Life With Strings Attached

Jamie Gale

Everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached.

Life With Strings Attached is a long-form conversation series hosted by Jamie Gale that explores the people, ideas, and disciplines shaping the evolving world of the guitar.

Drawing on decades of experience across touring, retail, distribution, manufacturing, education, consulting, and global cultural exchange, Jamie brings together builders, designers, artists, scientists, historians, entrepreneurs, collectors, and innovators to uncover the patterns that connect seemingly unrelated worlds.

From guitar design and architecture to philosophy, physics, craftsmanship, psychology, and culture, each conversation explores the universal principles that influence how we create, think, and connect.

Hosted by the curator of the Boutique Guitar Showcase, Life With Strings Attached contributes to the ongoing conversation of the guitar by inviting thoughtful dialogue, celebrating diverse perspectives, and discovering new possibilities for the future of the instrument.

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119 episodes
Updated Saturday

Episodes119

Newest first

Oct 24, 2025 · 1 hr 37 min
From Repair Bench to Research Lab: Bryan Galloup Redefines the Guitar
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached! In this episode we explore the evolving world of guitar making, where craftsmanship meets innovation. From the floor of guitar shows to the heart of the workshop, we reflect on how artistry, science, and sound continue to shape our musical culture. We pay tribute to the late Ken Parker, a visionary who redefined what a guitar could be. We also discuss the ongoing quest for authenticity, from the design bench to the stage. Along the way, we dive into Project Dreadnought, the future of tonewood research, and the emotional connection that keeps makers and musicians inspired. This is a conversation about legacy, curiosity, and the art of building guitars that move both heart and mind. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Oct 17, 2025 · 1 hr 38 min
Graph Tech: How Dave Dunwoodie Revolutionized Guitar Technology
** Whoops! It seems we've forgotten to cut out the end of the podcast, which is usually reserved for the members of our Patreon 'Business of Guitar'. Oh well, we're happy to give everyone a glimpse into what they're missing... 😉 Find out more here: https://www.patreon.com/thebusinessofguitar On this episode of Life With Strings Attached we welcome Dave Dunwoodie, founder of Graph Tech Guitar Labs Ltd. and one of the great innovators in guitar technology. From solving the problem of strings sticking in the nut to creating breakthroughs like TUSQ, Ratio Tuners, and String Saver saddles, Dave’s work has shaped how guitars sound and play worldwide. His story is one of persistence, curiosity, and purpose-driven design, showing how even the smallest guitar components can transform music. Join us as we explore the journey of a musician turned entrepreneur whose ideas continue to inspire the industry. Find Dave's work here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-dunwoodie-a234308/ https://graphtech.com/ https://www.instagram.com/graphtechguitarlabs/ https://www.youtube.com/user/GraphTechGuitarLabs https://www.facebook.com/GraphTech/ Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Oct 10, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Biography | The Story of Michael Spalt
In this special Life With Strings Attached biography episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Michael Spalt. Guitar builder, sculptor, and creative force who’s redefined what a guitar can be. From his roots in Vienna and early fascination with music and film, to his innovative Totem guitars and the founding of the Holy Grail Guitar Show and EGB, Michael has merged art, craftsmanship, and community like few others. In this intimate conversation, Michael opens up about working in Hollywood, his disillusionment with the industry, the tactile satisfaction of building instruments, and his lifelong quest to blend narrative and function in his creations Find Michael's work here: https://www.spaltinstruments.com/ https://www.michaelspalt.com/ https://www.instagram.com/spaltinstruments/ https://www.boutiqueguitarshowcase.com/michael-spalt-guitars https://www.facebook.com/spaltinstruments/ Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Oct 4, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
Biography | The Story of Ulrich Teuffel
In this special segment of our Luthier’s Story series we’re honoured to feature Ulrich Teuffel, visionary in the world of guitar design whose work challenges convention and redefines what it means to build an instrument. Ulrich’s guitars are more than tools for music, they are philosophical statements. Each crafted with a deep respect for wood, sound, and the courage it takes to break from tradition. In this conversation, we dive into the soul of Teuffel Guitars, uncovering how custom components, material integrity, and artistic intent converge in his unique creations. Find Ulrich's work here: https://www.teuffel.com/ https://www.instagram.com/teuffelguitars/ https://www.facebook.com/teuffel.guitars/ Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Sep 26, 2025 · 2 hr 19 min
The Art of Curation in Music Retail, with Joe Caruso of The Music Emporium
Today on Life With Strings Attached, we’re joined by Joe Caruso of The Music Emporium in Boston: a shop that has become legendary for its thoughtful curation and deep respect for the guitar as both an instrument and a cultural icon. In this conversation, Joe and I explore the parallels between the artisan guitar movement and the craft traditions of furniture making, the balance between heritage and innovation in guitar design, and the importance of caring for the customer experience in retail. We’ll talk about vintage instruments and their unique stories, the challenges of navigating resale value, and how community, passion, and relationships remain the true currency of the guitar world. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Sep 19, 2025 · 1 hr 55 min
In Conversation with Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Company
Today on Life With Strings Attached, I sat down with Richard Hoover, founder of Santa Cruz Guitar Company. From California’s redwood forests and the threat of wildfires to the physics of string tension and modal analysis, Richard brings nearly 50 years of lutherie to this conversation. We explore how science, craftsmanship, and empathy shape the acoustic guitar, why collaboration and open knowledge are vital for innovation, and how tradition and community continue to guide the future of guitar making. Find Richard's work (Santa Cruz Guitar Company) here: https://santacruzguitar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/santacruzguitar/ https://www.facebook.com/santacruzguitar/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1iV16BIJ2qG-4Z1OwV1fKg Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Sep 12, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
From Jerusalem to Guitar Mastery: The Avi Shabat Story
This week on Life With Strings Attached, I sit down with Avi Shabbat. From growing up in Jerusalem, discovering music in the middle of the grunge era and serving in the military, to building a career in sound engineering and eventually founding Shabbat guitars in Los Angeles. Avi's story is one of resilience, collaboration, and vision. In this conversation, we talk about uncompromising craftsmanship, the Frankenstein spirit of blending influences, and what it takes to turn passion into a thriving guitar company. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Avi Shabbat. I hope that you do as much as I did. Find Avi's work here: https://shabatguitars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shabatguitars/ https://www.facebook.com/shabatguitars/ https://www.youtube.com/@shabatguitars Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Sep 5, 2025 · 26 min
Biography | The Story of Giulio Negrini
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. For this week's special biography edition of Life With Strings Attached, we're on location in Switzerland with Giulio Negrini, founder of Giulio Negrini Guitars, to uncover the remarkable journey behind one of the boutique world's most imaginative and precise builders. From a childhood steeped in fantasy and music, to mastering classical luthiery in Italy, Giulio's story is anything but ordinary. This is a conversation about craft, conviction, and creativity you won't want to miss. It was an honour to share this time with Giulio Negrini. I hope that you enjoyed it as much as I did. Find Giulio's work here: https://negriniguitars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/giulionegriniguitars/ https://www.facebook.com/GiulioNegriniGuitars/ https://www.boutiqueguitarshowcase.com/giulio-negrini-guitars-gng Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Aug 29, 2025 · 28 min
Biography | The Story of Dion James
Welcome to Life with Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. For this week's special biography edition of Life with Strings Attached, we're on location in Edmonton, Canada to dive deep into the story of Dion James, an extraordinary guitar maker who is helping to redefine the modern acoustic guitar. In this episode, Dion opens up about formative moments, the mentors who shaped him, and the subtle power of saying, "I can't." This is a portrait of a maker guided by intention, community, and the rhythm of real life. It was an honour to share this time with Dion James, and I hope that you'll enjoy it as much as I did. Find Dion's work here: https://dionguitars.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/dionguitars/ Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Aug 22, 2025 · 1 hr 36 min
Reuben Forsland on The Art of Curiosity
This week on Life With Strings Attached, we sit down with Reuben Forsland: Adventurer, innovator, and the luthier behind JOI Guitars. Reuben’s story stretches from backcountry snowboarding and near-death kiteboarding crashes to building guitars out of hempwood, carbon fiber, and even the walls of Jimi Hendrix’s childhood home. What drives him? A relentless curiosity, a hunger for challenge, and a reverence for the emotional resonance of sound. This episode goes beyond guitars, it’s about risk, creativity, family, identity, and the thrill of making something meaningful. Reuben doesn’t just build instruments, he builds wonder. Tune in. Find Reuben's work here: https://www.joiguitars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joiguitars/?hl=nl https://www.facebook.com/joiguitars1/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1bpAe8BjDS5JnGAtpepDg Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Aug 15, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
Omer Deutsch: Crafting Guitars in a Time of War
This week on Life With Strings Attached, I’m joined once again by Omer Deutsch, founder of OD Guitars. Omer returns with insight forged under pressure, literally. Living and working in a conflict zone, he shares how humor, community, and creativity have become essential tools for coping and resilience. From the emotional toll of war to the deeper value of custom guitar making, Omer opens up about what it means to build something meaningful when the world around you feels uncertain. It’s raw, thoughtful, and full of humanity. I’m grateful for this conversation and I think you will be too. Find Omer Deutsch / OD Guitars online: Website: https://od-guitars.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/od_guitars Facebook: https://facebook.com/odguitars YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ODGuitars Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Aug 8, 2025 · 1 hr 46 min
Maneli Jamal on Strings, Stories, and Ikigai
Today’s guest is internationally acclaimed guitarist Maneli Jamal, known for his deeply expressive compositions and a playing style that fuses rhythmic complexity with emotional clarity. Born in Belarus to Iranian parents, Maneli’s journey spans five countries, twenty moves before the age of 18, and a lifetime of transformation through music. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore everything from the Japanese concept of Ikigai, to the evolving music industry, to personal stories of immigration, identity, and the profound loss of a beloved pet. Maneli shares how simplicity, curiosity, and emotional expression shape his art and how he’s turned challenges into opportunity through an entrepreneurial mindset. 🔗 Where to find Maneli Jamal: Website: https://www.manelijamal.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManeliJamal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manelijamal Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SdoYdRCYxWvEiuugOerOI Bandcamp: https://manelijamal.bandcamp.com Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Aug 1, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Biography | The Story of Rainer Tausch
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. In this episode, we travel to the small Bavarian town of Illertissen to meet Rainer Tausch: Guitar maker, musician, and founder of Tausch Guitars. Rainer’s journey began with a homemade guitar at age 13, inspired by the music of Hendrix, AC/DC, and Deep Purple. Over decades, he carved his own path through craftsmanship and tone, blending tradition with bold design choices like his signature use of pearwood and his flamenco-inspired 665 scale length. We talk about his roots, the vibrant community of world-class luthiers in his region, and the power of staying true to your own creative voice. Whether you’re a builder, a player, or a fan of the craft, you won’t want to miss this one. 🔗 Find Rainer Tausch online: Website: https://www.tausch-guitars.de Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tauschguitars Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Tausch-Electric-Guitars-100063247268267 Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Jul 25, 2025 · 1 hr 56 min
Why Jim D'Addario Spent his Life Chasing the Perfect String
This episode dives deep into the legacy and future of D’Addario & Company with James D’Addario, Chairman and Director of Innovation. With roots in string making that stretch back centuries, Jim shares how his family’s craft evolved into a global leader through innovation, automation, and a relentless focus on quality. Jim and I explore how string design affects musicianship, why clear communication is critical in marketing technical products, and the vital role of customer feedback in driving innovation. It’s a masterclass in entrepreneurship, music technology, and what it means to lead with both precision and heart. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Jul 18, 2025 · 1 hr 48 min
Amber, Meteorite, and the Mind of Rapolas Gražys
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. In this episode, we sit down with visionary guitar designer Rapolas Gražys. A creative force whose instruments are as much about storytelling and emotion as they are about sound. From his studio in Lithuania, Rapolas shares how a childhood steeped in art, architecture, and nature led him to craft guitars from materials as extraordinary as amber, aluminum, and bismuth crystals. We explore the parallels between cooking and creativity, the tension between function and expression, and how narrative, sustainability, and beauty are embedded in every instrument he makes. Rapolas reminds us that music is a language, and every guitar can speak volumes. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Jul 11, 2025 · 2 hr 1 min
From Wine Cellars to the Workbench: Raymond Kraut’s Path to Luthiery
Today’s guest is Raymond Kraut, an exceptional luthier whose work blurs the lines between science, art, and soul. In this conversation, Raymond and I dive deep into the evolving craft of guitar making: from the physics of sound and the role of alternative tonewoods like desert ironwood, to the emotional and instinctual layers of artistic expression. This isn't just a story about guitars, it’s about listening closely: to the wood, to the music, and to yourself. Enjoy. Find Raymond's work here: https://krautguitars.com https://www.instagram.com/krautguitars https://www.facebook.com/krautguitars Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Jul 4, 2025 · 51 min
Biography | The Story of Adriano Sergio
This week on Life With Strings Attached, we dive into the remarkable story of Adriano Sérgio. An artist, musician, and luthier whose life journey is as inspiring as the guitars he creates. From his early days as a political refugee to military service in Portugal’s elite forces, Adriano’s path has been shaped by resilience, community, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity. In this second special bio episode, Adriano reflects on a childhood steeped in art and music, the life lessons learned through hardship and teamwork, and the transition from performer to renowned builder of custom guitars. See Adriano's work: https://www.ergonguitars.com https://www.instagram.com/ergonguitars https://www.facebook.com/ergonguitars Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Jun 27, 2025 · 2 hr 30 min
The Anti-Luxury Luthier: Andy Manson on Touch, Tools, and Truth
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. In this episode we sit down with master luthier Andy Manson, a maker whose work lives at the intersection of creativity, chaos, and craftsmanship. Andy takes us on a journey through travel, food, culture, and family legacy, weaving personal stories with deep insights into guitar making, materials, and design. He shares why he prefers tactile oil finishes over high gloss, how intimacy shapes his approach to luthiery, and why the idea of luxury guitars doesn’t sit right with him. We talk about the emotional chaos behind the creation of the mermaid guitar, the philosophy of art versus productivity, and why crafting by hand still matters in a mass-produced world. This one’s for the builders, the thinkers, and anyone drawn to the beauty of making something meaningful. Find Andy's work here: https://www.andymanson.com https://www.instagram.com/andymansonguitars Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Jun 20, 2025 · 1 hr 51 min
Not Everything Has to Shine | A Conversation with Luthier Mario Beauregard
On this episode of Life With Strings Attached, we sit down with luthier Mario Beauregard. An innovative guitar maker whose journey spans rural Canada, the streets of Japan, and a lifetime of travel, music, and craftsmanship. Mario shares how his early life experiences shaped his path, the importance of finding balance as a maker, and the emotional depth behind each instrument he builds. We talk about the realities of the guitar business, the power of mentorship, and why simplicity in design can speak louder than decoration. From the groundbreaking Facet guitar to his commitment to supporting young builders, Mario’s story is a reminder that great guitars, and great lives, are built with intention, creativity, and heart. Explore Mario Beauregard’s work: www.beauregardguitars.com instagram.com/beauregardguitars Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.
Jun 13, 2025 · 1 hr 53 min
Dana Bourgeois: 50 Years of Innovation, Tradition, and Tone
Today’s guest is a true icon in the world of acoustic guitar making. Someone whose influence has quietly shaped the way modern luthiers build, voice, and imagine the steel-string guitar. With over 50 years of experience at the workbench, Dana Bourgeois has carved out a singular path in the craft, blending deep technical knowledge with a relentless pursuit of tone. From building his first guitar in a dorm room at Bowdoin College, armed only with a book and the encouragement of a woodworking father and machinist grandfather, Dana has gone on to inspire generations of builders and players alike. Whether you’re a luthier, a player, or just someone fascinated by the intersection of tradition, innovation, and sound, this is a rare chance to learn from one of the most thoughtful and experienced voices in modern guitar making. Here’s my conversation with Dana Bourgeois. Watch the video version on YouTube: 🔗 YouTube Channel – Life With Strings Attached Learn more about Life With Strings Attached, Boutique Guitar Showcase, and Jamie Gale's work in the guitar industry: 🔗 Boutique Guitar Showcase 🔗 Jamie Gale Thank you for listening and supporting the ongoing conversation between music, makers, history and the future.