112. Otto D’Ambrosio
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
For episode 112 of the podcast, I’m talking with Otto D’Ambrosio. 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. We talk about how the pandemic pushed him into 3D CAD, changing the way he collaborates with Eastman’s workshops, and dive into some of his design work—including the Fullertone neck system, his boutique archtop builds, and an upcoming...
info_outline
111. Raymond Kraut
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
For Episode 111, I'm joined by highly respected guitar builder Raymond Kraut. Ray shares why he's embraced unconventional sound ports while staying true to his traditional tone, how his porting designs have evolved over time, and what he’s learned through real-world testing. We also dive into Ray's Derrio Wood Company, which sources and supplies desert ironwood and other unique tonewoods. Ray talks about what makes desert ironwood so special, its tonal character, and why it's becoming an exciting alternative for guitar builders. Links Luthier on Luthier is hosted by...
info_outline
110. Ben Wilborn
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
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 bench. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by , and .
info_outline
109. Juha Ruokangas
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
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, technology, and artistry. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by , and .
info_outline
108: Fred Carlson
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
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: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by , and .
info_outline
107. Rory Dowling (Taran Guitars)
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
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. 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. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by and . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
info_outline
106. StewMac's Brock Poling and Gene Imbody
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
On Episode 106 of the Luthier on Luthier podcast, I’m joined by Brock Poling and Gene Imbody from Stewart-MacDonald—the original luthier supply company. Brock and Gene take us behind the scenes to show how StewMac tools and products are developed, from the first idea all the way to delivery. We also talk about the company’s history and where they see it heading in the future. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by and . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive...
info_outline
105: TJ Thompson
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
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. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by and . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
info_outline
104. Michael Sankey
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
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. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by and . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael...
info_outline
103. Andy Manson
Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
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. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by and . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive photos and content...
info_outlineLuthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the Fretboard Journal. This episode is sponsored by Dream Guitars.
Want to support Luthier on Luthier? Join our Patreon to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.