Jim Campilongo | Truetone Lounge | 2020 Quarantine Edition

Jim Campilongo is one of the finest Telecaster players of the modern era. On his many great albums, Jim brings his beautifully unique approach to everything from honky-tonk, to jazz. In our Truetone Lounge discussion, we cover everything from his history as a player, inspirations, to his current practice regimen. We also could not help but talk of his love for late 50s Telecasters and Princeton Reverb amps.

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Arlen Roth | Truetone Lounge | 2020 Quarantine Edition

Famed Guitarist, and groundbreaking guitar educator, Arlen Roth, is our guest for the latest Truetone Lounge. We cover his touring days with John Prine, Phoebe Snow, and Simon & Garfunkel, and how his side hustle as a guitar teacher transitioned into authoring books. Those books turned to audiotapes, and then after his work with Ralph Macchio on the movie Crossroads, he turned to guitar instructional videos. The Hot Licks videos that were made from the mid-1980s through the 90s featured an amazing assortment of guitarists, from Andy Summers to Cornell Dupree. Roth continues to record and perform, and we discuss his recent Tele-Masters album, and what’s on the horizon for him.

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Duke Levine – 2020 Quarantine Edition

Duke Levine is an in-demand sideman, solo artist, and is one of the foremost roots-based guitarists of that last 30-years. His well-crafted instrumental albums contain melodies and moods, which is why he has also done acclaimed soundtrack work with Mason Daring for many of the films of John Sales. Duke can also burn on the guitar when needed while playing with Peter Wolf, and the J. Geils Band, play Honky Tonk, or Country Soul guitar with his own combo. In today’s Truetone Lounge, Levine walks us through his work with Mary Chapin Carpenter, Jonatha Brooke, Otis Rush, soundtrack work, his solo recordings, and covers his gear through the years. For all the serious gear heads, we look at Duke’s 1953 and 1963 Telecasters, 1963 Stratocaster, and Relic Tele.

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Pete Anderson – Part Two | Quarantine Edition | Truetone Lounge

In part 2, Pete talks about gear and how he produces records. He leads off by pulling out his 59 Esquire, and the parts guitar that he uses for sessions and club gigs. Anderson also goes in-depth on how he handles pre-production on an album, and the process he goes through in both tracking and overdubbing on a project. We also get useful insight on eq for guitars, and how to help your guitar sit in the mix better.

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Pete Anderson | Quarantine Edition | Truetone Lounge

With Grammy’s and millions of albums sales under his belt, Pete Anderson has nothing to prove. Anderson sits down with us to tell us his story, from sleeping in cars to incredible commercial success with Dwight Yoakam. Pete also reveals how much he was involved in the overall success of Yoakam, everything from getting he and the band’s “look” together, to the rehearsing the band until they could play the tunes in their sleep.

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Tim Lerch | Quarantine Edition | Truetone Lounge

In today’s Truetone Lounge Quarantine Edition, we sit down with the great jazz/solo guitarist and educator, Tim Lerch. A key member of the modern Tele-Jazz cats, Tim talks tone, and how he gets a jazz sound from solid-body guitars. Along the way, we discuss his time at GIT, and the private lessons he had with two legendary players, Lenny Breau, and Ted Greene. We also spotlight his new Truefire series on both chord melody work, “Solo Jazz Pathways,” and his comping/soloing lessons entitled “Jazz/Blues Pathways.”

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Kirk Fletcher – Quarantine Edition

We talk to Kirk Fletcher from his home in Switzerland and go way down the rabbit hole talking about everything from Ry Cooder and James Burton, to our love of Guitar Player magazines from the 70s and ’80s. Kirk gives us a little lesson on “Memphis Soul Stew,” and he talks about his new Youtube Channel.

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Redd Volkaert – Quarantine Chat

Today, we catch up with the mighty Redd Volkaert and see how he has been doing since he moved from Texas to Virginia, and what he has been doing while he has been isolating at home.

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Guthrie Trapp – Quarantine Edition

Via Skype, we chat with Guthrie on what he has been up to. We start off talking about picks, but move on to his philosophy of using the right amp for the right venue. He then takes on a lesson talking about using chord notes when soloing, and some substitutions.

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Stu G

Stu G is one of the most influential guitarists in the history of modern Christian/Worship music. His band, Delirious?, completely changed the sound and direction of Christian music in the mid-1990s, and their indelible stamp is still felt to this day. In our Truetone Lounge interview, Stu takes us through his early years, to Delirious?, and how they toured with rock and pop bands, even sharing many bills with Bon Jovi. Mr. Garrard explains the end of his band, and his rebirth as a solo artist, and sideman/collaborator with Michael W. Smith. We also get a walk through his impressive collection of favorite guitars, amps, and his pedalboard with a massive array of tonal choices.

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Chad Jeffers

Chad Jeffers is currently celebrating his 13th year playing arenas with Carrie Underwood. Prior to Miss Underwood, he toured with Keith Urban, Kenny Loggins, and was a member of a band signed to RCA Records. In this Truetone Lounge, Jeffers shares volumes of great advice for the up-and-coming players, coming from both the position of the artist and the sideman. He also stresses the importance of networking, hard work, and the willingness to take chances as recipes for success. Jeffers also illustrates how both being a multi-instrumentalist, and his willingness to learn has kept him working in a very competitive environment.

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Tyler Chiarelli

Tyler Chiarelli is one of the finest young guitarists in Nashville today, who has quickly assimilated the chops, gear, and attitude that are necessary to make it here in Music City. In Our Truetone Lounge interview, Tyler takes us from his beginnings as a drummer, how he shifted to guitar, the tale of Tom Bukovac convincing him to move to Nashville, the lessons learned from getting fired from gigs, and all the many takeaways from touring with a major act, and appearing on television. We also cover Chiarelli’s gear that includes a 1959 ES-335 and 1959 Fender Deluxe, Senn Pomona, Les Paul, Ebo Verb, and an XTS built pedalboard.

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Bob Weil

To celebrate Truetone’s 25th Anniversary, we sit down with founder and president, Bob Weil, to tell both his own story and that of the company he launched in 1995. The idea to launch a business began to germinate when Weil was using an off-the-shelf volume pedal that he wished had some sort of a visual indicator. Finding that no such pedal existed, he began learning about electronics, eventually starting Visual Sound and releasing the Visual Volume pedal in 1995. In Bob and Truetone’s joint 25-year story, we get everything from their first NAMM show, bankruptcy and rebirth, to the release of the flagship products Jekyll & Hyde, Route 66, H2O, and the 1 SPOT, as well as the eventual name change from Visual Sound to Truetone, the launch of the 1 SPOT Pro series, and why Bob decided to introduce the Truetone Lounge video series. We hope that after telling other’s stories for years through the Truetone Lounge, you will enjoy getting to hear ours.

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Jedd Hughes

In the latest installment of the Truetone Lounge, Jedd Hughes sits down with us to amaze us with his playing and jaw-dropping stories. From growing up in the Australian outback to his “first gig” in Nashville being at the Grand Ole Opry, to his stellar work as a sideman, session work, and of course his deeply moving new album, West, it all gets covered here. Throughout the interview, Jedd’s singular playing style showcases why he is such an in-demand musical collaborator with many of the finest artists in modern music. Hughes also covers a bit of his favorite gear including a mid 60’s Teisco K2L, 1957 Telecaster, Collings OM-1JL acoustic, Ebo amplifier, and his small pedalboard.

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Redd Volkaert

In the latest installment of the Truetone Lounge, Redd Volkaert shares with us his journey from the bars of Vancouver, Canada, to the stages with Merle Haggard, to his Grammy win for his work with Brad Paisley, to his current status as one of the great Honky-Tonk guitar heroes. Along the way, Volkaert heaps praise on bandleader extraordinaire, Don Kelley, for his powerful influence, and the thrill of filling Roy Nichol’s shoes in Merle Haggard’s band. In the gear department, we discuss what he looks for in a Tele, and his working relationships with both Grammatico amps, and Durham Electronics effects.

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Kirk Fletcher

In the latest Truetone Lounge, Kirk Fletcher shares the influences and experiences that have shaped him into one of the great modern bluesmen. Along the way, Fletcher recounts the thrills of gigging with blues greats like Charlie Musselwhite, and The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and of the challenges and rewards of launching a solo career. Kirk also clues us into how he dials in his sterling tones using a 1950’s Telecaster, 3 pedals on the floor, and a Fender Deluxe Reverb amp. His upbeat manner and stellar playing will keep you smiling until the very end.

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David Grissom

David Grissom is one of the top American roots guitarists. His singular playing style and tone have garnered him multitudes of sessions, tours with acts from the Allman Brothers to John Mellencamp, and a long-running successful signature model from Paul Reed Smith Guitars. In our Truetone Lounge interview, Grissom takes us from his childhood in Kentucky and Indiana to the storied music hub he has called home for over 30-years, Austin, Texas. Along the way, David sheds light on his voracious appetite for music and the formidable work ethic that helped forge him into one of the most revered guitarists today.

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Gordon Kennedy

Gordon Kennedy is a 2-time Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, and producer who happens to also have an amazing musical pedigree. His mother was a regular on the Louisiana Hayride with a recording contract, and his father was a member of the famed Nashville A-Team and ran Mercury Records’ Nashville division for 21-years. The stories abound about his musical upbringing, as he watches his record exec father steer the careers of Roger Miller, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the Statler Brothers, yet the pace doesn’t slow a bit as it moves into his storied career. Multiple Grammy wins, working with Frampton, Clapton, Garth, Skaggs and so many other musical legends show that Kennedy is his own man, with his own incredible story. We also take a look at some of his stunning collection of instruments that includes two that are part of the Gibson Custom Shop Collector’s Series; his father’s b-bender equipped 1961 ES-335, and his 1959 Les Paul, formerly owned by John Sebastian.

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XAct Tone Solutions

Xact Tone Solutions is at the forefront of the musician service industry offering flexible pedalboard and rack builds, highly sophisticated system integrations for the biggest touring acts, and a full-line of tonally rich pedals. In our Truetone Lounge interview, we sit down with owner/founder Greg Walton, to discuss the beginnings of XTS and some of their guiding philosophies. We then add chief engineer Barry O’Neal to get a bit more technical and have him walk us through the process of a rig build.

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Audley Freed

Audley Freed’s musicality and easy-going attitude have garnered him gigs with Cry of Love, The Black Crows, Peter Frampton, Dixie Chicks, Joe Perry, Sheryl Crow, and, many many others. In our Truetone Lounge interview, Audley shares everything from riding to gigs in vans with his early band, Cry of Love, to playing with Jimmy Page at the Greek Theatre, to his current position as one of the most in-demand sidemen in the world. Freed also talks gear, with his Senn Pomona, 1965 SG Special, B-Bender equipped Pomona, Lazy J amp, and his minimalistic pedalboard.

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Andy Reiss

Andy Reiss is one of the true western swing and jazz guitar greats in Nashville and can be seen just about every Monday night with the amazing Time Jumpers. In our Truetone Lounge interview, Andy discusses his time in San Francisco during the height of the hippy movement, his move to Nashville and mentorship with Harold Bradley, and how he ended up on tours with everyone from Slim Whitman to Reba McEntire. Reiss also educates us in the traditional 1950’s-60’s guitar styles utilized by the Nashville A-Team using a 1959 ES-335, 1958 Danelectro 6-string Bass, Waterloo WL-14, and a 1941 Stromberg archtop. For good measure, he also discusses and demonstrates his 1952 Les Paul, incredibly rare blond 1966 Barney Kessel Custom, and his 1964 Fender Pro amp.

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Daniel Tashian

In January of 2019, Daniel Tashian won the coveted Album of the Year award at the Grammy’s for his work on the Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour album. In our latest Truetone Lounge interview, we sit down with the award-winning producer/songwriter/guitarist to talk about the album, and how he began collaborating with Musgraves. He also shares how he was inspired by seeing his father perform with Emmylou Harris and the Hot Band, and his journey as an artist, songwriter, and producer. Daniel also talks about the ephemeral nature of inspiration, his attempts at capturing it, and how sounds and tones influence him.

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Will McFarlane

Will McFarlane is one of the creators and torch bearers of the Muscle Shoals sound. He was recognized for this by his induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame as one of the Swampers in 2008. In our Truetone Lounge interview, we cover the impact his family had on his musicianship, his rise to fame as a sideman with Bonnie Raitt in the ’70s, his time spent in L.A. doing session work, and his move to Muscle Shoals in 1980. McFarlane continues to perform and record in Northern Alabama and is the defacto musical ambassador for Muscle Shoals.

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Jimmy Johnson

In the latest Truetone Lounge, we take a trip down to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to meet up with Swamper, Jimmy Johnson at 3614 Jackson Highway, home of the Muscle Shoals Sound. In our interview, Johnson covered everything from his early days as Rick Hall’s first employee, through all of his groundbreaking work with Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, Paul Simon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Bob Seger. Along the way, we get amazing anecdotes about Tom Dowd, Jerry Wexler, Arif Mardin, Duane Allman, Eddie Hinton, and Pete Carr. Jimmy also shares of his involvement in the award-winning Muscle Shoals documentary, and how the film came to fruition.

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Daniel Carson

Daniel Carson is the long-standing studio and road guitarist with singer-songwriter, and Christian music artist, Chris Tomlin. In Our Truetone Lounge interview, Carson takes us from the Suburban to the tour bus on his career that started with Tomlin while Daniel was still in high school. Besides sharing his fascinating story, he also passes on important playing concepts, how he uses effects, and how he began learning the craft of songwriting from Tomlin and others.

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Jerry McPherson

In our Truetone Lounge interview with session guitarist Jerry McPherson, we look at his beginnings in Texas, early tours and sessions with Amy Grant, and his transition to his current position as a full-time and in-demand session player. We also look at his favorite session tools, and his patented robot arm, that at the touch of a button, moves a set of microphones to various cabinets in Jerry’s amp isolation room. But this episode is about so much more than his bio and gear. It is packed with Jerry’s insights on playing parts, how to use effects, and how to keep a listener engaged throughout the course of a song. This episode is pure gold for the aspiring session guitarist.

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Kenny Greenberg

Kenny Greenberg is equal parts session man, producer, songwriter, and touring pro. In our Truetone Lounge interview, we look at his multi-faceted career, and how he has continued to make his mark in Music City since his arrival in 1978. Along the way, Greenberg shows his appreciation for Richard Bennett and Tony Brown, two Nashville heavyweights who had a weighty impact on his career, and how his session work with Kenny Chesney eventually resulted in him playing live with him in stadiums across the USA. He also shares some important playing concepts, and how he navigates the give and take of playing with another guitarist in the studio. We close out with Kenny covering some of his main guitars, amps, and pedals that he uses both live and in the studio.

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Greg Martin

Guitarist Greg Martin lives at the intersection of hillbilly, blues, gospel, and rock, and is one of the greatest proponents of pure guitar and amp tones. In our Truetone Lounge interview, we cover his years of playing the club circuit, work with country star Ronnie McDowell, and his meteoric rise to fame with the Kentucky Headhunters.

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Chris Rodriguez

Chris Rodriguez is one of the most in-demand sidemen in the music business. In our Truetone Lounge interview, Chris talks about an exceptional career playing music with some of the world’s most beloved artists.

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Steve Gibson

Steve Gibson is one of the most recorded guitarists in the world, having played on over 200 # 1 singles across a variety of musical genres.

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Steve Wariner

Steve Wariner’s crazy musical odyssey is filled with characters with names like Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Reggie Young, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Mark O’Connor and many others that are either titans or demigods of the music world. In our Truetone Lounge interview, Steve discusses all of the musical giants above, while also taking us from his early years in Indiana, all the way to commercial and artistic success all over the world.

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J.D. Simo – Rewind

JD Simo returns to the Truetone Lounge to talk about his forthcoming blues album and his work with Phil Lesh and Friends. Along the way, Simo discusses some of his favorite blues players demonstrating many of their playing styles for good measure.

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Paul Franklin – Part 2

In Part 2 our interview with Paul Franklin, we discuss his new streaming “The Paul Franklin Method” lesson system, Paul’s triadic approach to soloing, and some of the ins-and-outs for the beginner wanting to get into the pedal steel

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Paul Franklin – Part 1

Paul Franklin is arguably the greatest modern innovator of the pedal steel guitar. In our Truetone Lounge interview, we cover both his work in country music, and his groundbreaking steel playing outside of the genre with artists as diverse as Dire Straits, Sting, Barbara Streisand, and Megadeth.

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Guthrie Trapp – Part 2

Guthrie Trapp is one of the finest guitarists in Nashville, TN, a town known for its amazing musicians. In Part 2 our Truetone Lounge interview, we learn about his Country Guitar ArtistWorks lesson series, and how his students all over the world are able to share their videos with him and get personalized help with their playing. We also dive head first into gear talk, with Trapp sharing some of his tone concepts. These concepts include how he dials in his amps, and how he uses pedals to enhance an already great sounding amp tone. Guthrie also showcases 3 of his favorite instruments, a 1969 Gibson ES-335, Russ Pahl Jr Tele-style, and his Danocaster Double-Cut Strat-style.

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Guthrie Trapp – Part 1

Guthrie Trapp is one of the finest guitarists in Nashville, TN. In our Truetone Lounge interview, we talk with Trapp about his early playing experiences on the Gulf Coast, why he moved to Nashville, and how performing with the Don Kelley Band punched his career into overdrive. We also discuss his musically eclectic new album, Life After Dark, that features Vince Gill, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Jimmy Hall, The McCrary Sisters, and Bekka Bramlett as guests.

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John Jorgenson – Part 3

In part 3 of our Truetone Lounge interview, Jorgenson begins touring with Elton John, and he learns the joys and challenges of playing arenas and soccer stadiums. After Elton, he forms a Gypsy Jazz combo, Bluegrass group, and an Electric band to fulfill his desire to challenge himself musically. John also speaks about his recent work with the late Tom Petty on Chris Hillman’s Bidin’ My Time, and the thrill of working with Petty as a producer.

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John Jorgenson – Part 2

In part 2 of our Truetone Lounge interview, John Jorgenson gets his first recording contract with the Desert Rose Band, launches his session career, becomes a Hellecaster, and is asked by Elton John to join him on a world tour.

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John Jorgenson – Part 1

John Jorgenson is one of the finest and most versatile musicians on the planet. In part 1 of our Truetone Lounge interview, we get down to the nitty-gritty of his early years, and all of the hard work and risk-taking that ultimately paid off with a chance encounter in early 1985 that launched him onto the international stage.

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Brent Mason – Part 2 of 3

Brent Mason is one of the titans of the Nashville studio scene whose impact on the “Nashville Sound” cannot be overstated. In part 2 of our Truetone Lounge interview, Brent discusses his iconic Tele playing…

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Brent Mason – Part 1 of 3

Brent Mason is one of the titans of the Nashville studio scene whose impact on the “Nashville Sound” cannot be overstated. His versatile and ear-catching guitar work has helped define the works of some of the greatest Country Music Artists of all time.

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Reggie Young – Part 2 of 3

In part 2 with Reggie Young, we discuss his work with Elvis, and what lead to the end of American Studios in Memphis. We continue with his move to Nashville in 1972, and how a session…

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Reggie Young – Part 1 of 3

In part 1 of our Truetone Lounge interview, we cover Reggie Young’s early years in Memphis playing with the Bill Black Combo and sessions at Royal Studios, all the way up to his early work with Chips Moman at American Sound Studios.

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Ryan Wariner – Part 1 of 2

Ryan Wariner is a touring and session guitarist in Nashville, TN, who has blazed his own trail by focusing on harder edged playing and tones in a town mainly known for twang.

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Bill Crook (Crook Custom Guitars)

Bill Crook is one of the most respected electric guitar builders of the modern era. Bill shares his guitar building philosophies, and how his days touring with the group, America, influenced the features and functionality of every Crook Custom Guitar.

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Justin Ostrander

In this Truetone Lounge episode, we present Justin Ostrander, part of the new crop of session guitarists in Nashville, TN.

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Shawn Tubbs – Part 2 of 2

In Part 2 of our Truetone Lounge interview with Shawn Tubbs, we discuss his touring with Carrie Underwood, and how his gear has changed over the past 10-years to meet the tonal and logistical demands of the gig. Shawn also talks about his gear demos, and his thoughts as he contemplates making a guitar-focused solo record. Tubbs also goes through his grab-and-go pedal board and demonstrates his Suhr Classic Antique guitar.

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Shawn Tubbs – Part 1 of 2

In Part 1 of our Truetone Lounge interview with Shawn Tubbs, we cover his early years, how he established himself as a session guitarist in Los Angeles, and his appearances with the Stone Temple Pilots on MTV’s Unplugged and NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Tubbs also discusses how a red-eye flight to Nashville led him to touring with Country Music Superstar Carrie Underwood.

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Scott Bernard

Scott Bernard is a respected touring and recording guitarist who has spent the last 8-years touring with pop icon Kenny Loggins. In our Truetone Lounge interview, we cover his early years, his move to Tennessee, and how he established himself as a working guitarist in Music City. Bernard also demonstrates his Melancon guitar, his touring pedal board, and the proper way to play the guitar parts for “Footloose.”

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J.D. Simo – Part 3 of 3

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

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J.D. Simo – Part 2 of 3

In Part 2 with J.D. Simo, we delve into his trio, and his thoughts as they begin working on their next album. We also dive headfirst into his gear, beginning with his recent switch from Plexi Marshalls to mid 60’s blackface Fender amps, and touch on his love for lesser known combos such as the Epiphone Futura, and the Traynor YGM. We end the episode spotlighting Simo’s 1962 ES-335, affectionately known as “Red,” and the basis for two recent signature models from Gibson Custom.

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J.D. Simo – Part 1 of 3

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

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Rob McNelley – Part 2 of 2

In part 2 of our Truetone Lounge interview with guitarist Rob McNelley, we talk about the gear he uses both on the road, and in the studio. Rob talks about, and then demonstrates 3 of his most used instruments; his 1953 gold top Les Paul, his P90 equipped Senn Pomona, and his prized 1965 Stratocaster that was formerly owned and played by his father. He also goes in-depth with his pedal board, and talks about his vintage Princeton Reverb, his favorite grab and go amp.

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Rob McNelley – Part 1 of 2

Rob McNelley is one of the very few “first call” session guitarists in Nashville, TN. In part 1 of 2, we discuss his musical upbringing in Ohio, his move to Nashville, working as a touring guitarist, and how he began to get called for studio work . McNelley recalls how his playing on Lady Antebellum’s chart topping hit, “Need You Now,” single-handedly launched his recording career. Rob also shares how performing with his own band locally, and touring with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Bob Seger, helps to keep his musical ideas fresh and vital.

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John Leventhal – Part 3 of 3

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

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John Leventhal – Part 2 of 3

In Part 2, we discuss John Leventhal’s 23 years of musical collaboration with wife Rosanne Cash, and his recent work with Stax Records singer and songwriter, William Bell. We go in depth on his philosophy behind the reimagining of classic country and folk tunes on Rosanne Cash’s The List, the inspiration behind her “Southern” themed album, The River & The Thread, and the thrills and challenges of making the modern soul album, This Is Where I live, with William Bell.

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John Leventhal – Part 1 of 3

In Part 1 of our 3-part series with the Grammy award-winning producer John Leventhal, we discuss his early years, and why he picked up the guitar and began learning the craft of songwriting. He also describes the thrill of having his first outing as a producer result in a Grammy win for Shawn Colvin’s 1989 album, Steady On. John also shares how a home studio demo tape led to him catching the attention of Marc Cohn and working on Cohn’s huge hit, “Walking in Memphis.” Leventhal also discusses how he met Rosanne Cash and began a collaboration that began musically and culminated in marriage.

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Todd Sharp – Part 3 of 3

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

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Todd Sharp – Part 2 of 3

In Part 2 of our Truetone Lounge interview with Todd Sharp, we take a look at his 1986 solo album for MCA, Who Am I, and his days playing stadium gigs with Rod Stewart using a pair of 150-watt custom Dumble amp heads. We also cover Todd’s move to Nashville, roadwork with Carlene Carter, Delbert McClinton, and Richard Marx, and how he transitioned into Nashville’s amplifier guru to the stars.

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Todd Sharp – Part 1 of 3

In this Truetone Lounge episode, we speak with Todd Sharp, veteran guitarist and more recently, acclaimed amp builder. In part one, we speak with Sharp about his working musician family and teenage gigs in the 60’s, to working up to being a high-profile sideman with Hall & Oats, Mick Fleetwood, and Bob Welch in the 1970’s. He also shares the enviable experience of writing with Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie for her self-titled 1984 release, and the thrill of recording with Eric Clapton.

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Tom Hemby

Tom Hemby is a highly respected touring and studio guitarist based in Nashville, TN. His hard work, talent, and versatility equipped him to work with Amy Grant, Vince Gill and Wynonna on the road, and musical icons Michael McDonald, Cliff Richard, Glen Campbell, Kenny Loggins, Peter Cetera, and many others in the studio. In our Truetone Lounge interview, we tell his story from rural Missouri to stages and studios across the globe. Additionally, Tom graciously shares some golden advice for the aspiring musician, and talks about his jazz/fusion band that includes drumming legend Keith Carlock. Hemby also talks gear, and demonstrates his pedal board and his two favorite guitars, a 90’s Custom Shop Fender Stratocaster, and a vintage 1959 Gibson ES-355.

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Pat Buchanan

From touring with some of the biggest acts in the music business, to appearing in a music video with the legendary Miles Davis, guitarist Pat Buchanan has seemingly done it all. In our interview with Buchanan, we talk about his early years in Atlanta, his time touring with Cameo and Hall & Oats in the 1980’s, his work with Cyndi Lauper in the early 90’s, and his move to Nashville to become a part the session scene. We also discuss Pat’s current gig with Amy Grant, working on the Nashville television show, and we go in-depth about his favorite guitars, effects, and amps.

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Derek Wells – Part 3 of 3

In our visit with Derek in the Truetone Lounge, we talk with him about his gear, and he demonstrates some of his session tools in Part 3 of this 3 part series.

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Derek Wells – Part 2 of 3

Derek Wells is one of the top session guitarists in Nashville, TN. In our visit with Derek in the Truetone Lounge, we talk with him about his break into the session world in Part 2 of this 3 part series.

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Derek Wells – Part 1 of 3

Derek Wells is one of the top session guitarists in Nashville, TN. He has played on numerous top 10 albums, singles, and was recently nominated for the 2016 Academy of Country Music Musician of the year award, in the guitarist category. We talk with him about his beginnings as a touring guitarist in Part 1.

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Pat Bergeson

Pat Bergeson visits the Truetone Lounge to talk guitar and to share his experiences as a veteran touring and studio musician. Besides his past work with Chet Atkins, Lyle Lovett, Wynonna, and Madeleine Peyroux, Pat shares of his recent work with guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel, and touring with Les Brers, a group of former Allman Brothers that includes Butch Trucks, Jack Pearson, Otiel, and Jaimoe. Throughout the episode, Pat’s playing and tone demonstrate why he has continued to be an in-demand guitarist in Nashville.

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Jeff Senn – Guitar Extended Footage

Truetone Lounge Episode #2 included some great guitar work that had to be chopped down for running time reasons. here is the guitar demo clips from Episode 2 as well as footage that never made the final cut. Enjoy!

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Jeff Senn

Jeff Senn, renowned guitar builder and guitarist, is the second guest on our Truetone Lounge series. During the interview, Senn speaks in-depth on his beginnings as an instrument repairman, his years as a touring professional, his transition over a decade ago into a well-respected guitar builder, and his instrumental band, Crazy Aces. Interspersed, Jeff demonstrates 2 of his own Original Senn instruments, along with a vintage 1959 Guyatone that helped inspire his latest release, the Original Senn Model 1.

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Al Perkins

Welcome to the Truetone Lounge. We are kicking off this show with the legendary Al Perkins. Al sits down with Truetone’s Zac Childs (also a columnist for Vintage Guitar Magazine) for a casual and informative chat with Al about his life, career, and tools of his craft.

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