Show Notes
Musician Brad Barr joins us this week to share the story of the Barr Brothers' 2025 album, Let It Hiss, and talk guitar. Brad's guitar playing is uniquely shaped by world music sounds. For years now, Brad has been using a simple but effective trick to make drone/violin sounds on his guitar: Tie a piece of sewing thread on a guitar string near the bridge. The effect, inspired by the playing of Romanian violinist Nicolae Neascu of Taraf de Haidouks, is hauntingly beautiful. He explains how he came about with the technique and where he wants to take it. We also chat about his 1951 Gibson J-45, the musicians from Mali who inspired him, and so much more. https://thebarrbrothers.com https://www.instagram.com/thebarrbrothers
Join us at our 2026 Fretboard Summit in Chicago for three days of guitar demos, concerts, workshops and live podcasts with some of our favorite artists: https://fretboardsummit.org This year's Summit has over 80 luthiers and brands showcasing their new and prototype gear! 2026 speakers include Josh Scott (JHS), Mark Stutman (Folkway Music), Chris Martin IV (Martin Guitars), Fender historian Terry Foster, and many other fretted instrument luminaries.
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More from The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast
On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we meet Charlotte Cornfield, a Toronto-based singer-songwriter who recently released her sixth album, 'Hurts Like Hell.' The album was recorded live off the floor at Phil Weinrobe's studio in Brooklyn and features guitarists Adam Brisbin and El Kempner, guest vocals from Feist and Buck Meek, and lots more. We discussed Charlotte's writing process, how the different players left their stamp on this beautiful record, got the rundown on her one-pedal pedalboard, and more. https://charlottecornfield.com Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 61 is about to be mailed to all subscribers: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
On today's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we are talking to Jim and Frank from Wood & Wire Fine Fretted Instruments, a recently opened Chicago-area guitar store celebrating high-end and boutique instruments. This may just be the most Fretboard Journal-ish guitar retailer on earth. https://woodandwire.net Jim Newcomb served as CEO of the Old Town School of Folk Music and is responsible for bringing the Fretboard Summit to Chicago. Frank Hamilton is a former student at the Galloup School and headed the repair shop at the recently closed Guitar Works from 1999-2004. Wood & Wire distinguishes itself with an inventory featuring bigger boutique brands like Collings, Huss & Dalton and Boucher alongside hand-picked luthier-built instruments from legends such as Jason Kostal, Tyler Wells, Paul Woolson and others. They are also carrying both high-end acoustics and electrics, vintage instruments, and select amps. During our chat, we talk about the origin of the store, their desire to make it a community hub, guitar design, and so much more. Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
The great John Leventhal joins us once again to talk about the making of his new solo album, 'National Drift.' https://www.instagram.com/johnleventhal/ We talk about his recording process for the album, how the songs came to be, the guitars he's currently loving, the perils of compression and so much more. Watch John perform "The Old Improv" on our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/M-1JbpOEwVY Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription
Frank Gross, founder of West Seattle's Thunder Road Guitars, joins us this week.
On today's episode, guest host Ryan Richter sits down with multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Nate Mercereau. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of stringed instruments, Nate continues to redefine what it means to play and compose with the guitar as the centerpiece. In this conversation, Ryan and Nate dive into the making of Mercereau's compelling new album, Fantastic Thoughts. They discuss the creative philosophy, gear setups, and spontaneous moments of inspiration that shaped the record, giving listeners an insider's look into Nate's unique artistic process. https://www.natemercereau.com