 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

Just a few more reasons guitar and music are great, with some awesome new tracks and playing to enjoy too! Octet (for 8 guitars): youtu.be/dD2mxeRjMB0 Heavy metal is good for you: guitar.com/news/music-news/heavy-metal-reduces-stress/ Mammoth EVH: youtu.be/PXqz_NNwT20

Great Guitar Builds From The Year So Far

February 13, 2021 22:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

There are phenomenal new guitar builds and models coming out all the time from skilled guitar makers all around the world – here are just a few highlights from the year so far. More info on the builders below: Deimel Guitarworks FB: facebook.com/DeimelGuitarworks/ IG: instagram.com/deimelguitarworks Whalehazard Guitars: FB: facebook.com/Whalehazard IG: instagram.com/whalehazard Sabrafen Luthier: FB: facebook.com/sabrafen.luthier IG: instagram.com/sabrafenluthier/ Today's music...

If A Bone Nut Improves Tuning Stability Then This Thing'll Never Go Out Of Tune

February 12, 2021 22:14 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

It might seem odd to some, but if you're looking for proof that the guitar and the music made with it are still deeply important to people, then look no further than this story: guitar.com/news/gear-news/skeleton-guitar-prince-midnight-skelecaster/ Today's music: soundcloud.com/julian-imsdahl/eyelashes-airoplanes

I Am Still Thoroughly Stuck In The Whirlpool

February 10, 2021 22:30 - 58 minutes - 53.5 MB

Following on from yesterday's episode, here's an example of going through some recent comments on the whole 'rock is dead' thing and showing how there are more interesting conversations to be had beyond it. Then I swear I'll shut up about this...at least for a while. Articles on the comments: guitar.com/news/music-news/gene-simmons-kiss-rock-is-dead/ guitar.com/news/music-news/kiss-gene-simmons-rock-dead-young-fans-again/ Today's music: lorenconnorsnyc.bandcamp.com/album/robert-crotty-wi...

The Inescapable Whirlpool Of Guitar Nonsense Claims Another Victim

February 09, 2021 22:38 - 1 hour - 56.5 MB

In a stunning and yet-to-be-matched display of dumb irony, I start the episode declaring 'we should stop having these same old guitar conversations', only to then get stuck in one of those very conversations (with myself) for over an hour. Incredible. But I think I proved my point. Well, or made a good example out of myself. That's...something. Today's music: https://youtu.be/0dyet0iX2EU

Will Guitar Prices Go Up This Year?

February 07, 2021 22:05 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MB

There's a definite shift in focus from the import brands towards the more expensive end of their ranges – and expanding just how expensive those ranges get. But there are a few more reasons that guitar and gear prices might well go up in 2021. Today's music: davidregueiro.bandcamp.com/track/a-caravan-passing-by

Why I Love Coil Splits

February 06, 2021 22:42 - 31 minutes - 29 MB

We're often not so impressed with the tone of coil-split humbuckers, but I've come to always want my guitar to have the option of coil splitting. The reason isn't so much to do with mind-blowing tone – it's more about finding the perfect tool for the job. Great alternatives to coil splits: guitarblahblah.podbean.com/e/bad-split-coil-tone-try-these/ Today's music: thesemonsters.bandcamp.com/album/call-me-dragon

Is This A New Era For Boss?

February 05, 2021 23:05 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MB

With the different direction of projects like the new Tone Bender, as well as the Nextone Special and Waza Craft line, are we seeing the pedal-making giant open up new paths for their future? Boss Tone Bender Videos: youtu.be/5L7julS0SkY Today's music: youtu.be/l0I7lEK7_bc

Can Online Music Festivals Work?

February 04, 2021 21:19 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MB

Americanafest UK managed to bring together acts from around the world, adding some interactive elements that went beyond more standard virtual show offerings. But what do the prospects for virtual shows look like going forward? Americanafest UK: americanafestuk.com/ Today's music: youtu.be/Fbo21aWFbhQ

Why All The Guitar Lawsuits?

February 02, 2021 22:42 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MB

Looking for answers beyond just the guitar community could help us to understand exactly why we're seeing so many guitar lawsuits and so much publicity surrounding them. Maybe. But I can't be sure, I'm an idiot. Today's music: teramelos.bandcamp.com/track/last-smile-for-jaron My old article on Gibson (originally written in 2018, redone in 2019): axesandblades.com/can-youtube-save-gibson/

New Custom Guitar Demo Up!

January 31, 2021 22:34 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

There's a new custom guitar demo up on the Axes & Blades YouTube channel, and podcast listeners get to check it out a little earlier than everyone else! Watch the demo: youtu.be/tKc5L6uSRyE Today's music: johnfklaver.bandcamp.com/track/gonna-move

The Electric Guitar Is Not Traditional – It's Always Been Evolving

January 30, 2021 22:38 - 35 minutes - 32.2 MB

The Circle Guitar is another innovative design that shows us the electric guitar is not traditional or stuck in the past – it’s one of the most malleable and constantly evolving instruments out there. See the Circle Guitar in action: youtube.com/channel/UCUPG5UBER1WrhwvJIrrvTEg Today's music suggestion: 1- https://youtu.be/1QJKNlUNDww 2- https://youtu.be/TbwjeOcmtGg 3- https://youtu.be/yZyuaYj8JoI 4- https://youtu.be/PCco_YBsU3w 5- https://youtu.be/EorOE_2zopw 6- https://youtu.be/kwo...

What About Custom Headstocks?

January 29, 2021 22:40 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MB

Whalehazard Guitars out of Minneapolis builds stunning guitars, often elevated with some of the best inlay work you're likely to see. You can even get something many custom guitar workshops and builders won't offer: fully unique, fully customised headstock decoration. Whalehazard Guitars Site: whalehazard.com/ Whalehazard Guitars IG: instagram.com/whalehazard Today's music: christianscott.bandcamp.com/album/axiom

New Goodness For Yer Listenin' Holes

January 28, 2021 21:40 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

It's a double dip of suggestions today as I stumbled upon the awesome music of Marbin, plus their interesting podcast. Check them out: Sweetwater Live Session: youtu.be/MSk8vxvYn8o Music Real Talk Podcast: youtu.be/83mxQSMHJ0M

Solving The Electro Acoustic Guitar Problem: A Space Odyssey

January 27, 2021 15:45 - 1 hour - 74.5 MB

From Martin and the Fishman Aura System to the Taylor T5, the Godin A6 and the HyVibe System, with piezo pickups, soundhole pickups, mini microphones and neodymium magnets in the mix – a lot has been thrown at the problem of trying to get a 'natural' sound when amplifying the acoustic guitar. How close are we to nailing it? Today's music: gabrielvicens.bandcamp.com/album/the-way-we-are-created

Get To Know English Tonewoods

January 25, 2021 20:49 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MB

Turnstone Guitar Company are currently doing a seven-day showcase on the English woods they use, showing what these woods look like, why they use them and how they're used in guitar building. It's a great way to get to know more about the different materials being used out there – and to check out some stunning acoustic guitars. Turnstone IG: instagram.com/turnstoneguitar/ Turnstone FB: facebook.com/TurnstoneGuitarCo Site: turnstoneguitar.co.uk/ Today's music: richardmichaeldawson.bandca...

Boutique Guitars In Action

January 24, 2021 21:52 - 18 minutes - 16.9 MB

"Who plays these 'boutique' guitars?" It's a question worth asking, and the answer actually involves a whole bunch of awesome players. In continuing to highlight them, this episode takes a look at the work of Bryce Dessner and his use of models from Deimel Guitarworks in Germany. Check out some examples of his work: youtu.be/3Krv1A15wto youtu.be/v4DhJadPd6g arte.tv/de/videos/097599-000-A/bryce-dessner-und-das-orchestre-philharmonique-de-radio-france/ youtu.be/7z1GZ50e-Zk

Away From The NAMM Show...

January 22, 2021 21:15 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MB

In the spirit of this week, here are a few amazing things in the world of guitar to keep an eye on – and instead of hitting you with all the content from Believe In Music Week, these are things you may not have seen... Sabrafen Luthier FB: facebook.com/sabrafen.luthier Sabrafen Luthier IG: instagram.com/sabrafenluthier/ Axes & Blades FB: facebook.com/axesandblades Axes & Blades IG: instagram.com/axes_and_blades/ Nik Huber Guitars FB: facebook.com/NikHuberGuitars Nik Huber Guitars IG: i...

Why Do Vox Guitars Keep Disappearing?

January 21, 2021 10:40 - 30 minutes - 28 MB

Another year, another NAMM Show (sort of), and another set of new guitar models from Vox. Over the decades, the beloved amp brand have made attempt after attempt to enter the guitar market. Their models have been experimental, innovative, classic, beautiful, and sometimes a seemingly perfect blend between all of these. Yet, they never really stick around – on the market, or in our minds. What's going on? Today's music: youtu.be/vM7seMN35Yw

A Very Special NAMM Show Presentation | Projects Of Three

January 19, 2021 21:56 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

If you're looking for something exciting, something different or something special to come from NAMM's Believe In Music Week, look no further than The One Guitars Collection from Projects of Three: youtu.be/4DQL94VLM2U Today's music: youtu.be/0x-vgy1NwIg

An Awesome Mini Guitar Film To Check Out This Week

January 18, 2021 22:19 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

With so many events and fun things missing from our lives right now, it's important to keep spreading the word about cool things to look forward to. Here's a little preview of Franfret Guitars' little mini doc coming this Friday – tune in at the links below to check it out and learn more about the life of a music fanatic and guitar builder. Franfret Guitars YouTube: youtube.com/user/franfretcustom Franfret Guitars Facebook: facebook.com/FranfretGuitars/ Today's music: sharptonerecords.ban...

If You Love Relic Guitars...

January 17, 2021 22:28 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MB

Avoiding the big debate around whether they're the next best thing to vintage guitars or are just a lame phony, relic guitars and aged guitars have thoroughly established themselves in the guitar world. Whether they're your thing or not, here are a couple of names to seriously consider when it comes to guitars with that vintage vibe. Pannuci Guitars: guitarlounge.nl/ Bassart Guitars: bassartguitars.de/ Today's music: youtu.be/sf90wjabKi0

What Happened To The ES-300's Pickup?

January 16, 2021 22:59 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MB

Gibson's first true premier electric model was a place for experimentation and innovation, breaking new ground both pre- and post-war. It serves as a fascinating thread for following the early development of the electric guitar. But why didn't its boldest feature on first being released – its pickup – stick around? Today's music: adultbooksca.bandcamp.com/album/running-from-the-blows

How To Find The True Gear Innovators

January 15, 2021 22:46 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MB

With a lot of guitar history spinning round in my head, one conclusion I've drawn is that finding the biggest innovators and the most important stories requires tuning out the noise and defining a more focused criteria. Today's music: lakemichigan.bandcamp.com/album/stillness-2

How Are My Terrible Guitar Predictions Holding Up?

January 13, 2021 22:33 - 25 minutes - 23 MB

Despite everything moving to the virtual world, it's still NAMM Show season – or Believe In Music season for this year. Many companies are sticking to the usual cycle of revealing the majority of their new gear for the year ahead in the run up to the show, so it seems a good time to put my recent 2021 predictions to the test. Just how far off was I? Today's music: lorecordings.bandcamp.com/track/head-shrinker

Taylor And Martin Look To The Future

January 12, 2021 22:03 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

Following on from looking at Taylor's sustainable practices, they've shown again this week that they're an innovative company looking to the future – and Martin are signalling their own forward-thinking approach as well. Today's music: youtu.be/xPdeBxZR0dY

Are Coated Strings Better?

January 11, 2021 20:36 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MB

The Great String Experiment Continues! In the first set of comparisons, it's interesting to see if the coated strings really have the benefits their marketing spiel boasts. Do they last longer, do they sustain more, and are they louder? Projects of 3: projectsofthree.com/collections/the-one-guitars-collection-2021/ Today's music: adultbooksca.bandcamp.com/

The Most Underrated Guitar Brand?

January 10, 2021 20:50 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MB

There are a ton of amazing smaller guitar builders and brands that deserve lots more recognition – I try to feature a good number on here and on axesandblades.com. But in terms of the bigger brands, these guys should definitely be in the conversation more than they are... Today's music: kikodinucci.bandcamp.com/album/rastilho

What's Happening With The NAMM Show This Year?

January 08, 2021 23:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MB

In continuing to cover the happenings in virtual guitar world, I'm taking a look at what NAMM's 2021 virtual show (Believe In Music Week) has on offer. Find out more at the links below: Main info: attend.believeinmusic.tv/ Artist livestream info: attend.believeinmusic.tv/article/3 Today's music: youtube.com/watch?v=Qq1pWl-ObjE

Awesome Guitar Events To Catch Next Week

January 07, 2021 21:43 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MB

Calling all guitar geeks, nerds, obsessives and perverts. It's a hard time lately in many ways, and things can get a little monotonous without events, guitar shows and live music. That's why I want to keep promoting as many live virtual events, performances and streams as possible, and next week there's a bunch! Check out the details below: ESP Presents 2021: espguitars.com/videos/2040004 PRS Guitars 2021 Launch Party: prsguitars.com/launchparty2021/ Bandcamp Live: daily.bandcamp.com/fea...

My Mesa/Boogie Has A Broken Headstock

January 06, 2021 22:59 - 22 minutes - 20.2 MB

It's the big guitar industry news of the day, and the hot takes and wild speculation are already running rampant. So why not throw some more into the mix on today's podcast? Learn more: guitar.com/news/industry-news/mesa-boogie-joins-gibson-brands/ Today's music: https://daily.bandcamp.com/album-of-the-day/makgona-tsohle-band-makgona-tsohle-reggi-review

Is Collaborative Design Set To Be More Of A Trend In 2021?

January 05, 2021 22:31 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MB

With ThorpyFX announcing a new crowd-sourced pedal design process, could 2021 see more in the guitar world turning to collaborative design to engage with the community and gain a more invested following in their work? ThorpyFX announcement: instagram.com/p/CJi1dj0MeHr/ Today's music: listen.20buckspin.com/album/enlightened-in-eternity

My Guitar Predictions for 2021

January 04, 2021 23:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MB

It's a crazy time to try and be making predictions, but it's always fun to try and say which trends will come up in the guitar world over the next year. So here are my picks of the trends that I see growing to prominence in 2021...maybe... Today's music: youtube.com/watch?v=Z16cgtN6IYI Today's music live session: youtube.com/watch?v=kpiCZOlkEvA

The Infinite Pedal Boom?

January 03, 2021 22:59 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MB

Following up on yesterday's suggested reading, another article on the continuing positive trajectory of the pedal world raises some thoughts about what the source of this could be. When it's a tough time in so many ways, and while digital seems to be taking over, how come pedals are still so popular? Article 1: guitar.com/features/interviews/how-the-pedal-industry-has-thrived-in-2020/ Article 2: guitar.com/features/interviews/the-biggest-names-in-effects-tell-us-what-they-have-planned-for-...

Guitar Makers To Follow In 2021

January 02, 2021 22:58 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MB

There are a ton of great guitar builders in the world today – lucky for us guitar perverts! They're are so many whose work you should be following, but here are a few that promise to have a lot in store for us in the coming year. Check them out below! Today's music: youtu.be/ObiT0_6-gNw Today's reading: guitar.com/features/interviews/how-the-pedal-industry-has-thrived-in-2020/ V8 Custom Guitars: v8customguitars.com/ FB: facebook.com/v8customguitars/ Sabrafen Guitars: sabrafen.com/ FB: ...

Pickup Makers You Need To Know | Part 2

January 01, 2021 14:50 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MB

In this second part, we get to know a pickup maker offering a truly custom shop service. Built with a wealth of experience, knowledge and clearly passion – plus genuine custom hardware and machinery – Creamery Pickups are a must-know for tone chasers, guitar nerds and gear obsessives. Check them out here: Site: creamery-pickups.co.uk/ IG: instagram.com/the_creamery/ FB: facebook.com/at.the.creamery Today's music 1: youtu.be/-HIlKSzD9k0 Today's music 2: youtu.be/fHU24jeFKeU

Pickup Makers You Need To Know | Part 1

December 30, 2020 20:35 - 24 minutes - 22.9 MB

There are some excellent pickup makers with some really unique offerings in the market today – and it's about time some of them got more attention! Oil City Pickups in London really do have something for everyone, including custom shop service and some fascinating new innovations. Tune in tomorrow for part 2 to hear about another great pickup maker. Check out Oil City below: Site: oilcitypickups.co.uk/ FB: facebook.com/oilcitypickups IG: instagram.com/oil_city_pickups/ Today's music: bon...

Supporting More Musicians

December 29, 2020 22:09 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

In continuing to highlight the community coming together to support more professionals, workers, artists and musicians in these weird times, I wanted to shout out Thomas Erak's work. His guitar playing and music have been very important to me for a long time and, like many musicians, he's faced a tough year with ingenuity and a hell of a lot of hard work. Check out some links to his stuff below, and remember to check out The Fall Of Troy, Just Like Vinyl, Push Over and all of his musical p...

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