Craig Korth is a bluegrass musician, instrument collector, and luthier based in British Columbia.   Over the years, Craig performed at countless festivals, ran a music camp, and amassed a world-class collection of vintage instruments. As he recounted at the end of his appearance on episode 271 of the Fretboard Journal Podcast, he's also struggled with focal dystonia, a neurological condition that can wreak havoc on high-level musicians.    For this week's episode, Craig candidly shares some of the steps he's taken to heal his focal dystonia and play at a high level again. From exercises like taking up the upright bass to emotional support groups and mind-altering psychedelic therapy sessions, it's a journey unlike any we've ever shared.      Some links mentioned:   Hear Craig's music: https://open.spotify.com/album/0lPWoHPQnQZw7uuhcvUeQE?fbclid=IwAR1xV0Mj9saq9S5EsbMvtMc18Mp8hLm9cv-SA6wAW6b8kzk_3vqBINEeJqc     Craig Korth on Fretboard Journal Podcast 271:  https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/podcast-271-craig-korth/     Michael Pollan's 'How to Change Your Mind':  https://www.netflix.com/title/80229847     Musicians With Focal Dystonia Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/395945924186868     Author Ruth Chiles:  https://focaldystoniacure.com/   Dr. Joaquin Farias' lecture on focal dystonia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8f_A16OwSo

 

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Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/

 

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order)

 

Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

This week, guitarist Julian Lage returns to the Fretboard Journal Podcast to talk to us all about his new, Joe Henry-produced album, 'Speak to Me' (Blue Note).

We talk about working with Henry, the 'Speak to Me' band (including Levon Henry), Lage’s writing process, his favorite practice hacks, the gear he used, and so much more. We pack a lot into 36 minutes.

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print edition: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/

This week's show is sponsored by: StewMac: https://stewmac.sjv.io/R5jvRR (Affiliate link) Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Izotope: https://www.izotope.com (Use the code FRET10 to save 10%) Stringjoy Strings: https://stringjoy.com (Use the code FRETBOARD to save 10% off your first order) Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout).

This week, we share two great interviews: First, we talk to Rasmus Zandvliet, a young (17-year-old!) aspiring luthier from the Netherlands teaching himself how to build acoustic guitars from scratch using YouTube videos for inspiration and a modest array of tools (and a curling iron to bend sides!).

Rasmus is already on to his third guitar and garnered a rave review from Jeremy Sheppard, aka Jeremy the Guitar Hunter (who owns an Alpine spruce/mahogany 000-18 built by Rasmus). In the second half of this episode, we talk to Jeremy himself about his start as a YouTube content creator, his love for acoustic guitars, and why he began flipping guitars (he estimates he's up to 5,000!). We also talk about why this digital content guru has decided to take a job at an old school brick & mortar guitar store, how he befriended Rasmus, and what he thinks of his 000-18 from the young builder.

Follow Rasmus here: https://www.instagram.com/rasmus_zandvliet/

Follow Jeremy here:  https://www.jeremytheguitarhunter.com

and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/JimmySheep

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal magazine: https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Register for our 2024 Fretboard Summit in Chicago (Aug 23-25): https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

Austin's Matt the Electrician joins us this week to talk about his new album, 'The Ocean Knocked Me Down.' He also gives us a mini master class on being a productive songwriter. 

We also talk about John Allison Guitars, the Austin music scene today, the weekly songwriting group helmed by Bob Schneider and so much more.

https://matttheelectrician.bandcamp.com

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue featuring Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg, Robbie Basho, and Kate Wolf's guitar:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

It's the fourth and final installment of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

To celebrate the launch of their book, String Theories, guitarists and educators Ethan Sherman and Adam Levy share some of their favorite music tips and New Year's resolutions with us. 

Order the book here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

This week, Adam and Ethan are joined by guitarists Mike Adams, Creston Lea, Ben Garnett, Leni Stern, Adam Miller, Reuben Cox, Stash Wyslouch, Drew Taubenfeld, & Chris Eldridge! 

https://www.instagram.com/puisheen/

https://crestonguitars.com

https://www.bengarnett.net

https://www.lenistern.com

https://www.adammiller.com.au

https://www.instagram.com/oldstyleguitarshop/

http://www.stashwyslouch.com

https://www.instagram.com/drewtaubenfeld/

http://www.chriseldridge.net

Watch The Fretboard Journal’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fretboardjournal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

It's the third installment of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

To celebrate the launch of their book, String Theories, guitarists and educators Ethan Sherman and Adam Levy share some of their favorite music tips and New Year's resolutions with us. 

Order the book here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

This week, Adam and Ethan are joined by guitarists Harrison Whitford, Nathaniel Murphy, Mary Halvorson, Ronan Delisle, Grant Gordy, and Bill Frisell! 

https://www.instagram.com/scarrisonwhitford/

https://www.instagram.com/zeppelinbarnatra/

https://www.maryhalvorson.com

https://ronandelisle.bandcamp.com/album/heavyweights-in-the-ring

http://www.grantgordy.com

https://www.billfrisell.com

Next week, Adam and Ethan join us once more for their final takeover episode. 

Watch The Fretboard Journal’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fretboardjournal

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

It's part two of four of 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

Adam Levy and Ethan Sherman, the authors behind the excellent new 'String Theories' book, are guest hosting the Fretboard Journal Podcast for four episodes. This week, they're joined by guitarist Mason Stoops (Ryan Beatty, Marcus Mumford, Jackson Browne) for a lively chat about coffee, Marshall stacks, new habits, and more.

Want your own copy of 'String Theories?' Order it here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

 

 

It's a 'String Theories' takeover of the Fretboard Journal Podcast!

Adam Levy and Ethan Sherman, the authors behind the excellent new 'String Theories' book, are taking over the Fretboard Journal Podcast for four episodes. We'll hear their personal New Year's resolutions, talk to some of their favorite musicians (Molly Miller, James Valentine, and Gregg BelisleChi!), and glean some life hacks and advice from these two professional guitarists and educators. We hope that these episodes will offer just the right food for thought as we all dive into 2024. 

Want your own copy of 'String Theories?' Order it here: https://stringtheoriesbook.com/

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.

 

 

Guitarist and educator Teja Gerken joins us this week to talk about the making of his new solo fingerstyle album, 'Test of Time.' It's an eclectic album of originals, Celtic music, J.S. Bach and even John Coltrane's "Naima"...all played on acoustic guitar.

We chat about Teja's early love for fingerstyle, the gear he employed for this album (a Martin Custom Shop OM, a Lowden, a Taylor 355, and a National Tricone), his work at Peghead Nation and much more. 

Check out 'Test of Time' here: https://tejagerken.bandcamp.com/album/test-of-time   Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (use the discount code Fretboard to get your first month free or $20 off of an annual subscription)

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order. 

Atlanta-based Jason Mays has a unique perspective on guitars: He's a touring musician; the co-founder of YouTube's Working Class Music; he continues to work sales at Guitar Center; and he's one of the few people of color reviewing guitar gear. (We're also happy to announce that Mays is one of the FJ's newest contributors.)

On this week's podcast, we talk about his music career; the most popular overheard riffs at Guitar Center in 2024; the economic challenges of being a gear reviewer/demo artist on YouTube; and so much more. 

https://www.youtube.com/jasontmays

https://www.youtube.com/c/WorkingClassMusic

Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal and get our new 53rd issue with Ben Harper, Joanna Sternberg and much more:  https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/products/fretboard-journal-annual-subscription

Registration is now open to attend our 2024 Fretboard Summit: https://fretboardsummit.org/

If you enjoy this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and consider joining the Fretboard Journal's new Patreon page.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); and Stringjoy Strings (get 10% off your order with the FRETBOARD discount code). This episode is also sponsored by iZotope. Use the discount code FRET10 to save 10% off of your Izotope order.