Building Guitars for Steve Vai, Jerry Cantrell & Slash | Stephen McSwain

Life With Strings Attached

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

اضافه شده در one سال پیش

محتوای ارائه شده توسط Jamie Gale. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Jamie Gale یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal

All About Change

1
Eli Beer & United Hatzalah: Saving Lives in 90 seconds or Less 30:20

16 روز پیش30:20

پخش در آینده

لیست ها

پسندیدن

دوست داشته شد

30:20

Eli Beer is a pioneer, social entrepreneur, President and Founder of United Hatzalah of Israel. In thirty years, the organization has grown to more than 6,500 volunteers who unite together to provide immediate, life-saving care to anyone in need - regardless of race or religion. This community EMS force network treats over 730,000 incidents per year, in Israel, as they wait for ambulances and medical attention. Eli’s vision is to bring this life-saving model across the world. In 2015, Beer expanded internationally with the establishment of branches in South America and other countries, including “United Rescue” in Jersey City, USA, where the response time was reduced to just two minutes and thirty-five seconds. Episode Chapters (0:00) intro (1:04) Hatzalah’s reputation for speed (4:48) Hatzalah’s volunteer EMTs and ambucycles (5:50) Entrepreneurism at Hatzalah (8:09) Chutzpah (14:15) Hatzalah’s recruitment (18:31) Volunteers from all walks of life (22:51) Having COVID changed Eli’s perspective (26:00) operating around the world amid antisemitism (28:06) goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…

حدود یک سال پیش 1:20:19

MP3•خانه قسمت

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase

Support the deeper conversations:
🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

فصل ها

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Oregon and US road trips (00:01:38)

3. How Stephen became a guitar maker (00:11:02)

4. Selling your first guitar to Steve Vai (00:17:22)

5. Keith Richards and dealing with rejection (00:24:40)

6. The Mt. Kissmore guitar (00:29:42)

7. Stephen's business partner (00:35:20)

8. A word from our sponsor (00:40:31)

9. Making an unusual guitar for Slash (00:40:59)

10. Stephen's history with art (00:49:08)

11. The joy of playing live (00:53:30)

12. Why go into the guitar business? (01:01:20)

56 قسمت

#Society #Arts #Music #Jamie Gale #Guitar #Design #Architecture #Philosophy #Physics #Travel

Building Guitars for Steve Vai, Jerry Cantrell & Slash | Stephen McSwain

Life With Strings Attached

published حدود یک سال پیش

اشتراک گذاری

MP3•خانه قسمت

Watch the video version on YouTube:
🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached

Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase:
🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase

Support the deeper conversations:
🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon

Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.

فصل ها

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Oregon and US road trips (00:01:38)

3. How Stephen became a guitar maker (00:11:02)

4. Selling your first guitar to Steve Vai (00:17:22)

5. Keith Richards and dealing with rejection (00:24:40)

6. The Mt. Kissmore guitar (00:29:42)

7. Stephen's business partner (00:35:20)

8. A word from our sponsor (00:40:31)

9. Making an unusual guitar for Slash (00:40:59)

10. Stephen's history with art (00:49:08)

11. The joy of playing live (00:53:30)

12. Why go into the guitar business? (01:01:20)

56 قسمت

#Society #Arts #Music #Jamie Gale #Guitar #Design #Architecture #Philosophy #Physics #Travel

ทุกตอน

1
Dan Erlewine (StewMac): A Life in Guitar Repair, Innovation, and Legacy 1:40:49

۲ hours پیش1:40:49

1:40:49

[re-upload with improved audio quality] Legendary guitar repairman, luthier, and educator Dan Erlewine (StewMac) joins us for a conversation on innovation, legacy, and the craft behind the music. In this episode of Life With Strings Attached , we reflect on Dan’s early inspirations, his journey into guitar building and repair, and the unforeseen innovations that have left a permanent mark on the industry. Along the way, we explore how chance, necessity, and curiosity have led to the evolution of sound itself — and what legacy truly means for the generations that follow. Whether you're an experienced luthier, a player, or simply passionate about the world of guitars, this conversation offers rare insights from one of the field’s true masters. Discover Dan Erlewine’s work: 🔗 Dan Erlewine 🔗 StewMac 🔗 YouTube Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
How Michael Tobias Designed the Bass You Didn’t Know You’ve Heard 1:40:45

۵ روز پیش1:40:45

1:40:45

Michael Tobias didn’t set out to change the sound of modern music, but that’s exactly what he did. In this episode, he joins Jamie Gale to reflect on five decades of instrument building, from the early days of repairing guitars in Washington, D.C., to founding Tobias Guitars, surviving corporate life at Gibson, and ultimately creating MTD: a brand that quietly redefined what a bass could be. Together, they trace the evolution of tonewood, the philosophy behind zero frets, and why electric instruments are more acoustic than most players realize. Michael shares lessons from factory floors, family workshops, and near-catastrophic failures - plus a look into the future as his son Daniel carries the torch. This is not just the story of a bass builder - it’s a story about listening, adapting, and building instruments that speak for themselves. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
From Hollywood to Handwork: Concept Artist Tim Warnock on Creative Identity 1:52:02

19 روز پیش1:52:02

1:52:02

What does a concept artist who’s worked on Harry Potter , Transformers , and The Expanse have to say about boutique guitars? Plenty, as it turns out. In this episode of Life With Strings Attached , Jamie Gale talks with Tim Warnock — a former matte painter at Industrial Light & Magic and co-founder of Northfront Studio — about what it means to build creative identity in a world that often values imitation over intention. They discuss digital design vs. analog expression, why Tim upgrades budget guitars instead of chasing luxury models, and how the discipline of composition, mood, and light connects every creative craft — whether you're designing a video game, photographing a guitar, or building one from scratch. ~ Tim Warnock: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2157264/ https://www.timwarnockstudio.com/ https://www.artstation.com/timwarnock https://zerply.com/timwarnock ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: / businessofguitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVM... LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Gangs, Guitars, and the Grit to Keep Going — Bob Robinson 1:49:58

26 روز پیش1:49:58

1:49:58

What does it take to stay creative in the face of chaos? In this episode of Life With Strings Attached , Jamie Gale sits down with Bob Robinson — a luthier, furniture maker, and all-around builder — to hear how his journey took him from working in gang territory on Chicago’s West Side to redefining what it means to make a classical guitar. They explore the lessons learned in violence, the quiet joy of craft, and how to build a life that doesn’t just survive — but resonates. A story of danger, reinvention, and craftsmanship without compromise. ~ Bob Robinson: https://robertrobinsonguitars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/robertrobinsonluthier/ https://www.facebook.com/robertrobinsonluthier/ https://www.troscandesign.com/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: / businessofguitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVM... LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Frank Deimel on Sound, Identity, and Building Guitars That Rebel 1:42:20

۵ weeks پیش1:42:20

1:42:20

In this episode of Life With Strings Attached , Jamie Gale speaks with German luthier Frank Deimel , a builder whose instruments blend fine craftsmanship with punk energy, political commentary, and sonic experimentation. Frank shares the unexpected path that took him from classical guitar dropout to one of the most original voices in modern guitar making — including factory work at Warwick, industrial design school in Berlin, and his enduring love for offset guitars and outsider art. Along the way, we dive into what it means to build tools for rebellion, beauty, and sound — and how guitars can still carry cultural weight. This isn’t just about instruments — it’s about identity, intention, and doing things your own way. ~ Frank Deimel: https://deimelguitarworks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deimelguitarworks/ https://www.facebook.com/DeimelGuitarworks/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: / businessofguitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVM... LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Isaac Jang on Legacy, Faith, and the Craft of Making Happy Guitars 1:48:37

۵ weeks پیش1:48:37

1:48:37

[re-upload with highly improved audio] In this episode of Life With Strings Attached , Jamie Gale sits down with luthier Isaac Jang — one of the most admired voices in the modern guitar world — to explore what it means to build instruments that don’t just sound beautiful, but feel meaningful. From a decade-long apprenticeship with Kathy Wingert to launching his own shop steps from Hollywood Boulevard, Isaac shares the personal philosophies and small decisions that shape his world-class guitars. The conversation moves gracefully between legacy, craft, family, faith — and how joy itself can be built into wood and wire. Whether you're a player, a builder, or someone searching for direction in your own work, this episode is a reminder that excellence isn’t about ego — it’s about intention. ~ Isaac Jang: https://www.isaacjangguitars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/isaacjangguitar/ https://www.facebook.com/isaacjang910?locale=nl_NL ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: / businessofguitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVM... LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Rewiring the Brain: Living, Creating, and Surviving with Intention | J. Galen Buckwalter 1:58:56

۷ weeks پیش1:58:56

1:58:56

J. Galen Buckwalter is a research psychologist with over 30 years of experience exploring the intersection of psychology, technology, and human behavior. He started his career as a research professor at the University of Southern California and later developed a behavioural outcomes research program at Kaiser Permanente. But many will know him best as the mind behind the groundbreaking assessment and matching system for eHarmony.com . Now, as CEO of psyML, Galen is harnessing psychology and AI to build digital systems that support individual growth. His research has taken him to the cutting edge of neuroscience—he’s a participant and scientist in a groundbreaking brain-machine interface trial aimed at restoring function after spinal cord injury, giving him unprecedented access to his own neural activity. And beyond the lab? Galen is the frontman of Siggy , a pre-punk band of psychologists that’s rocked underground venues across LA. He’s written over 70 songs and is now exploring ways to integrate the sounds of his own brain activity into music. Today, we’re diving into his incredible journey, the future of AI and psychology, and maybe even a little music. Welcome to Life With Strings Attached , J. Galen Buckwalter ! ~ J Galen Buckwalter: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=CKTzCmcAAAAJ&hl=en ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Deconstructing the Guitar: A Whole New Approach | Michihiro Matsuda 1:51:25

۸ weeks پیش1:51:25

1:51:25

Over the last two decades, Michihiro Matsuda has crafted some of the most innovative and inspiring guitars in the world. His work seamlessly blends tradition and creativity, reflecting his deep Japanese heritage and culture. The principles of contemplation and reflection—so central to Japanese philosophy—are evident in every instrument he builds. Born and raised in Japan, Michi’s passion for music, guitars, and craftsmanship led him to the world of lutherie. After an apprenticeship with the legendary Ervin Somogyi, he established his own studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. He also trained in instrument repair under Frank Ford at Gryphon Stringed Instruments, where he remains part of the repair team. For Michi, guitar making is about more than just sound—it’s about identity, expression, and the relationship between builder, player, and instrument. His guitars are deeply personal, fluid yet simple, and always unique. He hopes that each Matsuda guitar offers not just a tool for music, but a meaningful experience for those who play them. It’s an honor to welcome to the show, Michihiro Matsuda. ~ Matsuda Guitars: https://matsudaguitars.com/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Building Guitars with Innovation and Purpose | Simon Padalka 1:56:52

۹ weeks پیش1:56:52

1:56:52

Today on Life With Strings Attached , we have a truly inspiring guest—luthier Simon Padalka , the mastermind behind Padalka Guitars . Simon’s journey into guitar-making began in 2011 in his hometown of Krasnodar, Russia. Though he earned a master’s degree in architecture in 2012, his passion for craftsmanship and design led him to trade blueprints for tonewoods, fully dedicating himself to building boutique electric guitars and basses. Coming from a family of architects, Simon developed a deep appreciation for high-quality materials, structural integrity, and refined aesthetics—elements that are now signature traits of his instruments. By 2015, with the support of his family, he expanded his workshop and introduced new models that became the foundation of the Padalka brand. Simon’s reputation grew internationally as he showcased his work at prestigious events like the Holy Grail Guitar Show in 2018, followed by NAMM in 2019 and 2020 . However, in 2022, faced with geopolitical challenges, he made the bold decision to leave Russia and restart Padalka Guitars in Canada, joining Dingwall Guitars along the way. Now based in Canada, Simon has refined his craft to an even higher level, focusing on a limited number of builds per year—just 5 to 10—ensuring each instrument embodies his signature blend of refined design, flawless craftsmanship, and phenomenal playability . Simon, welcome to the show! ~ Padalka Guitars: https://www.padalka-guitars.com/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Why Handmade Guitars Matter | Eric Weigeshoff 1:59:36

10 weeks پیش1:59:36

1:59:36

Today on Life With Strings Attached, we’re joined by Eric Weigeshoff, the visionary luthier behind Skytop Guitars. With a background in design and film, Eric approaches guitar-making as both an art form and an immersive experience. His passion for rock climbing and the natural world informs his craft, leading him to create guitars that are not only sonically rich but also visually striking. What truly sets Eric’s work apart is his innovative side-soundport design—foregoing the traditional soundhole, he directs the guitar’s resonance toward the player, creating an intimate and immersive playing experience without sacrificing projection. His instruments bridge time-honoured craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering a connection between musician and instrument that is deeply personal. Beyond building extraordinary guitars, Eric is dedicated to making each client a part of the journey. When you commission a Skytop Guitar, you’re not just purchasing an instrument—you’re collaborating in its creation, watching it evolve from raw wood into a one-of-a-kind expression of your artistry. Eric, welcome to the show! Skytop Guitars: https://www.skytopguitars.com/ Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Redesigning A Country Music Icon | Ric Riordon 1:47:39

11 weeks پیش1:47:39

1:47:39

What does it mean to redesign a cultural icon? Ric Riordon was already a well-established designer when, over two decades ago, he and his team were asked to redesign the trophy for the Academy of Country Music Awards. The original had barely changed since the mid-’60s, so the team were taking on quite a challenge: replacing a recognisable icon that had been in the hands of famous musicians for almost half a century. Ric joins me this week to share the full story and discuss the role of imperfection in art and why humans are designed to design. With a rich career over three decades – having shaped iconic brands in corporate and entertainment sectors and designed over 800 album packages – Ric certainly has plenty of wisdom and insight to share. Ric's work: https://www.culturecuedesign.com/ The Fussy Gardener: https://www.fussygardener.com/ Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Building Guitars for Steve Vai, Jerry Cantrell & Slash | Stephen McSwain 1:20:19

12 weeks پیش1:20:19

1:20:19

How in the world do you get your first guitar build in Steve Vai's hands? Well, you take some big risks and make some bold choices, and Stephen McSwain has certainly done plenty of both. From hand carving horror-themed installations for Slash to working with world-renowned visual artists, Stephen has time and again gone where no luthier has gone before – and come back with plenty of amazing stories. He joins me this week on Life With Strings Attached to tell a few of them and talk about some of the valuable lessons he's learned through it all. McSwain Guitars: mcswainguitars.com Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Making The Crazy Leap To Guitar Making | Michael Bashkin 1:47:56

13 weeks پیش1:47:56

1:47:56

Michael had his dream job working for the US Forest Service – until the sight of a luthier's workshop turned his interest in guitars into an obsession that couldn't be ignored. Now, Michael is a master guitar maker with over 25 years of experience crafting exquisite acoustic guitars in Fort Collins, Colorado. Renowned for his signature designs featuring art nouveau and art deco inlays, his guitars are celebrated worldwide for their natural beauty and craftsmanship. Drawing from his past as a soil scientist, he brings a unique perspective to his work, emphasizing sustainable wood selection and a deep connection to nature. Beyond the workbench, Michael is a sought-after presenter, educator, and the host of Luthier on Luthier, a podcast for Fretboard Journal Magazine, where he dives into the world of guitar making with fellow craftsmen. He joins me this week to talk about taking big leaps, bringing the scientific method into the workshop, and staying in love with guitar making. Bashkin Guitars: bashkinguitars.com Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
AI & The Artist | Kosta Lagis (Pt. 2) 1:34:16

14 weeks پیش1:34:16

1:34:16

Here's part 2 of my conversation with visual effects artist Kosta Lagis, whose credits include blockbusters like Prometheus, Man of Steel, and Deadpool. In this episode, we dive deeper into Kosta's experience with generative AI and what this technology means for the future of artists and creatives. We also explore the role of religious and unifying narratives in culture and the question of whether we really have free will. We covered so much in this conversation, and I want to thank Kosta for being so generous with his time and insights. Kosta's credits: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903106/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

1
Creating Visual Effects For The World's Biggest Movies | Kosta Lagis (Pt. 1) 1:47:28

14 weeks پیش1:47:28

1:47:28

With over 25 years of expertise in film, advertising, and industrial design, Kosta Lagis has worked on blockbuster movies like Prometheus, Man of Steel, and Deadpool, as well as high-profile commercials for brands such as Huawei and Mobil. He's currently the creative Director for Computer Graphics at The Mill in Shanghai. With a deep technical foundation in illustration, photography, digital imaging, and audio production, he now explores the creative and ethical implications of AI-driven imaging technologies. As well as hearing his views on the role of AI, I wanted to talk with Kosta about his incredibly varied career, life in China, the magic of cinema, the cultural role of religious narrative, and lots more – unsurprisingly, this was a long conversation. We've split it into two parts, with part two coming next week. Kosta's credits: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903106/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Building Guitars for Jack White, Jimmy Page & Many More | Randy Parsons 1:31:58

31 weeks پیش1:31:58

1:31:58

Guitar builder Randy Parsons joins me to share some incredible stories on this week’s episode, including working with Jack White, using a cattle skull for the bracing of a guitar he made for Jimmy Page, how he came up with the 50,000-piece Red Queen in a single moment of spontaneity, how he moved his workshop from a former Hell Angels hideout to a century-old church in rural Kansas – and lots more. Whether you’re interested in guitar making or not, this is well worth a listen to hear from someone who has led a fascinating life and – through sometimes bizarre and scarcely believable moments – built an amazing career as a guitar maker. Speaking with Randy provides so many insights on the nature of risk, the value of self-belief, the magic of hard work, and the strange force of serendipity. I’m always thankful to get a chance to catch up with Randy, and I hope you’ll all enjoy listening. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Michael Greenfield | Building Guitars That Thrill and Inspire 1:36:12

33 weeks پیش1:36:12

1:36:12

I’m pleased to announce that my guest this week on Life With Strings Attached is guitar maker Michael Greenfield. Michael is passionate about tone. Great tone. FAT tone. Squeezing every last molecule of tone out of his instruments. Prior to making the commitment to build full-time, he spent 20 years repairing and restoring vintage instruments. He has also been a player for 60 years; so perfect feel, buttery-smooth playability and road-worthy stability are what his instruments are all about. Each of Greenfield’s guitars is designed with AI – Acoustic Intent. Having crafted several hundred guitars in his 30 years as a career guitar maker, his most important revelations about the instrument cannot be seen. He constantly researches the history, mechanics, dynamics, and physics of the guitar to cultivate a deeper understanding of what makes it work, and how he can continue to advance and control each instrument’s voice. Michael carefully handcrafts a limited number of exquisite acoustic guitars each year in his Montréal shop. His guitars address the needs of traditional and contemporary players of all musical styles. His goal is that you be thrilled, not merely satisfied with your new guitar! Michael enjoys an international reputation of crafting some of the finest guitars available. Some clients of profile include Andy McKee, Pipo Romero, Paul Stanley, Colin Hay, Tony McManus, Charlie Hunter, Pat Martino, Keith Richards, Pierre Bensusan, Steffen Schackinger, Emmanuel Rossfelder, Philippe Mariotti and many more. We covered a lot of ground in this conversation, and I hope you enjoy listening. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Neuroscience, AI and Consciousness | Dr. Gabriel Montes 1:58:59

35 weeks پیش1:58:59

1:58:59

This week on Life With Strings Attached, we’re exploring the intersection of neuroscience, music and advanced AI. Our guide through these topics is Dr. Gabriel Axel Montes, a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, author, musician, and researcher and practitioner of consciousness development. With a focus on AI, Gabriel works both hands-on and at the thought-leadership level in guiding the beneficial development of technologies and organisations. He’s worked with leading organisations at the pioneering edge of AI, helping to advance their technology, strategy, and communications. A musician since the age of 12, Gabriel is also active in synthesising human and AI creativity, touring around the world with Desdemona's Dream Band, one of the first bands with an AI lead singer and songwriter. And on top of all this, Gabriel is an avid international traveller, nature enthusiast, and a passionate father and husband. Exploring these topics is something I consider extremely important – as well as fascinating – and I’m thankful to have someone as knowledgeable, insightful and widely experienced as Gabriel as a guide. I’m certain there’s so much we can all take from this episode, and I hope you enjoy listening. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Revolutionising Instrument Design | Ned Steinberger 1:43:37

36 weeks پیش1:43:37

1:43:37

I’m very pleased to have Legendary instrument designer Ned Steinberger as our special guest on this week’s episode of Life With Strings Attached. With a remarkable 40-year legacy, Ned Steinberger has been at the forefront of innovation, with instruments that have revolutionized the industry and set new standards for performance and ergonomic comfort. Those instruments have been adopted by an impressive list of artists, including Sting, Laurie Anderson, Les Claypool, David Darling, Tony Levin, Rob Wasserman, Eddie Van Halen and many others. Arguably Ned’s most famous and lasting contribution to guitar history has been the pioneering of headless graphite instruments to worldwide acclaim; the Steinberger Bass received numerous accolades, including the coveted Design of the Decade award from the Industrial Designer Society of America. His TransTrem™ – a unique transposing vibrato unit that allows strings to remain in tune with each other rather than detune randomly – has been adopted by other notable guitar makers, such as Steve Klein and Ulrich Teuffel. As if this wasn’t enough, Ned’s other designs include electronic tuners, tuning hardware, structural systems and accessories for companies such as D’Addario, David Gage and The Martin Guitar Company. And finally, Ned’s NS Design company is one of the few companies to have gained success in the ultra-conservative bowed instrument market, with patents on double basses and violins. There are few people who can boast of such wide spread influence across musical instruments and genres as Ned Steinberger can, and as always, it was a pleasure to get to speak with him. I hope you enjoy listening along, and I’m certain there’ll be something valuable to take away from Ned’s insights. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Unique Guitars from South Africa | Murray Kuun 1:18:47

37 weeks پیش1:18:47

1:18:47

I’m pleased to have Murray Kuun as our special guest on this week’s episode of Life With Strings Attached. Murray says that a transformative trip to Italy in the 1990s, punctuated by a visit to Michelangelo’s David and a serendipitous encounter with a Luthier, ignited his desire to craft musical instruments. With only a poorly written book as guidance, he painstakingly fashioned his first violin, marking the beginning of a prolific journey into instrument making. Over the years, he’s honed his craft, making countless traditional violins before transitioning to original designs that more reflect his love for music and innovation. Today, Murray’s portfolio boasts hundreds of one-of-a-kind guitars, violins, mandolins, ukuleles, a lute, and even a cello. It was a pleasure to hear about Murray’s past and perspective, and I hope you enjoy listening along. Patreon members will also get access to the bonus Business of Guitar segment, in which Murray gives his perspective on decades running a successful instrument making business. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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The True Science of Tone | Acoustics Engineer Tom Nania 1:33:30

37 weeks پیش1:33:30

1:33:30

We talk a lot about tone – but what's the science behind the sound of our stringed instruments? To tackle this topic, I can think of few better people to talk with than Tom Nania. As well as his work as an acoustics engineer with D'Addario, Tom is a member of the Violin Society of America’s Oberlin Acoustics Workshop. Prior to joining D’Addario, he also worked as a luthier and acoustics researcher specializing in archtop guitars as a co-proprietor of House of Luthiery. In 2021, the Violin Society of America published Tom’s work, “Archtop Guitar Dynamics", and he's currently curator of the archtopproject.org, an online resource for the acoustical analysis of historical archtop guitars. As a lifelong musician turned maker, and having graduated from Indiana University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy, Tom’s background in acoustics began as a collaborator with the PICO group, an astrophysics particle detection experiment located at SNOLAB in association with Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. That same year, Tom attended Bryan Galloup’s School of Guitar Building and Repair, and Tom and Bryan have continued to collaborate since, most recently with Project Dreadnought. I wanted to lay out the scientific concepts key to understanding instrument acoustics – and to dive deeper into some of Tom's fascinating projects – with the hope of starting to develop an understanding of tone based in science. There's a lot here to explore, and I hope you enjoy coming on the journey with us. Patreon members will also get access to the exclusive bonus content as part of this episode, exploring the business of guitar. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Verso Instruments Meets Teuffel Guitars | Robin Stummvoll and Ulrich Teuffel 1:35:23

38 weeks پیش1:35:23

1:35:23

Robin Stummvoll of Verso Instruments was recently explaining to me how big an influence Ulrich Teuffel was for his guitar designs. And when it became clear that the two had never met – despite coming from the same region in Germany – I felt I had to change that. Luckily, they agreed, and I had the pleasure of bringing the two guitar innovators together in Uli’s workshop to discuss design, entrepreneurship and how new guitars inspire new music. It was fascinating to take on these topics with Robin and Uli, and I’d like to thank them both again for taking part. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Omer Deutsch of OD Guitars | Creating Guitars With AI & Staying Contemplative 1:45:26

40 weeks پیش1:45:26

1:45:26

I'm very pleased to have Omer Deutsch of OD Guitars on this week's episode of Life With Strings Attached. Originally trained as an industrial designer, Omer worked in product design for seven years before starting his guitar making business in 2016. Since then, he’s made guitars for many artists, mostly in the world of metal, including players such as Roman Ibramkhalilov of Jinjer and Daniel Tompkins of Tesseract. Omer is also a true hobbyist, flying remote controlled airplanes, riding freestyle BMX and building with Lego – he was even part of a Lego commercial involving his guitars. In this episode, Omer reflects on meeting his childhood hero at the NAMM Show and how he keeps his curiosity alive by building guitars for people around the world today. I very much enjoyed our conversation, and I hope that you do too. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Mike Sankey | Knowledge, Curiosity And Not Designing Guitars 1:31:25

41 weeks پیش1:31:25

1:31:25

This week's episode of Life With Strings Attached was recorded on location in Northern Ontario, Canada – actually, in my backyard, by special request of today's guest, Mike Sankey. Mike has been creating one-of-a-kind guitars for over 25 years in his workshop in Ottawa, Canada. While better known for organic yet futuristic electric instruments, his work has always been informed by a deep knowledge and appreciation of historical precedent. Leveraging modern techniques such as 3D printing and computer aided design has been a means to the end of making instruments that are each totally unique expressions of the luthier's art. While enjoying a drink by the lake, we talked about the importance of curiosity, the value of stepping beyond what's comfortable, and the role of spontaneity in Mike's work. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Richard Sears | Living with Whales 1:25:38

42 weeks پیش1:25:38

1:25:38

This week's episode of Life With Strings Attached was filmed on location in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, with marine biologist Richard Sears. Sears is a Franco-American who founded the Mingan Island Cetacean Study in 1979 to study marine mammals in the Saint Lawrence, with an emphasis on baleen whales. He worked with the pioneers of whale research, from whom he learned that in order to know whales, there is no better way than to spend a lot of time at sea. He started the first long term study of blue whales in the Sea of Cortez, collected the first blue whale identification photographs and biopsies off western Iceland, and collected data on blue whales passing by the archipelago near the Azores. In addition, he's worked off Georgia, Panama, Costa Rica, New Caledonia, Greenland, Baffin Island, and the Mediterranean. Sears is also a lifelong guitar player and music lover, and collaborated with Nik Huber on the limited Blue Whale series. I wanted to get a better understanding of his work, hear his perspective on whale behaviour and animal consciousness, and draw some connections between his work and the world of music. I very much enjoyed my conversation with Richard, and I hope that you do too. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Ulrich Teuffel | Revolutionary Guitar Design & Culture Pt. 2 1:00:41

43 weeks پیش1:00:41

1:00:41

This week's episode is part 2 of my conversation with Ulrich Teuffel, recorded on location in his workshop in southern Germany. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Ulrich Teuffel | Revolutionary Guitar Design & Culture Pt. 1 1:18:38

44 weeks پیش1:18:38

1:18:38

Today's episode of Life with Strings Attached was filmed on location in southern Germany, in the workshop of Ulrich Teuffel. Since 1988, Ulrich (Uli to his friends) has been crafting electric guitars unlike any other luthier. In bringing together a unique blend of his training as an automotive mechanic and his studies in industrial design from the 1990s, he's created innovative models—Birdfish, Tesla, Niwa, and Antonio—that are radically independent, yet always follow a distinctive leitmotif. These masterpieces are found in prestigious museums and collections, as well as in the hands of legendary musicians like David Torn, Kirk Hammett, Billy Gibbons, Henry Kaiser, Ludwig Göransson, and Hans Zimmer. For Ulrich Teuffel, Leo Fender stands as the most influential guitar maker of the 20th century. In the eyes of many contemporary guitar makers, Teuffel's work exists on its own plane, elevated to a level that few can aspire to. Personally, for me, Uli has been an inspiring colleague and friend. Together, we explore concepts and ideas that stretch and challenge each other, feeding both our minds and souls. I find conversations with Uli exceptionally invigorating. I hope you will too. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Giulio Di Donato | Exploring Supercar Engineering 1:06:16

46 weeks پیش1:06:16

1:06:16

Aerospace engineer Giulio Di Donato met with me just outside of Bologna for this week's episode, where we explore the fundamentals of aerospace engineering and aerodynamics, and see what learnings we can take to other topics and disciplines. Giulio works in research and development for a prestigious super sports car company, taking responsibility for the thermal management of the vehicles from the early concept stage through the design and final testing. As well as gaining a better understanding of his work and the scientific fundamentals that underpin it, I wanted to get Giulio's thoughts on STEM education, and to discuss whether there might be better ways to teach science and maths than our current approaches. I'd like to thank Giulio for such a fascinating discussion, which taught me a lot and gave me plenty to think about in my own work. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Giulio Negrini | Fantasy Meets Guitars 54:21

47 weeks پیش54:21

54:21

I visited Giulio Negrini of GNG in his workshop in Switzerland to talk about his guitars, and inevitably we ended up talking about far more: the role of fantasy in our culture, the allure of thematically dark or morbid art, and the magical elements that go into instrument making. An Italian master luthier, trained in the Cremonese style of Stradivarius, Guarneri and Amati, Giulio pursues perfection and precision with every one of his instruments. Though focused around the needs of players, his guitars are also designed to be aesthetically striking, with many featuring amazing custom inlay work and bold finishes, drawing influence from fantasy literature. Giulio has been part of every Boutique Guitar Showcase I've curated at The NAMM Show since its inception, and every year his guitars have got better – even when I didn't think that was possible. As always, it was fascinating to hear his thoughts on his craft and the things that inspire him, as well as to go into topics beyond the guitar. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Nik Huber | The Stories Behind the Guitars 48:57

48 weeks پیش48:57

48:57

I've known Nik Huber for many years – since almost the very beginning of my work in the guitar industry. While we were catching up in a restaurant during the Montreux International Guitar Show, I wanted to dive back into some of the stories that have defined his hugely successful career as a guitar maker. So, a bit less of a podcast, this episode is more like sitting in on dinner between two old friends. Nik is one of the most widely known and respected guitar makers working today. Coming from a line of woodworkers going back four generations, he got his first steps towards instrument building early in life, tinkering in his father’s woodworking shop in the basement of their family home. The obsession with his craft grew from there, and in the three decades since building his first guitar, he has gained a worldwide reputation as a builder of the highest quality instruments. Today, still based in Nik’s small hometown of Rodgau, Germany, the highly skilled team at Nik Huber Guitars produces around 350 instruments a year and boasts an artist roster featuring some of the biggest names in music. Their guitars and basses are taken into studios and onto stages around the world by the likes of Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro, Tenacious D, Snarky Puppy, Kvelertak and Silverstein, and played by musicians working with Justin Bieber, Robbie Williams and The Rolling Stones. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Not Taking Seriously Good Guitars Too Seriously | Doug Kauer of Kauer Guitars 1:43:34

15 weeks پیش1:43:34

1:43:34

Doug Kauer is always the least serious guy in the room, which makes him a great podcast guest – it’s also part of what makes him a successful guitar maker with his own unique style. Doug started building guitars when a lifetime of woodworking combined with a love of guitar. Spurred on by the support of other luthiers, he found his direction in what appealed to him: less mainstream jet-set design meets a tireless pursuit of improvement. Started officially in 2008, Kauer Guitars reflects the love of craft, creativity and dumb jokes Doug is known for, and today builds eye-catching instruments for some of the world's top musicians – without ever taking themselves too seriously. With plenty of laughs along the way, Doug joins me to talk about scaling up a business, embracing failure, and how we find solutions. Kauer Guitars: kauerguitars.com Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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A Game-Changing New Guitar From Verso Instruments | Robin Stummvoll 1:42:05

16 weeks پیش1:42:05

1:42:05

Robin Stummvoll of Verso Instruments joins me to talk about the release of his new, highly innovative guitar, Sine, which will be exhibited in the Boutique Guitar Showcase at NAMM 2025. Having gained worldwide attention for his Cosmo model, Robin has plenty to share about the role of playfulness in creativity, escaping the constraints of established guitar design, and how to still bring innovative leaps forward to the electric guitar. Verso Instruments: versoinstruments.com Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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The Challenge of True Innovation | Ola Strandberg 1:26:17

18 weeks پیش1:26:17

1:26:17

Ola Strandberg is a true innovator, having redefined modern guitar-making with his .strandberg* brand. Pioneering the resurgence of headless guitars, Ola combines ergonomic innovation, sustainable materials, and cutting-edge aesthetics to create instruments that inspire musicians and luthiers worldwide. With so much change occurring, now is a good time for those with a future forward mindset, like Ola. But being a renowned innovator comes with its own challenges. In this episode, we talk about the different needs of emerging guitar markets, the difficulties of reaching the mainstream as a futurist, and whether there can ever be an iPhone of guitars. .strandberg* Guitars: https://strandbergguitars.com/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

1
Contrarian Guitars With '80s Roots | Jon Sullivan Of Sully Guitars 1:16:38

19 weeks پیش1:16:38

1:16:38

Jon “Sully” Sullivan is the founder of Sully Guitars, a brand known for blending innovation with the spirit of '80s hot rod guitar culture. But, as Sully explains in this conversation, his guitars are far more than a nod to the era he grew up in. We talk about what it means to go beyond your influences, to build guitars out of spite and to live your life as a committed contrarian. As always, it was so much fun talking with Sully, and I hope you all enjoy this one as much as I did. Sully Guitars: https://www.sullyguitars.com/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

1
Structural Engineering Meets Guitar Design | Enrico Di Donato 1:33:13

20 weeks پیش1:33:13

1:33:13

What would a structural engineer bring to guitar making? In his career as a structural engineer, Enrico Di Donato collaborated with renowned architects like Renzo Piano and Arata Isozaki. After years of exploring composite materials for seismic reinforcement and authoring publications on the subject, Enrico shifted his focus to luthiery, combining his scientific expertise with artistic craftsmanship. His “Hasaki” electric guitar, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025, has been featured at prestigious events like Art Basel, the Venice Biennale, and the Boutique Guitar Showcase at NAMM. For Enrico, the electric guitar is not merely a tool, it’s an evolving fusion of art and science. He joined me on this week's episode of Life With Strings Attached to discuss this approach to guitar making and where his current projects are taking him. Di Donato Guitars: https://www.didonatoguitars.it/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

1
Why We Make Things & Why It Matters | Peter Korn 1:22:00

21 weeks پیش1:22:00

1:22:00

Why do we make things? What is it that draws so many of us to hunker down in dusty workshops, pick up some hand tools, or devote hours to any kind of craft and creation? We might sometimes be mystified by our own obsession or powerful draw towards making things – that feeling of a need to create. Exploring this is part of exploring what it means to be human, and I can think of no one better to discuss this with than Peter Korn. Peter is a master craftsman, author, and the founder of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine, where he served as Executive Director from 1993 to 2021. With a career spanning decades as a furniture maker, educator, and leader, Peter’s work has been exhibited nationally and celebrated for its artistry. He is the author of Why We Make Things and Why It Matters, a profound exploration of craftsmanship’s transformative power. Peter continues to design furniture and share his knowledge through workshops, inspiring a new generation of makers. He has so much knowledge and wisdom to share, shedding light on what it is that spurs our creative need. Peter's work: https://peterkorn.com/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

1
What is Creativity? | Dion James of Dion Guitars 1:08:54

22 weeks پیش1:08:54

1:08:54

Based in Edmonton, Canada, Dion James builds steel-string acoustic guitars known for their striking minimalism. Subtle in their looks from afar, Dion's instruments make careful use of intricate detailing without becoming ostentatious. They’re packed with innovation informed by years of building and experimentation, all brought together with a decisive, crystal-clear design vision. As he's someone who's built a reputation for crafting such impeccable instruments, I wanted to talk with Dion about how he views creativity, where his design sensibility comes from, and the surprising power of saying "I can't". Dion Guitars: https://dionguitars.ca/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

1
When An Artist Makes Guitars | Nicolai Schorr of Schorr Guitars 1:21:40

23 weeks پیش1:21:40

1:21:40

There might be a lot of guitars that claim to be unique, but there's only a relatively small number that achieve – without question – something new. Nicolai Schorr's instruments are undoubtedly among that select group. From his workshop in Berlin, Nicolai handcrafts guitars and basses that are as playful and refreshing as they are bold. It's unsurprising to learn he has a background in both fine art and music, but I was curious to learn more about where his career as a guitar maker started, how his designs come together, and why he makes guitars that look so joyful. I want to say a big thank-you to Nicolai for joining me on the podcast this week and sharing so much about his work. Schorr Guitars: http://schorrguitars.de/ Join the Patreon: https://patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Incredible Instruments From Poland | Marek Dąbek Of Stradi Instruments 1:32:27

23 weeks پیش1:32:27

1:32:27

If you’ve ever seen Marek Dąbek’s Stradi instruments, you’ll understand that he has a fascinating approach to building guitars and basses. On this week’s episode of Life With Strings Attached, we talk about the origins of Marek’s instruments, the benefits of having to struggle for what you want, and why a tarantula lived in his kitchen. Stradi Instruments: https://stradi.pl/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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NAMM CEO John Mlynczak | The Future Of Our Industry 1:14:06

25 weeks پیش1:14:06

1:14:06

What is the future of the NAMM Show? What direction are our instruments – and our industry – heading in? What is it that instrument makers need most right now? There are few better people to speak to about the future of our industry than John Mlynczak. As the CEO of NAMM, he runs the world's largest trade organisation for musical instrument makers and the largest, most important trade show for us all. He joins me to shed light on what the core goals of NAMM are, whether trade shows are dead in the post-pandemic world, and what drives him to try and serve music merchants around the world. This is a must listen for anyone in this industry, but it's also full of insights on how to be a better leader, how to identify the purpose of your work, and what life lessons you get from being an accomplished trumpet player. Patreon subscribers will also get access to the Business of Guitar segment, in which John dives deep into his goal-setting process as CEO. I want to say a massive thank-you to John for joining me this week, and I hope you enjoy listening. Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

1
Building The Complete Guitar Business | Adam Buchwald 1:01:20

26 weeks پیش1:01:20

1:01:20

Based in Vermont, Adam Buchwald has managed to build an enviable business that spans every part of the guitar making and selling process, from supplying woods and tools to designing and building across several brands, and even setting up a retail space. In his full career he’s covered even more ground, plying his trade as a professional musician with guitar, banjo and mandolin, repairing valuable instruments at Retrofret in Brooklyn, NY, teaching guitar building at Vermont Instruments, and a whole bunch more. Informed from so many different angles in our industry – and successful in running not just one brand but several – Adam is a truly valuable person to hear from when it comes to building a life in the world of guitars. We talk about his philosophy behind Iris Guitars, assessing value and why he wanted to create such an all-inclusive business. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

1
The Story of Turnstone Guitars | Rosie Heydenrych 1:19:17

26 weeks پیش1:19:17

1:19:17

This week on the podcast, English guitar maker Rosie Heydenrych talks about how she started Turnstone Guitars, why she's drawn to using non-traditional woods, and what fuels her curiosity as she continues to grow her business. As well as crafting beautiful and refreshing instruments, Rosie has created a family business that prioritises what's most important and motivating for her, so it's well worth hearing her perspective on building a successful brand in the guitar world. Turnstone Guitars: https://turnstoneguitar.co.uk/ Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

1
There Are Too Many Guitars?! | Juha Ruokangas 1:52:07

28 weeks پیش1:52:07

1:52:07

This week, I'm joined by Finnish master guitar maker Juha Ruokangas to talk about the future of guitars, music and his own business. With over three decades of experience in the game, building some of the finest quality instruments available on Earth, Juha certainly has an interesting perspective on the changing world of the guitar. It was fascinating to hear his thoughts on the culture and business of the guitar and where we're heading, and I hope you enjoy listening. Patreon members will also get exclusive access to our extended conversation about how to run a successful guitar business, where we discuss the advantages of Juha's unique workshop structure. Ruokangas Guitars: https://ruokangas.com Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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Design Thinking & Futurism Meet The Guitar | Ed Keller 1:27:15

29 weeks پیش1:27:15

1:27:15

Unsurprisingly, when you talk to someone who’s a designer, professor, writer, musician and multimedia artist, your conversation covers quite a lot of ground. Ed Keller’s career and projects span an incredible breadth of work across many fields. Often with an interdisciplinary approach, he’s taught and run centers at prestigious institutions around the world, founded architecture firms, consulted with leading AI technologists, and had his work published in renowned journals and magazines. Originally training as a composer and guitarist, Ed has always maintained a connection with the guitar in his work, from performing and recording his own compositions to running projects and shows exploring the limits of guitar design. Talking with Ed is always inspiring and energising, and this week’s episode of Life With Strings Attached was certainly no different. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

Life With Strings Attached

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From the Army to Corporate Exec to Master Guitar Maker | Jason Kostal 1:38:55

29 weeks پیش1:38:55

1:38:55

Having served for more than a decade in the Army, received an MBA and worked as an executive in a Fortune 500 company, Jason Kostal was already highly accomplished when he came to guitar building – and it’s now yet another area in his life where he’s achieved excellence. Bringing such a varied experience into his work gives Jason a uniquely informed perspective on running a business, being the best you can be and ensuring your vision becomes a reality. We talk about all this and more in this week’s episode of Life With Strings Attached, as well as Jason’s time studying under Kent Everett, the Roberto-Venn school of luthiery and Ervin Somogyi. And of course, we also talk about how Jason builds some of the finest guitars out there today. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached and Boutique Guitar Showcase: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase Support the deeper conversations: 🔗 The Business of Guitar – Patreon Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.…

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