Life With Strings Attached
Jamie Gale, a thought leader from the guitar industry, hosts cross-disciplinary discussions that reveal how concepts from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, and physics can be better understood by recognizing the universal truths that underpin our world. The podcast aims to simplify complex ideas by showing the 'strings attached' in various fields.
Episodes
When Life Tests the Maker | Simon Padalka
Today's guest is luthier and architect Simon Padalka, a guitar maker with few peers.In this conversation we talk about the dramatic events that unfolded at the end of the 2025 Boutique Guitar Showcase enTour season, when the Padalka guitar that sold on tour was caught in a truck fire in Phoenix, Arizona. Thought lost, then to everyone's surprise the guitar popped up again for sale a few
André Gonçalves (ADDAC System) | When Modular Synthesis Meets the Guitar String
In this episode, I speak with Lisbon-based artist, musician, and instrument designer André Gonçalves of ADDAC System.For sixteen years, André has explored modular synthesis, experimental music, and the physical interfaces that make electronic sound feel immediate and human. His ADDAC120 Four String Series brings those worlds together, integrating guitar strings, pickups, motors, bows, and resonato
From a Guitar Shop at 19 to the World's Biggest String Company | Chris Griffiths (D'Addario)
In this episode, I sit down with Chris Griffiths, someone I’ve known for nearly twenty-five years and whose remarkable career I’ve had the opportunity to see unfold firsthand.Chris opened his first guitar shop at nineteen, trained as a guitar maker and went on to found Garrison Guitars, where he developed an entirely new approach to building an acoustic guitar. His path has since taken him through
30 Years, Kirk Hammett and the Guitar That Never Compromises | Nik Huber
Welcome to Life with Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. Today's guest is Nik Huber, one of the most well-respected guitar makers in the world.30 years is a remarkable milestone for any guitar maker. It's long enough to build thousands of instruments, earn the trust of musicians around the world and prove that quality could stand the test of time.Nik Huber and I first met a
D'Angelico, Loar and Why New York Changed the Guitar Forever | Cristian Mirabella
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. My guest today is famed archtop guitar maker Cristian Mirabella.This episode is the result of an impromptu conversation at the end of Cristian's biography episode. After our first recording, Cristian and I kept on talking, and it became clear that there was another thread worth following, the history of the archtop guitar,
The Man Who Made Rust Beautiful | James Trussart
Every guitar James Trussart builds carries far more than steel, wood, and craftsmanship. It carries the influences of a life lived across France, Louisiana, and Los Angeles, a fascination with history, and an unwavering belief that every instrument should contribute something new to the ongoing conversation of the guitar.We talk about freedom, creativity, memory, music, travel, craftsmanship, and
Biography | The Story of Markus Spohn
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. This episode was filmed live on location at Tom Anderson Guitar Works in Southern California. My guest today is Markus Spohn, co-owner of Tom Anderson Guitar Works. Born in a mining region of West Germany, the story begins far from the guitar workshops in Southern California.Markus first came to Anderson as a player and a custo
Biography | The Story of Cristian Mirabella
My guest today is famed archtop guitar maker Cristian Mirabella. Cristian's story begins in New York, on Long Island, in a family shaped by music, resilience and a deep sense of purpose. At just 10 years old, Cristian started working at Ronnie's guitar shop, where he swept floors, polished instruments, learned repairs and found himself surrounded by working musicians, vintage archtops, G
Biography | The Story of Steve Klein
Today's special biography episode with legendary guitar maker, Steve Klein, was filmed live on location in Northern California.Steve's story begins in San Francisco in 1949. It's a story shaped by Austrian immigrants who were ski instructors, scientists, artists, and the generation that came of age during one of the most creative periods in California's history.Over the next si
Biography | The Story of Ervin Somogyi
Today's special biography episode with legendary guitar maker, Ervin Somogyi, was filmed live at a location in Northern California. Ervin's tour begins in Budapest during the Second World War. The son of parents whose lives had been shaped by conflict and displacement, his early years carried him across Europe, through Cuba and Mexico, and eventually to the United States. Along the way,
Tom Anderson & Markus Spohn | Passing the Torch at Anderson Guitarworks
This episode is filmed live on location at Anderson Guitarworks in Southern California, where I sat down with the company's co-owners Tom Anderson and Markus Spohn.Now, in their fifth decade, Tom Anderson Guitarworks has earned one of the best reputations in the guitar world. Tom speaks with the clarity of someone who has spent decades refining an idea, not simply chasing perfection, but show
David Sutkin | What 350 Basses Taught Me About Craft, Collecting & the World's Best Luthiers
This episode was filmed live on location in Tuscany, where we sat down with David Sutkin, founder of Bass UpFront. A global community of more than 36.000 bass players, builders, collectors, people who care deeply about the instrument.David is known for his remarkable collection, the Bass UpFront studio and the conversation he's held built around bass culture. He brings a player's ear, a
Biography | The Story of Sheldon Dingwall
This episode was filmed live on location in Tuscany, where I sat down with revolutionary guitar maker Sheldon Dingwall to document his biography. He'll be the first to tell you that he didn't invent the multiscale concept, but he recognized what it could solve for the bass, replied it with purpose, and in 1993 brought the first production multiscale bass to the market. From there, Dingwa
50 Years of EMG | Rob Turner on Metallica, Active Pickups & the Black Box
Today's episode was filmed on location in Northern California at the headquarters of EMG. Our guest is Rob Turner, founder of EMG pickups, a company that helped change the sound, function, and possibility to the electric guitar, becoming synonymous with some of the most famous musicians in the world.Rob grew up in Long Beach, California, in a family where engineering, music, electronics, and
Biography | The Story of Tom Anderson
Today's special biography episode was filmed on location at Tom Anderson Guitarworks in Southern California, with a man whose life's work is so interwoven into the modern history of guitar that it becomes difficult to see the forest for the trees. That man, of course, is Tom Anderson. Tom's story starts in Southern California. Surf music, the British invasion, a transformative Dick
The Obsession Behind 2-Rock | Eli Lester
My guest today is Eli Lester, owner and CEO of Two-Rock Amplifiers and Divided by Thirteen. Eli is someone deeply obsessed with sound, craftsmanship, history, and the idea that the smallest details still matter. From vintage gear and vacuum tubes to photography, hot rods, and building amplifiers component by component, his world is driven by curiosity and an unwillingness to settle for “good enoug
Biography | The Story of James Trussart
In this episode, I'm sitting down with legendary guitar maker James Trussart in his workshop located in Echo Park, California. From growing up on a French horse farm near the border of Luxembourg to discovering American music through nearby airbases, to hitchhiking with aspirations of becoming a vagabond.James' story moves from farm life and American military influence to building his fi
The New Music Industry | Linnea Sundberg
In this episode, I’m joined by Linnea Sundberg who's joining us from Brooklyn, where she’s working at the intersection of music, technology, and the evolving artist economy. From her early days in Sweden to Oxford, to investment banking at Goldman Sachs, and into the heart of Spotify’s rise, Linnea has been part of some of the most defining shifts in modern music.Today, she’s with UnitedMaste
The Guitar as Art, Not Just a Tool | Michihiro Matsuda
Today, Michihiro Matsuda returns to the podcast. It feels less like a continuation and more like stepping back into an ongoing conversation that never really ended.When you walk into Michi’s workshop, you don’t just see guitars, you see ideas in motion. Instruments at different stages, each one exploring something distinct, each one asking a different question. As he put it, even having a few fini
Should Musicians Be Worried About AI? | Sourabh Pateriya
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached, I’m your host, Jamie Gale. In this episode, we’re stepping into a space that is, depending on who you ask, either full of possibility… or full of uncertainty. My guest today is Sourabh Pateriya, founder and CEO of Soundverse AI, a platform working at the intersection of music, technology, and what it means to create in a world where the tools are changing fas
The Man Who Redesigned the Guitar | Steve Klein
Today’s conversation takes place in the workshop of Steve Klein. Someone who, for more than half a century, hasn’t just built guitars, but has continuously rethought what the instrument could be.This isn’t a conversation about legacy. It’s about what’s still unfolding.Steve is one of those rare builders who never settled into a fixed idea. While many define their work and then repeat it, he’s cont
The Lesson Every Maker Needs to Hear | Ervin Somogyi
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached, I’m your host Jamie Gale.There are certain figures in guitar making whose influence runs so deep, it begins to shape not just instruments, but the way we think about them. Ervin Somogyi is one of those voices.His influence can be felt across generations of makers. Names like Jason Kostal, Michihiro Matsuda, and Raymond Kraut. Each carrying forward a piece of
The Role of the Artisan in the Age of AI | Grit Laskin | LWSA Ep 100
Welcome to the 100th episode of Life With Strings Attached. There are certain conversations that stay with you. And sometimes, if you’re lucky, they’re the ones you get to return to. For this milestone episode, it felt right to come back to where it all began by welcoming back our very first guest, William “Grit” Laskin.Grit is one of the most respected voices in modern guitar making. But more tha
Experience Filters w/ Neural DSP, Fishman, D'Addario & Two Rock | Live Panel Discussion
Welcome to Life with Strings Attached. Today's episode is recorded live in Anaheim, California at The NAMM Show as part of the 125th anniversary of NAMM within the 10th annual Boutique Guitar Showcase. As part of these special anniversary events, we moderated a three part series of panel discussions on the unwritten future of guitar. This second part features Francisco Cresp of Neural DSP, La
Verso Instrument's New "LOG" Lapsteel and Creativity through Play
In this episode, Robin Stummvoll returns to the podcast to talk about the release of Verso Instruments’ latest design and the broader ideas that continue to shape his work.Robin is a designer and luthier whose work consistently challenges how we think about guitars, materials, and musical interfaces. This time, our focus turns to the lap steel. An instrument with no fixed archetype and enormous ex
Guitar UI w/ Bob Taylor, Ola Strandberg & Sheldon Dingwall | Live Panel Discussion
Welcome to Life with Strings Attached. Today's episode is recorded live in Anaheim, California at The NAMM Show as part of the 125th anniversary of NAMM within the 10th annual Boutique Guitar Showcase. As part of these special anniversary events, we moderated a three part series of panel discussions on the unwritten future of guitar. This second part features Bob Taylor, Ola Strandberg and Sh
Future Collectibles w/ George Gruhn, Dustin Miller & Joe Glaser | Live Panel Discussion
Welcome to Life with Strings Attached. Today's episode is recorded live in Anaheim, California at The NAMM Show as part of the 125th anniversary of NAMM within the 10th annual Boutique Guitar Showcase. As part of these special anniversary events, we moderated a three part series of panel discussions on the unwritten future of guitar. Our panelists are some of the most influential people in th
The Fretboard Journal's Legacy and the Evolution of Guitar Culture, with Jason Verlinde
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. I’m your host, Jamie Gale.In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Verlinde, publisher and co-founder of The Fretboard Journal; one of the most respected voices in guitar culture today.Jason’s work has always focused on documenting the deeper stories behind guitars, the builders, the players, the history, and the community that surrounds the instrument. For over
Experience Over Ownership: A Conversation on Collecting Guitars
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached, I’m your host, Jamie Gale. In this episode I’m sitting in the home of Lou Vergne for a very special collector-focused conversation, one that isn’t really about collecting at all.It’s about relationships; with instruments, with the people who make them, and with the experiences that give those objects meaning. We talk about discovery over acquisition, use over
"I'm still an album guy." - Adam Miller on the Music Industry
Today on Life With Strings Attached, I’m joined by Adam Miller. A musician whose work lives at the intersection of creativity, technology, and deeply personal musical expression.Adam is one of those rare artists who understands music not just as performance, but as process. From recording and production, to collaboration, touring, and the evolving relationship between musicians and the instruments
Michael Sankey on Acoustics, Bracing & the Builder–Player Relationship
Today on Life With Strings Attached, I’m joined by luthier Michael Sankey.This conversation is rooted in a simple but demanding idea: showing up. Showing up to the work, to curiosity, and to questions that don’t have easy answers. Mike’s guitars are known for resisting category, but that resistance comes from something deeper. A willingness to examine why we do things the way we do, and whether th
The Truth About Vintage Gear, Nostalgia & Modern Music with Julien Bitoun
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. I’m your host, Jamie Gale. Today, I’m joined by someone whose curiosity about the guitar has taken him across countries, genres, and generations of musical history: Julien Bitoun. Julien is a guitarist, an author, a content creator, and a lecturer. You’ve read his work in major French publications, and you may know his books Les Paul: 70 Years, Guitars and He
Ola Strandberg's Empowering the Next Generation in Retail
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. In this episode, I sit down with Ola Strandberg to talk about a shift that's happening right now in the guitar world. The next generation musicians isn't looking back. They're looking for instruments that fit their bodies, their workflows, and the music that they're making today. On tour with the boutique gu
Biography | The Story of John Monteleone
In this special biography episode of Life With Strings Attached we explore the life and legacy of one of the most significant luthiers of our time, John Monteleone.Born in Manhattan and raised in Islip, John grew up in a world shaped by sculpture, architecture, and music, thanks to a family deeply rooted in the arts.From his early work repairing instruments at Mandolin Brothers to creating the Gra
The Art of Guitar Making with Max Spohn
Today I’m joined by Max Spohn, a luthier whose path into guitar making has been unusually intentional.While many makers discover the craft by accident, Max set out early with a clear plan: a childhood surrounded by music and art, formal training in Markneukirchen, and a pivotal apprenticeship with Raymond Kraut, drawing from the Somogyi lineage.His work reflects that depth: modern acoustic guitars
Legacy, Novelty and Evolution with Giulio Negrini
In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, I’m joined once again by Italian luthier Giulio Negrini. Someone who sits right at the intersection of tradition, innovation, and the changing culture of music. Today, we’re stepping back from the bench and looking at the bigger picture: how music is evolving, what novelty means in a post–rock-era world, and why the legacy of the great musicians of th
Michael Greenfield's Inspiration & Evolution
Today on Life With Strings Attached, I’m joined once again by master luthier Michael Greenfield. Someone whose work and thinking continue to shape the modern acoustic guitar.In this conversation, we look at how musical inspiration evolves across generations, from the impact of cultural moments like Elvis and the Beatles to the way those sparks still influence why so many of us first picked up a gu
A Conversation with George Gruhn, Part 2
This is the second part of a two-part episode with our guest George Gruhn. If you've not listened to part one, we suggest you go and do that first. Then return here for part two. Find the first part right here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2305961/episodes/18258900Watch the video version on YouTube:🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings AttachedLearn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutiq
A Conversation with George Gruhn, Part 1
Today, I'm speaking with someone whose name is synonymous with vintage guitars and collecting: George Gruhn. Since opening Gruhn Guitars in 1970 George has become the go-to authority for everyone, including the biggest names in guitar like Eric Clapton, Vince Gill and Paul McCartney, and frankly anyone who wants to understand the soul of a great instrument. George changed how we think about g
A Conversation with John Monteleone
Today, we sit down with one of the most celebrated living luthiers, John Monteleone, a maker whose instruments have graced museums, concert halls, and the hands of some of the world’s finest players.From his Long Island workshop, John crafts guitars and mandolins that are as visually captivating as they are sonically alive. Instruments where Art Deco elegance meets timeless tone. His work expands
John Mlynczak (CEO) on NAMM's Future
This week, I’m joined again by John Mlynczak, CEO of NAMM. With the NAMM Show 2025 right around the corner, we talk about what it really takes to lead the world’s largest music trade organisation in a time of rapid change.John shares insights on how NAMM is more than just a show, it’s a mission-driven association that serves and strengthens the global music products industry all year round. From p
Biography | The Story of Andy Manson
Welcome to another special Life With Strings Attached 'Biography' episode. Today, we trace the incredible life of legendary luthier Andy Manson, a craftsman shaped as much by chaos and curiosity as by chisels and wood. From building forts as a child in Hertfordshire to busking through Europe with a self-made guitar, Andy’s journey to becoming one of the most respected voices in luthiery
From A Vision To Jimmy Page’s Hands: Randy Parson’s Journey
In this episode we visit a century-old church in the heart of Kansas, now transformed into the creative sanctuary of luthier Randy Parsons.Randy’s story is one of risk, reinvention, and the courage to live life outside the lines. We talk about creativity, faith, music, and the strange moments of luck that shape our paths. This is a story about following your calling, even when it doesn’t make sens
From Repair Bench to Research Lab: Bryan Galloup Redefines the Guitar
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached! In this episode we explore the evolving world of guitar making, where craftsmanship meets innovation. From the floor of guitar shows to the heart of the workshop, we reflect on how artistry, science, and sound continue to shape our musical culture.We pay tribute to the late Ken Parker, a visionary who redefined what a guitar could be. We also discuss the ongo
Graph Tech: How Dave Dunwoodie Revolutionized Guitar Technology
** Whoops! It seems we've forgotten to cut out the end of the podcast, which is usually reserved for the members of our Patreon 'Business of Guitar'. Oh well, we're happy to give everyone a glimpse into what they're missing... 😉 Find out more here: https://www.patreon.com/thebusinessofguitarOn this episode of Life With Strings Attached we welcome Dave Dunwoodie, founder of
Biography | The Story of Michael Spalt
In this special Life With Strings Attached biography episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Michael Spalt. Guitar builder, sculptor, and creative force who’s redefined what a guitar can be. From his roots in Vienna and early fascination with music and film, to his innovative Totem guitars and the founding of the Holy Grail Guitar Show and EGB, Michael has merged art, craftsmanship, and comm
Biography | The Story of Ulrich Teuffel
In this special segment of our Luthier’s Story series we’re honoured to feature Ulrich Teuffel, visionary in the world of guitar design whose work challenges convention and redefines what it means to build an instrument.Ulrich’s guitars are more than tools for music, they are philosophical statements. Each crafted with a deep respect for wood, sound, and the courage it takes to break from traditio
The Art of Curation in Music Retail, with Joe Caruso of The Music Emporium
Today on Life With Strings Attached, we’re joined by Joe Caruso of The Music Emporium in Boston: a shop that has become legendary for its thoughtful curation and deep respect for the guitar as both an instrument and a cultural icon. In this conversation, Joe and I explore the parallels between the artisan guitar movement and the craft traditions of furniture making, the balance between heritage an
In Conversation with Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Company
Today on Life With Strings Attached, I sat down with Richard Hoover, founder of Santa Cruz Guitar Company. From California’s redwood forests and the threat of wildfires to the physics of string tension and modal analysis, Richard brings nearly 50 years of lutherie to this conversation. We explore how science, craftsmanship, and empathy shape the acoustic guitar, why collaboration and open knowledg
From Jerusalem to Guitar Mastery: The Avi Shabat Story
This week on Life With Strings Attached, I sit down with Avi Shabbat. From growing up in Jerusalem, discovering music in the middle of the grunge era and serving in the military, to building a career in sound engineering and eventually founding Shabbat guitars in Los Angeles. Avi's story is one of resilience, collaboration, and vision. In this conversation, we talk about uncompromising crafts
Biography | The Story of Giulio Negrini
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. For this week's special biography edition of Life With Strings Attached, we're on location in Switzerland with Giulio Negrini, founder of Giulio Negrini Guitars, to uncover the remarkable journey behind one of the boutique world's most imaginative and precise builders.From a childhood steeped in fantasy and music
Biography | The Story of Dion James
Welcome to Life with Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. For this week's special biography edition of Life with Strings Attached, we're on location in Edmonton, Canada to dive deep into the story of Dion James, an extraordinary guitar maker who is helping to redefine the modern acoustic guitar. In this episode, Dion opens up about formative moments, the mentors who shaped h
Reuben Forsland on The Art of Curiosity
This week on Life With Strings Attached, we sit down with Reuben Forsland: Adventurer, innovator, and the luthier behind JOI Guitars. Reuben’s story stretches from backcountry snowboarding and near-death kiteboarding crashes to building guitars out of hempwood, carbon fiber, and even the walls of Jimi Hendrix’s childhood home. What drives him? A relentless curiosity, a hunger for challenge, and a
Omer Deutsch: Crafting Guitars in a Time of War
This week on Life With Strings Attached, I’m joined once again by Omer Deutsch, founder of OD Guitars. Omer returns with insight forged under pressure, literally. Living and working in a conflict zone, he shares how humor, community, and creativity have become essential tools for coping and resilience. From the emotional toll of war to the deeper value of custom guitar making, Omer opens up about
Maneli Jamal on Strings, Stories, and Ikigai
Today’s guest is internationally acclaimed guitarist Maneli Jamal, known for his deeply expressive compositions and a playing style that fuses rhythmic complexity with emotional clarity. Born in Belarus to Iranian parents, Maneli’s journey spans five countries, twenty moves before the age of 18, and a lifetime of transformation through music. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore everything f
Biography | The Story of Rainer Tausch
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. In this episode, we travel to the small Bavarian town of Illertissen to meet Rainer Tausch: Guitar maker, musician, and founder of Tausch Guitars. Rainer’s journey began with a homemade guitar at age 13, inspired by the music of Hendrix, AC/DC, and Deep Purple. Over decades, he carved his own path through craftsmanship and tone, blending tradition with bold d
Why Jim D'Addario Spent his Life Chasing the Perfect String
This episode dives deep into the legacy and future of D’Addario & Company with James D’Addario, Chairman and Director of Innovation. With roots in string making that stretch back centuries, Jim shares how his family’s craft evolved into a global leader through innovation, automation, and a relentless focus on quality.Jim and I explore how string design affects musicianship, why clear communica
Amber, Meteorite, and the Mind of Rapolas Gražys
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. In this episode, we sit down with visionary guitar designer Rapolas Gražys. A creative force whose instruments are as much about storytelling and emotion as they are about sound. From his studio in Lithuania, Rapolas shares how a childhood steeped in art, architecture, and nature led him to craft guitars from materials as extraordinary as amber, aluminum, and
From Wine Cellars to the Workbench: Raymond Kraut’s Path to Luthiery
Today’s guest is Raymond Kraut, an exceptional luthier whose work blurs the lines between science, art, and soul. In this conversation, Raymond and I dive deep into the evolving craft of guitar making: from the physics of sound and the role of alternative tonewoods like desert ironwood, to the emotional and instinctual layers of artistic expression. This isn't just a story about guitars, it’s
Biography | The Story of Adriano Sergio
This week on Life With Strings Attached, we dive into the remarkable story of Adriano Sérgio. An artist, musician, and luthier whose life journey is as inspiring as the guitars he creates. From his early days as a political refugee to military service in Portugal’s elite forces, Adriano’s path has been shaped by resilience, community, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity.In this second special
The Anti-Luxury Luthier: Andy Manson on Touch, Tools, and Truth
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. In this episode we sit down with master luthier Andy Manson, a maker whose work lives at the intersection of creativity, chaos, and craftsmanship.Andy takes us on a journey through travel, food, culture, and family legacy, weaving personal stories with deep insights into guitar making, materials, and design. He shares why he prefers tactile oil finishes over
Not Everything Has to Shine | A Conversation with Luthier Mario Beauregard
On this episode of Life With Strings Attached, we sit down with luthier Mario Beauregard. An innovative guitar maker whose journey spans rural Canada, the streets of Japan, and a lifetime of travel, music, and craftsmanship.Mario shares how his early life experiences shaped his path, the importance of finding balance as a maker, and the emotional depth behind each instrument he builds. We talk abo
Dana Bourgeois: 50 Years of Innovation, Tradition, and Tone
Today’s guest is a true icon in the world of acoustic guitar making. Someone whose influence has quietly shaped the way modern luthiers build, voice, and imagine the steel-string guitar.With over 50 years of experience at the workbench, Dana Bourgeois has carved out a singular path in the craft, blending deep technical knowledge with a relentless pursuit of tone. From building his first guitar in
Tradition, Disrupted: Fred Kopo’s Uncompromising Approach to Guitar Making
In this episode of Life with Strings Attached, I sit down with Fred Pons (also known as Fred Kopo) a deeply respected luthier from France whose journey into guitar making began with what he describes as “a slap of inspiration.” At just 16, a visit to a rural guitar workshop with his teacher changed the course of his life. The smell of wood, the calm of the countryside, and the magic of turning raw
Biography | Mike Sankey: Building What No One Asked For
This episode is part of a new Biography Edition of Life With Strings Attached, a space to pause and reflect on the people behind the instruments. It's been our experience that these remarkable ideas come from remarkable people, who have a depth and character that cannot be easily distinguished from the things that they create.This Biography Edition of Life With Strings Attached tells the stor
Dan Furman, PhD: What Brain Signals Teach Us About Music, Focus, and Feeling
Dan Furman, PhD, is a neuroscientist, Harvard graduate, and co-founder of Arctop, a company developing real-time brain-computer interface software that translates electrical activity from the brain into usable data. In this episode, Dan joins Jamie Gale for a far-reaching conversation about music, emotion, memory, and how we might one day listen to what the brain is really saying.Together, they ex
Rethinking the Electric Guitar with Two of Its Leading Historians: Jan Herbst & Steve Waksman
Few people have shaped the way we understand the electric guitar like Jan Herbst and Steve Waksman. Both have spent their careers asking deeper questions about sound, design, meaning, and the role of technology in music.Steve is the author of Instruments of Desire, the first major academic study of the electric guitar. Jan is a leading voice in the study of music production and amplification, know
Dan Erlewine (StewMac): A Life in Guitar Repair, Innovation, and Legacy
[re-upload with improved audio quality]Legendary guitar repairman, luthier, and educator Dan Erlewine (StewMac) joins us for a conversation on innovation, legacy, and the craft behind the music.In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, we reflect on Dan’s early inspirations, his journey into guitar building and repair, and the unforeseen innovations that have left a permanent mark on the indu
How Michael Tobias Designed the Bass You Didn’t Know You’ve Heard
Michael Tobias didn’t set out to change the sound of modern music, but that’s exactly what he did. In this episode, he joins Jamie Gale to reflect on five decades of instrument building, from the early days of repairing guitars in Washington, D.C., to founding Tobias Guitars, surviving corporate life at Gibson, and ultimately creating MTD: a brand that quietly redefined what a bass could be.Togeth
From Hollywood to Handwork: Concept Artist Tim Warnock on Creative Identity
What does a concept artist who’s worked on Harry Potter, Transformers, and The Expanse have to say about boutique guitars?Plenty, as it turns out.In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, Jamie Gale talks with Tim Warnock — a former matte painter at Industrial Light & Magic and co-founder of Northfront Studio — about what it means to build creative identity in a world that often values im
Gangs, Guitars, and the Grit to Keep Going — Bob Robinson
What does it take to stay creative in the face of chaos?In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, Jamie Gale sits down with Bob Robinson — a luthier, furniture maker, and all-around builder — to hear how his journey took him from working in gang territory on Chicago’s West Side to redefining what it means to make a classical guitar.They explore the lessons learned in violence, the quiet joy o
Frank Deimel on Sound, Identity, and Building Guitars That Rebel
In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, Jamie Gale speaks with German luthier Frank Deimel, a builder whose instruments blend fine craftsmanship with punk energy, political commentary, and sonic experimentation.Frank shares the unexpected path that took him from classical guitar dropout to one of the most original voices in modern guitar making — including factory work at Warwick, industria
Isaac Jang on Legacy, Faith, and the Craft of Making Happy Guitars
[re-upload with highly improved audio]In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, Jamie Gale sits down with luthier Isaac Jang — one of the most admired voices in the modern guitar world — to explore what it means to build instruments that don’t just sound beautiful, but feel meaningful.From a decade-long apprenticeship with Kathy Wingert to launching his own shop steps from Hollywood Boulevard
Rewiring the Brain: Living, Creating, and Surviving with Intention | J. Galen Buckwalter
J. Galen Buckwalter is a research psychologist with over 30 years of experience exploring the intersection of psychology, technology, and human behavior. He started his career as a research professor at the University of Southern California and later developed a behavioural outcomes research program at Kaiser Permanente. But many will know him best as the mind behind the groundbreaking assessment
Deconstructing the Guitar: A Whole New Approach | Michihiro Matsuda
Over the last two decades, Michihiro Matsuda has crafted some of the most innovative and inspiring guitars in the world. His work seamlessly blends tradition and creativity, reflecting his deep Japanese heritage and culture. The principles of contemplation and reflection—so central to Japanese philosophy—are evident in every instrument he builds.Born and raised in Japan, Michi’s passion for music,
Building Guitars with Innovation and Purpose | Simon Padalka
Today on Life With Strings Attached, we have a truly inspiring guest—luthier Simon Padalka, the mastermind behind Padalka Guitars. Simon’s journey into guitar-making began in 2011 in his hometown of Krasnodar, Russia. Though he earned a master’s degree in architecture in 2012, his passion for craftsmanship and design led him to trade blueprints for tonewoods, fully dedicating himself to building b
Why Handmade Guitars Matter | Eric Weigeshoff
Today on Life With Strings Attached, we’re joined by Eric Weigeshoff, the visionary luthier behind Skytop Guitars. With a background in design and film, Eric approaches guitar-making as both an art form and an immersive experience. His passion for rock climbing and the natural world informs his craft, leading him to create guitars that are not only sonically rich but also visually striking.What tr
Redesigning A Country Music Icon | Ric Riordon
What does it mean to redesign a cultural icon?Ric Riordon was already a well-established designer when, over two decades ago, he and his team were asked to redesign the trophy for the Academy of Country Music Awards. The original had barely changed since the mid-’60s, so the team were taking on quite a challenge: replacing a recognisable icon that had been in the hands of famous musicians for almo
Building Guitars for Steve Vai, Jerry Cantrell & Slash | Stephen McSwain
How in the world do you get your first guitar build in Steve Vai's hands?Well, you take some big risks and make some bold choices, and Stephen McSwain has certainly done plenty of both.From hand carving horror-themed installations for Slash to working with world-renowned visual artists, Stephen has time and again gone where no luthier has gone before – and come back with plenty of amazing sto
Making The Crazy Leap To Guitar Making | Michael Bashkin
Michael had his dream job working for the US Forest Service – until the sight of a luthier's workshop turned his interest in guitars into an obsession that couldn't be ignored. Now, Michael is a master guitar maker with over 25 years of experience crafting exquisite acoustic guitars in Fort Collins, Colorado. Renowned for his signature designs featuring art nouveau and art deco inlays, h
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