Show Notes
Nearly every guitar player has daydreamed about running their favorite gear company. On this week's Fretboard Journal Podcast, we hear from two individuals who are currently living that dream: Nashville's Pete Mroz and Shannon Pollard. Earlier this year, these two guitar fanatics and businessmen became the new owners of Bend, Oregon's Breedlove Guitars. During our chat, we talk about the realities of running a guitar business in 2025, the surprises they weren't anticipating, what changes they are implementing at the 35-year-old company, and where they see growth in the guitar space. Whether or not you're currently a Breedlove owner, Pete and Shannon's enthusiasm for guitars is downright infectious. We think you'll love this chat.
https://breedlovemusic.com Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026, at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. https://fretboardsummit.org Our 58th issue of the Fretboard Journal will mail later this month. Subscribe here to get it. We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com
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