89. Josh Rieck (J. Rieck Lutherie)
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Josh Rieck has many arrows in his luthier quiver. He builds and repairs instruments, and also owns a full-service music store in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Josh started out studying double bass in college and then completed the Guitar Repair & Building program at Red Wing College in Minnesota. He does it all: Violin family instruments, acoustics, and electric guitars. For Ep. 89 of the podcast, Josh tells us about his journey as a guitarmaker, including the year he worked behind-the-scenes at the National Music Museum, the growth of his own repair shop, and more. Josh...
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88. Casimi Guitars
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Lifelong friends Mathias Roux and Matthew Rice make visually stunning and beautifully executed Casimi Guitars out of their shop in South Africa. For episode 88 of the podcast, Mathias and Matthew discuss how they developed their visual style and the voice of their guitars. They also share their thoughts on the division of labor in the shop, their time working in Marc Maingard's shop, planning inlays, and the pros and cons of making guitars in South Africa. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by ...
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87. Joe Zon (Zon Guitars)
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Joe Zon of Zon Guitars has been pushing the limits of bass building with phenomenal results since the early 1980s. For episode 87 of the podcast, Joe explains his theory and the construction of all-composite necks and how they are used to enhance the sounds of the wood. Joe also discusses his collaboration with Bartolini pickups, active versus passive electronics, bolt-on versus neck-through construction, and why the Hyperbass is a misunderstood instrument. Finally, Joe shares a few stories about his time making basses for legendary musician Rick James. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael...
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86: Aluminati Guitar Company
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Aluminati Guitars offers innovative, environmentally friendly, and beautifully designed guitars built in Asheville, North Carolina. For episode 86 of the podcast, I sit down with the company's founder, James Little. James tells us about the aluminum, carbon fiber and Lucite components used to make their complete instruments, OEM necks, and off-the-shelf parts. He also shares with us how the company got started, how the bike industry helped their fabrication, some new projects, and his plans for the future. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to...
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85. Al Beardsell
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Al Beardsell makes beautifully designed and crafted guitars in Winnipeg, Canada. Al started building as a musician because he could not find, or in some cases, afford the kind of guitars he wanted to play. For episode 85 of the podcast, Al shares with us his thoughts on engineered sides, electric acoustic hybrids, making pickups, and much more. Finally, Al discusses why he thinks guitar making was the only career path for him and how he recently came to this understanding. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the ....
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84. Cristian Mirabella
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Cris Mirabella (Mirabella Guitars) makes stunning archtop and electric guitars from his workshop on Long Island. For episode 84 of the podcast, Cris gives us a mini masterclass on New York archtop guitar history. We hear about the origins of Jimmy D’Angelico, Jimmy D’Aquisto, and Vincent DiSerio and how they are all intertwined. Then, Cris shares with us his own personal story of becoming one of the world’s best archtop guitar makers and how sometimes beautiful things can arise from tragic events. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and...
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83. James Condino
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
James Condino builds and repairs guitars, mandolins and standup basses in Asheville, NC. And he plays all of them! For episode 83, James shares with us some commonalities and differences of all the instruments he works on, his business philosophy and the importance of playing music to his craft. Links: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
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82. Richard Hoover (Santa Cruz Guitar Co.)
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Richard Hoover is the founder of the Santa Cruz Guitar Company, which has been a leader in the world of boutique acoustic guitars since 1976. For episode 82 of the podcast, recorded live at the 2023 Fretboard Summit, Richard shares his guiding principles, thoughts on running a company, selecting materials, and much more. Links: (GoFundMe for luthier Joel Wilkens) Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive photos and content from...
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81. Nic Delisle (Island Instruments)
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Island Instruments' Nic Delisle makes a wide variety of incredible and innovative guitars out of his Montreal workshop. For episode 81 of the podcast, Nic tells us all about the construction and origins of his new archtop double-top model. We also talk about the guitar co-op he operates out of, his milk paint finishes, his aluminum-neck basses, and more. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive photos and content from...
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80. Larry Fitzgerald
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Larry Fitzgerald is considered one of the world’s top guitar repairmen. As a teenager, Larry was often hanging around NYC’s famous guitar shops on 48th Street. After a year at the Berklee College of Music, he worked at Rudy’s doing repairs and eventually assisted John Suhr in making the renowned Pensa/Suhr guitars. Larry then worked at Mandolin Brothers before opening up his own shop. For episode 80 of the podcast, he shares his thoughts on fretting, neck angles and so much more. Larry also tells us how it all got started thanks to some sage advice from his grandfather. ...
info_outlineDavid Russell Young has been making violin bows for over 30 years, but before that he was a guitarmaker. And, in 1975, David published The Steel String Guitar: Construction and Repair, one of the few books on guitarmaking at the time. It would go on to inspire countless builders.
For episode 61 of the podcast, David takes us back to his first guitars and how he came to write the influential book. He also tells us why he switched to bowmaking and gives us a primer on bow materials and construction. At the end of our chat, David reflects on his 50 years as a luthier and offers his thoughts on the current world of custom guitars.
This episode is sponsored by Acoustic Coffee Company, Allied Lutherie and Dream Guitars.