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

Jun 6, 2025 · 2 hr 4 min
Tradition, Disrupted: Fred Kopo’s Uncompromising Approach to Guitar Making
In this episode of Life with Strings Attached, I sit down with Fred Pons (also known as Fred Kopo) a deeply respected luthier from France whose journey into guitar making began with what he describes as “a slap of inspiration.” At just 16, a visit to a rural guitar workshop with his teacher changed the course of his life. The smell of wood, the calm of the countryside, and the magic of turning raw materials into something that sings. That moment sparked a calling he’s followed ever since. In this conversation, we explore how mentorship, gratitude, and unexpected life encounters shape the craftsman’s path. Fred shares what it means to balance artistic integrity with the realities of the guitar market, how relationships help us define who we are, and why community remains at the heart of this craft. It’s a thoughtful, inspiring talk, and I’m honored to share it with you. 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.
May 31, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
Biography | Mike Sankey: Building What No One Asked For
This episode is part of a new Biography Edition of Life With Strings Attached, a space to pause and reflect on the people behind the instruments. It's been our experience that these remarkable ideas come from remarkable people, who have a depth and character that cannot be easily distinguished from the things that they create. This Biography Edition of Life With Strings Attached tells the story of Mike Sankey, a luthier whose work resists category and whose life unfolded through detours, doubts, and deep listening. Told in Mike’s own words, what emerges is not just a portrait of a builder, but of a mindset. One shaped by patience, instinct, and a quiet resistance to convention. Sankey didn’t set out to make guitars the world had never seen. He simply built what felt honest and trusted that someone out there would hear it. 🔗 Explore Mike's Work Website: https://sankeyguitars.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/sankeyguitars 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.
May 23, 2025 · 1 hr 53 min
Dan Furman, PhD: What Brain Signals Teach Us About Music, Focus, and Feeling
Dan Furman, PhD, is a neuroscientist, Harvard graduate, and co-founder of Arctop, a company developing real-time brain-computer interface software that translates electrical activity from the brain into usable data. In this episode, Dan joins Jamie Gale for a far-reaching conversation about music, emotion, memory, and how we might one day listen to what the brain is really saying. Together, they explore the line between treatment and enhancement, the future of wearable brain tech, and what it means for artists, musicians, and humans at large to work with feedback loops that respond to our inner state. Whether you're a curious mind, a long-time listener, or someone who senses there’s more going on beneath the surface, this episode offers a window into a fascinating frontier. Learn more here: https://arctop.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieljfurman/ 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.
May 16, 2025 · 2 hr 27 min
Rethinking the Electric Guitar with Two of Its Leading Historians: Jan Herbst & Steve Waksman
Few people have shaped the way we understand the electric guitar like Jan Herbst and Steve Waksman. Both have spent their careers asking deeper questions about sound, design, meaning, and the role of technology in music. Steve is the author of Instruments of Desire, the first major academic study of the electric guitar. Jan is a leading voice in the study of music production and amplification, known for bridging theory with practice. Together, they co-edited The Cambridge Companion to the Electric Guitar, a landmark work in the field. In this episode, they sit down with Jamie to talk about what amplification really means, how iconic designs became cultural landmarks, and why the future of the guitar may depend on how willing we are to rethink what we’ve come to accept. It’s a conversation about guitars, yes, but also about innovation, legacy, and how progress often starts with listening differently. 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.
May 14, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
Dan Erlewine (StewMac): A Life in Guitar Repair, Innovation, and Legacy
[re-upload with improved audio quality] Legendary guitar repairman, luthier, and educator Dan Erlewine (StewMac) joins us for a conversation on innovation, legacy, and the craft behind the music. In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, we reflect on Dan’s early inspirations, his journey into guitar building and repair, and the unforeseen innovations that have left a permanent mark on the industry. Along the way, we explore how chance, necessity, and curiosity have led to the evolution of sound itself — and what legacy truly means for the generations that follow. Whether you're an experienced luthier, a player, or simply passionate about the world of guitars, this conversation offers rare insights from one of the field’s true masters. Discover Dan Erlewine’s work: 🔗 Dan Erlewine 🔗 StewMac 🔗 YouTube 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.
May 9, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
How Michael Tobias Designed the Bass You Didn’t Know You’ve Heard
Michael Tobias didn’t set out to change the sound of modern music, but that’s exactly what he did. In this episode, he joins Jamie Gale to reflect on five decades of instrument building, from the early days of repairing guitars in Washington, D.C., to founding Tobias Guitars, surviving corporate life at Gibson, and ultimately creating MTD: a brand that quietly redefined what a bass could be. Together, they trace the evolution of tonewood, the philosophy behind zero frets, and why electric instruments are more acoustic than most players realize. Michael shares lessons from factory floors, family workshops, and near-catastrophic failures - plus a look into the future as his son Daniel carries the torch. This is not just the story of a bass builder - it’s a story about listening, adapting, and building instruments that speak for themselves. 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.
Apr 25, 2025 · 1 hr 52 min
From Hollywood to Handwork: Concept Artist Tim Warnock on Creative Identity
What does a concept artist who’s worked on Harry Potter, Transformers, and The Expanse have to say about boutique guitars? Plenty, as it turns out. In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, Jamie Gale talks with Tim Warnock — a former matte painter at Industrial Light & Magic and co-founder of Northfront Studio — about what it means to build creative identity in a world that often values imitation over intention. They discuss digital design vs. analog expression, why Tim upgrades budget guitars instead of chasing luxury models, and how the discipline of composition, mood, and light connects every creative craft — whether you're designing a video game, photographing a guitar, or building one from scratch. ~ Tim Warnock: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2157264/ https://www.timwarnockstudio.com/ https://www.artstation.com/timwarnock https://zerply.com/timwarnock ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: / businessofguitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVM... LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale 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.
Apr 18, 2025 · 1 hr 49 min
Gangs, Guitars, and the Grit to Keep Going — Bob Robinson
What does it take to stay creative in the face of chaos? In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, Jamie Gale sits down with Bob Robinson — a luthier, furniture maker, and all-around builder — to hear how his journey took him from working in gang territory on Chicago’s West Side to redefining what it means to make a classical guitar. They explore the lessons learned in violence, the quiet joy of craft, and how to build a life that doesn’t just survive — but resonates. A story of danger, reinvention, and craftsmanship without compromise. ~ Bob Robinson: https://robertrobinsonguitars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/robertrobinsonluthier/ https://www.facebook.com/robertrobinsonluthier/ https://www.troscandesign.com/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: / businessofguitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVM... LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale 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.
Apr 11, 2025 · 1 hr 42 min
Frank Deimel on Sound, Identity, and Building Guitars That Rebel
In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, Jamie Gale speaks with German luthier Frank Deimel, a builder whose instruments blend fine craftsmanship with punk energy, political commentary, and sonic experimentation. Frank shares the unexpected path that took him from classical guitar dropout to one of the most original voices in modern guitar making — including factory work at Warwick, industrial design school in Berlin, and his enduring love for offset guitars and outsider art. Along the way, we dive into what it means to build tools for rebellion, beauty, and sound — and how guitars can still carry cultural weight. This isn’t just about instruments — it’s about identity, intention, and doing things your own way. ~ Frank Deimel: https://deimelguitarworks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deimelguitarworks/ https://www.facebook.com/DeimelGuitarworks/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: / businessofguitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVM... LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale 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.
Apr 9, 2025 · 1 hr 48 min
Isaac Jang on Legacy, Faith, and the Craft of Making Happy Guitars
[re-upload with highly improved audio] In this episode of Life With Strings Attached, Jamie Gale sits down with luthier Isaac Jang — one of the most admired voices in the modern guitar world — to explore what it means to build instruments that don’t just sound beautiful, but feel meaningful. From a decade-long apprenticeship with Kathy Wingert to launching his own shop steps from Hollywood Boulevard, Isaac shares the personal philosophies and small decisions that shape his world-class guitars. The conversation moves gracefully between legacy, craft, family, faith — and how joy itself can be built into wood and wire. Whether you're a player, a builder, or someone searching for direction in your own work, this episode is a reminder that excellence isn’t about ego — it’s about intention. ~ Isaac Jang: https://www.isaacjangguitars.com/ https://www.instagram.com/isaacjangguitar/ https://www.facebook.com/isaacjang910?locale=nl_NL ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: / businessofguitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVM... LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale 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.
Mar 28, 2025 · 1 hr 58 min
Rewiring the Brain: Living, Creating, and Surviving with Intention | J. Galen Buckwalter
J. Galen Buckwalter is a research psychologist with over 30 years of experience exploring the intersection of psychology, technology, and human behavior. He started his career as a research professor at the University of Southern California and later developed a behavioural outcomes research program at Kaiser Permanente. But many will know him best as the mind behind the groundbreaking assessment and matching system for eHarmony.com. Now, as CEO of psyML, Galen is harnessing psychology and AI to build digital systems that support individual growth. His research has taken him to the cutting edge of neuroscience—he’s a participant and scientist in a groundbreaking brain-machine interface trial aimed at restoring function after spinal cord injury, giving him unprecedented access to his own neural activity. And beyond the lab? Galen is the frontman of Siggy, a pre-punk band of psychologists that’s rocked underground venues across LA. He’s written over 70 songs and is now exploring ways to integrate the sounds of his own brain activity into music. Today, we’re diving into his incredible journey, the future of AI and psychology, and maybe even a little music. Welcome to Life With Strings Attached, J. Galen Buckwalter! ~ J Galen Buckwalter: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=CKTzCmcAAAAJ&hl=en ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. 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.
Mar 21, 2025 · 1 hr 51 min
Deconstructing the Guitar: A Whole New Approach | Michihiro Matsuda
Over the last two decades, Michihiro Matsuda has crafted some of the most innovative and inspiring guitars in the world. His work seamlessly blends tradition and creativity, reflecting his deep Japanese heritage and culture. The principles of contemplation and reflection—so central to Japanese philosophy—are evident in every instrument he builds. Born and raised in Japan, Michi’s passion for music, guitars, and craftsmanship led him to the world of lutherie. After an apprenticeship with the legendary Ervin Somogyi, he established his own studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. He also trained in instrument repair under Frank Ford at Gryphon Stringed Instruments, where he remains part of the repair team. For Michi, guitar making is about more than just sound—it’s about identity, expression, and the relationship between builder, player, and instrument. His guitars are deeply personal, fluid yet simple, and always unique. He hopes that each Matsuda guitar offers not just a tool for music, but a meaningful experience for those who play them. It’s an honor to welcome to the show, Michihiro Matsuda. ~ Matsuda Guitars: https://matsudaguitars.com/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale 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.
Mar 14, 2025 · 1 hr 56 min
Building Guitars with Innovation and Purpose | Simon Padalka
Today on Life With Strings Attached, we have a truly inspiring guest—luthier Simon Padalka, the mastermind behind Padalka Guitars. Simon’s journey into guitar-making began in 2011 in his hometown of Krasnodar, Russia. Though he earned a master’s degree in architecture in 2012, his passion for craftsmanship and design led him to trade blueprints for tonewoods, fully dedicating himself to building boutique electric guitars and basses. Coming from a family of architects, Simon developed a deep appreciation for high-quality materials, structural integrity, and refined aesthetics—elements that are now signature traits of his instruments. By 2015, with the support of his family, he expanded his workshop and introduced new models that became the foundation of the Padalka brand. Simon’s reputation grew internationally as he showcased his work at prestigious events like the Holy Grail Guitar Showin 2018, followed by NAMM in 2019 and 2020. However, in 2022, faced with geopolitical challenges, he made the bold decision to leave Russia and restart Padalka Guitars in Canada, joining Dingwall Guitars along the way. Now based in Canada, Simon has refined his craft to an even higher level, focusing on a limited number of builds per year—just 5 to 10—ensuring each instrument embodies his signature blend of refined design, flawless craftsmanship, and phenomenal playability. Simon, welcome to the show! ~ Padalka Guitars: https://www.padalka-guitars.com/ ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale 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.
Mar 8, 2025 · 1 hr 59 min
Why Handmade Guitars Matter | Eric Weigeshoff
Today on Life With Strings Attached, we’re joined by Eric Weigeshoff, the visionary luthier behind Skytop Guitars. With a background in design and film, Eric approaches guitar-making as both an art form and an immersive experience. His passion for rock climbing and the natural world informs his craft, leading him to create guitars that are not only sonically rich but also visually striking. What truly sets Eric’s work apart is his innovative side-soundport design—foregoing the traditional soundhole, he directs the guitar’s resonance toward the player, creating an intimate and immersive playing experience without sacrificing projection. His instruments bridge time-honoured craftsmanship with modern innovation, offering a connection between musician and instrument that is deeply personal. Beyond building extraordinary guitars, Eric is dedicated to making each client a part of the journey. When you commission a Skytop Guitar, you’re not just purchasing an instrument—you’re collaborating in its creation, watching it evolve from raw wood into a one-of-a-kind expression of your artistry. Eric, welcome to the show! Skytop Guitars: https://www.skytopguitars.com/ Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar ~ Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In his weekly podcast "Life With Strings Attached", he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world. Because everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached. You can listen to Life With Strings Attached wherever you get your podcasts, or join the Patreon to access the ad-free video and audio versions of every episode, as well as a host of other exclusive content. My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar LWSA Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4VdmNVMbIY5dvQDvgzlqOd LWSA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-with-strings-attached/id1738968493 All my links: https://linktr.ee/jamiegale 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.
Feb 26, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
Redesigning A Country Music Icon | Ric Riordon
What does it mean to redesign a cultural icon? Ric Riordon was already a well-established designer when, over two decades ago, he and his team were asked to redesign the trophy for the Academy of Country Music Awards. The original had barely changed since the mid-’60s, so the team were taking on quite a challenge: replacing a recognisable icon that had been in the hands of famous musicians for almost half a century. Ric joins me this week to share the full story and discuss the role of imperfection in art and why humans are designed to design. With a rich career over three decades – having shaped iconic brands in corporate and entertainment sectors and designed over 800 album packages – Ric certainly has plenty of wisdom and insight to share. Ric's work: https://www.culturecuedesign.com/ The Fussy Gardener: https://www.fussygardener.com/ Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar 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.
Feb 19, 2025 · 1 hr 20 min
Building Guitars for Steve Vai, Jerry Cantrell & Slash | Stephen McSwain
How in the world do you get your first guitar build in Steve Vai's hands? Well, you take some big risks and make some bold choices, and Stephen McSwain has certainly done plenty of both. From hand carving horror-themed installations for Slash to working with world-renowned visual artists, Stephen has time and again gone where no luthier has gone before – and come back with plenty of amazing stories. He joins me this week on Life With Strings Attached to tell a few of them and talk about some of the valuable lessons he's learned through it all. McSwain Guitars: mcswainguitars.com Join the Patreon: patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar 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.
Feb 13, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
Making The Crazy Leap To Guitar Making | Michael Bashkin
Michael had his dream job working for the US Forest Service – until the sight of a luthier's workshop turned his interest in guitars into an obsession that couldn't be ignored. Now, Michael is a master guitar maker with over 25 years of experience crafting exquisite acoustic guitars in Fort Collins, Colorado. Renowned for his signature designs featuring art nouveau and art deco inlays, his guitars are celebrated worldwide for their natural beauty and craftsmanship. Drawing from his past as a soil scientist, he brings a unique perspective to his work, emphasizing sustainable wood selection and a deep connection to nature. Beyond the workbench, Michael is a sought-after presenter, educator, and the host of Luthier on Luthier, a podcast for Fretboard Journal Magazine, where he dives into the world of guitar making with fellow craftsmen. He joins me this week to talk about taking big leaps, bringing the scientific method into the workshop, and staying in love with guitar making. Bashkin Guitars: bashkinguitars.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.
Feb 5, 2025 · 1 hr 34 min
AI & The Artist | Kosta Lagis (Pt. 2)
Here's part 2 of my conversation with visual effects artist Kosta Lagis, whose credits include blockbusters like Prometheus, Man of Steel, and Deadpool. In this episode, we dive deeper into Kosta's experience with generative AI and what this technology means for the future of artists and creatives. We also explore the role of religious and unifying narratives in culture and the question of whether we really have free will. We covered so much in this conversation, and I want to thank Kosta for being so generous with his time and insights. Kosta's credits: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903106/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar 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.
Feb 2, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
Creating Visual Effects For The World's Biggest Movies | Kosta Lagis (Pt. 1)
With over 25 years of expertise in film, advertising, and industrial design, Kosta Lagis has worked on blockbuster movies like Prometheus, Man of Steel, and Deadpool, as well as high-profile commercials for brands such as Huawei and Mobil. He's currently the creative Director for Computer Graphics at The Mill in Shanghai. With a deep technical foundation in illustration, photography, digital imaging, and audio production, he now explores the creative and ethical implications of AI-driven imaging technologies. As well as hearing his views on the role of AI, I wanted to talk with Kosta about his incredibly varied career, life in China, the magic of cinema, the cultural role of religious narrative, and lots more – unsurprisingly, this was a long conversation. We've split it into two parts, with part two coming next week. Kosta's credits: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4903106/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar 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.
Jan 26, 2025 · 1 hr 43 min
Not Taking Seriously Good Guitars Too Seriously | Doug Kauer of Kauer Guitars
Doug Kauer is always the least serious guy in the room, which makes him a great podcast guest – it’s also part of what makes him a successful guitar maker with his own unique style. Doug started building guitars when a lifetime of woodworking combined with a love of guitar. Spurred on by the support of other luthiers, he found his direction in what appealed to him: less mainstream jet-set design meets a tireless pursuit of improvement. Started officially in 2008, Kauer Guitars reflects the love of craft, creativity and dumb jokes Doug is known for, and today builds eye-catching instruments for some of the world's top musicians – without ever taking themselves too seriously. With plenty of laughs along the way, Doug joins me to talk about scaling up a business, embracing failure, and how we find solutions. Kauer Guitars: kauerguitars.com Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/BusinessOfGuitar 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.