Talking Guitar

Kansas luthier Leo Posch is one of those builders who proves the incredible value of repair work in shaping one’s guitar building skills. He may say he does the “ordinary” things when it comes to guitar construction, but having seen countless instruments come through Mass Street Music with every problem under the sun, he simply knows what works. The excellent tone and feel of his guitars speak for themselves! Leo shares his journey from folk-obsessed banjo player to builder of flattop acoustics, mandolin family instruments, archtops, and banjos (not to mention all his other DIY projects!). While he may be in many ways a very traditional-inspired builder, as you'll hear and see from his wide-ranging selection of instruments, Leo loves customizing to player requests, incorporating modern concepts like soundports, bevels and fan frets, as well as personalized inlays into his timeless guitars. Learn more about Posch Guitars: https://leoposch.com/ Follow Leo on Instagram Subscribe to Leo's YouTube channel Available Posch Guitars at CVE: Advanced Jumbo Hormigo GA Indian Rosewood AJ Indian Rosewood Dreadnought Brazilian Rosewood 00-13 Mahogany Intro and outro music by Carl Miner, both played on previously sold Posch guitars.

The team at Preston Thompson Guitars in Sisters, Oregon have set out to create a series of masterpiece instruments, showing off what's possible not only in tone and playability but also in inlay and appointments. Just in time to get the first of three North American Wildlife Series guitars, we chat with inlay artist Simon Haycraft about the inspiration, design, and execution of a guitar that won't be for the faint of heart: a Brazilian rosewood OM dedicated to the rattlesnake! Learn more about Thompson Guitars: https://pktguitars.com/ Follow Simon on Instagram Follow Thompson Guitars on Instagram Available PKT Guitars at CVE: 0000 Indian Rosewood/Adirondack Spruce Size 2 Parlor Brazilian Rosewood Intro and outro music by Carl Miner, both played on previously sold Preston Thompson guitars.

No one works in a vacuum, but Frank Schley IV of Silvan Guitars really proves the value of building your business with a collaborative community. Frank developed his skills under the tutelage of Scott Baxendale, well-known for his Harmony conversions and restorations. No surprise, then, that Frank has a deep understanding and appreciation for vintage, something that’s apparent in his modern takes on the Tele and Strat-style electrics, and in the classic ‘bursts and shapes of his acoustics. But he’s certainly not one to shy away from trying something new in his own guitars, whether that be reworking a body shape, utilizing an uncommon tonewood or inlay material, or going above and beyond to customize to a player’s requests. Every Silvan guitar has a flair to it that’ll catch your eye in a crowded shop, but it’s their excellent tone and playability that’ll make you take one home. Frank chose Silvan for his shop name because it means of the woods or of trees. Not just clever branding, it’s made even more meaningful by the fact that he often uses domestic woods from his family’s forestry lands in building his guitars. Frank is also passionate about fostering a collaborative, creative scene in his home base of Athens, GA, calling on talented local friends to demo his guitars and opening up his picturesque workshop to live concerts. He’s also partnered with electric specialist Georgia Quarter Guitars and continues to offer repair services. If ever there were a template for the modern luthier, we think Frank’s got it. Learn more about Silvan Guitars: https://www.silvanguitars.com/ Follow Silvan Guitars on Instagram Follow Silvan Guitars on YouTube Available Silvan Guitars at CVE Featured instruments: Silvan 12-Fret Parlor Koa/Redwood Silvan OM Mango/Cedar Featured musicians: Lindsay Straw

“I’ve always operated under the principle that if you can build a guitar, you can do anything.” Jeff Jewitt is the perfect representative of the collaborative spirit that now defines the guitar-making world. Likely a familiar face to fellow builders, Jeff’s tints, stains and dyes company has supplied names big and small in the guitar world for decades. Fans of guitar-making content may have seen his StewMac collaborations, ending up on his channels where he gives a glimpse of the build process and demos his freshly completed guitars. Self-taught to start but influenced by his contemporaries, Jeff’s guitars are a perfect mix of classic design with modern appointments, tone and style. Because he’s always learning and pushing himself, he happily takes on challenging custom builds for folks like fingerstyle virtuoso Matt Thomas, expanding the bounds of what a Jewitt Guitar can be in the process. In the spirit of sharing, we discuss some of Jeff’s advice for newer luthiers on the value of apprenticeship and self-promotion. He will be showcasing at Artisan in Harrisburg, PA next month on April 14-16, and teaching with fellow luthier Robbie O’Brien at the Marc Adams School of Woodworking in July 2023. Learn more about Jewitt Guitars: https://jewittguitars.com/ Follow Jeff on Instagram All available Jewitt Guitars at CVE Featured instruments: Jewitt OM-C Cedar/Cocobolo Jewitt 00-C Redwood/Walnut Jewitt 000-12 White Oak/Adirondack Featured musicians: Carl Miner, Lindsay Straw​

John Slobod proves that even building within the parameters of what's known to work (in his case, pre-war Martin style guitars), there's still plenty to discover, and endless ways to adapt and innovate. In the early 90s when his wife suggested he combine his passion for making things with his love of neo-traditional bluegrass, it only made sense. John spent years refining his skills in the production line at Dana Bourgeois' workshop, then later alongside Julius Borges building Schoenberg guitars. By the time he put out his own shingle as the aptly named Circa Guitars, he had nearly two decades and thousands of guitars worth of experience under his belt to inform his own timeless style. Just as we were about to receive a brand new D-18 in beeswing mahogany, we sat down to chat about his history, his wood hoarding habit, and how he creates some of the best pre-war inspired guitars, while keeping their own unique Circa sound and feel. Learn more about Circa Guitars: http://www.circaguitars.com/ Follow John on Instagram Just arrived: Circa D-18 Beeswing Mahogany More Circa guitars at CVE Featured musicians: Carl Miner, Bill Cooley, Stuart Ryan

TNAG/CVE's Kim Sherman considers John Baxendale one of the best kept secrets of the guitar world. Not that she's trying to keep him a secret, mind you. We just can never keep his guitars around long enough to promote them, and it's rare for them to come up on the used market! John got started working on guitars young, first working for his father, noted luthier Scott Baxendale, before striking out on his own and gaining loads of valuable experience through repair and restoration work. He holds a deep respect and passion for the Larson Brothers' and Martin guitars of the late 1800s and early 1900s, and he cites Norman Blake and Tony Rice as primary musical inspirations. From Size 2 to dreadnought, we think he crafts some of the best handmade traditional guitars around. We discuss the ethereal, hard to pin down aspects of guitar tone and sound, what he’s got planned for guitar No. 100 (we have dibs!), as well as his plans for an L-00 model. Learn more about J.C. Baxendale Guitars: http://www.coguitar.com/ Follow John on Instagram J.C. Baxendale Guitars on CVE Available now: J.C. Baxendale D-42 Lefty Reach out to Kim to discuss a custom J.C. Baxendale: kim@tnag.com Featured musicians: Carl Miner, Bill Cooley

“My niche now in the professional world is tailoring tones to the player.” Kevin Muiderman combines musical passion with a dogged scientific approach that not only refines through prototype after prototype, but boldly eschews some of the conventional lore and wisdom about tonewoods. He’s always worked closely with musicians, especially professional fingerstyle players, to refine guitars for their style, needs and unique demands. And you can trust he’s been getting good feedback, considering the list of guitarists who play his guitars includes Leo Kottke, John Doyle, Martin Simpson, and plenty more! An accomplished fingerstylist himself, the music he plays, the players he builds for, and the community he nurtures through his house concert series are all a part of a cohesive picture. This year, as he continues to build for others, you’ll find Kevin out playing his own music, on his own guitars. Learn more about Muiderman Guitars: http://www.muidermanguitars.com/ Follow Kevin on Instagram Muiderman Guitars on CVE Muiderman OM Ziricote at CVE Kevin’s music on Spotify Michael Chapdelaine discusses his Muiderman guitars Featured musicians: Michael Chapdelaine, John Doyle, Don Alder, Kevin Muiderman

“With acoustics, I find there's a lot more levels to it, a lot more different details you can refine and tweak...it's all down to you, really, to get the best out of a piece." Jake Menear took the formal and studious approach to guitar making, going from a three-year university guitar making program in London on to a masters, which allowed him to explore some of the outer reaches of guitar design with Fred Carlson's Sympitar. Following that, he found himself in George Lowden's workshop in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, where he honed his production skills, learned from fellow builders, and refined his own style during his seven-year stint. With so much experience under his belt by the time the pandemic hit, he was ready to pivot and launch JKM Guitars! Since then, he's found a receptive audience for his beautifully crafted acoustics and electrics, putting them in the hands of gigging players, collectors, and passionate amateurs alike. Learn more about JKM Guitars: https://jkmguitars.com Available guitars: 485w Adirondack Spruce & Honduras Rosewood, 485w Adirondack Spruce & Brazilian Mahogany Featured musician: Gary Lutton

“I always thought that making guitars and listening to them, having the guitar experience, is multi-sensory." Michel Aboudib's approach to guitar-making feels almost synesthetic. Rather than using the usual descriptors for tone, he may use a word like “buttery”, and he is careful to curate the entire sensory experience of his instruments. With a past life that includes work as a director of photography and in the wine trade, academic math studies, and a childhood surrounded by creative and crafty family members, it’s no surprise that he comes at it from such a multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary angle. We discuss the powerful influences of fellow luthiers Chris Morimoto, Jeff Traugott, and Ervin Somogyi (he’s one of his latest apprentices!). We dig into his build philosophy, and touch on the value of a musical friendship like the one he has with Antoine Aubry (featured), who provides constant valuable feedback in addition to playing and photographing Michel’s finished guitars. Learn more about Aboudib Guitars: https://aboudibguitars.com/ Available guitars: Mod-D "Moon Trout" Cocobolo

"It feels appropriate to me that when you’re open to other arts, other things in the world, your own creative output is going to be richer and more dimensional because of that.” Long recognized as one of the leading builders in this new Golden Age of guitar making, Grit Laskin has a reputation that undoubtedly precedes him. Even if you're new to the world of boutique guitars, you've likely heard of the Laskin-style arm bevel or soundport, or been struck by his groundbreaking and exceedingly photogenic inlay work. But as much as he allows his creative and curious mind to use the guitar as a canvas on which to explore, this lifelong performer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist never loses sight of tone and craftsmanship. It's the reason his guitars continue to be so highly regarded among players and builders alike, while his zeal and love for connecting through the arts is what make him endearing to so many. Watch the video chat and see photos on YouTube. Learn more about Laskin Guitars Featured musicians: Stuart Ryan, Lindsay Straw, Carl Miner

Earlier this summer we took a little trip down to Murfreesboro, Tennessee to chat with the wonderful David Mathis of Gallagher Guitars! Though the original founder J.W. Gallagher may have passed on, David with the help of his wife Reina and a fabulous team of builders, and the blessing and input of J.W.'s son Don and his grandson Stephen, is shepherding this legendary shop into a new era. In addition to showing us around, David shared delightful anecdotes and gave us the lowdown on new models and projects in the works. Watch the interview on YouTube Learn more about Gallagher Guitar Co: https://gallagherguitar.com/ Available guitars: Grand Concert Classical, G45S 2004, Steve Kaufman 2005 Follow Gallagher on YouTube and Instagram Featured musicians: Carl Miner and Daniel Lavezzo

With a family steeped in both traditional music and violin making, Zach Lefebvre’s journey into lutherie was so natural, it almost sounds inevitable as he tells you about it! The young Canadian builder’s instruments are a perfect reflection of his unique life experiences. In addition to studying under the great luthier Sergei de Jonge, Zach draws on inspiration from his years of performing in acoustic settings, uses his aptitude for math and science, and pulls ideas for sustainability into his fabulous acoustic guitars. Learn more about TreeHouse Guitars: https://www.treehouseguitars.com/ Available guitars: OMZ Honduran Rosewood & Moon Spruce, Ember Series Maple & Salvaged Sitka Listen to Zach's duo "Wildwood Soul" Follow Zach on YouTube and Instagram Featured musicians: Lindsay Straw, Lance Allen, and Seth Plemmons

"Just joy, every day." That short sentence sums up luthier Brice Roggero's approach to life and to guitar making perfectly! We take the usual deep dive into his path into building, as he shares with us his experience as a primarily self-taught guitar maker. We talk about exploring the wide, untapped (no pun intended) world of alternative tonewoods, the build techniques he uses to achieve his tone, and the subtle importance of visual aesthetics in attracting players and inspiring them daily. See the playlist below for some of Brice's go-to listening in the shop! Learn more about Roggero Guitars: https://www.roggeroguitars.com/ Available guitars: RGo-M, Malaysian Blackwood & Swiss Moon Spruce Featured musician: Carl Miner Brice's playlist: James Taylor Gregory Alan Isakov June Road Calum Graham Indie Folk Central

From working in the LA film industry to apprenticing with Ervin Somogyi, Mark Gaiero's story is one that blends complementary crafts and disciplines, with everything seeming to dovetail logically into the next project or pursuit. Mark told us all about his journey into guitar making, what he learned from Somogyi and John Greven, plus we dig into his unique focus on alternative tonewoods. See photos and more here: https://thenorthamericanguitar.com/blogs/news/interview-with-mark-gaiero  Learn more about Gaiero Guitars: https://www.gaieroguitars.com/ Visit us at http://www.thenorthamericanguitar.com

We had a wonderful talk with Canadian builder Dion James, whose guitars are noticeable for the strikingly minimalist design, where the focus is on the true essential and inherent beauty of the instrument. We’ll chat about his time in Quebec learning from and building alongside Michael Kennedy and Jeremy Clark, and about his transition to Alberta where he set up shop crafting his own original guitar designs. He'll also share his experience running a cooperative for a variety of artists and artisans, and talk about balancing life as a farmer and father in addition to guitar maker. Learn more about Dion Guitars: http://www.dionguitars.ca  Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/Qu-fVPQWXgI  Visit us at http://www.thenorthamericanguitar.com

In this Talking Guitar interview, we chat with Swiss-born luthier Julien Sublet, who took his passion for guitars down the pragmatic route of cabinet making before pursuing the lutherie dream in Quebec City! Much like his fellow builder and shop-mate Loïc Bortot, Julien cites the Art Deco movement as an aesthetic influence, and crafts guitars geared towards adventurous modern fingerstylists. He keeps a clear focus in his acoustic models, and ventures into ukuleles as well, bringing the same attention to detail and refined style to those smaller instruments. Featured performer in this video is the one and only Carl Miner. Learn more about Guitares Julien Sublet: https://en.guitaresjuliensublet.com/ Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/4MPJYaX6bNc Visit us at http://www.thenorthamericanguitar.com

It's a Talking Guitar mini episode! We're doing a little flashback to Mario Beauregard's visit earlier this year, when he brought us the pernambuco 00 and shared the initial plans for the now soon-to-arrive Facettes model. Music played by Lindsay Straw. Learn more about Beauregard Guitars: http://beauregardguitars.com/  Watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DckYCi-jq9g  Visit us: http://www.thenorthamericanguitar.com

On this episode of TNAG's Talking Guitar, we chat with French-born luthier Loïc Bortot about his journey into guitar making in Quebec City. He shares his sources of inspiration, from fellow modern luthiers like Michael Bashkin to Matsuda, and how listening to players like Don Ross, Dustin Furlow, and Tommy Emmanuel drove him towards crafting fingerstyle-centric instruments. Featured performers include Stuart Ryan, Bill Cooley, Lindsay Straw, and Carl Miner. Learn more about Bouchereau Guitars: https://www.bouchereau-guitars.com/ Watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTTTF7HSw74 Visit us: http://www.thenorthamericanguitar.com

On this episode of TNAG's Talking Guitar, we chat with Drew Lowry of Lowry Guitars. Though he grew up in Northern Ireland—something that is immediately evident by the names of his guitars—he currently builds from his workshop in France. We had plenty to talk about, from his transition from his previous career into guitar making, his build philosophies and approach, and of course, the musical influences that inspired him in the first place. Learn more about Drew's work: https://www.lowryguitars.com/ Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/aY3ivej47Ik Visit us at http://www.thenorthamericanguitar.com

On this episode of TNAG's Talking Guitar, we caught up with Virgile Pilon, the French luthier behind Blind Guitars! We discussed his history as a luthier, and how he blends modern techniques and influences with a strong foundation in repair of vintage guitars. He shares how he arrived at his distinct, Art Deco-influenced style, and how nothing makes him happier than having his guitars brought back to him covered in playing marks. Learn more about Blind Guitars: https://thenorthamericanguitar.com/collections/blind-guitars

In the latest episode of the TNAG Talking Guitar podcast, Lindsay chats with Northern Irish luthier Donal McGreevy! We just got our third guitar from him, and are eagerly awaiting the fourth. He shared his journey into guitar-making with us, and we bonded over our shared appreciation for classic tonewoods. Lindsay on McGreevy Model 2: https://youtu.be/8P0bKY8if6k Carl on McGreevy Model 2: https://youtu.be/daWXcXTJ0vw Learn more about McGreevy Guitars: https://thenorthamericanguitar.com/collections/mcgreevy-guitars

In this week's episode of the TNAG Talking Guitar podcast, Lindsay chats with luthier Ryan Gerber during his visit to Nashville! We dig into Ryan's history and philosophies as a builder and player, and we are treated to incredible performances by Ryan on two of his masterful guitars. Find out more: https://thenorthamericanguitar.com/collections/gerber-guitars Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/UuBeSIF2sE0

In this week's episode of the Talking Guitar Podcast, we spoke to the incredible Will McNicol. Will is a phenomenal player and composer, and we've been fortunate enough to feature his playing in many videos we've created at TNAG. We spoke with Will about his new album, his new venture The College, and discussing what led him to pick up his first guitar. You can listen to and learn more about Will's new album "Miniatures" here: https://www.willmcnicol.co.uk/miniatures

In this week's episode of the Talking Guitar Podcast, we spoke to the brilliant Adam Buchwald. As many of you will know Adam is the mastermind behind Iris guitars, Circle strings as well as being heavily involved in Allied Lutherie. We spoke about his passion for music, what inspires him, and his vision for the very successful Iris guitars. We hope you enjoy it.   Find out more about Iris Guitars: https://thenorthamericanguitar.com/collections/iris-guitar-company

In this week's episode of the Talking Guitar podcast we caught up with the brilliant Ben Wilborn of Wilborn Guitars.   In this episode, we Ben spoke to us all about how he got into lutherie, the inspiration behind his models, his build philosophy, and the Wilborn Arum which has just delivered to TNAG... We even managed to squeeze in a little bit about frog and toad.   Find out more: https://thenorthamericanguitar.com/collections/wilborn-guitars

Welcome to the TNAG Talking Guitar Podcast. In this week's episode we caught up with the brilliant, young luthier Max Spohn. Max spoke to us about the guitars he's building for TNAG, his process, materials and journey into lutherie.

We're excited to announce we've added Peggy White to our roster of acoustic luthiers and In this week's episode of the TNAG Talking Guitar podcast we caught up with Peggy about her journey into lutherie, her build philosophy the guitars she's building for TNAG.   Find out more: https://thenorthamericanguitar.com/collections/peggy-white

In this week's episode of Talking Guitar, we caught up with Adam Miller about his guitar collection, inspiration and we've even got a small clip from his new album "Unify".

The North American Guitar Talking Guitar podcast speak with McNally Guitars.

Season 2 of The North American Guitar's Talking Guitar podcast

In this week's Talking Guitar podcast, Ervin Somogyi spoke to TNAG exclusively about the future of guitar making, his journey into lutherie and crafting the Somogyi Sound.

In this episode, we catch up with phenomenal guitarist Justin Sandercoe about the effects COVID-19 has had on the music industry, his new studio space and his philosophy of health, fitness and social media.

In this weeks episode of our Talking Guitar Podcast we catch up with fantastic, Canadian luthier Dion aka Dion Guitars. We spoke about Lutherie during lockdown, the boutique guitar showcase and the incoming guitars he is building for us. We hope you enjoy it!

In this week's episode we caught up with fingerstyle virtuoso Mike Dawes, we spoke about life in lockdown, his new album "Shows and Distancing" and his guitar collection, plus an exclusive piece of news!

In this week's Talking Guitar Podcast we catch up with the incredibly talented Swedish electric and archtop luthier Tobias Lund Lindberg of TLL Guitars. TNAG's Richard Poll chatted to Tobias about his luthier journey, his Marvin and Deckard models, his dream TLL build and more.

In this week's Talking Guitar Podcast we catch up with sensational luthier Michael Bashkin. Having worked with Michael for the past 7 years he is not only a wonderful friend but we have also come to know and love his instruments through and through. We spoke to Michael about the success of his brilliant podcast 'Luthier on Luthier', his love for traditional tonewoods and the joy of the Bespoke Build process. It was great to speak with him and we even managed to get his Desert Island Guitar out of him!

In this week's podcast we spoke to the sensational Ryan Gerber. We caught up about Lutherie during lockdown, his stunning rosettes and inspiration behind these and for the very first time we specced an incoming guitar during the podcast!

In our Talking Guitar Podcast this week we catch up with the wonderful Rory Dowling of Taran Guitars, up in the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland. Rory spoke to us about his inspiration, his approach to lutherie, favourite wood combinations and some very exciting guitars which will be heading to TNAG next year! We hope you enjoy it.

In this week's Talking Guitar Podcast we speak to our good friend Chris Jenkins of Lame Horse Instruments. Chris told us all about how Lame Horse have been functioning during the Pandemic, how he searches for and selects the best materials to make instruments from and some stunning guitars which will be coming into the TNAG showroom, including a new Lame Horse Saddle Pal in Curly Koa and Western Red Cedar. We hope you enjoy it!

In this latest episode, we caught up with a true legend of the acoustic lutherie world, Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Company.

In this week's episode we speak to the truly wonderful Isaac Jang. Isaac told us all about his new workshop, his inspiration, the importance and guitar shows and of course some stunning builds which he currently has on the bench. We hope you enjoy it!

In this week's podcast we caught up with to the one and only Tom Sands. We spoke to Tom about some very special guitars he which recently delivered to TNAG Customers, the system he uses to understand the tonal requirements for each customer, an exciting TNAG Build in the pipeline and his very special relationship with the wonderful Will McNicol. We hope you enjoy it!

In this week's podcast we caught up with Rye, of G.R. Bear Guitars. Rye spoke to us from his Vancouver workshop about working during the current Covid-19 Pandemic, the two incoming guitars he is currently building for us, his process and a special new model he is working on!

In this week's podcast we catch up with Rosie Heydenrych aka Turnstone Guitars. Rosie speaks to us about life during lockdown, her workshop extension, the two Turnstone guitars incoming to TNAG and musicians she'd love to work with!

Season 1 of The North American Guitar's Talking Guitar podcast

Season 1 ofThe North American Guitar's Talking Guitar podcast