The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast

Frank Gross, founder of West Seattle's Thunder Road Guitars, joins us this week.Thunder Road is a unique brick-and-mortar success story. Thanks to some smart business moves (online and off), Thunder Road has thrived. In fact, Frank recently purchased and renovated a commercial space for the store!During our chat, we talk about Seattle's thriving independent guitar stores; Thunder Road's offerings (they carry big brands like Fender and Gibson alongside consignment instruments); and so much more.https://www.thunderroadguitars.comSubscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscriptionWe are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com(Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

On today's episode, guest host Ryan Richter sits down with multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Nate Mercereau.Renowned for pushing the boundaries of stringed instruments, Nate continues to redefine what it means to play and compose with the guitar as the centerpiece.In this conversation, Ryan and Nate dive into the making of Mercereau's compelling new album, Fantastic Thoughts. They discuss the creative philosophy, gear setups, and spontaneous moments of inspiration that shaped the record, giving listeners an insider's look into Nate's unique artistic process.https://www.natemercereau.comSubscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscriptionWe are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com(Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).We are also brought to you by Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington.

Molly Tuttle joins us this week to talk about guitars (of course), her touring rig, life on the road and so much more.We chat about vintage Martins, the new Martin double-neck guitar she's using (the Martin Grand J-28E DN), why she hasn't gone electric yet, and so much more. It's a fun chat with one of the bluegrass world's most inspiring artists.https://www.mollytuttlemusic.comSubscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing and features Christopher Guest; a cover story penned by John Monteleone and other surprises: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscriptionWe are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com(Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).and Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com, located in Seattle, Washington!

Bluegrass guitar hero Bryan Sutton joins us this week to talk about his brand-new album, From Roots to Branches, Vol. 1 ( Mountain Home Music Company). The album features Sutton in a duo setting with a bevy of friends, including Tommy Emmanuel, Billy Strings, Joe Bonamassa, Sierra Hull, the late Doc Watson, and others. As you'll hear, the performances range from straight bluegrass to a rather rocking tune with Billy Strings.We also talk about his Blue Ridge Guitar Camp, session work, the joys of downsizing your guitar collection, and the secret studio weapon known as the Epiphone Seville (who knew?). We even brainstorm on a rather hilarious Fretboard Summit golf tournament.https://www.bryansutton.comhttps://www.blueridgeguitarcamp.comSubscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is now mailing: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscriptionWe are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com(Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Maisy Owen joins us this week to talk about her gorgeous debut album, Dark on a Sunny Day (Tompkins Square).Maisy talks about her music-filled upbringing (her dad is songwriter Gwil Owen; radio programming legend Rob Bleetstein is a family friend); her decision to take up the guitar; unlikely jobs (and songwriting sessions); her newfound love for British folk and so much more. Maisy also performed some songs while visiting us, available on our YouTube channel.https://www.maisyowen.comGet the record: https://tompkinssquare.bandcamp.com/album/dark-on-a-sunny-dayRegister for our 2026 Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/ticketsSubscribe to the Fretboard Journal's quarterly print magazine. Issue 60 is just a few weeks away: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscriptionWe are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com(Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com