The Fret Files: Recent Episodes
Eric Daw
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric talks about his new endeavor in humbucker production – the “Patent Denied” humbucker pickups (available soon.) Eric does a few product reviews – the “Cleatus” guitar cleat system, the T. J. Thompson Belly Reducer, the Allparts True Tune tuners, and the vintage style Tele bridge plate from Philadelphia Luthier Tools and Supply. Then Eric answers questions about string spacing, Fender Mandocaster saddles, how to replicate the tone of your favorite player, string buzz and setup questions, are there any USA made potentiometers, and more.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk guitar news with the results of a few recent guitar auctions including guitars owned by Mark Knopfler, Prince, and John Lennon. Then they took questions about pickup polarity, a Kay Barney Kessel truss rod, a lot of wiring questions about Eric’s book “Solid Sound,” some talk about what types of polish Eric recommends, and a tool recommendation from down under.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat give a tribute to renowned guitar restoration expert Joel Wilkens who passed away this week. Then there’s the questions – a question about Don Teeter’s guitar repair books, a lot of wiring questions about Eric’s book “Solid Sound,” some intonation and bridge placement questions, and a very nice call from a satisfied owner of some of Eric’s pickups.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric interviews Rhett Harris from Rhett’s Frets in Nashville TN. Eric and Rhett talk fretwork, pickups, 3D printing, Eric’s book, running your own business from home, and Idaho winters.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat review some guitar news about John Lennon’s Framus Hootenany 12 string, Eric Clapton’s 1974 Martin 000-28, and a guitar exhibit at the California Museum in Sacramento. They then take questions regarding backward functioning truss rods, what to do with an inherited guitar collection, P-90 queries, and more about compound radius guitars. Or is it compound radii? You decide.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding ground wires on Telecasters, sheilding inside electric guitar cavities, idiot proofing jacks and pots, Desert Sand finishes, and how to set string radius when adjusting action on a guitar with a compound radius.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding pickup phase, guitar finishes with no pore filler, getting rid of pick marks on lacquer finishes, the Sorkin “bowtie” bridge, and Eric’s ideal Jazzmaster wiring.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding the string wrap around Telecaster bridge pickups, coated strings, when to say no, how to treat warped bass necks, and will there be a Solid Sound Vol. 2?
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this, the ten year anniversary episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding string trees, power tools, acoustic guitar neck humps, pickup specs, and stopping the clicking noise that happens with loose Fender tremolo arms.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric announces the new podcast schedule for 2024, answers a few listener submitted questions, and interviews Frank Gross from Thunder Road Guitars in Seattle, Wa.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat do a little guitar news, and then take questions regarding softening lacquer on Rickenbackers, slotted headstock tuners, different magnets and their sonic properties in pickups, and oversized Martin bridges.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric talks about life recently, and then answers listener questions regarding tapping threads in Telecaster pickup elevator plates, finish touch up, selecting the right nut slotting files, restoring vintage Kluson tuners, finishing schedules and of course- Eric’s book “Solid Sound,” which you should order at solidsoundbook.com.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about Eric’s website contact form malfunction, and take questions regarding wood suppliers, plastic Gibson acoustic bridges, guitar building schools, soldering methods, tapped single coil pickups, different types of switches, and of course- Eric’s book “Solid Sound,” which you should order at solidsoundbook.com.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about Eric’s ten tips for independent luthiers. Then, they take questions regarding 5 way super switch wiring, pickup height, vintage Danelectro necks, friskets vs. silkscreening on Gibson headstock logos, and a curious pickguard screw question.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding proper potentiometer values for a pedal steel guitar, plastic undercoating on a Squier Stratocaster, vintage pickguard shrinkage, and a bit of an overview on winding pickups.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, we have some guitar news, and then Eric takes questions regarding tremolo springs on Stratocasters, correcting the excessive belly in a 12 string, the best cleaner and polish to use on nitro lacquer, making a bowed neck behave, and gluing a loose skunk stripe on a Fender Telecaster.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric takes questions regarding pickup choices and a soldering stations. Also discussed is the schematic for Andy in Deniliquin for a Tele that has the blend circuit mixed with the series circuit. For the second half of the show, Eric is joined by Jim Glinsky, guitar repairman based in Austin, Texas.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding Gibson wiring, stripped pickup mounting holes, rewinding Danelectro pickups, refinishing a 90’s Tele, and more hyper analysis of Eric’s pronunciations and mis pronunciations.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric takes questions regarding fret ends, proper pronounciation of Yamaha, steel wool, fret levelling, guitar wiring, and installing a mini humbucker in one of Eric's custom guitars.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding a warped back on an acoustic guitar, deteriorating binding, a custom wiring request, a quiet d string pole-piece on a Strat, the Payola Telecaster, and more.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding warped pickguards, pinless acoustic bridges, potting pickups in lacquer vs. wax, where to get pickup parts, and whether or not you should buy Eric's book.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and special guest host Lauren take questions about truss rods, fret slots, saddle shims, Epiphone guitar history, and a follow up to the question, "what makes a vintage guitar so special?"
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions about Luthier stress levels, lacquer checking techniques, gummy finish on a Les Paul neck, and Gibson solid body neck resets.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric takes questions about finding rare tuner ferrules, wax potting pickups, guitar refinishing, amplifier maintenance, the one takeaway you should get from listening to this podcast, and more.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding notched straight edges, identifying mystery fretwire, pickup winding, intonation, tuning problems, and more.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions regarding the Stephens Extended Cutaway, treble bleed circuits, Supro pickups, using a dremel in fretwork, and some Solid Sound Book talk.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric interviews John Theisen of the El Camino School of Music, Repair, and Technology. John, founder and president of the school, is a longtime professional musician whose passion has inspired him to create a school where people can come together and learn from other professionals on their journey to a career in music industry technology.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat answer questions regarding nitro lacquer in aerosol cans, string wear, mystery switching on an HSS Strat, a few follow ups, and more.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat answer questions about roller bridges, Gibson Vibrola vibrato tailpieces, mystery pickups, a weak high E string, and more.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric ponders whether removing the finish from John Lennon’s Epiphone Casino really did improve the tone and answer a few questions regarding fret levelling, fret polishing, fancy strings, moving your Telecaster’s switch, and adjusting your playing style when needed.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat answer a few questions regarding P-90 pickups, mysterious pickups with 3 wires, how to get naphtha down under, how to loosen stiff potentiometers, and more.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat answer questions regarding removing sticker residue, an archtop that won’t stabilize, sloppy fitting tuner ferrules, vintage style knobs and more.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat answer questions regarding Eric’s book “Solid Sound,” discuss out of phase guitar tone recordings, and wonder if hide glue can be made from gummy bears. To close the podcast, we discuss the merits of and proper methods for using hot hide glue.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat read a little bit of guitar news and then answer questions regarding acoustic guitar neck resets, crack repair, synthetic vs. bone, guitar wiring, neck shapes, and how to prep bolt on necks for screws.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat read a few book reviews of Eric’s guitar wiring book, Solid Sound. Then the two read and answer questions regarding guitar repair costs, acoustic guitar pickups, cleaning gold plated hardware, Danelectro lipstick tube pickups, and refinishing a neck with a mystery undercoat.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric answers a few questions about F-stamp tuner installation problems and using wax to lubricate wood screws. Also included in this episode is a replay of some guitar related quizzes of past episodes.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat field your guitar tech questions regarding soldering, the fingerboard radius of Martin Guitars, wire recommendations, installing custom made bone nuts, and there's also some Solid Sound Book reviews peppered in here and there.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric goes over some of the contents of his new book, "Solid Sound." Then comes listener submitted questions, including questions about grounding volume pots, adding a volume control to a Piezo pickup, de-glossing guitar necks, the P-13 pickups and flipping magnets over to get an out-of-phase sound, and a discussion about the different eras of Fender guitars.
In this episode, it's the book release for Eric's new guitar wiring book "Solid Sound." Get your copy at SolidSoundBook.com! Joining Eric for the book release is Dan Petrzelka, who was instrumental in getting the book looking right and getting it printed. Also joining the podcast is Rick from Player's Gear Music who is giving away 2 pedals in conjunction with the release of the book, and Brett Jameson from APEX Coffee Roasters joins for a giveaway of coffee and APEX merch. The second half of the show is Q&A featuring good old Nat in the co-host seat.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast - Eric hosts solo while answering all the calls that have piled up since there hasn't been a Q&A episode for a while. There's questions about Epiphone New Yorker pickups, straightening out a hump in an Epi Les Paul fingerboard, installing a K&K resonator pickup, and a Harmony H-160 with a curious problem that Eric can't solve.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast - just a quick few announcements concerning price increases and my soon-to-be-released book. Also, we have a quick visit with Rick Tish from Player's Gear Music about his effects pedals.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric interviews Dave Staudte, veteran luthier, longtime guitar repairman and former Taylor Guitars employee. Eric and Dave talk about guitar humidification, guitar neck resets, fretwork, CA glue, stainless steel frets, and Dave's steel wool hack.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions about repair cauls left inside guitars, bridge plate repairs, making an electric 12 string, cutting the slots in a bone nut, restringing acoustic guitars, and widening the saddle slot in an acoustic guitar to accommodate an under saddle pickup.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat call Jeff Metz in PA for a conversation about finish touch up and Yamaha neck resets. Then they take questions about Gibson ES125s, locking tuners, lacquering over an oil finish, and routing neck pockets.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat take questions about fret levelling, Paulownia wood for guitar bodies, intonating acoustic guitars, and a follow up about 3 humbucker Gibsons.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric takes questions about building a pickup winder, string breakage, standing on guitar necks, and a follow up to the dinged guitar neck from last episode. This episode also includes a replay of one of the most informative interviews ever featured on this podcast, the 2016 interview with master luthier Mark Tossman.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about the guitar history of the famed Stratosphere Twin double neck guitar from the 1950's made famous by Jimmy Bryant. Then comes the questions - what's the shelf life of Titebond glue, what's the difference between linear and audio taper pots, what to do about a dinged guitar neck, and more.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric takes questions regarding adding a 3rd pickup to a Les Paul, how to deal with critics, what kind of glue to use for plastic binding, adding carbon fiber to strengthen necks, and more.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about Framus guitar history, and then take questions regarding amp handles, dubious bass modifications, Gibson made P-13 pickups, and reinforcing broken headstocks.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about P-90 Staple pickup history, and take questions regarding adding an acoustic pickup to a Gibson J-160E, how to get an authentic look on a 'relic' finish, using capacitors to get a half out-of-phase sound, and getting the right vintage look when spraying lacquer on a solid maple neck.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about Albert King's many flying Vee guitars, and take questions regarding how to set up a Strat trem, bass setups, home made case humidifiers, and tuning stability.
In this episode, Eric and Nat field questions about friction in potentiometers, using super glue for refrets, fret polishing wheels, and how to drill clean holes in finished surfaces (hint, use a brad point drill bit).
In this episode, Eric reads a segment from his forthcoming guitar schematic book, and then fields questions about guitar humidification, Fender neck heels and why they are different shapes, custom pickups, and a lengthy discussion about Jim Lill's video on youtube about what affects electric guitar tone.
In this episode, Eric and Nat take questions about upgrading cheap resonators, improving an electric guitar's resonance, polishing frets, vintage Danelectro neck reinforcement, and chasing strange overtones.
In this episode Eric and Nat take questions regarding reshaping necks, Esquire wiring, winding pickups, adjusting action on a resonator, filling fingerboard divots, and whether or not Nat will sing "Hot Rod Lincoln." Also included is a guitar history segment about the late 60's Red Paisley and Blue Flower Fender Telecasters.
In this episode Eric and Nat take questions regarding rolled fingerboard edges, tool recommendations, stainless steel frets, plain vs. wound strings, and whether or not Paul McCartney knows what the knobs on his bass do. Also included is a guitar history segment about George Harrison's famous 1969 Rosewood Fender Telecaster.
In this episode Eric is recovering from a cold but manages to slog through a news segment, answer a question about nuts, and replay an old but great interview with Jason Lollar.
In this episode Eric and Nat do a guitar history corner segment about Dan Armstrong. Then come the questions about pickup winding, refretting, intonation, and the practice of stripping guitars down for parts and selling them one piece at a time online.
In this episode Eric and Nat read listener submitted guitar and gig horror stories for our annual Halloween Special. There's gigs from Hell, smashed drum kits, drowned Martins, bats and more.
In this episode Eric and Nat do a little guitar news concerning Les Paul's "Number One" Gibson Gold Top Les Paul Model guitar selling at auction for $930,000. Then they take questions concerning warped Teisco necks, stiff truss rod adjustment nuts, pickup manufacturing, Bigsby vibratos on Telecasters, and more.
In this episode Eric talks a little guitar history about John Lennon's famous 325 Capri Rickenbacker guitar, and takes questions concerning treble bleed capacitors, spraying lacquer, RWRP pickups, Gibson Custombuckers, what to charge for parts, and finding the source of a mysterious rattle on a guitar.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about what's new in Eric's repair shop, and why Nat's guitars never seem to get done. Then come the questions regarding headstock repairs, touching up dings, fingerboard extension shims when resetting a neck, refretting a modern Fender neck that has a poly finish on it, and how to get Naphtha when it is banned in your area.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about what's new in Eric's repair shop, followed by a guitar history segment about Kay guitars. Then come the questions regarding filling in ugly inlays, neck heating irons, drop fill finish touch ups, what to do with a truss rod that won't tighten anymore, and a discussion about why guitars necks got thinner and narrower in the late 60's and early 70's.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about what's new and take questions regarding truss rods, guitar myths, out of phase pickups, filling fingerboard divots, and more. Also included is a discussion about why Isaac Newton is not the greatest guitar player who ever lived.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric talks to Jay Boone, owner of Emerald City Guitars in Seattle about what's hot in the vintage guitar market these days. Eric also answers a few phone-in questions about vintage Les Paul trapeze tailpieces, microphonic pickups, and how to know when it is time to re-fret a vintage Telecaster.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Nat talk about the history of the solid body electric guitar and the influence of Les Paul, and then take a few questions about truss rods and pickups. The second half of the show is an interview that you won't want to miss.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Sage talk about the history of the Clarence White B Bender, bowling ball repair, filling finish dings with super glue, sanding the finish off the back of guitar necks, and microphonic Tele pickups.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Melissa talk about the history of guitar distortion, and take questions regarding fret hump, waterslide decals, removing string ferrules from Telecaster style guitars, vintage guitar values, and more.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Melissa talk about the history of switch companies, and take questions regarding gold foil MIJ catalog guitars, keeping vibrato guitars in tune, wiring problems on a Gretsch White Falcon, poly undercoats under nitro lacquer finishes, b-bender contraptions, and more.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Melissa talk about the history of 6 string basses, and take questions regarding fret leveling, cutting nuts, gluing loose braces, how to join the secret luthier club, and how to tell if a headstock has been repaired properly.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Melissa introduce a new segment, The Guitar History Corner! Then they take questions regarding tune-o-matic saddle notches, leather picks, reverse audio taper potentiometers, floyd rose tips, and static electricity pickguard buildup.
In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric and Melissa take questions regarding RWRP pickups, setting up a guitar for an alternate tuning, 3 piece laminated necks, pore filling when finishing, freeing up sticky vintage potentiometers, and fret levelling the neck of a Tele Kit guitar.
Eric is joined by his buddy Nat (Melissa is on vacation) to answer questions about the Trinity Triton Amp Kit build that we talked about in episode 88, and lots of other things including fret leveling, tool misuse, pickup recommendations on an Epiphone SG, and some commentary on Reverb.com.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about Eric's kit amp, making guitar straps, why do people wax pot pickups, are Martin F-55's cool, and parallel/out of phase wiring explained.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa takes question about Jerry Garcia's guitars built by Doug Irwin, stranded vs solid core wire, cutting nut slots, cutting saddle slots, and when is a guitar neck just too far gone? Find out in today's thrilling episode.
In this episode, Eric takes a question about removing residue from the finish on a pre-CBS custom color Fender Stratocaster, and interviews Rick Tish from playersgearmusic.com about Rick's shop where he sells used and refurbished guitars, and does repairs also. The big news is that Rick has started manufacturing Neck Straightening Irons and is offering them for sale at his website. Fret Files listeners can get a discount, listen to the episode for more info.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about humming Charlie Christian pickups, Eric's "secret" out of phase wiring trick, cool Japanese guitars to look out for, brass bridge pins, refretting an ebony fretboard and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about cryogenic fret wire, Jazzmaster wiring, linear pots, adjustable saddles on Gibson acoustics, adjustable polepieces on a P-90 pickup, and does tone really "come from the hands?"
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about nickel hardware, Gretsch Guitars, a hipshot multibender, switch tips that won't stay on, lacquer recommendations, and more. Also, Eric gives Melissa a surprise quiz, "Knob or Pickup?" - and she gets most of them right!
In this episode, Eric takes questions concerning when and how to lubricate tuning machines, fretting a compound radius, why are luthier's turnaround times so long, when is a guitar a lost cause, and more. Also, we replay an interview with Scott Freilich from 2018. Scott passed away earlier this year, and this is just our tribute to him.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa share listener submitted gig horror stories!! Not for the faint of heart! Eric also shares a few of his own. Also discussed is nitro over poly revisited, what happens if there's no volume pot, fingerboard oil, and strap locks. Enjoy!
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions concerning locking tuners, steel wool, starting a guitar repair business, making a guitar lighter, capacitors, Halloween candy and of course the earth's magnetic field and what it has to do with your guitar pickups.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions concerning Tom Bukovac, Ibanez lawsuit era quality, touching up the finish on a Parker Fly, straightening a backbowed neck, case repair, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions concerning potentiometers, undersaddle pickups, are the frets really in the "wrong place" on vintage Gibsons, can you lacquer over poly, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions concerning 335 wiring problems, string trees, rusty polepieces, paulownia, shaped neck joint heels, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions concerning a stripped truss rod nut, pickup polarity, when to use sealer in the painting process, bass setups, vintage waterslide decals and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk Gibson lawsuits, bakelite vs. garrolite, left handed guitar parts, matching the copper on a vintage Danelectro and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk price increases at Reverb.com and the missing 1959 Gibson Ledger. Questions are taken regarding Wilkinson roller nuts, lacquer potted pickups, wiring up separate tone controls on a Tele, and more. To participate in…
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk price increases, a 1961 Custom Telecaster for sale, and a great youtube channel called "Rescue and Restore." They take questions regarding super glue in fret slots, neck pickup effect and placement, seam separation knives, pickup shorts, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions regarding Fiesta Red, Eric Johnson, James Cotton, Jack White, 1950's Telecasters, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions regarding Washburn guitars, rewiring a 335, lacquering over headstock decals, touching up paint, intonation, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions regarding fret removal, fret crowning tools, microphonic pickups, residue removal, and 'overdoing it' when it comes to oiling fingerboards. Eric also gives Melissa a quiz called "Blues Musician or Guitar Color." She hated it.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk guitar news and then answer questions about Alnico magnets, pickup phase and hum cancelling, refretting, coffee snobbery, and why Eric uses ash for most of his guitar builds.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer questions about string gauge, Danelectro volume and tone controls, how often to oil your rosewood fingerboard, shielding guitar cavities, ground loops, and how to make your guitar ring out like a piano.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer questions about how to get started in a guitar repair career, guitar wiring, tune-o-matic post spacing, refret process, vintage guitar prices, neck resets, and some effect pedal/delay talk.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer questions about tune-o-matic bridges, guitar straps, fingerboard inlays on a Harmony Meteor, how long does it take for a guitar to 'settle in' after a set-up, and more in this special commercial free 100th episode.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer questions about ebony fingerboards, fake ebony fingerboards, warped fingerboards, reverse headstocks, Danelectro binding edge tape, and which shipping service is best. I'll give you a hint, it's not FedEx.
In this episode, Eric interviews veteran luthier, guitar repair guru, and Taylor Guitars employee Dave Staudte from San Diego, Ca. Eric and Dave talk about all kinds of repairs and techniques from neck resets to finish work. Dave also gives us a little peek behind the scenes at Taylor Guitars.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer emails with questions about pickup polarity and “phase,” rewiring the electronics in an archtop, fixing a wobbly bridge on an Epiphone Casino, straightening out an old Harmony neck, and the proper use of…
In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer emails with questions about removing fingerboards, polishing nickel hardware, removing minor scratches, Eric's favorite guitar tech books, and how to glue down that peeling Danelectro binding tape.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer calls and emails with questions like refretting maple Fender necks, relic'ing modern guitars, how to route pickup cavities, and more. Also discussed is the Emerald City Guitars video on PAF pickups which you can see here.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa do a little guitar news, and then answer questions about Les Paul wiring, installing side dots, using double sided tape when routing with templates, how to spot a refin, and what's the best products and methods for pore filling an open pore wood like ash when prepping for lacquer?
In this episode, Eric and Melissa answer questions about how to properly pack a guitar for shipping, what to do about finish cracks, how to optimize your guitar for low tunings, and some Bigsby talk. Enjoy!
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take a few questions (like what causes figuring in maple) and read submitted Guitar Horror Stories. Enjoy!
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about Martin vs. Taylor neck joints, finishing with shellac, unoriented alnico magnets, helping a "stiff" feeling Telecaster, fixing detached binding, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk about pore filling, getting the wax off pickups, binding repair, Supro guitars, special taper pots and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk about weak high strings and what could be causing that, fretwork, tone pot circuits, warped cheap 12 string guitars, which Epiphone you should buy, and more.
In this episode, Eric and his buddy Nat talk about the amp kits they built together. The kit in question was the Trinity Amps "Triton" model. They also talk Rosewood/Cites news, and take questions from listeners about resonance, sparkle Fender finishes, intonation, Pau Ferro and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk LCR meters, tube amp kits, and take questions from listeners about chambered bodies, truss rods, gluing down loose inlays, ground loops, and even a few leather questions and comments for Melissa.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa do a little guitar news, and then answer questions about Jazzmasters, pickguards, oil for fingerboards, tone capacitors, single pickup guitars, and then discuss whether hot hide glue is really necessary or if liquid hide glue is an acceptable substitute.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk slab vs veneer Fender rosewood fingerboards in a follow up to last episode. Then they take questions from listeners about tuners, quartersawn necks, neck joint cracks, and grounding a Cabronita bridge on a fresh build.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk guitar news, namely the David Gilmour guitar auction. Then they take questions from listeners about guitar fingerboards, lawsuits, lap steels, and neck profiles.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about P-90 polepiece spacing, winding Strat pickups, borescopes, picks, and Kay "Thin Twin" pickups.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about hiking with a guitar, potentiometer values, intonation on a National resonator, Indian laurel fingerboards, and a special "horror story" from Down Under.
To participate in the show, you can leave a message with your question or comment by calling 757-774-8482. To email the show, visit Eric at EricDaw.com and click the contact link.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about guitar humidification, Tele bridge pickups, Baritones vs. the Bass VI, gluing in frets, Tightbond vs. Hide Glue, and much more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about glossy finishes, ground wires, stainless steel frets, and lots of follow up about moldy guitars.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about moldy guitars, pickup resistance, painting guitars, guitar polish, adding a pickup to a Silvertone 1448, fingerboard removal, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about finishing maple fingerboards, shop lighting, humbuckers, slanted nut slots, hide glue, finish compatibility, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about Alnico II magnets, spraying lacquer on necks, fixing a volume pot taper issue, routing a pickup cavity, and "what's up with relicing?" and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about tailpiece ground issues, pickup wiring, neck resets, zero frets, Jazzmasters, rubbery necks, nut tools and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about impedence, filling dings, how to store your guitar, re radiusing necks, how to find mystery trem arms, and saving the plastic buttons on a vintage Danelectro made Silvertone U-1.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about 'partscasters,' stuck truss rods, Asian import neck resets, tone circuits, and we we pronounce 'solder' incorrectly.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about Richlite, crack repair, gluing fingerboards, replacing pots, wet sanding, and lemon oil.
In this episode, Eric interviews blues guitarist Henry Cooper. Eric and Henry talk about how to get your own tone, and discuss Henry's path to refining his sound and his tone. You can find Henry here and message him to buy his new album, a compilation of his best material. Enjoy!
In this episode, Eric and Melissa read Eric's list of "Things Not To Say To Your Luthier." Then they take questions about Gretsch switches, intonation screws, nut slots, and guitar strap conditioning. Enjoy!
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about pot resistance, fret buzz, tuning noises, and more. The second half of the show is the annual Halloween Special... Guitar Horror Stories. Enjoy!
In this episode, Eric and Melissa read "the top pet peeves of guitar technicians," and then take questions from listeners concerning Z pickups, fret ends, wax potting pickups, budget acoustic guitars, rosewood alternatives, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners concerning microphonic pickups, vintage guitar modification ethics, removing marker from a guitar finish, strap lock options, and more.
In this episode, Eric chats with Todd Lunneborg of TL Guitars about road teching for major touring bands and what the job entails. We also chat about guitar building, guitar repair, and Todd's history in the industry.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa announce some merch available... namely stickers. Get them at pinupcustomguitars.com. Then come the questions about action adjustments, Martin guitar values, fish glue, humidity problems, and a neat trick on how to turn a linear potentiometer into a logarithmic pot - link here... http://sound.whsites.net/project01.htm
In this episode, Eric and Melissa do a bit of guitar news about George Harrison's Maton MS-500, and then take questions about truss rods and skunk stripes, modifying neck profiles, knobs and pots, leather guitar straps, and lead free solder.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about waterslide decals, truss rods, fixing a warped top on an old Kay acoustic, neck resets, and more lefty-centric comments and questions.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about pao ferro vs. rosewood, bakelite pickguards, left-handed pots, refretting a Gibson with 'nibs', pickup suggestions, and some great follow up emails about ergonomics in the work shop.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk about how to get different tones without pedals, and then take questions about electric guitar pickups, filling stripped holes, ergonomics in the shop, deglossing sticky necks, and setting up a paint booth.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about truss rod adjustments, restringing, removing finishes, removing frets, and a discussion about junky pickups.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about pickups, rosewood, and custom guitars.
In this episode, Eric does some news, takes a call, and then an interview with Scott Freilich about repairing warped necks with a heat press/neck straightening tool.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about capacitors, machine screw neck inserts, strat tremolos, headstock cracks, water damage, compound radius fingerboards and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about stripped pickguard screw holes, 60 cycle hum, lacquer checking, Harmony and Kay guitars, Telecaster bridges, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about nut slots, quartersawn necks, fret leveling with nibs, scoring the underside of bridges, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about headstock shapes, installing nuts, tapered reamers, blocking Stratocaster tremolos, removing finishes, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about breaking out into your own busines, truss rods, fret arbors, saving a vintage 30's Harmony, Telecaster finishes, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about 'fret dust,' pickup winding direction, Coodercasters, Supro lap steel pickups, and a great follow up on roasting your own maple neck.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about roasting your own neck, cutting fret slots, guitar wiring guidance, nut slot spacing on a narrow neck, and the "Hank Penny" Telecaster.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about fret ends, Les Paul wiring, rub-on stain, and Dearmond pickups.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk guitar news, and take questions from listeners about frets, washers, neck resets, and left handed pickups.
In this episode, Eric interviews Neal Brown, inventor of the Seattle Super Switch. It is an 8 position switch for 3 pickup guitars. Eric and Neal also talk about some history, including the legends behind who discovered the in-between sounds on the early Stratocasters, and the history of the CRL blade switch.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about finish cracks on a Martin, intonation problems, capacitors, and Falcate bracing on acoustic guitars.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about guitar wall hangers, guitar repair books, how to get "that tone," and whether or not to replace the bridge plate on a vintage Gibson acoustic guitar.
In this episode, GUITAR HORROR STORIES! Also, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about using raw bone from the butcher, shipping a guitar, fret polishing, and shelf stable hide glue.
In this episode, Eric interviews guitar repair guru and former Rickenbacker employee Mark Arnquist.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about conversion necks, open tunings, luthier conferences, compound radius setups, and which way should Gibson Tune-o-matic saddles face?
In this episode, Eric interviews luthier, repairman, and former Rickenbacker employee Dale Fortune.
In this episode, Eric does a little guitar news and then interviews A. D. Barron, AKA "0le Fuzzy," the Telecaster collector and enthusiast and the mind behind the term "Telecaster Nitty Gritty."
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about guitarist neurosis, bass setup tips, pickup winding, fighting feedback on acoustic pickups, coil tapping vs. coil splitting, and a very special question- "who makes the worst guitars in the world?" Who could it be???
In this episode, Eric interviews Chelsea Clark of "Guitars and Caffeine" based in Los Angeles, California. We talk about her backstory, her current shop, "America for Music," and the ethics issues that sometimes arise in guitar repair and restoration.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa discuss some guitar news, mainly the passing of Eric Danheim of Big Tex Guitars. Questions include a host of electronics questions, lots of follow ups on episode 37, how to fix an off-center Bigsby, and fret arbors vs. the hammer in method when it comes to refrets.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa discuss some guitar news, mainly the passing of Bill Collings. Questions include the new CITES rosewood laws, metal nuts, “Cooder Casters” and the phase problems inherent in the Valco lapsteel pickup, when to replace nut files and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa discuss some guitar news, mainly this USA today article about an Elvis guitar, and the Washington Post article about the impending death of electric guitar sales.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about no-load potentiometers, left handed bracing on acoustic guitars, headstock mysteries, and how to get low action. Also, Bob Tedrow from Homewood Music in Alabama has a great tip on how to use steel wool in your shop without getting steel wool particles everywhere!. Also, Eric started a youtube channel, you can view his videos here.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about “CE” markings, neck resets, eBay feedback ratings, and more. Also, they talk about their BIG MOVE TO IDAHO!
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about shrinking plastic tuner buttons, acoustic guitar bridge glueing methods, lowering the action on a National Resonator, and lowering action when working with under saddle pickups.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions and talk about yellowing finishes, working with bone, pickup polarity, acoustic guitar pickups, shop safety, and more!.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about fret sprout, how to store loose pickups, getting stuck metal parts unstuck, torrefied tone wood, and more!.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about slotted headstocks, alnico magnet strength, Takamine guitars, Paulownia wood, and also discuss feedback on the Danelectro style lipstick tube pickup shootout from last month.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about pickups galore, humidifiers, fretwork and intonation. At the end of the episode is a great Danelectro pickup comparison between 5 different manufacturers of lipstick tube style pickups. The 5 pickups we compare are a vintage 1960’s original pickup, an Asian made reissue, a Seymour Duncan, a Kent Armstrong, and Doug Tulloch’s new Nep-Tone pickups. The results might surprise you.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about beveled pickup polepieces, warped necks, pickup winding, setting intonation and read GUITAR HORROR STORIES!
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk about dealing with problems between customers and repair specialists, strobe tuners, hard wired tone roll offs, paint problems, and warped necks.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk about neck resets, linear vs. audio taper pots, sustain loss during a refret, and more. The second half of the show is a great interview with guitar repair master Mark Tossman.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk about headstock crack paint touch-ups, pickup winders, advice for the diy refinisher, short scale Fender guitars, and how pickguards effect tone.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk about capo tuning problems, neck shims, router humps, zero frets, why pickups go bad, and why Eric no longer takes custom orders.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa follow up on a news story from last month, talk guitar wiring, slotted headstocks, bone nuts and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa bring back an old segment… Guitar News! They also field questions about guitar pickup phase and hum cancelling properties, how to tame a rowdy bridge pickup, how to dampen string vibration behind the nut, b-benders, and can an old acoustic guitar be disassmbled and made into a new acoustic guitar?
In this episode, Eric and Melissa field questions about favorite guitar books, filling fingerboard divots in ebony, the pros and cons of jumbo frets, good options for an economically priced Strat bridge, and more. Then Jason Verlinde of the Fretboard Journaljoins Eric for an in depth ‘behind the scenes’ interview about the magazine.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa field questions about resources for learning, acoustic guitar bridge pins, the effect of a broken headstock on a Gibson Les Paul, how to quiet the hum in a vintage ES-330, how to adjust the Danelectro bridge properly, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa field questions about top loader tele bridges, how to keep CA glue from drying out in the nozzle, how to set up a guitar without repeating steps, Gibson headstock angles, and how to free up rusted or busted saddle adjustment screws.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa field questions about sealing the inside of acoustic guitars, how to find a loose brace, neck shims, body cracks, and the infamous Gold Foil pickup. The Bizzare Guitar Pickup Encyclopedia referenced in the show can be found here
In this special Halloween episode, Eric and Melissa share Guitar Repair Horror Stories from listeners. There are also tech questions about pine guitar bodies, acoustic neck resets, fret levelling files, and how to modify a volume pot for a specific desired result.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about how to correct a warped neck, will a refret change the feel of my favorite guitar, what is the zero fret, are coated strings any good, Gretsch pickup upgrades, and acoustic endpin instrument jacks.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about Telecaster input jack cups, scale length’s effect on tone and pickups, soldering irons, synthetic materials vs bone, and the current state of Gibson and Fender and what it means for the future.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about why Fender bridge pickups are slanted, why Gibson stopped doing the volute, how to properly shim up a bone saddle on a high end acoustic guitar, what’s the deal with Harmony truss rods, and whether or not tricking out cheap guitars is worth it. Also, Rickenbacker guitars are beautiful but feel really weird.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about enlarging peghead holes for replacement tuners, why late 60’s and early 70’s Fenders have orange headstocks, changing the sweep of a tone pot, and what to do about single coil hum. Then, for the second half of the show, 9 guitar myths are discussed and debunked.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about neck vs. bridge pickups, wartime Gibson acoustics, Jazzmaster bridges, and how Fender Stratocasters were set up at the Fender factory in the 50’s. They also talk about Melissa’s custom guitar straps. The second half of the show contains an interview with Gene Nygaard of Zero Guitars in Seattle. Gene’s music can be found here. Eric also announces that custom pickups are available at Emerald City Guitars.
In this episode, Eric entertains Melissa with banjo jokes and accidental Norm MacDonald impersonations. They then answer questions about low fume paint, how to install a 50’s style Tele neck pickup, headstock trademarks, “lawsuit” guitars, the differences in Alnico grades, and more.
In this episode, Eric and Melissa settle their bet about the 1954 Les Paul Custom ‘prototype’ auction outcome. Questions answered include slide guitar set-up tips, humming humbucker troubleshooting, the pros and cons of different guitar finishes, and a neat trick for keeping Telecaster switch tips in place.
In this episode, Eric talks about a rare bass in the latest issue of the Fretboard Journal, and answers questions about 50’s style Gibson wiring, a Japanese Fender Strat with wiggly neck syndrome, the tones of different woods, and of course more capacitor talk. In guitar news, the FAA has been ordered by congress to allow travelling musicians to carry on their guitars for stowage in the overhead bins but only if they’ll fit.
In this episode, Eric talks about the Fretboard Journal, and answers questions about out of phase humbuckers, 3 saddle Tele bridges, and yet another follow up about staggered vs. flat pole pickups. The second half of the show is a fascinating interview with Mikel Zwissler about Eric’s “Lie Detector” capacitor test box, and an in depth discussion on whether or not expensive tone capacitors are worth the money.
In this episode, Eric answers questions about capacitors, hand wound vs. machine wound pickups, the “mastery bridge,” and a follow up about staggered vs. flat pole pickups. Red gives us the guitar news, including stories about D’Addario’s new strings and James Burton’s charity organization. Also, the guitar pictured may or may not be the guitar we talked about in the podcast for Camazotz Automat’s question… Or is it?
In this episode, Eric answers questions about staggered vs. flat pole pieces, hum cancelling p-90’s, and ‘the myth of vintage guitars.’ Red gives us the news, including a story about a mystery Gibson Super 400 CES. Eric is then joined by Doug Tulloch , the world’s leading Danelectro expert to discuss Doug’s book “Neptune Bound – The Ultimate Danelectro Guitar Guide.”
In this episode, Eric answers questions about partscasters, roller bridges, tuners, and the acoustic guitar ‘tongue brace.’ Red gives us the news, including a story about an upcoming BBC Documentary about the ‘Kalamzoo Gals’ of the wartime Gibson factory. Eric is then joined by Trevor Boone of Emerald City Guitars to discuss a very rare early Fender Telecaster.
In this episode, Eric tells us that everything is a scam. Also discussed is “PUR Lacquer” and Dimarzio’s trademark on double cream humbucker pickups. Red gives us the news, including a story about Guernsey’s high end guitar auction. Eric is then joined by Mitch Doran of Black Lotus Project to discuss the ups and downs of working in a guitar factory.
In this episode, Eric interviews pickup guru Jason Lollar. Tech questions involve Les Paul fret nibs, paint chip fixes, and a follow up about a static noise on a Fender. Also included is the second installment of “Guitar News with Red.”
In this episode, Eric confesses to being a guitar snob, and a new segment, “Guitar News with Red” is unveiled. Questions from callers include general tuning tips, Strat bridge set-up tech talk, and what to do with a guitar inheritence. To close out the show, Eric is joined by Jay Boone, the ‘Soul Proprietor’ of Emerald City Guitars to talk about the past, present, and future of the vintage guitar market.
In this, the debut episode, Eric explains his obsession for guitars, talk radio, Buddy Holly, and how it all ties together. A caller spins his tale of woe about a broken headstock, and another caller has static electricity issues with his pickguard. Eric talks guitar repair prices, how they vary regionally, and what to watch out for when getting a quote. To close out the show, Eric is joined by John Guilford of Guilford Guitars (GuilfordGuitars.com) to talk tone, custom guitars, fret ends, hardware, and making guitars out of trees.