Gear for Guitar

This is Part 2 of our Montreal Guitar Show Series, a series of interviews Derek Dodson and I conducted during the MGS. We have three excellent interviews, all brought to us by Derek. Legendary archtop builder Tom Ribbecke is on tap. Innovative electric builder Sam Evans, from Cardinal Instruments delivers a funny and informative conversation. And, acoustic luthier, Jeff Bamburg talks about his new builds, particularly those using true temperament fretting.

This the first part of a six episode arc we will call the Montreal Guitar Show Series. Each of these six episodes will contain 3-4 of our interviews. Part 1 opens with famed steel string and archtop luthier, Linda Manzer; Mike Potvin, a great electric builder known for using cool and exotic woods, and Otto D’Ambrosio, an accomplished young archtop builder who also designed Eastman Guitars's El Rey series. We hope you enjoy the series. We sure did. Everyone we spoke with was gracious, kind, and extremely passionate about what they do.

We were very lucky to get Eric Schoenberg on the show for a conversation with Matt. Eric is the co-designer and creator of the Schoenberg Soloist-- an amazing instrument that used the classic, vintage Martin OMs as inspiration, but went much further. Eric shares with us his background as a player, how he got into guitar design, his illustrious partnerships with guys like Dana Bourgeois and Bruce Sexauer, some of the amazing guitars to have passed through his hands, his build philosophy, and much more.

We are very excited to have Jim Soloway of Soloway Guitars join Matt and Derek. Together they discuss Jim's Swan, Gosling, and new Carve Top. Jim also announces a new model that will be ready in about 6 months. He talks about his build philosophy, how he came to use the innovative 27" scale, and how he became a builder. And, of course, much, much more.

Derek and Matt tackle Episode 10, sharing their pedalboards with each other, complaining about used gear prices, and discussing cool boutique pedals they've had and/or tried. Tom Murphy from Parkway Music gives a review of the Carl Martin DeLayla pedal. A very cool delay.

Both Dale and Matt use a Headstrong Lil' King Amp. They are huge fans of the brand and the maker, Wayne Jones. So, we are very excited to have Wayne on the show. We discuss his build philosophy, his approach to customers, technical stuff way over Matt's head, how he approaches custom designs, and much more.

Acoustic jazz guitarist Eric Skye joins Matt to discuss his new album, Slow Moving Dog. Eric shares stories about how he became a guitarist and specifically a jazz guitarist. And, being a show about guitar gear, Eric reviews his Santa Cruz guitars.

Dale and Matt go solo in this episode. They talk about Dale's new Collings acoustic and some cool Youtube lessons. Then they dive into the main topic-- Tone. Using the January issue of Premier Guitar as a basis for the conversation, Dale and Matt explore how tone comes through physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

Derek and Matt dive into several topics in this episode. First they discuss several online lesson opportunities. Then, Matt gets Derek to finally explain how distortion and overdrive pedals work and differ from each other. That conversation leads to Derek explaining how tube amps work (Matt needed some schooling in this ep.). Finally, Matt shares his recent experiences with the Henriksen Jazzamp and Acoustic Image amps. Dale will be back for Episode 7.

In this special episode, Matt interviews British luthier Patrick James Eggle. They discuss how Patrick got into building flattops, his favorite woods, building techniques, how he picks his model names, and much more.

An extended, holiday episode. Derek and Matt talk about Matt's new PRS McCarty. Derek explains the value of partcasters-- and how to go about beginning one. Matt interviews Carmen Caramanica, touring guitarist, teacher, and composer of the GfG theme song. Dale and Matt discuss the value of experienced players still taking lessons and different types of teachers. And, finally, Matt reviews and demos the Lowden S-32.

In our third episode, Dale shares a visit to Gruhn Guitars and to Gibson. Derek leads a discussion about what to consider when upgrading your amp. The guys discuss the merits of boutique pickups. Matt asks a question about power attenuation. The iPhone-- a cool accessory for guitar? How much have the guys actually spent on picks-- yes, we said picks.

Welcome to our second episode. Dale, Derek, and Matt discuss whether scale length actually matters (an poor jokes were indeed made), the affect of tonewoods, guitars you are afraid to play, musical style versus type of guitar, and Collings Electrics. Parkway Music reviews the new Dr. Z Jaz 20/40.

Our inaugural episode. We introduce the program and ourselves. The guys engage in scintillating discussion. Meet our Resident Music Shop, Parkway Music, and hear a review of the Fishman Soloamp.