Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Every month, luthier Michael Bashkin interviews some of his favorite fellow guitar builders, makers and creatives on the Luthier on Luthier podcast. Acoustic, electric, flattop, archtop and everything in-between... brought to you by the Fretboard Journal
Episodes
Jamie Gale is one of the most influential and forward-thinking voices in the guitar world. He is the founder of the Boutique Guitar Showcase, but his perspective goes far beyond guitars. His work has taken him into areas like artificial intelligence and robotics.
For episode 117, we talk about the changing cycles of the guitar industry, the rise of the Boutique Guitar Showcase, and some hard-earned lessons in business. Most i...
For Episode 115 of the podcast, we're joined by classical guitarmaker Marco Bortolozzo.
In our conversation, Marco tells us about the mentorship that launched his career, and the story behind his signature Olympic ring rosette, which was inspired by a 19th-century Spanish guitar. We also discuss his neck joint design, his unique use of shellac records in guitar finishes and much more.
...Working out of his solo shop in Quebec, Thierry André is a builder of truly one-of-a-kind instruments.
For episode 114 of the podcast, Thierry dives into his design process and explains why he believes every instrument should include an element of danger and surprise. We also talk about his formative time apprenticing with Fred Carlson and much more.
Otto wears two hats—as a solo luthier and Chief Designer at Eastman Guitars—and he walks us through his journey from working with legends like Flip Scipio, John Monteleone, and Carl Thompson to his role today, bridging the gap between hands-on building and production design.
On this episode of Luthier on Luthier, I'm joined by guitar maker Ben Wilborn. Based in Reno, Nevada, Ben brings a musician's perspective to his designs, drawing on his background in performance and composition to build instruments that are focused on tone.
For episode 110, Ben shares the origins of his business and discusses how his instruments have evolved through prototype testing, data collection, and hands-on experience at the...
For episode 109 of Luthier on Luthier, we're joined by Juha Ruokangas, a Finnish guitar maker pushing the boundaries of instrument design.
We dive into his innovative Valve Bucker pickup, the Captain Nemo guitar prototype, and his use of local Arctic Birch and wood torrification to create unique guitars. Juha shares his journey from student to professional luthier and his vision for the future of guitar making, blending tradition, ...
On this episode of Luthier on Luthier, I talk with the endlessly creative Fred Carlson.
Fred shares his path into instrument making—from early sculptural dulcimers with mentor Ken Ripartella, to studying with Charles Fox, to building in communal workshops surrounded by musicians, woodworkers, and fellow artists. Fred also shares his thoughts on inspiration and reflects on appreciating a charmed life.
Link: https://...
For Episode 107 of the Luthier on Luthier podcast, I'm joined by Rory Dowling, the owner and builder behind the beautifully crafted Taran Guitars.
https://www.taranguitars.co.uk
Rory talks about his team-based approach to building and his journey from furniture design to guitar making. We also take a deep dive into his unique methods for back bracing and voicing...and much more.
For episode 105 of the Luthier on Luthier podcast, my guest is TJ Thompson — widely regarded as the foremost authority on vintage Martins and a master guitar maker in his own right. In our conversation, TJ reflects on why he builds guitars, why he sometimes feels unsuited to the work, and he shares thoughtful advice for fellow luthiers along the way.
On Episode 104 of the podcast, I talk with Michael Sankey, a wildly creative guitar maker from Ottawa. Michael's work combines old-school methods like hand tools and hide glue with futuristic elements like 3D-printed metal parts.
We get into how he balances tradition with innovation—and why he builds guitars based on his own ideas, not just what the market expects. https://www.sankeyguitars.com/
For episode 103 of the podcast, we speak with legendary guitar maker Andy Manson.
Andy shares stories from his early days of building and tells us about his commitment to traditional construction techniques and how his craft has evolved over the years. Andy also discusses some of his most iconic instruments, how his approach has shifted with age, and the benefits of Thai massage.
For episode 102 of the podcast, I talk with Michel Pellerin, an inspiring guitar maker from Québec.
Michel shares his journey, from teaching guitarmaking at lutherie schools to his time at the Godin factory, to developing and teaching his own advanced finishing course.
We also dive into his current line of guitars — from parlor to harp — and how he continues to evolve his work through collaboration with musicians and co...
For episode 100 of the podcast, I talk with the legendary Jim Olson.
Jim should need little introduction to most Luthier on Luthier listeners. His guitars have been played and cherished by artists including James Taylor (you can even spot the trademark headstock "O" during Taylor's appearance on the Simpsons), Paul Simon, Phil Keaggy, Zac Brown and Patty Larkin.
Though he creates some of the most valuable flattop guitars around, hi...
Maegan Wells is known for her beautifully crafted archtop guitars and mandolins made in her one-person shop in Northern California.
For episode 99 of the podcast, Meagan shares her guitar-making journey, starting with attending Bryan Galloup's Galloup School of Guitar Making and Guitar Repair, followed by apprenticeships, side jobs, and a stint at LMI. Meagan also discusses her views on smaller archtop guitars, contrasting sides, a...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!