Podcasts by The Fret Files

The Fret Files

Guitar Workshop Podcast

Further podcasts by Eric Daw

Podcast on the topic Musik

All episodes

The Fret Files
Ep 186–Q&A from 2023-12-01T23:01:52

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 an...

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The Fret Files
Ep 185–Q&A from 2023-11-15T18:32:50

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, selec...

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The Fret Files
Ep 184–Q&A from 2023-11-02T04:06:23

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 buil...

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The Fret Files
Ep 183–Q&A from 2023-10-16T04:42:52

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 D...

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The Fret Files
Ep 182–Q&A from 2023-10-02T05:59

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 pickgua...

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The Fret Files
Ep 181–Guitar News and Q&A from 2023-09-15T17:44:36

In this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, Eric takes questions regarding tremolo springs on Stratocasters, correcting the excessive belly in a 12 string, the best cleaner and polish to use on nitr...

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The Fret Files
Ep 180–Jim Glinsky of Austin, TX from 2023-09-01T07:00

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 ble...

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The Fret Files
Ep 179–Q&A from 2023-08-16T04:39:04

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 178–Q&A from 2023-08-01T18:00

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 o...

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The Fret Files
Ep 177–Q&A from 2023-07-15T07:00

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 176–Q&A from 2023-07-01T07:00

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 whet...

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The Fret Files
Ep 175–Q&A from 2023-06-15T20:55:27

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,"wh...

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The Fret Files
Ep 174–Q&A from 2023-06-01T07:00

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 173–Q&A from 2023-05-15T20:01:30

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 fr...

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The Fret Files
Ep 172–Q&A from 2023-05-02T04:00

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 171–Q&A from 2023-04-15T07:00

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 Soun...

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The Fret Files
Ep 170–John Theisen of El Camino School from 2023-04-01T07:00

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 professio...

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The Fret Files
Ep 169–Q&A from 2023-03-15T07:00

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 168–Q&A from 2023-03-01T08:00

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 167–Q&A from 2023-02-16T04:53:37

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 levellin...

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The Fret Files
Ep 166–Q&A from 2023-02-01T08:00

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 potentiome...

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The Fret Files
Ep 165–Q&A from 2023-01-16T01:23:56

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 164–Q&A from 2022-12-16T04:45:05

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 gum...

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The Fret Files
Ep 163–Q&A from 2022-12-02T04:03:11

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 wi...

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The Fret Files
Ep 162–Q&A from 2022-11-15T07:00

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, aco...

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The Fret Files
Ep 161–Q&A and Quiz recap from 2022-11-01T19:36

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 160–Q&A from 2022-10-15T06:01

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 159–Q&A from 2022-10-01T19:20:27

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 158–Book Release from 2022-09-15T06:00

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 157–Calls Only from 2022-09-02T05:59

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 156–just a few announcements from 2022-08-15T21:18:11

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 155–Dave Staudte revisted from 2022-08-01T07:00

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 humidificati...

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The Fret Files
Ep 154–Q&A from 2022-07-16T21:48:07

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, r...

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The Fret Files
Ep 153–Q&A from 2022-07-01T06:00

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep152–Q&A from 2022-06-16T04:17:45

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 151–Q&A and Mark Tossman from 2022-06-01T18:00

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 episod...

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The Fret Files
Ep 150–Q&A from 2022-05-15T06:00

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 149–Q&A from 2022-05-01T07:00

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 fi...

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The Fret Files
Ep 148–Q&A from 2022-04-16T04:01:13

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 re...

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The Fret Files
Ep 147–Q&A from 2022-04-01T07:00

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 loo...

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The Fret Files
Ep 146–Q&A from 2022-03-15T06:00

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 humidi...

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The Fret Files
Ep 145–Q&A from 2022-03-01T07:00

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 b...

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The Fret Files
Ep 144–Q&A from 2022-02-16T06:00

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 143–Q&A from 2022-02-01T08:00

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 142–Q&A from 2022-01-15T08:00

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 141–Q&A from 2021-12-15T07:00

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 th...

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The Fret Files
Ep 140–News, a Question, and an Interview from 2021-12-01T07:01

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 139–Q&A from 2021-11-16T05:16:37

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 dow...

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The Fret Files
Ep 138–Horror Stories! from 2021-10-31T00:00

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 137–Q&A from 2021-10-15T04:52:38

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 war...

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The Fret Files
Ep 136–Q&A from 2021-10-01T23:59

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, ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 135 – an explanation of sorts from 2021-09-15T01:00

Eric is solo in this episode of the Fret Files Podcast, and first up is a tribute to Norm Macdonald who passed away today. Then Eric answers a few questions concerning luthier schools and classes,...

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The Fret Files
Ep 134–Q&A from 2021-09-01T12:59

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 repai...

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The Fret Files
Ep 133–Q&A from 2021-08-15T23:59

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 filli...

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The Fret Files
Ep 132–Q&A from 2021-08-01T02:00

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. Als...

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The Fret Files
Ep 131–Jay Boone of Emerald City Guitars and some Q&A from 2021-07-15T01:00

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 130–Q&A and a surprise interview from 2021-07-01T01:00

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 pi...

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The Fret Files
Ep 129–Q&A from 2021-06-15T01:00

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 128–Q&A from 2021-06-01T23:59

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 Tel...

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The Fret Files
Ep 127–Q&A from 2021-05-15T23:59

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, ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 126–Q&A from 2021-05-01T23:59

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 125–Q&A&a new segment from 2021-04-15T04:41:49

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, revers...

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The Fret Files
Ep 124–Q&A from 2021-04-01T04:16:06

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,...

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The Fret Files
Ep 123–Q&A from 2021-03-15T05:00

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 level...

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The Fret Files
Ep 122–Q&A from 2021-03-01T23:49

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 121–Q&A from 2021-02-15T23:57

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 ju...

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The Fret Files
Ep 120–Rick Tish from playersgearmusic.com from 2021-02-01T05:59

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 whe...

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The Fret Files
Ep 119–Q&A from 2021-01-15T05:02:21

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, refretti...

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The Fret Files
Ep 118–Q&A from 2020-12-15T05:08:30

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 117–Q&A and a Quiz from 2020-12-01T05:08:54

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 116–Q&A&Scott Freilich from 2020-11-15T05:12:42

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, an...

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The Fret Files
Ep 115–Horror Stories! from 2020-10-31T01:00:02

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 h...

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The Fret Files
Ep 114–Q&A from 2020-10-15T04:08:10

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 ear...

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The Fret Files
Ep 113–Q&A from 2020-10-01T05:15:17

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 112–Q&A from 2020-09-15T06:19:12

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 111–Q&A from 2020-09-01T04:16:47

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions concerning 335 wiring problems, string trees, rusty polepieces, paulownia, shaped neck joint heels, and more.

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The Fret Files
Ep 110–Q&A from 2020-08-15T23:59:47

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 109–Q&A from 2020-08-01T04:00

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 108–Q&A from 2020-07-15T23:59

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 separ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 107–Q&A from 2020-07-01T01:00

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 sl...

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The Fret Files
Ep 106–Q&A from 2020-06-15T03:00

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions regarding Fiesta Red, Eric Johnson, James Cotton, Jack White, 1950's Telecasters, and more.

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The Fret Files
Ep 105–Q&A from 2020-06-01T04:00

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions regarding Washburn guitars, rewiring a 335, lacquering over headstock decals, touching up paint, intonation, and more.

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The Fret Files
Ep 104–Q&A from 2020-05-15T04:53:57

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 103–Q&A from 2020-05-01T04:24:04

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 hi...

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The Fret Files
Ep 102–Q&A from 2020-04-15T03:55:47

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 101–Q&A from 2020-04-01T04:19:56

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, ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 100–Q&A from 2020-03-15T23:59

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,...

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The Fret Files
Ep 99–Q&A from 2020-03-01T05:38

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 servi...

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The Fret Files
Ep 98–Dave Staudte from 2020-02-15T23:59

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 97–Q&A from 2020-02-01T16:30

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 96–Q&A from 2020-01-15T04:51:16

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 d...

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The Fret Files
Ep 95–Q&A from 2019-12-15T23:18

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 94–Q&A from 2019-12-01T21:00

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 93–Q&A from 2019-11-15T06:01:19

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 tal...

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The Fret Files
Ep 92–Horror Stories from 2019-10-31T01:00:51

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take a few questions (like what causes figuring in maple) and read submitted Guitar Horror Stories. Enjoy!

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The Fret Files
Ep 91–Q&A from 2019-10-15T23:59:25

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,...

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The Fret Files
Ep 90–Q&A from 2019-10-01T23:59:28

In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk about pore filling, getting the wax off pickups, binding repair, Supro guitars, special taper pots and more.

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The Fret Files
Ep 89–Q&A from 2019-09-15T04:21:24

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 88–Q&A and amp kits from 2019-09-01T23:00:44

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 87–Q&A from 2019-08-15T05:05:23

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 leathe...

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The Fret Files
Ep 86–Q&A from 2019-08-01T01:00:26

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 wh...

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The Fret Files
Ep 85–Q&A from 2019-07-15T04:05:11

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 jo...

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The Fret Files
Ep 84–Q&A and News from 2019-07-01T04:15:41

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 profi...

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The Fret Files
Ep 83–Q&A from 2019-06-15T23:36:11

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 82–Q&A from 2019-06-01T03:55

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"horro...

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The Fret Files
Ep 81–Q&A from 2019-05-15T04:15:27

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 80–Q&A from 2019-05-02T03:45:07

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 79–Q&A from 2019-04-15T03:54:08

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 78–Q&A from 2019-04-01T04:00:48

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, a...

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The Fret Files
Ep 77–Q&A from 2019-03-15T12:00:33

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 76–Q&A from 2019-03-01T00:01:39

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 reli...

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The Fret Files
Ep 75–Q&A from 2019-02-14T05:01:35

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 74–Q&A from 2019-02-01T00:00:05

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 b...

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The Fret Files
Ep 73–Q&A from 2019-01-15T05:55:30

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 72–Q&A from 2018-12-15T05:35:31

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about Richlite, crack repair, gluing fingerboards, replacing pots, wet sanding, and lemon oil.

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The Fret Files
Ep 71–Henry Cooper from 2018-12-01T19:46:40

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<...

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The Fret Files
Ep 70–Q&A from 2018-11-15T04:45:51

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 conditioni...

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The Fret Files
Ep 69–Horror Stories! from 2018-10-31T03:43:55

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.  En...

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The Fret Files
Ep 68–Q&A from 2018-10-15T04:51:09

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 67–Q&A from 2018-10-01T04:04:20

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 66–Todd Lunneborg from 2018-09-15T01:00:18

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 his...

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The Fret Files
Ep 65–Q&A from 2018-09-01T01:00:57

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, fis...

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The Fret Files
Ep 64–Q&A from 2018-08-15T04:23:52

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, ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 63–Q&A from 2018-08-01T22:14:19

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 62–Q&A from 2018-07-15T04:46:35

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 em...

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The Fret Files
Ep 61–Q&A from 2018-06-15T05:13:27

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, deglos...

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The Fret Files
Ep 60–Q&A from 2018-06-01T15:49:05

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about truss rod adjustments, restringing, removing finishes, removing frets, and a discussion about junky pickups.

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The Fret Files
Ep 59–Q&A from 2018-05-15T15:32:45

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about pickups, rosewood, and custom guitars.

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The Fret Files
Ep 58–Scott Freilich from 2018-05-01T01:39:57

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 57- Q&A from 2018-04-13T16:22:17

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 56–Q&A from 2018-03-15T15:24:51

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 55–Q&A from 2018-03-01T16:17:52

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 54–Q&A from 2018-02-15T16:36:09

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about headstock shapes, installing nuts, tapered reamers,  blocking Stratocaster tremolos, removing finishes, and more.

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The Fret Files
Ep 53–Q&A from 2018-02-01T08:44:20

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 52–Q&A from 2018-01-11T16:35:46

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 n...

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The Fret Files
Ep 51–Q&A from 2017-12-14T08:59:51

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"Telec...

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The Fret Files
Ep 50–Q&A from 2017-12-07T08:10:54

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions from listeners about fret ends, Les Paul wiring, rub-on stain, and Dearmond pickups.

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The Fret Files
Ep 49–Q&A from 2017-11-30T08:00:27

In this episode, Eric and Melissa talk guitar news, and take questions from listeners about frets, washers, neck resets, and left handed pickups.

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The Fret Files
Ep 48–Neal Brown from 2017-11-16T08:00

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 legen...

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The Fret Files
Ep 47–Q&A from 2017-11-09T16:53:19

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 46–Q&A from 2017-11-02T08:32:46

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 Gib...

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The Fret Files
Ep 45–Horror Stories! from 2017-10-26T08:30:12

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.  

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The Fret Files
Ep 44–Mark Arnquist from 2017-10-19T08:49:24

In this episode, Eric interviews guitar repair guru and former Rickenbacker employee Mark Arnquist.

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The Fret Files
Ep 43–Q&A from 2017-10-12T08:00:27

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 f...

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The Fret Files
Ep 42–Dale Fortune from 2017-10-05T08:07:41

In this episode, Eric interviews luthier, repairman, and former Rickenbacker employee Dale Fortune.

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The Fret Files
Ep 41–“0le Fuzzy” from 2017-09-28T08:01:01

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."  

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The Fret Files
Ep 40–Q&A from 2017-09-21T05:00:56

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 specia...

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The Fret Files
Ep 39–Chelsea Clark from 2017-09-14T01:00:12

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 tha...

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The Fret Files
Ep 38–Guitar News and Q&A from 2017-08-30T04:50:41

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 3...

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The Fret Files
Ep 37–Guitar News and Q&A from 2017-08-01T21:01:13

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 i...

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The Fret Files
Ep 36–Guitar News and Q&A from 2017-07-02T05:57:22

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 35–Q&A and Headstock Mysteries from 2017-05-31T16:58:02

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 Homewoo...

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The Fret Files
Ep 34–Q&A and Moving to Idaho! from 2017-04-28T16:45:17

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!

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The Fret Files
Ep 33–Q&A and Shrinking Tuner Buttons from 2017-04-01T05:38:55

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 32–Q&A and Shop Safety from 2017-02-27T23:58:11

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!.

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The Fret Files
Ep 31–Q&A and Fret Sprout from 2017-01-30T17:50:58

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!.

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The Fret Files
Ep 30–Q&A and Xmas from 2016-12-21T19:42:07

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 29–Q&A and Lipstick Pickup Showdown from 2016-11-22T05:20:51

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 ma...

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The Fret Files
Ep 28–Q&A and Horror Stories from 2016-10-21T18:00:53

In this episode, Eric and Melissa take questions about beveled pickup polepieces, warped necks, pickup winding, setting intonation and read GUITAR HORROR STORIES!

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The Fret Files
Ep 27–Q&A and Customer Relations from 2016-10-02T18:05:49

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 26–Q&A and Mark Tossman from 2016-08-31T18:09:34

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 ma...

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The Fret Files
Ep 25–Q&A and Headstock Breaks from 2016-08-02T18:14:22

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 24–Q&A and Rusty Polepieces from 2016-07-01T18:20:33

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.

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The Fret Files
Ep 23–Q&A and News Follow Up from 2016-05-25T18:25:55

In this episode, Eric and Melissa follow up on a news story from last month, talk guitar wiring, slotted headstocks, bone nuts and more.

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The Fret Files
Ep 22–Guitar News and Q&A from 2016-05-02T18:32:28

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 t...

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The Fret Files
Ep 21–Q&A and Jason Verlinde from 2016-03-23T18:37:33

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 b...

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The Fret Files
Ep 20–Q&A and Bridge Pins from 2016-02-19T16:44:42

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 19–Q&A and Setup Tips from 2016-01-20T16:55:26

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 18–Q&A and Bizarre Pickups from 2015-12-01T16:00:03

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 Gu...

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The Fret Files
Ep 17–Q&A and Horror Stories from 2015-10-26T16:05:02

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 f...

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The Fret Files
Ep 16–Q&A and Neck Heaters from 2015-09-27T16:06:36

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 15–Q&A and Gibson/Fender Discussion from 2015-08-26T16:09:32

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 14–Q&A and Harmony Truss Rods from 2015-07-22T16:13:46

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 guita...

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The Fret Files
Ep 13–Q&A and Guitar Myths from 2015-06-22T16:18:45

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,...

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The Fret Files
Ep 12–Q&A and Gene Nygaard from 2015-05-22T16:22:10

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 5...

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The Fret Files
Ep 11–Q&A and Banjo Jokes from 2015-03-26T16:26:48

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 10–Q&A and a settled bet from 2015-02-24T16:29:48

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 9–Guitar News and Q&A from 2015-01-19T16:32:22

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, ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 8–Q&A and Mikel Zwilssler on Capacitors from 2014-12-23T16:35

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....

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The Fret Files
Ep 7–Guitar News and Q&A from 2014-08-25T16:38:36

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 6–Guitar News, Q&A, and Doug Tulloch from 2014-07-18T16:42:01

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 Gibs...

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The Fret Files
Ep 5–Guitar News, Q&A, and Trevor Boone from 2014-06-09T16:43:52

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 Documentar...

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The Fret Files
Ep 4–Guitar News, Q&A, and Mitch Doran from 2014-04-18T21:08

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 ...

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The Fret Files
Ep 3–Guitar News, Q&A, and Jason Lollar from 2014-03-18T21:00

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 secon...

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The Fret Files
Ep 2–Q&A and Jay Boone from 2014-02-13T16:31:42

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...

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The Fret Files
Ep 1–Introduction and John Guilford from 2014-01-14T16:37:43

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 call...

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