The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People (A Podcast About Acoustic Instruments, Music, & Artists)

We're honored to be joined this episode by Chris Alvarado and Rhett Shull! Both creating some of the best content for guitarist on the internet, Chris and Rhett go into their histories and why they started their channels. We're sure you have checked them out but if not, you can find Chris and Rhett on YouTube!

Thanks for sitting down with us guys! This episode was filmed live at the Fretboard Summit 2026. 🔗Join the Dread-Not Underground! A global acoustic community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dreadnotunderground

In this episode of the podcast, The Chapmans (and Hinkster) sit down to organize their thoughts and compare their recent trips to the Martin Guitars factory and the Taylor Guitars factory. These two legendary brands take very different approaches to building world-class acoustic instruments. We are breaking down the differences in their manufacturing processes, their company cultures, how they approach tonewood selection, and how those varying philosophies translate into the final tone of the guitars.If you have ever wondered exactly what separates a Martin from a Taylor behind the scenes, pull up a chair and join the conversation! 🔗Shop Taylor Guitars Here! - https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/taylor-guitars 🔗Shop Martin Guitars Here! - https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/all-martin 🔗Join the Dread-Not Underground! A global acoustic community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dreadnotunderground

We are live from the 2026 Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival sitting down with one of the most iconic high tenor voices in the history of bluegrass!In this special on-location episode of The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People, the Chapmans set up shop backstage to chat with bluegrass legend and multi-time IBMA Vocalist of the Year, Larry Stephenson!With over 30 years leading The Larry Stephenson Band and decades of performing at the highest level, Larry shares incredible stories from his career, his deep roots in traditional bluegrass, and his take on how the genre has evolved over the years. We also talk mandolins, life on the festival circuit, and what makes performing at a historic venue like Starvy Creek so special to touring artists.

Two absolute legends, one incredible conversation! You do not want to miss this rare look into acoustic history.In this very special episode of The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People, the Chapmans are joined by two titans of the acoustic instrument world: Bob Taylor (founder of Taylor Guitars) and Greg Deering (founder of Deering Banjos)!Beyond building two of the most iconic, industry-leading brands in acoustic music, Bob and Greg share a deep, decades-long friendship that goes all the way back to their early days starting out in San Diego. In this interview, we dive into their shared history, how their early bond shaped their respective approaches to instrument manufacturing, and the mutual respect that has kept them close over a lifetime of innovation.Thank you so much to Bob and Greg for taking the time to sit down with us at the Fretboard Summit this year. It was a joy to hear their history. 🔗Shoppe Taylor Guitars - https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/taylor-guitars 🔗Shoppe Deering Banjos - https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/deering 🔗Join the Dread-Not Underground! A global acoustic community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dreadnotunderground

We packed up the podcast gear and took the show on the road to sit down with the undeniable Queen of Bluegrass! Welcome to a very special, live on-location episode of The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People, recorded right in the heart of the 2026 Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival! The Chapmans had the absolute honor of sitting down backstage with bluegrass royalty, Rhonda Vincent. We talk about everything from the incredible energy of the Starvy Creek crowd to the dedication it takes to maintain a lifelong touring career in bluegrass music. Rhonda shares fantastic stories from the road, insights into her vocal and mandolin style, and what keeps her inspired after years of performing at the highest level.

🔗Join the Dread-Not Underground! A global acoustic community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dreadnotunderground

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at one of the premier acoustic guitar stores in the country? We dive into how Austin joined the team, what a day in the life of a guitar store GM looks like, and some of the wild, unscripted moments that happen behind the scenes that you never get to see on camera. If you've ever wanted to get to know the team behind the videos or wondered how a high-end acoustic shop operates from the inside, you won't want to miss this one!

🔗Join the Dread-Not Underground! A global acoustic community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dreadnotunderground

In one of our funniest episodes yet, the Chapmans sit down with Paul Harris, the mastermind and frontman behind the legendary faux-family bluegrass band, The Cleverlys! We swap some wild stories from the road, share a ton of laughs, and dive deep into the actual origin story of the group. Paul breaks down exactly how he came up with the concept of "Digger Cleverly," the genius behind their iconic pop-turned-bluegrass covers, and the process of bringing together the right musicians to pull off such a unique blend of high-level picking and deadpan comedy.

🔗Be sure to follow the Cleverlys for upcoming shows! - https://thecleverlys.com/

🔗Join the Dread-Not Underground! A global acoustic community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dreadnotunderground

On this episode of The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People, the Chapmans are thrilled to sit down with Jason Verlinde, the author, creator, and driving force behind The Fretboard Journal. Jason has spent years documenting the incredible art of lutherie, shedding light on both legendary builders and up-and-coming guitar makers through world-class storytelling and photography. With The Acoustic Shoppe crew packing our bags to attend the highly anticipated Fretboard Summit in just a couple of weeks, there was no better time to bring Jason on the show! We discuss the origins of the magazine, the evolution of the boutique acoustic guitar market, and give you a sneak peek into what we are most excited to see (and play!) at this year's Summit.

In this rerun episode of "The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People," the Chapmans are incredibly honored to sit down with the legendary Rhonda Vincent! Known as the undisputed Queen of Bluegrass, Rhonda brings a lifetime of incredible stories, acoustic music history, and industry insights to the table.

We dive into her amazing career, what it takes to run one of the tightest bands in bluegrass, her favorite acoustic gear, and somehow... we even uncover "The Secret To Smelling Carrot Top!" Whether you are a lifelong fan of traditional bluegrass or just love hearing wild stories from the road, you are going to love this conversation.