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.

http://www.zonguitars.com

Luthier 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.

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.

https://aluminatiguitars.com/

Luthier 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.

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. 

https://www.beardsellguitars.com/

Luthier 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.

Luthier 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.

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: https://condino.com/

 https://kaybassrepair.com/

 https://www.facebook.com/p/Condino-String-Instruments-100028847900108

Luthier 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.

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:

https://santacruzguitar.com/

https://gofund.me/56ef4040  (GoFundMe for luthier Joel Wilkens)

https://www.instagram.com/frettiemercury/

Luthier 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.

Luthier 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.

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 48^th 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: 

https://www.fitzgeraldguitars.com/

Luthier 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.

Support Luthier on Luthier with our new Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/luthieronluthier

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: 

http://www.melodist-net.com/~harpguitar/UchidaGuitarEng.htm

https://asamiuchida.thebase.in/

Luthier 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.

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:  https://www.keystone-si.com/ https://ogawainlay.com/

Love Luthier on Luthier? Support it via our new Patreon page:  https://www.patreon.com/luthieronluthier

Luthier 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.