Luthier on Luthier with Michael Bashkin
Every month, luthier Michael Bashkin interviews his peers and guitar building heroes for the Luthier on Luthier podcast. Brought to you by the Fretboard Journal magazine.
info_outline
101. Peggy White
04/28/2025
101. Peggy White
On Episode 101 of the podcast, we welcome Peggy White, an exceptional acoustic guitar builder from Ontario, Canada. Peggy has honed her craft under the guidance of some of the finest luthiers in the world, including Sergei de Jonge, Linda Manzer, and Michel Pellerin. In this episode, she shares the story of her musical journey, her experience working at Larrivée Guitars, and the valuable lessons from her apprenticeships. Peggy also takes us inside her current finishing process and the design influences that shape her beautiful instruments. Fogo Clay:
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/36338275
info_outline
100. Jim Olson
03/24/2025
100. Jim Olson
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, his build process is all about efficiency and quality control. Jim talks about how his tooling and processes have changed over the years, how Bob Taylor talked him into his first CNC, early career challenges ("I couldn't give them away," he says about his first guitars), and about the subjective nature of a "better" guitar. 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 from Michael and his builds.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/35842845
info_outline
99. Maegen Wells
02/25/2025
99. Maegen Wells
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, and much more. She also reveals a new project on the horizon! 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/35429915
info_outline
98. Gary Southwell (Southwell Guitars)
01/27/2025
98. Gary Southwell (Southwell Guitars)
For episode 98 of the podcast, I am joined by renowned classical guitar maker Gary Southwell. Based on the banks of the River Rede in Northumberland, England, Southwell has been building instruments since 1983. Gary and I talk about the unique characteristics of Bog Oak, the history and influence of 19th-century Viennese guitars, his interactions with Julian Bream, and some reflections on 50 years of guitar making. 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/35030510
info_outline
97. Max Monterosso
12/30/2024
97. Max Monterosso
Max Monterosso builds beautifully detailed steel string guitars, harp and electric guitars out of his one-person shop in the Veneto region of Italy. For episode 97 of the podcast, I caught up with Max at the Acoustic Guitar Village Show in Cremona, Italy this past October. Max shares insights from building harp and steel string guitars, his thoughts on 3D printers and CNC in his shop, and discusses how visiting other builders has helped shape his career. 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/34653495
info_outline
96. Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival and the New Blue Guitars
11/30/2024
96. Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival and the New Blue Guitars
Episode 96 of Luthier on Luthier is a collection of interviews from the 2024 Rocky Mountain Archtop Guitar Festival, sponsored by Henriksen Amplifiers. At the show, Cris Mirabella, Tyler Wells, and Maegan Wells each presented their guitars to the new Blue Guitars Collection. I sit down with each of them to hear their thoughts on the instruments and their construction. There is also a bonus interview with George Leach of the Phoenix Guitar Company, who just published a new book on guitar building. Patreon supporters: You can listen to the 2024 Blue Guitars presentation ceremony hosted Linda Manzer and Tom Ribbecke. Join us at to hear the whole thing. Links 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/34209570
info_outline
95. Mark Stutman (Folkway Music)
10/28/2024
95. Mark Stutman (Folkway Music)
Mark Stutman is renowned for vintage guitar repairs and is also the owner of Canada's Folkway Music in Waterloo, Ontario. For episode 95 of the podcast, Mark goes into the history of his repair career and how it all started with the search for a good left-handed guitar. Mark also shares with us some of the unique challenges of working on vintage Gibsons and much more. 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 from Michael and his builds.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/33643827
info_outline
94: Michael Millard (Froggy Bottom Guitars)
09/23/2024
94: Michael Millard (Froggy Bottom Guitars)
Episode 94 of the podcast is a live interview at the 2024 Fretboard Summit with the incredible Michael Millard of Froggy Bottom Guitars. Michael has over 50 years of guitar-building experience. In 1970, he spent four years working with Gurian Guitars before launching Froggy Bottom. He shares with us lessons learned from customer interactions, guitars, martial arts 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/33172957
info_outline
93: Seth Baccus
08/29/2024
93: Seth Baccus
Seth Baccus creates a range of beautiful electric guitars in the UK. Seth learned the guitar business and guitar making from renowned luthiers Andy and Hugh Manson, who also happen to be his stepdad and uncle, respectively. For episode 93 of the podcast, Seth tells us about his retail experience and being a road tech for John Paul Jones and the Led Zeppelin reunion tour and how these experiences helped inform his own guitars. And for Patreon supporters only, Seth and I get into his pickup choices and more tales from the Led Zeppelin reunion tour rehearsals. 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 from Michael and his builds.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/32799082
info_outline
92. Mark Blanchard (Blanchard Guitars)
07/27/2024
92. Mark Blanchard (Blanchard Guitars)
Guitarmaker Mark Blanchard has a background in machining, a skill he learned at a young age from his dad. These days, he uses his metal-working skills to not only make his own excellent truss rods but also a CNC lathe and many of his own tools, including chisels and planes. Mark does all this out of his one-person shop, located in the mountains of California making highly collectible and outstanding guitars. For Episode 92 of the podcast, Mark tells us how it all got started, and we discuss his use of Chlandi patterns, top selection, 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/32314447
info_outline
91. Noemi Schembri (Noemi Guitars)
06/29/2024
91. Noemi Schembri (Noemi Guitars)
Noemi Schembri builds outstanding guitars out of her one-person workshop in Northern Italy. Noemi had an interest in woodworking at a young age and went to high school and college to prepare for a career in the wood industry. For episode 91 of the podcast, Noemi tells us how she ended up forging her own path in woodworking and how this led to her success as a guitar builder. Noemi also shares with us her approach to making different models, selecting topwoods, and the thought behind the visual aspects of her guitars. 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/31941317
info_outline
90. Jeff LaQuatra
05/31/2024
90. Jeff LaQuatra
Jeff LaQuatra is a professor of guitar and has directed the guitar program at Colorado State University since 2016. For episode 90 of the podcast, Jeff shares his musical journey from student, to winning and judging competitions, to teaching. Jeff also talks about how he prepares his students to make a living as a professional player and what advice he gives them regarding buying their first concert-grade guitar. Finally, Jeff discusses his plans for a new guitar venture starting this fall. 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/31543837
info_outline
89. Josh Rieck (J. Rieck Lutherie)
04/27/2024
89. Josh Rieck (J. Rieck Lutherie)
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 also talks about his latest shop acquisition, a PLEK machine. 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/31008533
info_outline
88. Casimi Guitars
03/27/2024
88. Casimi Guitars
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 and . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/30567973
info_outline
87. Joe Zon (Zon Guitars)
02/27/2024
87. Joe Zon (Zon Guitars)
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 Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/30127013
info_outline
86: Aluminati Guitar Company
01/30/2024
86: Aluminati Guitar Company
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 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/29717768
info_outline
85. Al Beardsell
12/28/2023
85. Al Beardsell
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 . This episode is sponsored by . Want to support Luthier on Luthier? to get access to exclusive photos and content from Michael and his builds.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/29260163
info_outline
84. Cristian Mirabella
11/28/2023
84. Cristian Mirabella
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 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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/28818653
info_outline
83. James Condino
10/30/2023
83. James Condino
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.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/28464212
info_outline
82. Richard Hoover (Santa Cruz Guitar Co.)
09/27/2023
82. Richard Hoover (Santa Cruz Guitar Co.)
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 Michael and his builds.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/28159229
info_outline
81. Nic Delisle (Island Instruments)
08/30/2023
81. Nic Delisle (Island Instruments)
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 Michael and his builds.
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/27895818
info_outline
80. Larry Fitzgerald
07/28/2023
80. Larry Fitzgerald
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. 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? .
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/27594027
info_outline
79. Mitsuhiro Uchida
06/28/2023
79. Mitsuhiro Uchida
Support Luthier on Luthier with our new Patreon page: You may not know the name Mitsuhiro Uchida, but you should. Mitsuhiro is a national treasure of Japan and has influenced makers like Michi Matsuda and Isaac Jang, who join me for today's podcast. Uchida-san started his international lutherie journey working for guitar companies in Japan and then moved to Germany to do repairs before working at Lowden Guitars in Ireland. In the 1990s, he moved back to Japan to set up shop on a remote mountainside where he builds incredible one-of-a-kind creations. For episode 79 of the podcast, Uchida-san tells us his story and his philosophy of guitar making. Links: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by .
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/27314013
info_outline
78. Keisuke Nishi (Keystone Guitars)
05/30/2023
78. Keisuke Nishi (Keystone Guitars)
This month's podcast features one of my favorite builders, Keisuke Nishi of Keystone Guitars. Keisuke went to luthier school in both Japan and the US, worked for First Act, and then did an apprenticeship with acclaimed guitarmaker Mario Beauregard. For episode 78 of the podcast, Keisuke compares his educational experiences and discusses how he was eventually able to start his own shop in Tokyo. He also shares his thoughts on design, the luthier scene in Japan, and much more. Links: Love Luthier on Luthier? Support it via our new Patreon page: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by .
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/26992128
info_outline
77. Joshia de Jonge
05/02/2023
77. Joshia de Jonge
Joshia de Jonge builds world-renowned classical guitars out of her one-person shop in Western Quebec. Joshia grew up in a famed guitar-building family and was helping her dad, Sergei, build and teach guitarmaking while she was still a teenager. For episode 77 of the podcast, Joshia tells us when she decided to make lutherie her full-time profession and why she now focuses on nylon-string creations. We also talk about double tops, tornavoz, side ports, laminations and much more. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by , , and .
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/26714298
info_outline
76. Dick Boak
03/29/2023
76. Dick Boak
Dick Boak started as a draftsman at Martin guitars and stayed for 42 years taking on numerous roles at the company, including Director of the Martin Museum and Archives; Director of Advertising and Artist Models; Guitar Designer, Founder of the 1833 Shop; and more. For episode 76 of the podcast, Dick tells us about his first attempt at guitarmaking, the influence of the Whole Earth Catalog, and how he ended up Martin, thanks to some enterprising dumpster diving. We also talk about how his role at Martin changed over the years, what it's like to collaborate with well-known artists on signature models, and how Martin as a company has changed over the decades. Lastly, we hear about Dick's other pursuits and passions as an artist, solo luthier, author, poet, musician, teacher and archivist for none other than Mario Andretti. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by (check out their new Gruhn Guitars blend), , and .
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/26374599
info_outline
75. Tim Frick
02/25/2023
75. Tim Frick
From a young age, Tim Frick knew that he wanted to make instruments. As a teenager, he began building basses for himself. He'd eventually take a class with famed archtop guitarmaker Tom Ribbecke, work at Gary Brawer's repair shop in San Francisco, and then spend years alongside lutherie legend Frank Ford at Gryphon Guitars in Palo Alto, California. These days, Frick is based in Portland, Oregon, where he repairs guitars and builds his own archtop guitar creations. For episode 75 of the podcast, Tim tells us about his journey, why he uses mostly hand tools, and his thoughts on voicing archtops. We also talk Japanese hand tools and much more. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by (check out their new Gruhn Guitars blend), , and .
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/26039316
info_outline
74. Larry Robinson
01/30/2023
74. Larry Robinson
Legendary inlay artist Larry Robinson has been adorning guitars with jaw-dropping inlays for over 40 years. For episode 74 of the podcast, Larry discusses the creative and the technical side of inlay work and working with directly with guitar builders and players. Larry also shares his experience working on the Millionth Martin guitar, as well as other now-famous inlay projects. We also hear about Larry’s first jobs in lutherie, his books and instructional materials, and how he sources his raw materials. Link: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by (check out their new Gruhn Guitars blend), , and .
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/25768743
info_outline
73. Michael Watts
01/02/2023
73. Michael Watts
Guitarist Michael Watts is back for episode 73 of the podcast. Michael recounts the history of Scott Chinery’s famous Blue guitar collection and how it led to his new gig working for the Archtop Foundation. Michael also shares with us his views on flattop vs. archtop guitars, his experience with online gigs during Covid lockdowns, previews all his latest projects, including a new podcast he's hosting for the Fretboard Journal (Life on the Fretboard with Michael Watts), and, finally, his finest cure for jetlag. Links: Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by (check out their new Gruhn Guitars blend) and .
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/25483338
info_outline
72. Bryan Galloup
11/28/2022
72. Bryan Galloup
Bryan Galloup started out as a tool and die maker and now runs one of the largest lutherie schools in the US, in addition to making his own line of highly-coveted acoustic guitars. For episode 72 of the podcast, Bryan tells us about his background before making musical instruments, the path that led to the development of his wood grading system, and his views on voicing guitars. We also discuss running a school and what it's like to collaborate with his former students. Luthier on Luthier is hosted by Michael Bashkin of Bashkin Guitars and brought to you by the . This episode is sponsored by and .
/episode/index/show/luthieronluthier/id/25154850