Heres a Greenfield G2 Fanfret for you! Michael Watts 2026-09-28 | Heres a Greenfield G2 Fanfret for you!
4-PIECE TOP ON A HIGH END GUITAR? Michael Watts 2023-07-21 | Many years ago I was asked to appear on a radio show to comment about rare woods in hand made guitars. It didn’t go very well to be honest - the host was under the impression that I was a luthier and once I’d cleared up that misunderstanding I felt I’d lost quite a bit of momentum. That said - the subject turned to scarcity of woods and the other guest opined that acoustic guitar would soon have to made with 4-piece tops as there simply wasn’t enough spruce in the world. At the time I was sceptical about that but some 15 years later here we are with a new Taylor Builder’s Edition version of the 814ce that has a lid made with 4 chunks of Adirondack spruce. I hope you enjoy the video. Let me know your thoughts in the comments. You can read my review here guitar.com/reviews/acoustic-guitar/the-big-review-taylor-builders-edition-814cemichaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until Next Time, stay tuned!Michael
HOWARD FENG Acoustic Guitars - Luthier Stories Michael Watts 2023-07-21 | Here is the one I know a lot of people have been waiting for: a mini Luthier Stories episode featuring Howard Feng and his Modified Dreadnought. This guitar has caused quite a stir already - the photography alone made it onto Tony Polecastro’s showAnd I hope you’ve enjoyed the demo videos I madeHere I am in conversation with Howard Feng himself where he describes his goal to recreate the sound and response of golden era guitars by Ervin Somogyi. Strong stuff! Here we go!michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until Next Time, stay tuned!Michael
UKULELE NOCTURNE - Michael Watts - MAUI 2023 Michael Watts 2023-07-07 | I don’t know how many Nocturnes have been written for solo ukulele - I’ve certainly only managed one so far and it was the final track on my debut album Vetiver. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play this piece during my visit to Maui - and on a beautiful all-koa instrument by Steve Grimes too!Like what I do? Use this tip jar link or send a Super Thanksmichaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until Next Time, stay tuned!Michael
THE FUTURE OF GUITAR MAKING? Michael Watts 2023-07-07 | It was a pleasure to join faculty and students at Newark College for their 50th anniversary celebrations last week. I was invited to give a workshop with students of the Guitar Making School who impressed me with their ingenuity and skill. There were 12 strings, Fan frets, 10 strings, Crossovers, Sympathetic resonant strings And much more !Thank you very much to all at Newark CollegeLike what I do? Use this tip jar link or send a Super Thanksmichaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until Next Time, stay tuned!Michael
STEVE GRIMES - FREEHAND - Asymmetric + Double Cutaway + Oval Hole Acoustic Guitar - Made in Hawaii Michael Watts 2023-07-01 | Back to Hawaii now, and on elf the most intriguing and inspiring guitars I have played recently. This is Steve Grimes’ elegant Freehand model with its asymmetrical body, double cutaways and elliptical sound hole. What a thing!Then there’s the sound - Huge, immediate and very musical. I love it and you can hear it in action right here!Like what I do? Use this tip jar link or send a Super Thanksmichaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until Next Time, stay tuned!Michael#hawaii #maui
HOWARD FENG - MODIFIED DREADNOUGHT Acoustic Guitar - THE UNFAIR FUNFAIR Michael Watts 2023-07-01 | The first video of Howard Feng’s blistering opening salvo under his own name certainly made an impression. Having trashed his hotel room so thoroughly in order to build our film set it seemed churlish to stop at just on video however and here is another performance on this impressive instrumentThere will be in interview with Howard Feng too almost as soon as I have finished editing it. Like what I do? Use this tip jar link or send a Super Thanksmichaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until Next Time, stay tuned!Michael#ACOUSTICGUITAR #LONDON
PETER GREENS GUITARS - Gretsch White Falcon, Gibson & Fender + Original Lyrics! Michael Watts 2023-06-22 | Peter Green’s guitar playing with John Mayall’s Blues Breakers and early Fleetwood Mac had a massive effect on me. As such it was a real pleasure to visit Bonhams London to look at three instruments from a large collection that is going to auction later this month. Bonhams Head of Popular Culture Claire Tole-Moir introduces Peter Green’s Fender Custom Stratocaster, Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III and Gretsch White Falcon as well as letting us take a look at the original lyrics to Man Of The World. Just astonishing!Massive thanks to all at Bonhams for the invitation follow this link to see more about the auction bonhams.com/auction/29196/man-of-the-world-the-peter-green-collection/?page=2&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH3BcHiEDZOKGlFLUpHPhRIGDHo8H2XDjOrSSDAHBN2u6WjyuowSRlcaAhe3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.dsLike what I do? Use this tip jar link or send a Super Thanksmichaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until Next Time, stay tuned!Michael
STEVE GRIMES - BEAMER Model - Between Streets Demo Michael Watts 2023-06-21 | The Steve Grimes Beamer model is a fascinating instrument - a double sound hole flat top that has some arch top characteristics and something else going on in there - it’s no exaggeration to say that I haven’t heard anything else like it. In this video I put it through its paces with my original composition Between Streets - I hope you enjoy it! Like what I do? michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745 or leave a Super Thanks!Until next time, stay tunedMichael
EMMA TRICCA - SALT - Featuring MICHAEL WATTS Michael Watts 2023-06-21 | I have loved Emma Tricca’s work for years and it was a real pleasure to welcome her to my studio. You may have seen her on tour with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, Robyn Hitchcock and Dinosaur Jr. The song Salt is one of my favourites and it was a privilege to accompany Emma.Emma’s new album Aspirin Sun is out now - get involved!emmatricca.bandcamp.com/album/aspirin-sunLike what I do? Support my work here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
GRETSCH ELECTROMATIC 5622-T-140 140TH ANNIVERSARY - LO-FI SOUL Michael Watts 2023-06-16 | I had a very nice time with this 140th anniversary Gretsch Electromatic double cut!It was in for review and I took a moment to out it through its paces with some Lo-Fi Soul. I hope you enjoy it!Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
HOWARD FENG - Modified Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Between Streets Michael Watts 2023-06-16 | Here is another look at this impressive Modified Dreadnought acoustic guitar by luthier Howard Feng. It is not uncommon for collectors of fine guitars to try their hand at creating an instrument at some point. When I first met Howard Feng, some ten years ago, he was just beginning to assemble what was to become a beautiful library of luthier-made guitars. As the years went by however, Howard began to feel the call of the bench, the siren song of the chisel - in short, life as a luthier was beckoning hard. Fast forward several years and Howard is now well entrenched with Ray Kraut (Ex Somogyi Apprentice) in Tucson Arizona and is building guitars full time for Ray. However, he has also started to make the fkrstinstruments under his own name. Having completed his latest guitar, Howard invited me to play the very first notes on the instrument. How could I refuse?Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
HOWARD FENG - Modified Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - RIALTO Michael Watts 2023-06-10 | It is not uncommon for collectors of fine guitars to try their hand at creating an instrument at some point. When I first met Howard Feng, some ten years ago, he was just beginning to assemble what was to become a beautiful library of luthier-made guitars. As the years went by however, Howard began to feel the call of the bench, the siren song of the chisel - in short, life as a luthier was beckoning hard. Fast forward several years and Howard is now well entrenched with Ray Kraut (Ex Somogyi Apprentice) in Tucson Arizona and is building guitars full time for Ray. However, he has also started to make the first instruments under his own name. Having completed his latest guitar, Howard invited me to play the very first notes on the instrument. How could I refuse?Here it is - there will be more to comeLike what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
STEVE GRIMES Jazz Laureate Archtop Guitar - KOA - Between Streets Michael Watts 2023-06-10 | Another video from my life-affirming trip to Hawaii this year. I have loved Steve Grimes’ Jazz Laureate design since I played Steve’s contribution to The Blue Guitar Collection. This is a very modern and forward thinking archchtop - a lot more friendly to the finger style acoustic plays than other examples of the breed. This particular guitar is fascinating due to Steve’s use of Hawaiian Koa on the back and sides rather than the traditional maple. It has a gorgeous sound - like all Steve’s guitars - and it was an absolute pleasure to play!Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael#maui #hawaii #jazz
HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR STYLE - With Garrett Probst Michael Watts 2023-06-02 | During my recent visit to Maui I managed to get some time with grammy-award winning musician Garrett Probst for an introduction to the wonderful world of Hawaiian slack key guitar. Fully equipped with a pair of Grimes Beamer model guitars (Braz for Garrett, Koa for me) we look at the history of this beautiful guitar style and Garrett introduces some of the techniques involved.It was an absolute joy to learn about this new and exotic guitar language - Mahalo Garrett and thank you to you for watching!Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael#HAWAII #MAUI #SLACKKEY
DADGAD ON A HIGHSTRUNG ACOUSTIC GUITAR - Does it work? Michael Watts 2023-06-02 | I’ve really enjoyed exploring high-strung guitar as a texture in the studio. So much so that I’ve managed to sneak it into some unlikely places!The time had come for me to get this guitar back into standard tuning but before I did I took some time to explore high strung guitar in DADGAD. This was the first time I had ever tried this and the results were really interesting. I hope you enjoy the video!Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
GREUTER VIBE - Handwired Univibe made in Switzerland Michael Watts 2023-06-02 | I had reviewed Sascha Greuter’s beautiful pedals for guitar.com a while ago and it was a real pleasure to make this video featuring his Vibe pedal. This is a proper Univibe style pedal with an internal light and everything. It’s chewy as all get out and really allowed me to explore some delicious psychedelic textures on this new track Electric Eden. Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745More info here https://www.greuteraudio.ch/en/Until next time, stay tunedMichael
GRIMES FREEHAND PARLOR GUITAR - KINGWOOD + SITKA SPRUCE Michael Watts 2023-05-25 | Following on from the Grimes Beamer model I showed you recently, here is another beautiful guitar design - the Grimes Freehand Parlor.NB - The top of this guitar is Sitka not Cedar - I obviously mis-heard!This asymmetrical body with a 14-fret neck makes for a very beguiling instrument. I am not usually a big fan of 14-fret parlors but this one really got under my skin! It was my first choice when I was invited to contribute some acoustic tracks to Steve Grimes’ next album - he’s an award-winning songwriter as well as one of the world’s finest luthiers after all!I hope you enjoy this video shot in the Grimes Guitars workshop on Maui.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
MEETING JEFF BECKS GUITAR! Michael Watts 2023-05-24 | Jeff Beck’s Fender Custom Stratocaster prototype went under the hammer today at Bonhams Auction houses in London. Sold by Bonhams Popular Culture the instrument reached a price of £60,000 before commissionIt was a privilege to visit Bonhams prior to the sale and see this beautiful instrument up close - thank you to the team at Bonhams Popular Culture for the invitation!Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael#jeffbeck #fender
Steve Grimes Beamer Model - The Unfair Funfair Michael Watts 2023-05-12 | What a way to start my time in Hawaii. The Grimes Beamer model is a twin-soundhole full-voiced instrument originally based on a guitar that Steve Grimes repaired for Hawaiian slack key legend Keola Beamer in the 1980s. The Beamer is an amazing thing - it has a powerful and detailed voice - this example is made from Carpathian spruce and an astonishing set of Hawaiian Koa. Look at it!As usual when confronted with an exquisite hand made instrument intended for a rich and nuanced musical form steeped in great cultural significance I put it in DADGAD and had an irreverently lovely time. The results are below - I hope you enjoy the video!Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael#maui #hawaiianguitar #luthier
Getting a HUGE Acoustic Guitar Sound! Michael Watts 2023-04-07 | I am often asked how to create a huge acoustic guitar sound in the studio - in particular for full band mixes. There are several tricks that I employ and I reveal them in this lovingly crafted video just for you.I hope you enjoy it.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
GIBSON L-00 1931 Factory Black - Birdseye Michael Watts 2023-04-07 | Continuing my exploration of unfamiliar musical textures here is a moment with a 1931 Gibson L-00 in original factory black. What a spectacular guitar!There is so much to talk about in this new series - I’m still formulating my thoughts but will have more episodes for you in the fullness of time. Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
The Martin D45 - Bedtime Guitar Specs - Soothing Michael Watts 2023-03-31 | Following an off-the-cuff remark by Acoustic Tuesday captain of Industry Tony Polecastro I am thrilled to present my new video series.Bedtime Guitar Specs is a soothing exploration for enjoyers of the minutiae that make up the guitars we love so much. I look forward to sharing much more with you. Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
GIBSON L-1 1932 Cremonese Sunburst Michael Watts 2023-03-31 | I’m going through an exploratory phase at the moment - seeking out different sounds and textures, expanding my range. This is an ongoing process and I would recommend that all guitarists spend time getting to know different guitars. I have started exploring vintage guitars, and in particular the sound of a vintage guitar with old strings on it. Many players I know swear by this approach. I have sworn at it. For years. But if we are to unlock the truth of the guitar then surely a deeper understanding is in order?This performance on a 1932 Gibson L-1 represents the first little part of this series. I hope you enjoy it. Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
CROWTHER HOT CAKE - Lo-Fi Soul Demo Michael Watts 2023-03-31 | The next instalment of my electric guitar pedal series features a real favourite of mine - the Crowther Hot Cake. I have owned several of these over the years and just keep coming back to this great sound. I paired it here with my 2005 Fender USA Deluxe Player Telecaster and had some. I hope you enjoy it!Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
HERMIDA AUDIO ZEN DRIVE (Love Pedal) Demo - Lo-Fi Soul Michael Watts 2023-03-25 | Continuing my nascent series of guitar pedal demos here is an exploration of another “Luxury Overdrive” the Hermida Zen Drive. Mine is one of the Love Pedal units and I like it a great deal. It goes very well with my Trussart Deluxe Steelcaster. This guitar, for the uninitiated, is made of steel with a maple neck and rosewood board. I hope you like the video - thank you to everyone who got in touch to say they’d enjoyed this trek LO-FI SOUL - your support means a lot to me. Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Was I WRONG about this wood? Michael Watts 2023-03-25 | If there was the slighted question mark in my mind about this guitar it was the use of Tasmanian Blackwood on the back and sides. I’ve had limited joy with guitars made of this wood in the past but this Turnstone guitar provided a welcome and robust challenge to my preconceptions. In fact I'd say it is the best guitar I have played in this wood and it is brand new.And who better than Rosie herself to explain exactly why!Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
TURNSTONE TM Acoustic Guitar - Tasmanian Blackwood / Moon Spruce 12-fret Michael Watts 2023-03-24 | It’s been a while since I last featured one of Rosie Heydenrych’s guitars on my channel - in the meantime she has continued to refine the sound and details of her beautiful instruments and this latest Turnstone guitars is one of my favourites. This was a custom order for someone with impeccable taste in guitars - the short scale and 12-fret neck are testament to that. In addition you have a moon spruce soundboard to make the most of the complexity and richness of the shifted bridge position. What a beautiful guitarLike what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
A Microphone Stand ON Your ACOUSTIC GUITAR? Michael Watts 2023-03-18 | Recently I’ve found myself having conversations with friends about clip-on mics for acoustic guitar. I’ve had interesting experiences with these mini units in the past - and unpredictable results. One variation on this theme is a frankly improbably accessory called the Livestrings H-Clamp which was made for a short time around 2006/7. It’s a mic stand for your guitar - but of course it is!Is this wise? Well - take a look at the video and let me know your thoughts! Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
VEMURAM JAN RAY LUXURY OVERDRIVE Demo - Lo-Fi Soul Michael Watts 2023-03-17 | The Vemuram Jan Ray is a luxury low gain drive pedal that has caused ample controversy since it was first launched. Is it a Klon killer? Is it a glorified Tube Screamer or is it exactly the same circuit as a Timmy just in a brass box?Well, I’m not sure about that but I do know that the Jan Ray has been one of my favourite pedals for a couple of years and I wanted to share some sounds with you. I hope you enjoy it! Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Michael Watts Live Stream 16 March 2023 Michael Watts 2023-03-17 | Heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined me for the live stream this week - despite the usual broadcast gremlins it was a really lovely way to spend an evening. It is slightly surreal having an online audience for my practice sessions but hey - why not!If you missed you can watch the whole show here.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
MICHAEL BASHKIN - Modern Design x Traditional Voice - Luthier Stories S2 E6 Michael Watts 2023-03-11 | What better way to finish off Season 2 of Luthier stories than a chat with a guitar maker whose work mixes beautiful modern lines and response with traditional construction techniques. Michael Bashkin is more than that though - as the host of Fretboard Journal’s Luthier on Luthier podcast his gentle manner and insight make him a compelling interviewer, and as a stalwart of the second wave of the North American luthier scene he has a wealth of hard-worn experience which he shares generously with up and coming builders and players alike. In this interview Michael talks about the development of his design ethos, his love of the luthier community and what it stands for, his work with Fretboard Journal and demonstrates a marquetry technique that I believe he pioneered in the guitar world. Finally you will join us for a behind the scenes look at a recording session in a log cabin high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed making itLike what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichaelFor more information about Bashkin guitars bashkinguitars.com
GUITAR SHOW - ASMR - Soundscape Michael Watts 2023-03-10 | Unusual licks that run out of confidence part-way through, supersaturated palm-muting, sonic barrages from rival amp companies, throbbing, wobbling screeching fun and that's just the coffee. Join me on a walk around a guitar show - and indeed all guitar shows. Inspired by my mate @ambientlands who makes some very itchy stuff indeed.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Bashkin JMC Acoustic Guitar Pau Ferro + Italian Spruce - Between Streets Michael Watts 2023-03-04 | During my recent visit to Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival I got the chance to spend time with one of my favourite guitar builders - and people - Michael Bashkin. Next week will bring the premiere of the season Finale of Luthier stories but before that I have some very beautiful guitars for you to enjoy - that is the point of this after all!This recording session took place high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in a beautiful wooden cabin free from modern fripperies such as electricity. We had three wonderful guitars with us and this is one of them. I recorded a version of Rialto and Between Streets on each guitar - and the results are revealing - as ever I used a matched pair of Gefell M300 mics and no EQ, reverb or effects. I have uploaded these as separate videos so you can arrange them any way you want in flurry of open tabs. So here we go - three guitars - same top wood but pretty much every other variable has been covered with different body shapes, neck lengths, fan fret, finish what can we learn from this aside from the fact that Michael Bashkin makes superb guitars? Well - that’s up to the listener. As you’ll find out, this was not an easy recording session at all but I hope you enjoy the results.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Bashkin JMC Acoustic Guitar Pau Ferro + Italian Spruce - RIALTO Michael Watts 2023-03-04 | During my recent visit to Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival I got the chance to spend time with one of my favourite guitar builders - and people - Michael Bashkin. Next week will bring the premiere of the season Finale of Luthier stories but before that I have some very beautiful guitars for you to enjoy - that is the point of this after all!This recording session took place high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in a beautiful wooden cabin free from modern fripperies such as electricity. We had three wonderful guitars with us and this is one of them. I recorded a version of Rialto and Between Streets on each guitar - and the results are revealing - as ever I used a matched pair of Gefell M300 mics and no EQ, reverb or effects. I have uploaded these as separate videos so you can arrange them any way you want in flurry of open tabs. So here we go - three guitars - same top wood but pretty much every other variable has been covered with different body shapes, neck lengths, fan fret, finish what can we learn from this aside from the fact that Michael Bashkin makes superb guitars? Well - that’s up to the listener. As you’ll find out, this was not an easy recording session at all but I hope you enjoy the results.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Bashkin JMC Fanfret Acoustic Guitar Madagascar Rosewood & Italian Spruce - Between Streets Michael Watts 2023-03-04 | During my recent visit to Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival I got the chance to spend time with one of my favourite guitar builders - and people - Michael Bashkin. Next week will bring the premiere of the season Finale of Luthier stories but before that I have some very beautiful guitars for you to enjoy - that is the point of this after all!This recording session took place high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in a beautiful wooden cabin free from modern fripperies such as electricity. We had three wonderful guitars with us and this is one of them. I recorded a version of Rialto and Between Streets on each guitar - and the results are revealing - as ever I used a matched pair of Gefell M300 mics and no EQ, reverb or effects. I have uploaded these as separate videos so you can arrange them any way you want in flurry of open tabs. So here we go - three guitars - same top wood but pretty much every other variable has been covered with different body shapes, neck lengths, fan fret, finish what can we learn from this aside from the fact that Michael Bashkin makes superb guitars? Well - that’s up to the listener. As you’ll find out, this was not an easy recording session at all but I hope you enjoy the results.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Bashkin OMC Acoustic Guitar Koa + Italian Spruce - RIALTO Michael Watts 2023-03-04 | During my recent visit to Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival I got the chance to spend time with one of my favourite guitar builders - and people - Michael Bashkin. Next week will bring the premiere of the season Finale of Luthier stories but before that I have some very beautiful guitars for you to enjoy - that is the point of this after all!This recording session took place high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in a beautiful wooden cabin free from modern fripperies such as electricity. We had three wonderful guitars with us and this is one of them. I recorded a version of Rialto and Between Streets on each guitar - and the results are revealing - as ever I used a matched pair of Gefell M300 mics and no EQ, reverb or effects. I have uploaded these as separate videos so you can arrange them any way you want in flurry of open tabs. So here we go - three guitars - same top wood but pretty much every other variable has been covered with different body shapes, neck lengths, fan fret, finish what can we learn from this aside from the fact that Michael Bashkin makes superb guitars? Well - that’s up to the listener. As you’ll find out, this was not an easy recording session at all but I hope you enjoy the results.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Bashkin JMC Fanfret Acoustic Guitar Madagascar Rosewood + Italian Spruce - RIALTO Michael Watts 2023-03-04 | During my recent visit to Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival I got the chance to spend time with one of my favourite guitar builders - and people - Michael Bashkin. Next week will bring the premiere of the season Finale of Luthier stories but before that I have some very beautiful guitars for you to enjoy - that is the point of this after all!This recording session took place high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in a beautiful wooden cabin free from modern fripperies such as electricity. We had three wonderful guitars with us and this is one of them. I recorded a version of Rialto and Between Streets on each guitar - and the results are revealing - as ever I used a matched pair of Gefell M300 mics and no EQ, reverb or effects. I have uploaded these as separate videos so you can arrange them any way you want in flurry of open tabs. So here we go - three guitars - same top wood but pretty much every other variable has been covered with different body shapes, neck lengths, fan fret, finish what can we learn from this aside from the fact that Michael Bashkin makes superb guitars? Well - that’s up to the listener. As you’ll find out, this was not an easy recording session at all but I hope you enjoy the results.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Bashkin Koa OMC Acoustic Guitar Koa +Between Italian Spruce - Between Streets Michael Watts 2023-03-04 | During my recent visit to Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival I got the chance to spend time with one of my favourite guitar builders - and people - Michael Bashkin. Next week will bring the premiere of the season Finale of Luthier stories but before that I have some very beautiful guitars for you to enjoy - that is the point of this after all!This recording session took place high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in a beautiful wooden cabin free from modern fripperies such as electricity. We had three wonderful guitars with us and this is one of them. I recorded a version of Rialto and Between Streets on each guitar - and the results are revealing - as ever I used a matched pair of Gefell M300 mics and no EQ, reverb or effects. I have uploaded these as separate videos so you can arrange them any way you want in flurry of open tabs. So here we go - three guitars - same top wood but pretty much every other variable has been covered with different body shapes, neck lengths, fan fret, finish what can we learn from this aside from the fact that Michael Bashkin makes superb guitars? Well - that’s up to the listener. As you’ll find out, this was not an easy recording session at all but I hope you enjoy the results.Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
ELEVEN - A New Guitar Magazine Just For You Michael Watts 2023-03-03 | eleanorjane.bigcartel.com/product/elevenmagazineELEVEN is a gorgeous new magazine by Eleanor Jane - one of the world's finest guitar photographers. It's print only and you deserve a copy. Be quick as it will soon sell out!
Taylor AD12e SB - No Talking Demo Michael Watts 2023-03-03 | A new addition to Taylor's American Dream series this ia actually one of Taylor's oldest designs - first coming out in 1984. Thigs to note - The AD series features a matte and textured finish and they are using D'Addario XP strings rather than Elixir. Whether this is a good idea or not will be up to the individual player but it's always good to experiment!I hope you enjoy it. I wrote a full review for guitar.com guitar.com/review/acoustic-guitar/taylor-ad12e-sb-reviewLike what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Parker Fly Prototype - Ken Parker - Luthier Stories S2 E5 Michael Watts 2023-02-25 | Ken Parker is a true visionary in the world of the modern electric and arch top guitars. His revolutionary “Parker Fly” design was a paradigm shift when it first appeared but as you will see - it didn’t quite turn out like Ken had planned. In contrast to other episodes of Luthier Stories - this is a short-form interview. Think of it as a haiku - take note of every word Ken says because there is a lot to take in. This was filmed at the start of the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival as everyone was getting set up and ready for the show. I was very happy to get the chance to get Ken Parker on tape for this one - I hope you enjoy it. I hope you enjoy it! Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Gretsh White Falcon - Flatwound vs Roundwound Strings Michael Watts 2023-02-24 | A thinly disguised excuse to wind up a wonderful guitar - here is a comparison video of flat wound and round wound strings on a Gretsch white Falcon. Oh yes!I recorded the guitar through my Cornford Hurricane using a UA OX Box which I have been very impressed with - lovely bit of kit. You may be surprised at the results - I certainly was!I hope you enjoy it! Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
LINDA MANZER - VISIONARY GUITAR MAKER - LUTHIER STORIES S2 E4 Michael Watts 2023-02-18 | I have absolutely loved Linda Manzer’s guitars for many years but it was only recently that I had the opportunity to visit her workshop in Almonte Ontario. Linda’s influence runs deep throughout the guitar luthier community with many of her guitars proving to be milestones in the instruments evolution - in particular in the hands of Pat Metheny. In this episode of Luthier Stories Linda shares her experiences of the working relationship with Pat Metheny which spans several decades and the creations of seminal instruments such as the Pikasso, the little Manzer and *that* baritone.I hope you enjoy it! Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Thanks a Million! Michael Watts 2023-02-17 | This past week my channel hit 1,000,000 views - I can't tell you how grateful I am to have such an erudite, inspiring and deeply attractive audience. You make this possible. Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
The Same Thing on 3 Very Different Guitars Michael Watts 2023-02-17 | Pretty much what it says on the tin - this was me having a very nice time with a trio of guitars that are about as different as can be. Why? Purely in the name of fun. The purest of intentions.I hope you enjoy it! Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
4 Songs on a Kim Walker Guitar Michael Watts 2023-02-11 | Kim Walker's work has fascinated me for many years - not least because, despite his stellar reputation - I had never had the chance to play one of his guitars. However, while on the road with The Archtop Foundation last year I visited Kim Walker’s workshop in Connecticut. After a long filming session I was left alone and unsupervised with this wonderful instrument that Kim had created as a custom order back in 1996. Quite frankly I have little recollection of what I played over the next few minutes - as such it came as something of a surprise to find full performances of four tracks when I sat down to edit the footage. Thank you very much Kim!I hope you enjoy it! Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
LHT Guitars Cadenza - Tyler Wells Michael Watts 2023-02-10 | In the final minutes of the 2022 Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival I ran over to Tyler Wells's table to make off with this instrument and film a quick video. Talk about pressure! This was the second take (Ted Ludwig walked in halfway through the first) and then I had to run back with the instrument cradled in my arms to return it safely to its creator. I hope you enjoy it! Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
Life On The Fretboard - Fretboard Journal Michael Watts 2023-02-10 | I am very happy to introduce Life On The Fretboard - my new podcast for Fretboard Journal. Life On The Fretboard is a series of face-to-face conversations with some of the most musical, inspiring and generally wonderful people out there. Episode 1 is out now and my guest is the wonderful Tony McManus fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-podcast-tony-mcmanusI hope you enjoy it! Like what I do? Tip me here michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745Until next time, stay tunedMichael
