Truetone Lounge

In Part 3, J.D. talks about his long love of the Fender Telecaster, and demonstrates the 1955 Telecaster that he currently tours with. We finish out part 3 with his prized 1960 Les Paul nicknamed “Candy.”

In Part 2 with J.D. Simo, we delve into his trio, and his thoughts as they begin working on their next album. We also dive headfirst into his gear, beginning with his recent switch from Plexi Marshalls to mid 60’s blackface Fender amps, and touch on his love for lesser known combos such as the […]

J.D. Simo has been recognized by Rolling Stone, Guitar Player, Premier Guitar, and Vintage Guitar Magazine as one of the finest young rock guitarists of his generation. In Part 1 of our Truetone Lounge interview with J.D. Simo, we cover his musically eclectic journey from Chicago to Nashville, and how he came to form his […]

In part 2 of our Truetone Lounge interview with guitarist Rob McNelley, we talk about the gear he uses both on the road, and in the studio. Rob talks about, and then demonstrates 3 of his most used instruments; his 1953 gold top Les Paul, his P90 equipped Senn Pomona, and his prized 1965 Stratocaster […]

Rob McNelley is one of the very few “first call” session guitarists in Nashville, TN. In part 1 of 2, we discuss his musical upbringing in Ohio, his move to Nashville, working as a touring guitarist, and how he began to get called for studio work . McNelley recalls how his playing on Lady Antebellum’s […]

In Part 3, we discuss John Leventhal’s gear. We cover the wealth of instruments and amps used in the studio, and the outright Spartan rig he uses on the road. Also, John plays a number of solo clips that both showcase his signature touch and tone, and pays homage to a number of his favorite […]

In Part 2, we discuss John Leventhal’s 23 years of musical collaboration with wife Rosanne Cash, and his recent work with Stax Records singer and songwriter, William Bell. We go in depth on his philosophy behind the reimagining of classic country and folk tunes on Rosanne Cash’s The List, the inspiration behind her “Southern” themed […]

In Part 1 of our 3-part series with the Grammy award-winning producer John Leventhal, we discuss his early years, and why he picked up the guitar and began learning the craft of songwriting. He also describes the thrill of having his first outing as a producer result in a Grammy win for Shawn Colvin’s 1989 […]

Part 3 with Todd Sharp delves into why he started Todd Sharp Amplifiers, and what sets his JOAT 20RT amp apart from other designs. Todd also walks us through the features and tones of the JOAT 20RT using his 1959 Stratocaster, ’56 Les Paul, and his funky “tuned down” El Dorado.

In Part 2 of our Truetone Lounge interview with Todd Sharp, we take a look at his 1986 solo album for MCA, Who Am I, and his days playing stadium gigs with Rod Stewart using a pair of 150-watt custom Dumble amp heads. We also cover Todd’s move to Nashville, roadwork with Carlene Carter, Delbert […]