tag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:/blogs/blog?p=5Michael Watts Guitar Blog2024-03-13T14:24:58+00:00Michael Watts The Michael Watts Podcast Michael WattsfalseMichael Wattsinfo@michaelwattsguitar.comtag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73664192024-03-13T14:24:58+00:002024-03-13T15:04:55+00:00THE SECRETS OF TAYLOR'S SUCCESS - 50TH ANNIVERSARY 314ce LTD<p>I’ve been spending some time with a Taylor 314ce LTD - a strictly limited edition guitar that Taylor Guitars have launched to celebrate their 50th anniversary.<span> Sapelle and torrified spruce - very nice too. </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1ade1bbeb74326f116e92e4bd1bfecbadf61589b/original/img-0923.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p>Taylor are no longer the young upstart that came out of nowhere to know the complacent Gibson and Martin companies off their perches in the 1980s. My time with this guitar got me thinking about the success of Taylor Guitars in this video.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="rEOEPwRaJvw" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rEOEPwRaJvw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;">And you can hear this instrument in action right here</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="UXmILKBlPJk" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UXmILKBlPJk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="200" width="1024" /></a>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73626492024-03-06T17:23:12+00:002024-03-08T03:13:18+00:00ARCHTOP GUITAR WITH A FLAT BACK? BLIND GUITARS B51-A<p>I have spent a beautiful couple of days with a very special instrument - The B51-A model by Virgile Pilon of <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.blindguitars.com" data-link-type="url">Blind Guitars</a> in France. Just look at that!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/08719164f576efbf977ace9135aa59261ff81cd7/original/img-5854.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p>Archtop guitars with flat backs are pretty rare but they have been a massive influence on a lot of acoustic luthiers such as the legendary Stefan Sobell. This guitar features quilted movingui on the back and sides.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/aca8adcdd8d2ee2c6c94219d2d53b09a6c0c51e0/original/img-5870.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p style="text-align:center;">And a European spruce top with a very D'Aquisto macassar ebony scratchplate. Tasty!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/d6fce4ff60dd7f5ff8f88c2b918c4959cb40977b/original/img-5855.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p style="text-align:center;">Here it is in action - I hope you enjoy it!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="0q1Ozlbet_0" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0q1Ozlbet_0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="200" width="1024" /></a>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73619952024-03-05T13:28:09+00:002024-03-05T13:28:10+00:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD - JOCELYN GOULD<p><span style="color:rgb(3,40,48);">The latest episode of Life On The Fretboard - My podcast for Fretboard Journal - is now live and my guest is the wonderful Canadian jazz talent Jocelyn Gould!</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/4addee911a130dbdbce0a1834ae06690523945e4/original/jo-gould-square-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="1000" width="1000" /><p><span style="color:rgb(32,32,32);">We talked about Jocelyn’s childhood fascination with guitar, the challenge of learning to learn individuality in music, setting lofty goals, and the almost telepathic levels of communication enjoyed by jazz musicians at the highest level. And then, just like that, Jocelyn was off to Barcelona to play with another pickup band before returning to Winnipeg to launch her new YouTube podcast. It’s non-stop!</span></p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="200" width="1024" /></a>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73619812024-03-05T13:14:25+00:002024-03-05T13:14:25+00:00KING FUZZ - BIGFOOT ENGINEERING - MY NEW FAVOURITE FUZZ<p>I have a lifelong fascination with fuzz pedals and I always welcome the chance to try a new one - especially when it comes as highly regarded as the KING FUZZ by Bigfoot Engineering.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/15567303ca4dee717023cac79a65c2992638b837/original/img-0812.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p>While the controls couldn’t be simpler with just Gain and Volume knobs - this is pretty much exactly what I want in a fuzz pedal.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/d0faf254e6acf332ccc4016156974c30aa5eed97/original/img-0822.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p style="text-align:center;">Quite frankly this is one of the best I’ve ever heard</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/9f5914d6f8780873b12654f6f04485b143c259f2/original/img-0823.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p style="text-align:center;">I hope this video shows why!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="l0lVTW3bgDI" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l0lVTW3bgDI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="200" width="1024" /></a>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73592322024-02-29T08:59:45+00:002024-02-29T17:29:58+00:00SECRETS OF THE CLASSIC ACOUSTIC GUITAR SOUND<p>I’ve always been fascinated by the slightly wild classic acoustic guitar sound from live sessions by Yusuf/Cat Stevens</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/db2760b16788aab9cb46a82169e103ba73693c26/original/screenshot-2024-02-28-at-11-48-31.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="827" width="1110" /><p style="text-align:center;">Bill Withers</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/257483a1f47b4986a6c91450f64c2b4743bfda54/original/img-6834.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="1138" width="1526" /><p style="text-align:center;">David Bowie</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/679f6d088a5043b3196f96120f822271b66874a6/original/screenshot-2024-02-28-at-11-46-36.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="822" width="1047" /><p>A lot of what I’ve seen in these recordings goes against everything I’ve been taught about sound engineering though - but you can’t argue with the results.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/d6ba392952db54251227e92deae880bf53da1486/original/screenshot-2024-02-29-at-08-54-58.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="760" width="1106" /><p style="text-align:center;">It’s a world of weird goose-neck mics and strange positioning<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/286417d7803bd679d51d00b46a6a8a1c0f168f5d/original/screenshot-2024-02-28-at-11-47-10.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="820" width="1059" /><p style="text-align:center;">A bit of a wild west. But what can we learn here?<span> In this video I attempt to recreate some of these classic sounds in the name of fun. </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="2eBIN0atUcY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eBIN0atUcY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="200" width="1024" /></a><p><br> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73555582024-02-22T20:31:51+00:002024-02-25T15:38:00+00:006 REASONS TO LOVE VINTAGE MARTIN GUITARS<p>I love getting the chance to share a beautiful vintage guitar - and this Martin D28 from 1951 is a wonderful example!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/93b1e8c8510ab28966f218cee6e506e75b660e55/original/img-0546.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p>Despite my love of luthier-made modern instruments I do have a lot of affection for early 20th century guitar designs and in this video I talk about the voice, woods, feel, history and more that are part of the experience.<span> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;">We have beautiful Brazilian rosewood</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/c3596facecbd463d0151d87ea82ed2ba56672424/original/img-5819.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p style="text-align:center;">Truly aged Sitka Spruce - neither terrified nor horrified.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/7f88281d2f15bdc480cf2a9c4fd1e508c3ea2203/original/img-5815.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p style="text-align:center;">and the most genuine mahogany<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/7b6e841fdbacbaf5a84098bc567ef922781ae21b/original/img-5822.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="4000" width="6000" /><p style="text-align:center;">All adding up to a beautiful instrument.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="aPvZPtbl7HM" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aPvZPtbl7HM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="200" width="1024" /></a>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73541802024-02-21T13:00:00+00:002024-02-21T13:00:01+00:00GIBSON GARAGE LONDON - WORTH A VISIT?<p>Gibson have revamped their London HQ and it was a pleasure to attend a private viewing prior to the official launch.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/cd3df034755f244c0459e1bd93ddf513ce69e977/original/tempimagezexb35.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Join me for a look at the acoustic room</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/25efa529e27f1372510b4a4b8aa6cd98e578a7e7/original/tempimagevtzyd5.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Murphy Lab wall</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/e46d3d6026835f2c7ec5b0d81e12cf873edf9890/original/145b7aa6-d4b3-48ec-97c5-102646459724.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Made to measure area<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/3e45ff839fc25e7db8907c455efd97b1da1a75b3/original/tempimagez9obmf.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">And more!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="T9pmF7mVvUk" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T9pmF7mVvUk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73524682024-02-16T16:14:25+00:002024-02-16T16:14:26+00:00THE DUSK SESSION - LIVE FROM THE CASIMI GUITARS WORKSHOP<p>Welcome to The Dusk Session - as I got more familiar with this new instrument I decided to leave the cameras rolling while I played through single take performances of three original pieces. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/4e8a34049bd8b21e6f5031e3bbf001b71d3e3ed9/original/screenshot-2024-02-16-at-15-32-06-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>The light was fading and the wind was picking up - in fact you'll hear it getting stronger throughout this session. In some ways it felt like a duet at times. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/cdfa27e31847ab7f8d1c607ae525ffbf19ebb0a4/original/screenshot-2024-02-16-at-15-33-46-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">These are single camera angle - One Take performances and I really hope you enjoy them!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/75bea1cc45873b7d1c3289de76a2d0ff6090e6c6/original/screenshot-2024-02-16-at-15-32-44-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Especially La Tolita which I hadn't played for some time - but I really got lost in the moment here. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/440f61d8a91b67ff274f9cb6067d2a6e4006244d/original/screenshot-2024-02-16-at-15-34-09-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Thank you for watching</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="L-FHkQ-j9WA" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L-FHkQ-j9WA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a><p> </p><p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73517392024-02-15T17:51:10+00:002024-02-15T21:12:49+00:00DEREK GRIPPER - LIVE SESSION - ON MY CASIMI GUITAR<p>It was a joy to catch up with my friend Derek Gripper while I was in Cape Town. Derek is a sensational guitarist who plays the Cora music of Mali on a vintage Hauser classical guitar. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/734f627aeae80eed8b7e9b6010ac220883268a2e/original/img-5436.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I visited Derek at his home to interview him for Life On The Fretboard - my podcast for Fretboard Journal but before we started with that I couldn’t resist hearing my new Casimi guitar in his hands. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/9aeba271088dfb08fa59540bcfb40a9e7b199c5e/original/img-5486.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Derek suggested we use his vintage Nagra reel-to-reel for the audio and the results are this jewel of a session. I hope you enjoy it!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bpYW9sq0aR0" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bpYW9sq0aR0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73472392024-02-08T15:09:48+00:002024-02-15T10:55:08+00:00EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MAKING OF MY CASIMI GUITAR<p>Join me and Matthias Roux and Matthew Rice of Casimi Guitars for an in-depth chat about the creation of my new instrument at the Casimi Guitars workshop in Cape Town South Africa.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/d8818650012bd0afce420dd226408fd9b413475c/original/screenshot-2024-02-07-at-10-35-27.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>We talk about the first time we met, the decisions we made during the process of designing this guitar - it’s the first non-cutaway Casimi have made and the first African Blackwood guitar I have owned.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/047d9f22cb4e872584f19debaf719ed7608b348d/original/img-5704.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">I hope you enjoy this very special edition of Luthier Stories.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="uK-jopp4D1k" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uK-jopp4D1k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p><br> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73472052024-02-07T08:58:20+00:002024-02-15T21:12:49+00:00BIRDSEYE - ONE TAKE - AT THE CASIMI GUITARS WORKSHOP<p>The first full piece on my new Casimi guitar was Birdseye - I don’t know why, it just felt right. My hands were shaking and there are moments where I have to pause for a second to try and understand what I’m hearing - new colours, new response, it was a lot to take in!<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/8e383b88266443a9e86760c01bcabd41abadd316/original/screenshot-2024-01-09-at-23-27-01.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">I hope you enjoy it!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="5GPKTSzF9tY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5GPKTSzF9tY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>As ever you are hearing the guitar's voice with no EQ, effects or reverb. The instrument had had about 4 minutes of playing time at this point. </p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73366752024-01-19T13:07:42+00:002024-02-08T14:11:12+00:00THE FIRST NOTES ON MY NEW CASIMI GUITAR<p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Cape Town South Africa January 2024.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">The first notes on a new instrument that has been 3 years in the making but represents a decade of friendship with Matthew Rice and Matthias Roux of Casimi Guitars. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">The guitar is still very very new but already I'm hearing astonishing potential. </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="n7nfjh0glDs" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n7nfjh0glDs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Until next time, stay tuned </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(19,19,19);">Michael</span></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73515882024-01-16T11:00:00+00:002024-02-15T10:55:08+00:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD - ADRIAN UTLEY (PORTISHEAD)<p><span style="color:rgb(3,40,48);">The latest episode of Life On The Fretboard - My podcast for Fretboard Journal - is now live and my guest is one of my personal guitar heroes - Adrian Utley of Portishead!</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/16e294465fc649e7749db9be32e6086ba92fa1b9/original/fj-adrian-utley-square-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I knew as I was recording it that this would be one of my favourite episodes for years to come and I must admit I have listened to it several times - it's such a pleasure to hear Adrian talking bout his love of guitars, his work with Jeff Beck and Glenn Branca, the early days of Portishead and the correct footwear for wah-wah pedal usage!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="MWgRGf8Ltss" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MWgRGf8Ltss?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>This episode was brought to you by the kind sponsorship of <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.elixirstrings.com" data-link-type="url">Elixir Strings</a> - I won't use anything else and neither should you. </p><p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73196672023-12-15T15:25:00+00:002023-12-15T15:25:00+00:00MY CASIMI GUITAR IS READY!<p>I have been in full rehearsal mode following the news that my new instrument by Casimi Guitars of South Africa is now ready!<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/b320986d21a45745cbd1fa55526b82662d974627/original/photo-2023-10-03-13-32-30.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>In this video you can get a behind the scenes look at some fascinating parts of the process.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/97218d1647ccb4015bcff29ff3a33ee694ac73b1/original/img-7363.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>It has been quite a journey and I will have news on that theme very soon too!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KrcNvd_Ly8U" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KrcNvd_Ly8U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73196652023-12-15T15:19:19+00:002023-12-15T15:19:19+00:00THREE WEEKS IN SUMMER - KOSTAL MDW<p>I’ve been practising intensely recently and during one session I decided to keep my cameras rolling - sometimes it helps to see what you’re doing after you’ve done it.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/3a679a119a01a77c3cf3760ffa41ac2c2218ac58/original/screenshot-2023-12-15-at-15-04-56-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>I managed to capture this performance of a newer piece Three Weeks In Summer and I hope you enjoy it.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/a91d5a6db7f793c8b6f465a52e27b8754c302a7e/original/screenshot-2023-12-15-at-15-04-06-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>It’s played on my Kostal MDW signature and is a good exercise in dynamics and textures. There will be TAB once the next album is fully recorded.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="g6-Vbak468M" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g6-Vbak468M?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73196322023-12-15T14:56:35+00:002023-12-15T14:56:35+00:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD - LITTE BARRIE CADOGAN<p>The latest episode of Life On The Fretboard - My podcast for Fretboard Journal - is now live and my guest is the unnecessarily cool and talented Barrie Cadogan - also known as Little Barrie.<span> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-little-barrie-cadogan/" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/0ca66afc28214af5ef277347dbd0c47d2572fc85/original/img-1414.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>Barrie is one of the world’s first call players for Classic Rock, Rhythm and Blues, and indy textures and he has played with Morrissey, Edwin Collins, Paul Weller, Primal Scream and Liam Gallagher to name but a few.<span> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-little-barrie-cadogan/" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/7121464a8ede95971ba90e15b93d7aeb773f8df9/original/img-1432.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>He is perhaps best known however, for the sensational guitar-led theme to AMC's Better Call Saul - how cool is that?</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-little-barrie-cadogan/" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/cd7805f939823ae63526b263c37350cba265a09d/original/img-1408.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>We talk about all these things and more in this episode - it was a real pleasure and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-little-barrie-cadogan/" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/6958700734aad2bba692244393719b5b14557069/original/little-barrie-square-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p> </p><p>Michael</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73116372023-12-02T11:31:11+00:002023-12-02T11:31:11+00:00KOSTAL GUITARS COMPARISON - MODIFIED DREADNOUGHT AND MDW<p>It's been over 10 years since I got my Kostal Modified Dreadnought and since the arrival of my Signature model - The MDW - some years later I have had lots of requests to do a comparison of the two guitars. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/e5e08360af4c0851fb38d0e2942eca4238daa4e6/original/img-4506.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>These instruments were designed to have very different personalities and offer a wide variety of timbres. That said I have never done a direct comparison - I guess it was time to fix that.So join me in an in-depth look at 32.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1e54592f51c6701448098baaa65aa6cbf48028fe/original/img-4510.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">And The MDW</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/c837400ee113fbaa3e0ae94d16eb0e2eb43d29ad/original/img-4511.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Both guitars are strung with Elixir 12-53 Phosphor Bronze strings and the mic positions and settings were identical.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="dHLpmXpkteU" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dHLpmXpkteU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I hope you enjoy the video</p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73121782023-12-01T15:25:02+00:002023-12-01T15:25:02+00:00A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL CHAPDELAINE<p>I was very sad to hear of the passing of Michael Chapdelaine. Michael was a truly beautiful musician and a true gentleman.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/542fe38ada428779182a21e7ef501dc085c3158b/original/84bf1077-2fc0-4d37-adb6-3c339b2a5571.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">I share some happy memories of hanging out and playing together in this video.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ugSAoyoVFyw" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ugSAoyoVFyw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Thank you Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73075912023-11-22T13:55:45+00:002023-11-30T21:04:53+00:00HARMONICS on ACOUSTIC GUITAR! Natural - Slapped - Raked - Artificial - Bent - The Lot!<p>I’ve had a lot of requests to look at some of my approach to harmonics - thank you to everyone who has been in touch. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/353ba52ccb738b7dc78e6361cf79d93c5724e8e6/original/harmonics-thumbs-006.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>The reward for your patience is this new video where I look at the harmonic techniques that I commonly use in solo acoustic guitar pieces.<span> </span></p><p><span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/94b2a128785d0fec65f3c307947ea191810e21b1/original/harmonics-thumbs-004.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p>Natural, artificial, slapped, and bent harmonics are a large part of my playing and I have been influenced by players like Michael Hedges and Jaco Pastorius along the way.<span> </span></p><p><span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1a7949d83ef8880de51bb01e5d6cf8fb6af7bab3/original/harmonics-thumbs-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p>I hope you enjoy the video!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7rJpQ2kpkL8" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7rJpQ2kpkL8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael<span> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73075902023-11-22T13:50:40+00:002023-11-22T13:50:41+00:00ARCHTOP + FLAT TOP GUITARS - WHAT IS THE SONIC DIFFERENCE?<p>Archtop and flat top guitars - what are the sonic differences? I get this question a lot and what better way to answer it than with two instruments by one of the world’s finest luthiers - Kim Walker.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/eb8939bf7a53331c37673ef32ad05bf3837146b5/original/img-8177.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>There is a story behind these two guitars - they were made at the same time in 1996 and they both feature ornate Peacock inlays on the headstock. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/773c6e6ebb270a065b29901cd53e496033dd820b/original/78424a97-51fd-4285-9d35-7e240d782a08.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">For this reason I chose to play my piece Birdseye on both of them.<span> Here's the SJ in Brazilian rosewood and aged German spruce.</span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/fc0f2ebde120fd544546a75f48dae846a2c7589c/original/screenshot-2023-02-07-at-18-25-43.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">The Blue Empress is part of The Blue Guitar Collection - commissioned by Scott Chinery in the 1990s and now under the gentle stewardship of The Archtop Foundation. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/0db148f7ef4d50af10d0e43f3caa0de0835bf529/original/28428650-fce8-4c02-94e7-cdfe07089b69.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Take a listen to these beautiful guitars recorded in Kim Walker’s workshop.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="tPjId2uUIc4" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tPjId2uUIc4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I hope you enjoy the video!</p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael<span> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73013962023-11-10T11:10:00+00:002023-11-30T20:10:50+00:00I WAS WRONG ABOUT OLD GIBSONS (WITH DEAD STRINGS)<p>Early 20th century Gibson acoustics with dead strings? I know many players have found timbral nirvana with the combination of a guitar that is around 100 years old and uncoated strings that were last changed during the Reagan administration. This is however, not an approach I have ever really understood.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1c67f1c46f2a71f8bd8415d2684a1410a004595b/original/old-gibbos-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>I do love learning though, and I was very glad to get an invitation to visit a dear friend of mine who has a beautiful collection of vintage instruments - among them were three instruments from the 1930s which gave me a chance to explore some extremely woody and evocation textures.<span> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;">A 1931 L-00 in factory black finish</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/8cd7d46228a14f188e4023308ae572b9a19eac99/original/ancient-gibsons-004.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">A 1933 L-00 in sunburst</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/c789137258b59534b4cacb168bd84d83e393c7b4/original/ancient-gibsons-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">And a 1932 L-1 in cremona sunburst</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1bb70f2a414cb32590d8fb613c3615e2c2199487/original/ancient-gibsons-002.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>As you will see It took me a little while to get the hang of these guitars but in the process I learned a huge amount and came a lot closer to appreciating the magic of early 20th Century Gibson acoustics - it will be fascinating to see how close the new Murphy Lab instruments are able to come to the real thing.</p><p>I hope you enjoy the video.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="2txw5mUgbDY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2txw5mUgbDY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73010672023-11-10T09:00:00+00:002023-11-10T09:00:01+00:00THREE WEEKS IN SUMMER<p>It’s a little bit Nick Drake, a little bit John Martyn but mostly Michael Watts - this is a run through of a new original piece -<span> </span>it may not be the definitive version but I like it and I wanted to share it with you.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1lW8VX4Lvno" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1lW8VX4Lvno?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>It was played on a 1933 Gibson L-00 with dead strings. Yum!</p><p>I hope you enjoy it.<span> </span></p><p><span>Until next time, stay tuned!</span></p><p><span>Michael</span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73010662023-11-09T13:46:06+00:002023-11-10T00:14:21+00:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD - WIZZ JONES<p>The latest episode of Life On The Fretboard - my podcast for <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-wizz-jones/" data-link-type="url">Fretboard Journal</a> - is now life and my guest is the inimitable Wizz Jones - a lynchpin of the British finger style guitar scene since the early 1960s.<span> </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-wizz-jones/" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/23065f055010044b65917fb3ec822b31153c908c/original/wizz-square-001-2.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>Bruce Springsteen and Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore adore his work, he was there to hear some of the first notes Davey Graham played in DADGAD, hang out with John Renbourn, Cat Stevens and Paul Simon and witness the impact if a young Bert Jansch. I hope you enjoy this episode - please do support my work</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p><br> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73010642023-11-09T13:41:12+00:002023-11-30T20:11:31+00:00FENDER HIGHWAY SERIES DREADNOUGHT - WEIRD OR WONDERFUL?<p>I first saw a picture of the new Fender Highway Series Dreadnought a few months prior to its recent release and I have to admit that the aesthetics left me feeling cold and alone.<span> </span></p><p><span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/dbd5e9338bf31b308caec61393f1c5894ab640d9/original/img-2996.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p style="text-align:center;">It is not a pretty thing.<span> </span></p><p>As I have always said - guitar aesthetics do not matter - until they do. In fact this applies to every aspect of the instrument.<span> </span></p><p><span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/b05feb32db3f21f9bf7d39e3703f29cb77116a52/original/ddbd87c9-8df2-4634-a9c6-91c976e79fa2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p>But what does it sound like? Well, as soon as one arrived at my door I frogmarched it through the doors of my studio and did as much damage as I could.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="N1GaJ4wUr0I" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N1GaJ4wUr0I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I hope you enjoy the results.<span> </span></p><p>There is a full review for you at guitar.com</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://guitar.com/reviews/acoustic-guitar/the-big-review-fender-highway-series-dreadnought/" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/f8aca39b1424153aab8b237ee081a194b18d1626/original/img-4775-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p> </p><p><br> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/73013972023-11-08T00:00:00+00:002023-11-10T00:20:27+00:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD THEME MUSIC<p>I’ve had several requests to upload the theme music to <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/tag/life-on-the-fretboard/" data-link-type="url">Life On The Fretboard</a> - my podcast for <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/tag/life-on-the-fretboard/" data-link-type="url">Fretboard Journal</a>.<span> </span>I wrote this music one afternoon as I was editing on of the first interviews and I liked it enough to press save.<span> </span>Guitars, ukulele and bass by Yours Truly - Drums by Mr Dan Western, my skinsman of choice since 2022.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="hDeGODKrd_o" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hDeGODKrd_o?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p><br>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72944832023-10-27T17:42:21+01:002023-10-27T17:47:29+01:00P90 EXTRAVAGANZA WITH HERITAGE GUITARS H150<p>Look at that, two very alluring Heritage guitars that I had in for review recently!<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/0607c787010cd402ba879ec54289517ef12dbabd/original/img-2943.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Both feature P-90 pickups, the Pelham Blue number is from the custom range </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/cf165798c081d1f450bfbc59c349fd71c5d0e5c1/original/img-2963.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">while the VERY SHINY black beauty is a standard.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/920121fd6ca70bf9a8cdb28f8751b8a99808ef97/original/img-2964.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">You can hear them in these demo videos - I hope you enjoy them<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="tZIElkX1Wv0" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tZIElkX1Wv0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Zl0b6SL3wkY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zl0b6SL3wkY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72893982023-10-18T13:39:45+01:002023-10-18T13:41:15+01:00AL PETTEWAY - A TRIBUTE<p>I was extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Al Petteway. I am grateful to have had the chance to hang out with him and he will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with those he loved and who loved him. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/2737b17b60798f4a12d4c4b7b7cf41b5f20cfcef/original/img-4312.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>If you have discovered the wonderful world of luthier-built guitars at any point in the past 20 years then the chances are that the guitars you grew to love were first introduced to you by Al's playing. I am very grateful for that too. </p><p>I made this short video as a way to say thank you to Al. A great player and a gentleman. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="yp2LPvwPcWE" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yp2LPvwPcWE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72893732023-10-18T12:26:41+01:002023-10-18T12:35:32+01:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD - EMMA TRICCA<p>The latest instalment of my podcast for Fretboard Journal is now live. In this episode of <a class="no-pjax" href="/life-on-the-fretboard-podcast" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD PODCAST">Life On The Fretboard</a> my guest is the wonderful Italian singer songwriter Emma Tricca! </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/tag/life-on-the-fretboard/" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/e1a3eb63f94653d04f8d77d16be59991ceae1c76/original/emma-tricca-square-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>I have loved Emma's work for years and it was such a pleasure to talk to her about her love of Martin and Gretsch guitars, growing up fixated with the idea of acoustic performances and working with the cream of the New York art rock scene. </p><p>And in a Life On The Fretboard first, here is some actual music from the day - Emmas beautiful song SALT.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CK71DfcHPOc" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CK71DfcHPOc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I really hope you enjoy the episode!</p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/tip-jars/4745" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72750622023-09-18T16:54:56+01:002023-10-18T12:20:17+01:00DREADNOUGHT vs OM - WHICH IS BEST? BOURGEOIS TOUCHSTONE SERIES<p>It’s an old discussion - what are the sonic differences between two of the most popular acoustic guitar styles - the venerable Dreadnought and the silky Orchestra Model. Don’t they look good?</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/70a2a54bf98f6d8140c57e444acba2d8946c58db/original/img-1609.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Now, I recently had two guitars here to review which made me think about this conundrum. The main reason being that it was the first time in a while that I had pretty much identical instruments to compare side by side.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/9fa2c5f017252f2ea4ab47a1a56451f089f0c886/original/screenshot-2023-09-18-at-13-21-05.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>So here we are - the Bourgeois Touchstone series Dreadnought and OM - same maker, same woods, same scale length, same strings, same player, same underpants - having it large in different styles.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/687204e7169621699c94f6dd27206b6b8df851b7/original/screenshot-2023-09-18-at-13-21-33.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Enjoy!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="51Gu3ReQpV4" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/51Gu3ReQpV4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72689342023-09-05T16:05:58+01:002023-09-05T16:06:59+01:001958 FLYING V WITH ADRIAN UTLEY OF PORTISHEAD<p>The 1958 Gibson Flying V is arguably the rarest of the classic vintage instrument pantheon - only 81 of these iconic beasts were made.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/85f6929807e294a4142c1971fa408d89b2483189/original/img-1889.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>I was delighted to be invited by the good people at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk/departments/6/Guitars" data-link-type="url">Gardiner Houlgate</a> to check the guitar out in all its glory and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to invite one of my favourite musicians <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/adrian.utley/?hl=en-gb" data-link-type="url">Adrian Utley</a> (<a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.portishead.co.uk/" data-link-type="url">Portishead</a>, Jeff Beck, Patti Smith and so many more) to come and hang out and make some noise in the name of science and fun!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/f3f577891ce40108db90a7f567f5b08051d8f07f/original/utley-v-002.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Just look at this thing - what a gorgeous, wonderful and thoroughly confusing musical instrument. Not the sort of thing that either Adrian nor I would normally be seen with - and therefore a prime opportunity to explore something cool and unusual.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/18d77fd6b71b41375d191c9187394ceeb95e9cb6/original/utley-v-006.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>This video documents the scenes when a couple of inveterate guitar lovers are left entirely unsupervised with a priceless vintage guitar and a steadfast refusal to conform to stereotypes.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/da62cf231c58871b29c97f861322de299228d65e/original/utley-v-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">I hope you enjoy it almost as much as we did!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VM95mN7eDC0" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VM95mN7eDC0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Thank you so much to Adrian Utley and Gardner Houlgate Auctioneers. Adrian will also be my guest in a future episode of Life On The Fretboard for Fretboard Journal.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72632162023-08-25T15:28:58+01:002023-08-25T15:29:45+01:00UBERFRANK SPELLBINDER CUSTOM<p>Uberfrank guitars have been much on my mind since Fretboard Journal editor Jason Verlinde pulled my coat sleeve about these delicious looking offset electrics some months ago.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/66df79d888ef7ecc6350d60ecbc73526ddb6e714/original/img-1952.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>As I was in the area on another assignment I reached out to Richard Waddell - the man behind Uberfrank Guitars - to see if he was up for a drop in visit. It went rather well.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/426b923f918eb7b613b14964ac8289ce76c033ee/original/img-1976.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>I had a great chat with Richard about his work and you will see the results in a future article for Fretboard Journal itself. Fun!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/0937d6edc55b62d8a02d6aba5ad120492427e43b/original/img-1965.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Richard very kindly lent me this gorgeous Spellbinder Custom model for a few days and I thoroughly enjoyed putting it through its paces on Lo-Fi Soul.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="hkE5hLCEmfQ" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hkE5hLCEmfQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I hope you enjoy it too</p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72482712023-07-27T15:57:38+01:002023-07-27T15:57:38+01:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD - WILL ACKERMAN<p>Legendary guitarist and producer Will Ackerman is my guest for the latest episode of my Fretboard Journal podcast <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-will-ackerman/" data-link-type="url">Life on The Fretboard</a>.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/ccf01d0da19c77fc1be9a16ffdae9c9e13a97eba/original/img-0482.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Will Ackerman is a visionary composer, fingerstyle guitarist and producer. As the founder of Windham Hill records he achieved international success with his own music and that of artists <span> </span>such as Michael Hedges, George Winston, Alex DeGrassi and many more and without these iconic recordings the world would be a less beautiful place.</p><p>I caught up with Will Ackerman during his visit to the beautiful English town of Royal Tunbridge Wells - the hotel where he was staying had been a favourite of Queen Victoria and its staff continue to uphold fastidious levels of excellence - even at one point interrupting the recording with a session of vacuum cleaning right outside the room. While I dealt with this Ackerman was left with a hot mic - I have kept the results for posterity.</p><p>I really enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do too!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/36e909aa9220130d9824755e10b4aaeee45cdeef/original/ackerman-square-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p><p style="text-align:center;">Michael</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72453982023-07-21T21:10:34+01:002023-07-21T21:10:36+01:00HOWARD FENG - LUTHIER STORIES<p>Here is the one I know a lot of people have been waiting for: a mini Luthier Stories episode featuring Howard Feng and his Modified Dreadnought.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/17ef491fb6b528af3df28b8b4fe7da665eae4a91/original/img-0864.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>This guitar has caused quite a stir already - the photography alone made it onto Tony Polecastro’s show and I hope you’ve enjoyed the demo videos I made. Like this one!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ECFaF22ov8Q" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ECFaF22ov8Q?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Here I am in conversation with Howard Feng himself where he describes his goal to recreate the sound and response of golden era guitars by Ervin Somogyi.<span> Strong stuff! Here we go!</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Frt6daGVlRg" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Frt6daGVlRg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p><p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72453962023-07-21T21:00:07+01:002024-03-08T03:13:17+00:004-PIECE TOP ON A HIGH END GUITAR? TAYLOR BUILDER'S EDITION 814CE<p>Many years ago I was asked to appear on a radio show to comment about rare woods in hand made guitars. It didn’t go very well to be honest - the host was under the impression that I was a luthier and once I’d cleared up that misunderstanding I felt I’d lost quite a bit of momentum.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1b428a5b8ce00986e233aa04c73017c2eb4aa185/original/thumbs-2022-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>That said - the subject turned to scarcity of woods and the other guest opined that acoustic guitar would soon have to made with 4-piece tops as there simply wasn’t enough spruce in the world.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/d8172763c870fe4012869f076b1460b33dfdea20/original/thumbs-2022-004.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>At the time I was sceptical about that assertion but some 15 years later here we are with a new Taylor Builder’s Edition version of the 814ce that has a lid made with 4 chunks of Adirondack spruce.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/854a26f6b19466fd720dc36018beb508a069291f/original/thumbs-2022-005.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">I hope you enjoy the video. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FIXSDJfJR-s" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FIXSDJfJR-s?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;">And you can read my full review at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://guitar.com/reviews/acoustic-guitar/the-big-review-taylor-builders-edition-814ce/" data-link-type="url">GUITAR.COM</a></p><p style="text-align:center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p style="text-align:center;">Michael</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72381342023-07-07T12:20:20+01:002023-07-07T12:20:21+01:00THE FUTURE OF GUITAR MAKING?<p>It was a pleasure to join faculty and students at Newark College for their 50th anniversary celebrations last week. I was invited to give a workshop with students of the Guitar Making School who impressed me with their ingenuity and skill.<span> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;">There were 12 strings</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/91dd2dd355ac3f092c1e61f85f89d7ce7afd7bd8/original/img-1223.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">8-string Fan Frets</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/566870a0cc048e56afc1206a4012bcfde80a09b3/original/img-1268.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">10 strings</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/864ec0047eb8dff8c723b7f0afaf4a6c5f074c71/original/4y9a9998.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Ergonomic Crossovers</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/8919a2c1dabe676c48276bb8d7bf348b92c93133/original/4y9a9993.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Sympathetic resonant strings<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/57e27014bfb72dcccb26350051b3212cc884af2e/original/img-1249.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">And much more - check out the video below!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CZvy7f563gQ" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CZvy7f563gQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;">Thank you very much to all at Newark College</p><p style="text-align:center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72381252023-07-07T12:05:53+01:002023-07-07T12:06:50+01:00TONY POLECASTRO TALKS ABOUT HOWARD FENG'S GUITAR<p>Many thanks to Tony Polecastro for featuring my photography of Howard Feng’s Modified Dreadnought on his Acoustic Tuesday show!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/9a26a11432eea60c4e8f608af5e91f9f6df9f1b7/original/img-0812.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>I am very grateful for the support over the years - do subscribe to Tony’s channel if you are unfamiliar with his work.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CjUhSIK2QJE" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CjUhSIK2QJE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;">Here is that guitar in action - I hope you enjoy it!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ECFaF22ov8Q" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ECFaF22ov8Q?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72381242023-07-07T12:00:13+01:002023-07-07T12:00:30+01:00UKULELE NOCTURNE - MAUI 2023<p>I don’t know how many Nocturnes have been written for solo ukulele - I’ve certainly only managed one so far and it was the final track on my debut album Vetiver.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/d79dcd510a7fa983e67510b14c85006df1dc75b4/original/vetiver-cover-solo-1-900pix.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play this piece during my visit to Maui - and on a beautiful all-koa instrument by Steve Grimes too!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3QuBiTkzMI8" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3QuBiTkzMI8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;">You can find TAB for the album version right here!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/65d93b6543d499f4b9d752af51bced5ec44efb69/original/img-3913.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Until Next Time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72338882023-06-28T16:37:03+01:002023-06-28T17:29:48+01:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD - ALAN GOGOLL<p>I’m very happy to announce that Episode 3 of Life On The Fretboard - my podcast for Fretboard Journal - has now gone live and my guest for the episode is the outrageously talented Alan Gogoll.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/128c8d6751dae78b2cda39eed77b318f7569ab40/original/img-0585.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>In a beautiful conversation Alan and I discuss luthier-made guitars, Bell Harmonics, protecting creativity from plagiarism and Alan’s recent ban from the social media platform TikTok!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/16d4551e8f53f05fc4cf4d5fb82040252c2577db/original/img-0577.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">I really hope you enjoy this episode and look forward to sharing another with you next month.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1824122d321d941b05bcc85ccdfe1fdb4c02c23e/original/gogoll-square-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72338812023-06-28T16:28:57+01:002023-06-28T17:29:11+01:00THE STEVE GRIMES FREEHAND - ASYMMETRIC WONDER<p style="text-align:center;">Back to Hawaii now, and one of the most intriguing and inspiring guitars I have played recently.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/b6a4a59d65b2d0cdc7fe8bab768f0c85f240f058/original/grimes-freehand-002.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>This is Steve Grimes’ elegant Freehand model with its asymmetrical body, double cutaways and elliptical sound hole. What a thing!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/b43f9cb16bb28bb4a5007c0e449148b83fc2e618/original/grimes-freehand-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Then there’s the sound - Huge, immediate and very musical. I love it! You can hear it in action right here!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vFRKenqsI_A" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vFRKenqsI_A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72338552023-06-28T15:51:43+01:002023-06-28T17:29:48+01:00MORE HOWARD FENG MODIFIED DREADNOUGHT<p>The first video of Howard Feng’s blistering opening salvo under his own name certainly made an impression.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/567f44987da983076fb7586fd0233e2c18917495/original/img-0868.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Having trashed his hotel room so thoroughly in order to build our film set it seemed churlish to stop at just on video however and you can now enjoy two more performances on this impressive instrument</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/70461240444e38ecfdcb7b83e82dc2373e9769a3/original/img-0877.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Between Streets<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="f6TitNt43YY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f6TitNt43YY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;">And The Unfair Funfair</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ECFaF22ov8Q" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ECFaF22ov8Q?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;">There will be in interview with Howard Feng too almost as soon as I have finished editing it!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/416c375e531d668f572f787162f3f655b22a7909/original/img-0846.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/490bcf3007091c231547436ec140968d3cdb9b64/original/newsletter-footers-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72304842023-06-23T11:15:52+01:002023-06-28T15:14:52+01:00PETER GREEN'S GUITARS - BONHAMS LONDON<p>Peter Green’s guitar playing with John Mayall’s Blues Breakers and early Fleetwood Mac had a massive effect on me. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/fbee6d51aceb59208b9fd9b21058bf23dadb6d12/original/peter-green.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>As such it was a real pleasure to visit <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29196/man-of-the-world-the-peter-green-collection/?page=2&gad=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH3BcHiEDZOKGlFLUpHPhRIGDHo8H2XDjOrSSDAHBN2u6WjyuowSRlcaAhe3EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" data-link-type="url">Bonhams London</a> to look at three instruments from a large collection that is going to auction later this month.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/68b409037ac62fefe817e14d9bb51ea163386b69/original/screenshot-2023-06-21-at-16-22-55.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Bonhams Head of Popular Culture Claire Tole-Moir introduces Peter Green’s Fender Custom Stratocaster </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/14021d3daa6f37204ac057dc04288d449d67ed38/original/screenshot-2023-06-21-at-16-21-26.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/12e339da70fa2a9c0e6d4d5154d62d526697d0f0/original/screenshot-2023-06-21-at-17-33-13.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">and Gretsch White Falcon </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/7079cbf17182331e7c6364b33f34a8dd29578d65/original/screenshot-2023-06-21-at-17-27-47.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">as well as letting us take a look at the original lyrics to Man Of The World. Just astonishing!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/5cf17dfd4d8001908a1304de264aeb33434d4303/original/screenshot-2023-06-21-at-17-33-33.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Massive thanks to all at Bonhams Popular Culture for the invitation - it was quite an afternoon - you can see the results in this video. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="fPlNSE_RJhI" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fPlNSE_RJhI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72304822023-06-22T10:36:49+01:002023-06-22T11:13:22+01:00EMMA TRICCA - SALT<p>I have loved Emma Tricca’s work for years and it was a real pleasure to welcome her to my studio. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/994bee04bdbc018ce3dcce9606461eabfa59a0f1/original/img-1027.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>You may have seen her on tour with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, Robyn Hitchcock and Dinosaur Jr. The song Salt is one of my favourites and it was a joy and a privilege to accompany Emma in a duet. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CK71DfcHPOc" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CK71DfcHPOc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Emma’s new album Aspirin Sun is out now - get involved!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/26cd58b25058668a68e7d91027e067b15fe842f0/original/195877-emma-tricca-aspirin-sun.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://emmatricca.bandcamp.com/album/aspirin-sun"><span>https://emmatricca.bandcamp.com/album/aspirin-sun</span></a></p><p><span>I interviewed Emma Tricca for a future episode of my podcast </span><a class="no-pjax" href="/life-on-the-fretboard-podcast" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD PODCAST"><span>LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD</span></a><span> for Fretboard Journal. I look forward to sharing it with you when the time comes.</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/3085b9a5f4d991c0be4048b2ded79f02d645531e/original/img-1005.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72304772023-06-22T10:23:12+01:002023-06-22T10:23:12+01:00THE STEVE GRIMES BEAMER II THE REVENGE<p>The Steve Grimes Beamer model is a fascinating instrument - a double sound hole flat top that has some arch top characteristics and something else going on in there - it’s no exaggeration to say that I haven’t heard anything else like it.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/a44be86e07f43d05c8e1611c05b2fd69f45e3ec0/original/img-0125.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Originally made for Slack Key superstar Keola Beamer, the Grimes Beamer model opens up all manner of sonic possibilities - this particular guitar was favourite of Steely Dan's Walter Becker who would borrow it for recording dates. </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/e6e9306bced0f0b218e6d7ee81ed38da7d704649/original/img-0158.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>The Beamer model is a great example of Steve Grimes's astonishing creativity and design. Just wonderful.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/2dd98f84ab2a880f5c4afd0ad65e7f7031fbba07/original/img-0235.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">In this video I put it through its paces with my original composition Between Streets - I hope you enjoy it!<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="d3yvirtMieU" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d3yvirtMieU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72242842023-06-10T11:34:49+01:002023-06-10T11:35:12+01:00HOWARD FENG MODIFIED DREADNOUGHT<p>It is not uncommon for collectors of fine guitars to try their hand at creating an instrument at some point. When I first met Howard Feng, some ten years ago, he was just beginning to assemble what was to become a beautiful library of luthier-made guitars. As the years went by however, Howard began to feel the call of the bench, the siren song of the chisel - in short, life as a luthier was beckoning hard.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/8d5590676602c41fe1405f0f2602a5ce94d5b733/original/img-0867.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Fast forward several years and Howard is now well entrenched with Ray Kraut (Ex Somogyi Apprentice) in Tucson Arizona and is building guitars full time for Ray. However, he has also started to make the first instruments under his own name.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/9a26a11432eea60c4e8f608af5e91f9f6df9f1b7/original/img-0812.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Having completed his latest guitar, Howard invited me to play the very first notes on the instrument. How could I refuse?</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/ae9eb9b386a1c01c1e1428d4db4d3ad1db700164/original/img-0762.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Here it is - there will be more to come</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="xdqjmGvh9Wg" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xdqjmGvh9Wg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned! </p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72242642023-06-10T10:40:18+01:002023-06-10T10:40:19+01:00STEVE GRIMES JAZZ LAUREATE ARCHTOP<p>Another video from my life-affirming trip to Hawaii this year. I have lied Steve Grimes’ Jazz Laureate design since I played Steve’s contribution to <a class="no-pjax" href="https://theblueguitars.com/" data-link-type="url">The Blue Guitar Collection</a>.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/c511e9dab826459b9d6a44bbea46e6a3bef1b626/original/46bad43d-1c1c-4682-9cdd-166ea7f11261.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>This is a very modern and forward thinking archchtop - a lot more friendly to the finger style acoustic plays than other examples of the breed.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/0d31d7ad7869a6de21cee5302f012a5a57c6656f/original/grimes-jazz-laureate-koa-004.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>This particular guitar is fascinating due to Steve’s use of Hawaiian Koa on the back and sides rather than the traditional maple. It has a gorgeous sound - like all Steve’s guitars - and it was an absolute pleasure to play!</p><p>I hope you enjoy the video</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Lqq3Xi1lI5Q" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lqq3Xi1lI5Q?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72195802023-06-02T18:12:32+01:002023-06-02T18:13:33+01:00HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR - WITH GARRETT PROBST<p>During my recent visit to Maui I managed to get some time with grammy-award winning musician <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/thegarrettprobst/" data-link-type="url">Garrett Probst</a> for an introduction to the wonderful world of Hawaiian slack key guitar.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/e54e78f4db4be9730a850891b1ca774a9fe960c8/original/screenshot-2023-05-22-at-11-49-52.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Fully equipped with a pair of Grimes Beamer model guitars (Braz for Garrett, Koa for me) we look at the history of this beautiful guitar style and Garrett introduces some of the techniques involved.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/dba277cef698d676b6bb77a16c447aca4ccd52d5/original/screenshot-2023-05-22-at-11-48-29.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>It was an absolute joy to learn about this new and exotic guitar language - Mahalo Garrett and thank you to you for watching!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="sBFSr0koRS8" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sBFSr0koRS8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time,stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72195792023-06-01T18:00:00+01:002023-06-02T17:57:59+01:00DADGAD HIGH STRUNG - DOES IT WORK?<p>I’ve really enjoyed exploring high-strung guitar as a texture in the studio. So much so that I’ve managed to sneak it into some unlikely places!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/4a44f29d1560b47156cdb9e9c7a3cab72b17eec6/original/screenshot-2023-04-07-at-18-04-08.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>The time had come for me to get this guitar back into standard tuning but before I did I took some time to explore high strung guitar in DADGAD. This was the first time I had ever tried this and the results were really interesting.<span> </span></p><p>I hope you enjoy the video!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1JEUrMuXPZk" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1JEUrMuXPZk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72195782023-05-31T17:00:00+01:002023-06-02T17:57:59+01:00THE GREUTER VIBE<p>I had reviewed <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.greuteraudio.ch/en/" data-link-type="url">Sascha Greuter</a>’s beautiful pedals for <a class="no-pjax" href="https://guitar.com/review/effects-pedal/review-greuter-audio-moonlight-vibe/" data-link-type="url"><span>guitar.com</span></a> a while ago and it was a real pleasure to get to know his Vibe pedal a little better.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/917546d0b49b9870e751e519673d4d7bdc2b40ca/original/greuter-vibe-pic.webp/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>This is a proper Univibe style pedal with an internal light and everything.<span> </span>It’s chewy as all get out and really allowed me to explore some delicious psychedelic textures on this new track Electric Eden.<span> </span></p><p><span>I hope you enjoy it!</span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="mrrIrbA55AI" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mrrIrbA55AI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72153162023-05-25T21:22:59+01:002023-05-27T14:44:54+01:00GRIMES FREEHAND PARLOR<p>Following on from the Grimes Beamer model I showed you last time, here is another beautiful guitar design - the Grimes Freehand Parlor. This one is made from Brazilian Kingwood and Cedar. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1706cccf503589f9e4d5ded3d7159c9bb43299f5/original/img-0058.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>This asymmetrical body with a 14-fret neck makes for a very beguiling instrument. I am not usually a big fan of 14-fret parlors but this one really got under my skin!<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/607f2ecf03babb73d60757d138a7e5b76016313e/original/screenshot-2023-05-25-at-14-55-15.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>It was my first choice when I was invited to contribute some acoustic tracks to Steve Grimes’ next album - he’s an award-winning songwriter as well as one of the world’s finest luthiers after all!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/e7366d75dde8d5a2f7ca3282ec837788e275517b/original/img-0047.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">I hope you enjoy this video shot in the Grimes Guitars workshop on Maui.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="opHGoR6VyBw" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/opHGoR6VyBw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72153152023-05-25T15:34:05+01:002023-05-27T12:18:53+01:00JEFF BECK'S GUITAR!<p>A guitar belonging to the late, great <a class="no-pjax" href="http://www.jeffbeck.com/" data-link-type="url">Jeff Beck</a> went under the hammer at <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.bonhams.com/" data-link-type="url">Bonhams Auctioneers</a> in London this week and it was a thrill to be invited to see this important instrument up close.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/3961e3ff91757937ab334be3c00722c76cb623c4/original/img-0633.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>This Graffiti Yellow Strat was the first prototype made by the Fender Custom Shop and was a vital step in the evolution of the Jeff Beck Signature Model.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/72f478ae0f95b66ea489d6d8761c2bdd1bf8bb6d/original/img-0640.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Take a closer look at this iconic guitar with me!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="SUPIhW-suGw" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SUPIhW-suGw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>PS. The final sales price was a record for Jeff Beck memorabilia - congratulations to all involved and thank you to Bonhams!</p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72075712023-05-12T14:51:09+01:002023-05-12T14:52:04+01:00THE GRIMES BEAMER MODEL<p>What a way to start my time in Hawaii. The Grimes Beamer model is a twin-soundhole full-voiced instrument originally based on a guitar that Steve Grimes repaired for Hawaiian slack key legend Keola Beamer in the 1980s. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/4ff5eea59be81d4c9a1c6e585e854590ee567552/original/img-9857.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>The Beamer is an amazing thing - it has a powerful and detailed voice - this example is made from Carpathian spruce and an astonishing set of Hawaiian Koa. Look at it!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/71c48374e1f3bb0c9370a6834f6f3832d282b852/original/img-9912.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>As usual when confronted with an exquisite hand made instrument intended for a rich and nuanced musical form steeped in great cultural significance I put it in DADGAD and had an irreverently lovely time. The results are below - I hope you enjoy the video!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="fKV0s9a4kEY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fKV0s9a4kEY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72075652023-05-12T14:21:01+01:002023-05-12T14:21:01+01:00NEWS FROM MAUI<p style="text-align:center;">Yes, I admit it, I buggered off to a tropical paradise with scarcely a look back.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/62521c92fc0d7f25ec5159569521df0182797e9d/original/img-9808.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Honestly, it doesn’t take much - an email from one of the world’s greatest luthiers with the subject <i>Come To Maui </i>will do the trick every time. I mean, just look!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/6cccc339f8098149f3a2873d84b5baba0b229ded/original/img-9921.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I first met my host - the extraordinary Steve Grimes - while filming The Blue Guitar Collection in Colorado last year and with his anarchic sense of humour, and utter refusal to compromise his standards for wonderful guitars and ukuleles we became friends very quickly.<span> Steve's client base includes some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Paul Simon, Willie Nelson and George Benson and in a career that has entered its 6th decade he has made over 1000 instruments!</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/2dd98f84ab2a880f5c4afd0ad65e7f7031fbba07/original/img-0235.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Over the next few weeks I will be sharing a number of videos that I shot during my time on the beautiful island of Maui. There’ll be a Luthier Stories episode, an introduction to Hawaiian Slack Key playing and many more!<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/2e17a44b7431b21efa9b42fc5573bd9c7cd75063/original/img-0120.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I hope you enjoy them!</p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72057862023-05-09T19:55:42+01:002023-05-09T19:55:42+01:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD - JON GOMM<p>Episode 2 of my podcast for Fretboard Journal <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-jon-gomm/" data-link-type="url">Life On The Fretboard</a> is now live and my guest is the sensational acoustic guitar talent Jon Gomm!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/f5b67fb661c71090758124a4d1f914a388434f7d/original/img-9056.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Jon and I first met in 2001 and a lot has happened since then - this conversation is typical of so many that we have enjoyed over the years - sprawling between topics as vital as dodgy guitar shops of yesteryear, soundboard erosion, an innate horror of paradigms, Hedges bootlegs and the risks of practising in airports. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/5d87ff1921f0bf96da346a1d02b61493ed55fdc0/original/gomm-square-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/72033772023-05-05T10:34:06+01:002023-05-07T18:31:10+01:00MY SECRET LOVE OF SURF GUITAR<p>Quite frankly it's a relief to share after carrying this secret with me for so many years. I do try and keep this to myself but every so often it hits me and it's hard to shake. </p><p>I am obsessed with surf guitar. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/0e962b8166370e458d3b81bb79e83bb0105f7159/original/screenshot-2023-05-05-at-10-26-19-1-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Not just Pulp Fiction soundtrack, Walk Don't Run, Wipeout surf guitar - that's for civilians. I need the hard stuff. I need Link Wray, Bambi Molesters, The Torquays, Blue Stingrays and The Eliminators. I want it garage, nasty and slathered in tremolo. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/dc601ce23872304b817033ad7456793d98a62010/original/screenshot-2023-05-05-at-10-25-05-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">As such it was joy to be asked to put the new <a class="no-pjax" href="https://guitar.com/review/electric-guitar/the-big-review-guild-surfliner-deluxe/" data-link-type="url">Guild Surfliner Deluxe</a> through its paces for Guitar.com. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/054da33470aa0b3bd28e490c674e228f20b36dcb/original/screenshot-2023-05-05-at-10-21-39-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">You can watch the whole video here - I hope you enjoy it!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Ikazg9cNLXA" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ikazg9cNLXA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71859472023-04-07T19:43:49+01:002023-04-07T19:43:49+01:00GETTING A HUGE ACOUSTIC GUITAR SOUND!<p>I am often asked how to create a huge acoustic guitar sound in the studio - in particular for full band mixes. There are several tricks that I employ and I reveal them in this lovingly crafted video just for you.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/db47ed046377b3747404d88d19ec0be35e3b9804/original/huge-sound-thumbs-004.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">I hope you enjoy it.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="EZ0nQOI_DEI" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EZ0nQOI_DEI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71859462023-04-07T19:40:56+01:002023-04-07T19:40:57+01:00NEW TEXTURES - GIBSON L-00 1931<p>Continuing my exploration of unfamiliar musical textures here is a moment with a 1931 Gibson L-00 in original factory black. What a spectacular guitar!</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/fcb322d718230a61a4022d3c5e3dc02440bed697/original/black-l-00-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>There is so much to talk about in this new series - I’m still formulating my thoughts but will have more episodes for you in the fullness of time.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="k61RVmydMfY" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k61RVmydMfY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71819152023-03-31T18:49:39+01:002023-03-31T18:55:08+01:00NEW TEXTURES - GIBSON L-1 1932<p>I’m going through an exploratory phase at the moment - seeking out different sounds and textures, expanding my range. This is an ongoing process and I would recommend that all guitarists spend time getting to know different guitars.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/8b4fceeb67b3f96264d17a3a9acd8297c823644d/original/carlos-l1-1932-002.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I have started exploring vintage guitars, and in particular the sound of a vintage guitar with old strings on it. Many players I know swear by this approach. I have sworn at it. For years. But if we are to unlock the truth of the guitar then surely a deeper understanding is in order?</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/b374bde0742f5b690a25fcde69dd7938fa632332/original/carlos-l1-1932-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">This performance on a 1932 Gibson L-1 represents the first little part of this series. I hope you enjoy it.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="xiJ3L-4uO20" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xiJ3L-4uO20?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71819072023-03-31T18:44:08+01:002023-03-31T18:44:08+01:00CROWTHER HOT CAKE - MY FAVOURITE DRIVE?<p>The next instalment of my electric guitar pedal series features a real favourite of mine - the Crowther Hot Cake.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/4d92836789ba7da92777610ec3dc534264f7e429/original/hot-cake-002.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I have owned several of these over the years and just keep coming back to this great sound.<span> </span>I paired it here with my 2005 Fender USA Deluxe Player Telecaster and had some. I hope you enjoy it!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="dMIqZnXYz6M" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dMIqZnXYz6M?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71780352023-03-24T19:33:56+00:002023-03-24T19:33:56+00:00WAS I WRONG ABOUT THIS WOOD?<p>If there was the slighted question mark in my mind about this guitar it was the use of Tasmanian Blackwood on the back and sides. I’ve had limited joy with guitars made of this wood in the past but this Turnstone guitar provided a welcome and robust challenge to my preconceptions.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1f0f12bc6141193fcedada70b7a59af644bc498e/original/playing-pics-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">And who better than Rosie herself to explain exactly why!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Cxx-ba29iLA" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cxx-ba29iLA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned </p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71780252023-03-24T19:29:15+00:002023-03-24T19:29:15+00:00TURNSTONE TM MODEL - NEW DEMO<p>It’s been a while since I last featured one of Rosie Heydenrych’s guitars on my channel - in the meantime she has continued to refine the sound and details of her beautiful instruments and this latest Turnstone guitars is one of my favourites.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/1f0f12bc6141193fcedada70b7a59af644bc498e/original/playing-pics-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>This was a custom order for someone with impeccable taste in guitars - the short scale and 12-fret neck are testament to that.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/e3dcf4d2d6e0501f0177aca1870de2a3db7ff16e/original/playing-pics-004.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>In addition you have a moon spruce soundboard to make the most of the complexity and richness of the shifted bridge position.</p><p>What a beautiful guitar - check it out right here!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CqPC4WM4dOU" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CqPC4WM4dOU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71780242023-03-24T19:25:41+00:002023-03-24T19:25:42+00:00HERMIDA ZEN DRIVE - DUMBLE BOX?<p>Continuing my nascent series of guitar pedal demos here is an exploration of another “Luxury Overdrive” the Hermida Zen Drive.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/097c298085796ddc60e9a5945ac1651cdc90a3b4/original/zen-drive-pics-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Mine is one of the Love Pedal units and I like it a great deal. It goes very well with my Trussart Deluxe Steelcaster. This guitar, for the uninitiated, is made of steel with a maple neck and rosewood board.<span> </span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/5f146c7f7c717b4ee98d28b892a979ba759b1d99/original/zen-drive-pics-002.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>I hope you like the video - thank you to everyone who got in touch to say they’d enjoyed this trek LO-FI SOUL - your support means a lot to me.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nL3kWqlxoXk" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nL3kWqlxoXk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71737132023-03-17T20:12:51+00:002023-03-18T08:00:02+00:00A MICROPHONE STAND FOR YOUR ACOUSTIC GUITAR?<p>Recently I’ve found myself having conversations with friends about clip-on mics for acoustic guitar. I’ve had interesting experiences with these mini units in the past - and unpredictable results.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/a8d4b8e08a856511d8f040bdee5b067a81b796fa/original/screenshot-2023-03-17-at-19-56-18.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>One variation on this theme is a frankly improbable accessory called the Livestrings H-Clamp which was made for a short time around 2006/7. It’s a mic stand for your guitar - but of course it is!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/86265b9757c3b05ba1a6ec184b427d27dffa2b4b/original/h-clamp-thumbs-003.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>So now you can clamp your mic of choice to the painstakingly carved super-responsive lid of your guitar. Is this wise? Well - take a look at the video and let me know your thoughts!<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="MWWc5IY1Oi0" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MWWc5IY1Oi0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71736952023-03-17T19:52:55+00:002023-03-17T20:08:27+00:00LIVE STREAM 16 MARCH 2023<p>Heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined me for the live stream this week - despite the usual broadcast gremlins it was a really lovely way to spend an evening. It is slightly surreal having an online audience for my practice sessions but hey - why not!</p><p>If you missed you can watch the whole show here.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-me-vvaJSjg" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-me-vvaJSjg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71737142023-03-16T20:00:00+00:002023-03-17T20:08:27+00:00VEMURAM JAN RAY - LO-FI SOUL DEMO<p>The Vemuram Jan Ray is a luxury low gain drive pedal that has caused ample controversy since it was first launched.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/44ce6e15f3a7eed804dc1143856756d306264f89/original/jan-ray-thumbs-003.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Is it a Klon killer? Is it a glorified Tube Screamer or is it exactly the same circuit as a Timmy just in a brass box?</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/298b8f4adb7620baafa28c693ab22ea73bba6d1b/original/jan-ray-thumbs-004.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Well, I’m not sure about that but I do know that the Jan Ray has been one of my favourite pedals for a couple of years and I wanted to share some sounds with you - I was going for a bit of a Roy Buchanan vibe. </p><p>I hope you enjoy it!<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="zIFGbYw1hbg" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zIFGbYw1hbg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71687612023-03-10T20:30:16+00:002023-03-10T20:33:48+00:00MICHAEL BASHKIN - MODERN DESIGNS x TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES - LUTHIER STORIES<p>What better way to finish off Season 2 of Luthier stories than a chat with a guitar maker whose work mixes beautiful modern lines and response with traditional construction techniques. Michael Bashkin is more than that though - as the host of Fretboard Journal’s Luthier on Luthier podcast his gentle manner and insight make him a compelling interviewer, and as a stalwart of the second wave of the North American luthier scene he has a wealth of hard-worn experience which he shares generously with up and coming builders and players alike.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/ce9f40ca4877942d51017cce1a6ac57b1fe65beb/original/bashkin-slides-v2-004.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>In this interview Michael talks about the development of his design ethos, his love of the luthier community and what it stands for, his work with Fretboard Journal and demonstrates a marquetry technique that I believe he pioneered in the guitar world.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/fa5d6d6e45336e6f16c47e2ea1f324411b9ccb58/original/bashkin-slides-v2-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Finally you will join us for a behind the scenes look at a recording session in a log cabin high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/3249cde9668eb1c691c58d9ea3737866cccfe965/original/bashkin-slides-v2-005.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">I hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed making it</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="g5p6cEKOacg" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g5p6cEKOacg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p><p style="text-align:center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71644092023-03-03T20:28:06+00:002023-03-10T10:52:51+00:00BASHKIN GUITARS - THE LOG CABIN SESSIONS<p>During my recent visit to Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival I got the chance to spend time with one of my favourite guitar builders - and people - Michael Bashkin. Next week will bring the premiere of the season Finale of Luthier stories but before that I have some very beautiful guitars for you to enjoy - that is the point of this after all!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/0b97b054589c4d56135c51195062bf3b596db190/original/screenshot-2023-03-03-at-12-06-14.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>This recording session took place high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado in a beautiful wooden cabin free from modern fripperies such as electricity. We had three wonderful guitars with us and I recorded a full take on each one - no edits. Here are the guitars:</p><p style="text-align:center;">An OM Cutaway in Koa<span> and Italian Spruce </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/7e3c1f1ad17a0f2e4c22a2f8d02c9415407999d5/original/bashkin-slides-no-graphics-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">A JMC model in Pau Ferro and Italian Spruce<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/3c24ffde441a22ee2ab9a07a9a5a6c9e35f96ae7/original/bashkin-slides-no-graphics-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">A JMC model in Madagascar Rosewood and Italian Spruce<span> </span></p><p>I recorded a version of Rialto and Between Streets on each guitar - and the results are revealing - as ever I used a matched pair of Gefell M300 mics and no EQ, reverb or effects.<span> </span>I have uploaded these as separate videos so you can arrange them any way you want in flurry of open tabs.<span> </span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span><strong>RIALTO</strong></span></p><div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3mNSMibLZT0" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3mNSMibLZT0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="B75ieuL-Goc" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B75ieuL-Goc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="e_LII4tLcyE" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e_LII4tLcyE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;"><strong>BETWEEN STREETS</strong></p><div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="jYpxGSbCGm0" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jYpxGSbCGm0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="RK_2X6OxkYU" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RK_2X6OxkYU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p> </p><div class="video-container size_l justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="yW4u2J3VF7Q" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yW4u2J3VF7Q?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>So here we go - three guitars - same top wood but pretty much every other variable has been covered with different body shapes, neck lengths, fan fret, finish what can we learn from this aside from the fact that Michael Bashkin makes superb guitars? Well - that’s up to the listener.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/671ca5b7dbe159a4d2f1ab242d8ad6d57d4e6b77/original/img-9229.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>As you’ll find out next week, this was not an easy recording session at all but I hope you enjoy the results<span> </span></p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71644162023-03-03T20:24:19+00:002023-03-03T20:24:20+00:00ELEVEN - A GUITAR MAGAZINE<p>Massive congratulations to my dear friend - and one of the world's finest music photographers - Eleanor Jane whose beautiful magazine <a class="no-pjax" href="https://eleanorjane.bigcartel.com/product/elevenmagazine" data-link-type="url">ELEVEN</a> launched at The Guitar Show this week. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/26e7581805dd9b3fff53ca179b2b6277e2cb3b34/original/img-1255.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>It was an absolute joy to see this massive achievement come to life - it is a wonderful piece of work. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/c3893dabecba3bbfcfbed1cd9aa6a5aa73721bf6/original/img-1054.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Sumptuous Imagery</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/2c55ced70b85e6b24412018b67f839bcc0684c5d/original/img-1267.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Matchless Prose</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/872d93f50d251008715640677dfd3353c987e820/original/img-1263.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">You can find out more in this video</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="G1hODjk4Lqw" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G1hODjk4Lqw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://eleanorjane.bigcartel.com/product/elevenmagazine" data-link-type="url">Grab a copy now!</a></p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71819162023-03-01T07:00:00+00:002023-03-31T18:55:08+01:00BEDTIME GUITAR SPECS<p>Following an off-the-cuff remark by Acoustic Tuesday Captain of Industry Tony Polecastro I am thrilled to present my new video series.</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/b4191c16ac573773443f478d53f2322441f96e3d/original/screenshot-2023-02-10-at-12-05.15/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Bedtime Guitar Specs is a soothing exploration for enjoyers of the minutiae that make up the guitars we love so much. I look forward to sharing much more with you.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HbFQXKK1wBM" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HbFQXKK1wBM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71644222023-03-01T00:00:00+00:002023-03-03T14:43:17+00:00TAYLOR AD12e-SB NO TALKING DEMO<p>Remember that little Walnut AD12e-SB I looked at as part of my <a class="no-pjax" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/home/blog/7156221/the-same-thing-on-3-different-guitars" data-link-type="url">The Same Thing On Three Very Different Guitars</a> video? Well, you can now enjoy it on its own in a new episode of my No Talking Demos series.</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/36c95aee76bc9dccd9abb7d61f1afa1a66cbc6f0/original/img-0983.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">I hope you enjoy the video</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="_lbe-tUhNu4" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_lbe-tUhNu4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p style="text-align:center;">My in-depth review for guitar.com is right here</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/71378c86e25e792bdf8f4ff0d230c8a1087dd20c/original/img-3462d78c971b-1.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p style="text-align:center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71599512023-02-25T07:00:00+00:002023-03-03T14:24:55+00:00KEN PARKER - THE PARKER FLY PROTOTYPE<p>Ken Parker is a true visionary in the world of the modern electric and arch top guitars. His revolutionary “Parker Fly” design was a paradigm shift when it first appeared but as you will see - it didn’t quite turn out like Ken had planned.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/a413cbd49be54ac2b3e616a5dcd66373b074d4ee/original/the-fly-prototype-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>In contrast to other episodes of Luthier Stories - this is a short-form interview. Think of it as a haiku - take note of every word Ken says because there is a lot to take in. This was filmed at the start of the Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival as everyone was getting set up and ready for the show. I was very happy to get the chance to get Ken Parker on tape for this one - I hope you enjoy it.<span> </span></p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KbBzabnNJhk" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KbBzabnNJhk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71599672023-02-24T22:21:12+00:002023-02-24T22:21:12+00:00LUTHIER STORIES - LIVE Q+A<p>While this week’s video may be short form that doesn’t mean I have any intention of leaving you hanging. At 7pm tonight (UK time) I will be holding a live stream Q+A session about luthier Stories for 45 minutes before premiering the interview with Ken Parker at 7:45pm.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/f7654e0dd43927036a9fcd7176900ab4dcff0e22/original/ls-live-stream-thumbs-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>This could go either way - we could have a a seamless, easy-going live chat or you get to see me flailing around trying to bend the Internet to my will in order to make this happen for you. Either way there’s every chance it will be thoroughly entertaining.<span> </span></p><p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71599562023-02-24T14:40:03+00:002023-02-24T14:40:03+00:00Gretsch White Falcon - Flats vs Wounds<p>A thinly disguised excuse to wind up a wonderful guitar - here is a comparison video of flat wound and round wound strings on a Gretsch white Falcon.<span> Oh yes!</span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/b0e484a5d3093625ad9997f331418c6365a7fd11/original/flats-and-wounds-003.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;"><i>Brooding</i></p><p>I recorded the guitar through my Cornford Hurricane using a UA OX Box which I have been very impressed with - lovely bit of kit. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/87d5b8be290216fe5b5054471166fcd8891e8741/original/img-1018.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">This was a great opportunity to lean into some pedals with a Vemuram Jan Ray</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/e2ecc5ada1ed1734d945d9aa3fd146a892128bb6/original/img-1014.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">A Wren and Cuff Box Of War</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/67c88ba5289126e35c9ce78c85c01c859527a2d4/original/img-1015.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">A cheeky Keeley Mini Compressor</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/019444928cfef0d9d85813c782bbe4fdbdb595d3/original/img-1016.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">And a Danelectro Back Talk reverse delay</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/b4d9f738e92d9e81da62ed1c63aebe4e1ef7e43b/original/img-1017.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">You may be surprised at the results - I certainly was!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="DtahIf8niXM" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DtahIf8niXM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71562222023-02-18T07:46:54+00:002023-02-24T14:21:26+00:00LINDA MANZER - VISIONARY GUITAR MAKER<p>I have absolutely loved Linda Manzer’s guitars for many years but it was only recently that I had the opportunity to visit her workshop in Almonte Ontario.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/53537ad978bb531562640eb81ced536da4ffa2fc/original/img-8600.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Linda’s influence runs deep throughout the guitar luthier community with many of her guitars proving to be milestones in the instruments evolution - in particular in the hands of Pat Metheny.<span> </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/6bb639773b9fb5c42e9c7388005546d031842a6a/original/pat-metheny-manzer.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>In this episode of Luthier Stories Linda shares her experiences of the working relationship with Pat Metheny which spans several decades and the creations of seminal instruments such as the Pikasso, the little Manzer and *that* baritone.</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Qcvj5Xp7Hfo" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Qcvj5Xp7Hfo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>I’ll be live chatting during the YouTube premier tonight Saturday 18th at 7pm UK time - I hope you’ll join me!</p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71562212023-02-17T23:04:56+00:002023-02-17T23:09:56+00:00THE SAME THING ON 3 DIFFERENT GUITARS<p>Pretty much what it says on the tin - this was me having a nice time with a trio of guitars that are about as different as can be. Why? Purely in the name of fun.<span> And why not!</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/7d177699e272e6716c0cc709a71ddc905beca418/original/3-different-guitars-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">We have a Taylor AD12e-SB</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/36c95aee76bc9dccd9abb7d61f1afa1a66cbc6f0/original/img-0983.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">A LAVA ME3</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/a5cc2f64ca7a397adb513002275ccd761432c3c4/original/img-0978.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">And a Kostal MDW</p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/9ab0440ad122aaea284fe1d395fb48bcce62f00e/original/img-0976.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p style="text-align:center;">Different enough for you? Have a look at the video - I hope you enjoy it!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kcJ535pSRG4" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kcJ535pSRG4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71517832023-02-11T07:00:00+00:002023-02-11T07:00:02+00:004 SONGS ON A KIM WALKER GUITAR <p>Kim Walker's work has fascinated me for many years - not least because, despite his stellar reputation - I had never had the chance to play one of his guitars. However, while on the road with <a class="no-pjax" href="https://theblueguitars.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url">The Archtop Foundation</a> last year I visited Kim Walker’s workshop in Connecticut. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/3211f98fa9d694fc3471c7bb66e5f42d34a5d399/original/img-8164.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>After a long filming session I was left alone and unsupervised with this wonderful instrument that Kim had created as a custom order back in 1996. </p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/fc0f2ebde120fd544546a75f48dae846a2c7589c/original/screenshot-2023-02-07-at-18-25-43.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p>Quite frankly I have little recollection of what I played over the next few minutes - as such it came as something of a surprise to find full performances of four tracks when I sat down to edit the footage. Thank you very much Kim!</p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/eb8939bf7a53331c37673ef32ad05bf3837146b5/original/img-8177.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;">These are the results - I hope you enjoy the music. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="b7O9nfUabSk" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b7O9nfUabSk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Ps. Just as we were leaving Kim handed me a guitar he had just completed. It was, and I do not say this lightly, sublime. Just incredible. </p><p style="text-align:center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p><p style="text-align:center;">Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71517522023-02-10T00:00:00+00:002023-02-10T13:07:20+00:00TONY POLECASTRO TALKS ABOUT LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD<p>Tony Polecastro will be familiar to many of you as the host of the <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/@tacguitar" data-link-type="url">Acoustic Life</a> YouTube channel and Tony's <a class="no-pjax" href="https://tonypolecastro.com/" data-link-type="url">Acoustic Challenge</a> - although we've never met in person we do stay in touch and I was very happy to see that he has featured my <a class="no-pjax" href="/life-on-the-fretboard-podcast" data-link-type="page" data-link-label="LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD PODCAST">Life On The Fretboard</a> podcast in his latest epistle to the apostles. </p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="niGbaHykhI4" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/niGbaHykhI4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Thank you very much for the kind words Tony!</p><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71517662023-02-09T00:00:00+00:002023-02-10T13:09:16+00:00LHT GUITARS CADENZA - ONE TAKE<p>If you were lucky enough to attend the 2022 <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.archtopfestival.com/" data-link-type="url">Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival</a> in Arvada Colorado you might - after a full weekend of extraordinary musicianship and achingly beautiful guitars - have caught sight of me galloping towards <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lhtguitars.com/guitars" data-link-type="url">Tyler Wells</a>' booth with mischief on my mind. I was planning to steal this guitar. </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lhtguitars.com/guitars" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/9a4a8be9ef586fad96d08da073445de49f4ecdc0/original/1f7def20-cd17-46f0-8022-2e49bdb5222b-2.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>Tylers work has intrigued me since I first saw his guitars on Instagram and I was hoping to get the chance to spend some quality time with one of his instruments. </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lhtguitars.com/guitars" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/54e133210b8e33fe008dcb434e7850afea1cefc7/original/img-9050.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p>However I’d have to be quick as the festival was now in its final minutes. Thankfully things went smoothly and I managed to get a full take before dashing back with the guitar safely cradled in my arms to return it to its creator. </p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.lhtguitars.com/guitars" data-link-type="url"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/9846/8b1c2e0554527682be61a08bfd88f275443f7da7/original/screenshot-2023-02-10-at-11-22.19/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;">Thank you very much to Tyler Wells - I hope you all enjoy the video!</p><div class="video-container size_xl justify_center" style=""><iframe data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ulEFGcotX6Y" data-video-thumb-url="" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ulEFGcotX6Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div><p>Until next time, stay tuned</p><p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71483822023-02-03T21:43:34+00:002023-02-03T21:51:58+00:00RELEASING THE GUITAR'S VOICE - JOHN MONTELEONE<p>I have been a huge fan of John Monteleone’s work for many years and it was a pleasure to spend time with him last year while travelling with The Archtop Foundation. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f37e75f4b801e2a67cdda29d78bc0787d8d3d0f7/original/img-8091.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>John is a legendary figure in the world of the luthier built guitar and I am very grateful that he agreed to this interview after a gruelling day making content about The Blue Guitars. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d7adf3002d8e5d1ba5b2988797287f81c49dca3a/original/img-8047.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"SCARFACE" I love that thing...</em></p>
<p>I chose the subject of sound ports as I know that this is a hot topic in the handmade guitar world and John has been a pioneer in this field since the mid 1990s. Join me on Saturday 4th Feb at 7pm UK time for the YouTube premiere - as always I'll be there on the live chat.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="fBNRB0GUnlI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/fBNRB0GUnlI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fBNRB0GUnlI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it! Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71480562023-02-03T11:37:49+00:002023-02-03T11:39:06+00:00EXPLORING AESTHETIC THEMES - CASIMI GUITARS<p>My <a contents="Casimi Guitar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.casimiguitars.com/" target="_blank">Casimi Guitar</a> is taking shape! Thank you to everyone who has been in touch to ask for more details of my incoming instrument - This African Blackwood and Swiss Moon Spruce masterpiece has been much on my mind and a lot of progress has been made behind the scenes. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2373a73ba152d9956cd546584bc35e2476ba4df3/original/img-6427.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>THE KIT</em></p>
<p>It has been a real pleasure exploring aesthetic themes with Matthew and Matthias such as humanity and nature, healing and repair and what that means for this guitar. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/39109f341e93f28bc69b82859b9531079e9ccf3d/original/photo-2023-01-10-13-50-22.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Bespoke Bronze Rosette Inlay by Matthew Rice - Casimi Guitars</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/25e2e222e6f25691287abade513b9547b2058990/original/photo-2022-12-01-11-33-57.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><em>The Headstock of My Guitar with bronze inlay and logo</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can find out more in this video, I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HERsy9J1pYo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/HERsy9J1pYo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HERsy9J1pYo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71443472023-01-28T18:12:23+00:002023-02-03T11:38:50+00:00ARCHTOP GUITARS FOR FLATTOP PLAYERS - CRIS MIRABELLA<p><a contents="Cris Mirabella" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mirabellaguitars.com/" target="_blank">Cris Mirabella</a> makes disturbingly beautiful guitars. In fact I found his work so intimidating that it was several years after we first met that I plucked up the courage to ask Cris if I could try one of his instruments. It was life-changing in several ways - perhaps mostly because what I encountered was exactly the opposite of what I was expecting out of an archtop guitar. You can find out all about Cris's work and why it means so much to me in Episode 2 of Luthier Stories Season 2.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/dc85a606d764d11c75585f55c730cba96dbb93c8/original/img-7950.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Cris Mirabella</em></p>
<p>Since Luthier Stories first started I have hoped that one day I’d be able to interview Cris Mirabella. That opportunity finally came during a road trip with <a contents="The Archtop Foundation" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theblueguitars.com" target="_blank">The Archtop Foundation</a> in 2022 and the results are here for you to enjoy.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mirabellaguitars.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/26849f7c11a46c5a315b7669f14e37e97acb2c41/original/screenshot-2023-01-17-at-11-15-29.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>We look at the archtop Guitar from the flattop player’s point of view and Cris, with his characteristic patience and generosity, takes us through the anatomy of the archtop guitar - how different designs work and explains what he is looking for in his own work. </p>
<p>I hope you’ll find the conversation as wonderful as I did. The video will be premiering at 7pm UK time Saturday 28th January 2023 and as always I'll be live chatting on YouTube - I hope you'll join me. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="D0kMYpTtKp4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/D0kMYpTtKp4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D0kMYpTtKp4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71443552023-01-28T18:09:34+00:002023-01-28T18:09:34+00:00ONE OF MY FAVOURITE ARCHTOPS - MIRABELLA CROSSFIRE<p>Cris Mirabella never intended his for his exquisite archtop jazz guitars to be flung into DADGAD and used as fingerstyle machines but they really do work for me!</p>
<p>Here's a case in point - a sensation Mirabella Crossfire New Yorker recorded acoustic with no EQ, reverb or effects. </p>
<p>It might have been tempting to edit this into two “performance” videos but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it - it’s such a lovely moment - so I’ve kept the playing and discussion intact. Cris is not visible in the shot but you do catch glimpses of him reflected in the headstock of his instrument as he speaks. I quite like that. But I did go to arts college. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3TwvQld1x8E" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/3TwvQld1x8E/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3TwvQld1x8E?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71409492023-01-21T00:29:22+00:002023-02-03T11:39:06+00:00THE MOST VALUABLE WOODS ON EARTH - MICHAEL GREENFIELD<p><a contents="Michael Greenfield" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.greenfieldguitars.com/" target="_blank">Michael Greenfield</a> is an extraordinary human being who creates extraordinary guitars. A dear friend since our first meeting at the Montreal Guitar Show in 2009 Michael has been a guide and confidante in the fascinating and often bewildering world of the luthier-made guitar. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/065c6f3bf5d9cf64ba8394aab409f43d1dcda33c/original/img-8372.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Stereo Mike</em></p>
<p>With a client list that includes rock and roll royalty such as Keith Richards and Paul Stanley as well as fingerstyle visionary Andy McKee - Greenfield guitars have a hard-earned reputation as some of the finest acoustic instruments in the world. </p>
<p>With and eye for detail and exacting standards that come a previous background in Michelin star hospitality Michael has a deep understanding of the materials he uses to create his guitars - who better to look at some of the most valuable woods (don’t say tone woods) on earth. </p>
<p>Join us as we explore Brazilian rosewood, quilted mahogany from The Tree, Pernambuco and moon-harvested Swiss Spruce in this first episode of season 2 of Luthier Stories. I'll be on YouTube chat for the premiere at 7pm UK Saturday January 21st - I hope. you'll join me!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7nZ9DXFYcBE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/7nZ9DXFYcBE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7nZ9DXFYcBE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71390802023-01-17T11:54:08+00:002023-01-21T00:35:13+00:00LUTHIER STORIES SEASON 2<p style="text-align: center;">It has been a long time coming.</p>
<div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px; text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="jlV-_qORz0Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/jlV-_qORz0Y/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jlV-_qORz0Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<p>Luthier Stories Season 2 begins on Saturday 21st January 2023 - I'll be on YouTube for the live premier and I hope you'll join me - this is going to be fun!</p>
<p>Thank you for everyone who has supported this endeavour -</p>
<p>in particular</p>
<p><a contents="Archtop Foundation" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theblueguitars.com/" target="_blank">Archtop Foundation</a></p>
<p><a contents="Michael Greenfield" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.greenfieldguitars.com/" target="_blank">Michael Greenfield</a></p>
<p><a contents="Cris Mirabella" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mirabellaguitars.com/" target="_blank">Cris Mirabella</a></p>
<p>John Monteleone</p>
<p><a contents="Linda Manzer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://manzer.com/" target="_blank">Linda Manzer</a></p>
<p><a contents="Ken Parker" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kenparkerarchtops.com/" target="_blank">Ken Parker</a></p>
<p><a contents="Michael Bashkin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bashkinguitars.com/" target="_blank">Michael Bashkin</a></p>
<p>And to you for watching</p>
<p>Until Saturday, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71374322023-01-15T17:17:28+00:002023-01-15T17:17:29+00:00RUINED BY THIS GUITAR<p>George Gruhn knows what he's doing - as he showed me around his private collection of achingly rare guitars - my curiosity was piqued by a 12-fret Euphonon dreadnought. It is one of a pair made in 1940 - explains Gruhn - And for the style of music you play, I think you should hear it.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7f24955c2f63967a1673dc0cb0d457544c2c7bf0/original/screenshot-2022-11-15-at-18-32-59.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Slightly bewildered</em></p>
<p>This was an early contender for understatement of the year. This thing - this beautiful rumbling, whispering, velvet thing utterly ruined me. I captured what I could with my LAV mics - maybe enough to give you just a taste of what it can do. </p>
<p>This guitar is not for sale. I did ask.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="d32ctXqcYiE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/d32ctXqcYiE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d32ctXqcYiE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71374212023-01-13T17:36:29+00:002023-01-13T17:41:12+00:00GEORGE GRUHN SPEAKS HIS MIND<p>George Gruhn is an iconic figure in the world of guitar retail - instantly recognisable with a stack of unobtainium guitars and a live snake around his neck - George has helmed <a contents="Gruhn Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitars.com/" target="_blank">Gruhn Guitars</a> in Nashville TN for over 50 years.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitars.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/8b850b0776344bbadb12427d21b7d1590ab5f199/original/img-9385.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>I had no intention of filming when I flew out to Nashville in November 2022. I was there on assignment for a magazine but I did bring my cameras and a couple of tiny DPA lavalier mics just in case. One speculative message to Gruhn Guitars later and I was invited to spend an afternoon with George himself - This video shows him on fine form covering just about every topic of relevance in the guitar scene over the past five decades. Opinionated? Controversial? Not for me to say, but I can assure you talking with George is never dull!</p>
<div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px; text-align: center;"><div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="p2Mk6WK_rXY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/p2Mk6WK_rXY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p2Mk6WK_rXY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71368992023-01-12T10:59:19+00:002023-01-13T09:50:58+00:00LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD - TONY McMANUS<p>The first episode of my new Fretboard Journal podcast <a contents="LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/life-on-the-fretboard-podcast-tony-mcmanus/" target="_blank">LIFE ON THE FRETBOARD</a> is now live across all pod delivery systems and my guest for this conversation is the wonderful Tony McManus.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/8cc9ea05e732c4d393fbc103e4d6374f33e0796b/original/screenshot-2023-01-11-at-18-44-31.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Described by the late John Renbourn as “The Best Celtic Guitarist in the World,” McManus has toured the world delighting audiences with a combination of extraordinary musicianship and a deep connection with the music of Scotland. </p>
<p>The conversation flows from an impromptu meeting with the most famous man in Scotland; to heroes such as Renbourn, Bert Jansch, and Isaac Guillory; taking the stage after John McLaughlin and Carlos Santana; adapting Scottish bagpipe pieces for solo guitar; the unforeseen effects of meeting Pat Metheny; and what it means to live a Life on The Fretboard. </p>
<p>Life on the Fretboard is sponsored by <a contents="The Archtop Foundation" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theblueguitars.com" target="_blank">The Archtop Foundation</a> and <a contents="Microtech Gefell Microphones" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.microtechgefell.de/" target="_blank">Microtech Gefell Microphones</a> and is brought to you by the Fretboard Journal magazine. </p>
<p><a contents="https://www.tonymcmanus.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tonymcmanus.com/" target="_blank">https://www.tonymcmanus.com/</a></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71330842023-01-05T12:50:56+00:002023-01-12T12:03:40+00:00STEALING MOLLY TUTTLE'S TUNING<p><a contents="Molly Tuttle" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mollytuttlemusic.com/" target="_blank">Molly Tuttle</a> is one of my favourite players right now - she's an incredible musician and one of the most exciting guitarists I have seen in recent years. I interviewed Molly for Guitar.com and during our chat she revealed that despite having roots as a flatpicking bluegrass player she doesn't use standard tuning exclusively - in fact she also uses a fascinating approach that I just had to try!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can learn more about it in this video - I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px; text-align: center;"><div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px"><div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px;"><div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px; text-align: left;"><div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px; text-align: center;"><div class="video-container" style="--video-width: 560px"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="z731hJCgDfU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/z731hJCgDfU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z731hJCgDfU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div></div></div></div></div></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="The whole interview for Guitar.com is right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/molly-tuttle-golden-highway-new-album-crooked-tree/" target="_blank">The whole interview for Guitar.com is right here</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/71318552023-01-03T14:08:32+00:002023-01-03T14:19:25+00:00FRETBOARD JOURNAL PODCAST INTERVIEW<p>I was delighted to sit down with super luthier and podcast empresario <a contents="Michael Bashkin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bashkinguitars.com/" target="_blank">Michael Bashkin</a> during my recent visit to Colorado - the results of that conversation are now available for all to enjoy in the latest edition of the Fretboard Journal Luthier On Luthier podcast!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/luthier-on-luthier-michael-watts-2/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/fa76ed3f2255d94c9d61db47e08fa17132ba8aa0/original/87ffff2b-8379-40ec-8ce7-bc708e0ee187.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Despite never having built a guitar in my life I was invited onto these hallowed airwaves for a second time - this time to discuss my recent work with <a contents="The Blue Guitar Collection" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theblueguitarcollection.com" target="_blank">The Blue Guitar Collection</a>, whether I have submitted to the dark side and embraced the archtop guitar on a permanent basis, and updates on several new projects which I will share with you soon! </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy the conversation</p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/70478292022-08-28T18:16:46+01:002022-09-10T01:35:49+01:00Martin O-18 K 1921 - 100 years of beauty!<p>The final guitar that was calling my name as I recorded <a contents="The Blue Guitar Collection" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://theblueguitars.com/" target="_blank">The Blue Guitar Collection</a> is this delicately wonderful Martin O-18 K which has offered discerning and fortunate players over 100 years of gorgeousity since its birth in 1921.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/27b050f88916652cf7f38fbfb38d2d46205406cb/original/26502633-8f09-48b6-bb18-dad749de92df.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Centre stage</em></p>
<p>I have a massive love for 1920s Martins and especially the Koa instruments - just superb! This is the last instalment from The Brown Guitar Collection but I have some videos in the pipeline that I hope you'll enjoy just as much. In the meantime here is a one-take performance of Birdseye on a guitar that is older than you are*</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Fe1ulWhobfs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Fe1ulWhobfs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fe1ulWhobfs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">*If there are any centenarians in my audience do let me know! </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/70397782022-08-17T14:19:17+01:002022-08-17T14:19:18+01:00KEN PARKER ARCHTOP "Sidekick" - This was fun!<p>Another extraordinary instrument that I found in the new home of <a contents="The Blue Guitar Collection&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://theblueguitars.com/" target="_blank">The Blue Guitar Collection </a> is this <a contents="Ken Parker" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kenparkerarchtops.com/" target="_blank">Ken Parker</a> acoustic archtop - just gorgeous!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/abbc73e243cd019b8e6ae94b55d16af4aea8ba77/original/screenshot-2022-08-10-at-13-57-00.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Just wow!</em></p>
<p>This was only the second time I had ever seen a Ken Parker acoustic archtop guitar and the very first time I had played one. It was a genuinely thought-provoking experience, exhilarating and inspiring - you can watch the video right here</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Pv66c5w2yCk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Pv66c5w2yCk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Pv66c5w2yCk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/70357992022-08-11T19:34:49+01:002022-08-11T19:34:50+01:00CASIMI GUITARS C2 Signature Pernambuco & Redwood <p>In amongst <a contents="The Blue Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://theblueguitars.com/" target="_blank">The Blue Guitars</a> I found a trio of exceptional brown guitars and in a relatively quiet moment in amongst the azure mayhem I managed to film them.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/27b050f88916652cf7f38fbfb38d2d46205406cb/original/26502633-8f09-48b6-bb18-dad749de92df.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Just look at them!</em></p>
<p>Here is the first, a sumptuous <a contents="Casimi Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.casimiguitars.com/" target="_blank">Casimi Guitars</a> C2 Signature in a rare and delicious wood combination of pernambuco and redwood. Hot damn!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Check out the video below to hear the beast in action.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="PDSqgR3s27I" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/PDSqgR3s27I/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PDSqgR3s27I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/70263042022-07-29T12:42:58+01:002022-07-30T16:39:11+01:00Linda Manzer - The SUNFLOWER GUITAR For Ukraine<p>It was a privilege to be asked to contribute to the <a contents="SUNFLOWER GUITAR " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sunflowerguitar.com/" target="_blank">SUNFLOWER GUITAR </a>appeal for Ukraine - a humanitarian endeavour by <a contents="Linda Manzer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://manzer.com/" target="_blank">Linda Manzer</a>, a dear friend and one of the world's finest guitar makers. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sunflowerguitar.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/db3779d3f87d5ec44286ae7a868b1db4f7127a2e/original/img-8535.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Heartbroken at the suffering caused by the invasion of Ukraine - and with many friends directly affected - Linda created SUNFLOWER a uniquely beautiful instrument at the heart of the fundraising appeal.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://sunflowerguitar.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7792b81ad9c30c835e66f1a63efc456a1a0f68ff/original/img-8539.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can learn more about the SUNFLOWER GUITAR appeal and how YOU can help in this video</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="UnXk76cmWsQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/UnXk76cmWsQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UnXk76cmWsQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>During my recent visit to her workshop Linda asked me to film a performance on this beautiful guitar - a massive honour - you can see the results here. This was a very emotional moment and I think the video captures that. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ed0XbMMpFJ0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ed0XbMMpFJ0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ed0XbMMpFJ0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The SUNFLOWER appeal has already raised over $100,000 and we hope it will raise even more with your help</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/70121402022-07-11T17:23:23+01:002022-07-19T10:42:45+01:00Interview with Jazz Guitar Today - The Blue Guitar Collection<p>It was a real pleasure to talk to the irrepressible Bob Bakert in an interview for <a contents="Jazz Guitar Today" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jazzguitartoday.com/2022/07/the-archtop-foundation-and-jazz-guitar-today-present-the-blue-guitar-collection/" target="_blank">Jazz Guitar Today</a> alongside jazz guitarist extraordinaire <a contents="Ted Ludwig" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tedludwig.com/" target="_blank">Ted Ludwig</a>!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jazzguitartoday.com/2022/07/the-archtop-foundation-and-jazz-guitar-today-present-the-blue-guitar-collection/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/725835aeedd49fbafb0ca19e3f11700632abc892/original/screenshot-2022-07-11-at-14-10-38.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>We spoke at length about our experiences with <a contents="The Blue Guitar Collection" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theblueguitars.com" target="_blank">The Blue Guitar Collection</a> so far and the plans of The Archtop Foundation in the months to come. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here's the interview in full - I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nYpmjM6C-I4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/nYpmjM6C-I4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nYpmjM6C-I4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">PS - Don't worry - despite there having been a lot of Blue Archtop content recently there will soon be a return to light brown flat-tops very soon - major news incoming! </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/69690482022-05-12T00:33:47+01:002022-07-30T16:39:11+01:00The BEST Microphone for Acoustic Guitar?<p>Regular readers will be well aware of my love of <a contents="Microtech Gefell Microphones" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.microtechgefell.de/" target="_blank">Microtech Gefell Microphones</a> - in fact over the course of the past 15 years or so I have made hundreds of acoustic guitar demos using a matched pair of their beautiful <a contents="M300 small capsule condensers" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sound-link.co.uk/gefell/small-diaphragm-condenser-microphones/m-300-series/">M300 small capsule condensers</a>. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/8df898b1f26d4d23efaf42b105153c8b177ce962/original/gefell-hero-shot.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I'm always happy to see a pair of these wonderful things in the studio!</em></p>
<p>I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I am officially an endorsing artist for Microtech Gefell and - perhaps even more exciting - I have just welcomed one of their gorgeous large capsule condensers the M930 to my studio. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/3e98304716ab555eb4f49c6069a9cf2074f2e8cf/original/screenshot-2022-05-12-at-00-24-47-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><em>It's large but compact at the same time! </em></p>
<p>This seemed like the perfect opportunity to compare large and small capsule condensers from the same company on the same audio source. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b9ab2e03bec9e98195d8f250780363e27c6c333e/original/img-7607.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Very definitely the droids you were looking for.</em></p>
<p>And so I did exactly that and put down some tracks with my Kostal MDW Signature model - you can check out the results in the video below, I really hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="aGt21FDlrt0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/aGt21FDlrt0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aGt21FDlrt0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/69658482022-05-07T15:00:54+01:002022-05-07T15:02:18+01:00Comparing 80/20 Bronze and Phosphor Bronze for Elixir Strings<p>It was a real pleasure to work on a new video project for <a contents="Elixir Strings" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elixirstrings.com/" target="_blank">Elixir Strings</a>! In this video I look at 80/20 Bronze and Phosphor Bronze NANOWEB strings from the player's point of view. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elixirstrings.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2b57e35cb052fced9aacd82c1bf311840484880b/original/screenshot-2022-05-07-at-14-07-36-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>It was such a joy to be back at <a contents="Surrey Studios" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.surreystudios.com/" target="_blank">Surrey Studios</a> working with my friend Jack Vasiliou on sound - set up a veritable press conference of beautiful mics for the occasion in the name of fun - including x4 <a contents="Microtech Gefell M300s" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sound-link.co.uk/" target="_blank">Microtech Gefell M300s</a>!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elixirstrings.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e277348239f2dfdb61583380425d52be34b12a95/original/screenshot-2022-05-07-at-14-11-21-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>I am just as happy on either composition of string but I think this could be the first time I have ever made a direct comparison. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elixirstrings.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/73c4d4357238563a5acf2cffe9f40b650086c7be/original/screenshot-2022-05-07-at-14-09-43-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>The results were enlightening and really served to confirm that Elixir are still the best strings on the market as far as I'm concerned. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elixirstrings.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2245d3c9053a6cfb01c2b1f05ce7b4b558e38755/original/screenshot-2022-05-07-at-14-07-49-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy the video!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CZ16v2Qq5Fs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/CZ16v2Qq5Fs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CZ16v2Qq5Fs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/69640682022-05-05T10:29:24+01:002022-05-05T10:30:14+01:00How I Learned to Stop Worrying and LOVE This Wood!<p>Do you have a love/hate relationship with certain tone woods? I have to admit that I do, and in particular the more vitreous members of the rosewood family can be hard work for me. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ce24017d8df096f77cde1bb9413afb5b5d93407f/original/img-7539.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If there is one wood that I have found especially sonically unpredictable it is this one - yes, ok it looks incredible.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4a062517dcc73bb367bcb2a2fda5c5ff4fad2238/original/img-7488.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Achingly beautiful in fact</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5c08a9df4728f2538ace036c1d51732d3947afb0/original/img-7486.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Stop! Enough!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You have probably guessed what I'm talking about - but just to confirm why not take a look at the latest video in my Tone Woods series. I really hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3n7PlE3smLA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/3n7PlE3smLA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3n7PlE3smLA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/69597312022-04-30T09:38:15+01:002022-04-30T09:40:11+01:00Checking out a McNally Guitars OM<p>The name <a contents="Ciaran McNally" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mcnallyguitars.com/" target="_blank">Ciaran McNally</a> may be a new one to many of you but this young luthier based in Armagh Northern Ireland already has a huge amount of experience as an acoustic guitar maker having worked for both <a contents="Lowden" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://lowdenguitars.com/" target="_blank">Lowden</a> and <a contents="Atkin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://atkinguitars.com/" target="_blank">Atkin</a> guitars before striking out under his own name. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/516b9ec8922149ebad4ca4753cf852b7cfcda19b/original/mcnally-guitars-img-1456-1400x1050-1392x1044.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The annoyingly young and talented Ciaran McNally</em></p>
<p>I had reviewed a <a contents="McNally guitar for Guitar.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/acoustic-guitar/review-mcnally-guitars-presentation-om-celtic-ivy/" target="_blank">McNally guitar for Guitar.com</a> some time ago and had been impressed so when Ciaran offered to send me an instrument to spend time with I was glad to accept. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/acoustic-guitar/review-mcnally-guitars-presentation-om-celtic-ivy/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ddb2d3149056acd12eb7ee9305290259f0839ef0/original/screenshot-2022-04-29-at-12-20-08.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This guitar is also an OM but this time in Sitka Spruce</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0ed23375f55771cb68fb94e5cc8f5c8af10716df/original/img-7507.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />and Cocobolo with some lightly spalted sap wood</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4a062517dcc73bb367bcb2a2fda5c5ff4fad2238/original/img-7488.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is a massive departure from the sort of voice I usually enjoy but there was a lot to like about this instrument. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/436bd9286fb3adf7e8b1ba17144b509caa0bd56f/original/img-7480.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I share my thoughts more fully in this video</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="0woQtoBRwOY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/0woQtoBRwOY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0woQtoBRwOY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and you can watch a full performance of Between Streets too!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="AMs-59qB_rM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/AMs-59qB_rM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AMs-59qB_rM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/69559472022-04-24T22:09:30+01:002022-04-24T22:09:30+01:00LAVA GUITARS ME3 - The First Smart Guitar?<p style="text-align: center;">Strap yourselves in ladies and gentlemen - The Lava Guitars ME3 is here and things are going to get very weird very quickly!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/40b590d9b91151b6d67bb8936abe5e55098a9288/original/img-7274.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Something of a cross between an acoustic guitar, a spaceship and a smart phone this iconoclastic six-string could very well be the first truly original Chinese guitar design. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1c2c20e37a11ee0f24e183fd20b954aec968902e/original/img-7270.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />And it runs a stack of intriguing internal effects too!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/73e7979e41743af50a166d73fae495591550f772/original/screenshot-2022-04-24-at-22-03-42.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Welcome to the Internet of Things kids, here we go - I share my thoughts in this new video</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Xd0OOuUVKCs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Xd0OOuUVKCs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xd0OOuUVKCs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And I also shot a performance of Between Streets with the guitar switched off - so to speak</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nk3ZP6K2iJI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/nk3ZP6K2iJI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nk3ZP6K2iJI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">and a take of The Virtuous Circle with some of the more tasteful effects activated</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="SlkpBCXduFg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/SlkpBCXduFg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SlkpBCXduFg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Thanks for watching and I'll be back soon with something a little less outré very soon</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/69339722022-03-29T00:04:57+01:002022-03-29T00:18:38+01:00Rickenbacker Guitars Exhibition at Shapero Rare Books in London - Extended to 2nd April! <p>Rickenbacker guitars have a magnetic pull for me - I can't explain exactly why but I find them to be some of the most beautiful electric guitar designs out there. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/04ca43e5eee661d2456279abe4714e89fb5b1f0c/original/img-7139.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>As such it was a pleasure to visit <a contents="Shapero Rare Books" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://shapero.com/" target="_blank">Shapero Rare Books</a> on New Bond Street in London to check out <a contents="Out of The Frying Pan - Into The Fireglo" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://phantombooks.com/"><em>Out of The Frying Pan - Into The Fireglo</em></a> an exhibition of wonderful vintage Rickenbackers assembled to celebrate <a contents="a new book" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://phantombooks.com/" target="_blank">a new book</a> of the same name. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/162bbee771efbd60f95cc41edaede22ba6e15bf8/original/img-7143.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I spoke to Bernard Shapero himself alongside Phillip Hylander of Phantom Publishing</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/15ce15bb748fb051757fa3750d23eb8aaf33d296/original/screenshot-2022-03-27-at-17-24-30-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And Martin Kelly and Paul Kelly the book's authors</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d269412e6f30329d5eaf4cca9e71e72d4c82f965/original/screenshot-2022-03-27-at-17-25-47-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">They even let me play a couple of guitars!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/55cd80e1c965b7a0bebec90f0ba850c1b2a486d4/original/screenshot-2022-03-27-at-14-19-24.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can watch the whole thing in this new video - I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VmOK-aJaa6Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/VmOK-aJaa6Y/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VmOK-aJaa6Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, all the best</p>
<p>Michael</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/69288222022-03-22T15:01:50+00:002022-03-22T15:02:19+00:00Keb Mo Though - Interview for Guitar.com<p>It was a huge pleasure to talk to legendary Bluesman Keb Mo about his beautiful new album <em>Good To Be...</em>, his life and work and his experiences for <a contents="guitar.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/keb-mo-on-blues-legends-past-present-future-album-good-to-be/" target="_blank">guitar.com</a> - you can read the whole interview <a contents="here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/keb-mo-on-blues-legends-past-present-future-album-good-to-be/" target="_blank">here</a> and I really hope you enjoy it - this one left me really quite emotional for a week or so after. Just a great conversation!</p>
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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbZ-n_msNcI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Michael Watts (@michael.watts.guitar)</a></p>
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<p>All the best</p>
<p>Michael</p>
<p>PS. You can read more interviews I have done <a contents="right here" data-link-label="WRITTEN INTERVIEWS" data-link-type="page" href="/written-interviews" target="_blank">right here</a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/69245452022-03-17T09:51:58+00:002022-03-17T10:02:57+00:00African Blackwood is Like a Freight Train!<p>Right - we should be back on track after a few weeks deep in other beautiful things (not complaining - it's a wonderful problem to have!) and here is the news as regards my incoming instrument from <a contents="Casimi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.casimi.com" target="_blank">Casimi</a> Guitars!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/eb8d01e991d7f888018c0f7662308cccab70a976/original/e74564ea-3b0b-4b74-9d6e-6fa4d2cfa603.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />As you can see the rim of this non-cutaway guitar (a first for Casimi) has been glued together and formed. The rim is made from a laminate of African Blackwood on the outside and Wengé on the inside. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ef29363e2ee3a2a7eddbd4ec203b2099b39c3ed1/original/53781729-7249-46b3-81d1-c73dd21a2a01.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And as with any true bespoke process, a new form (or pattern) was created for this particular instrument. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/92f743f98ce8f488739f6bfbf3aec67a4d579146/original/screenshot-2022-03-17-at-09-46-38.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />In this video you can learn more about this process, my own thoughts on both African Blackwood and double sided guitars as well as hearing directly from Matthew and Matthias of Casimi Guitars. I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3lLWXw9ckXA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/3lLWXw9ckXA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3lLWXw9ckXA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/69115182022-03-02T16:53:51+00:002024-02-25T15:38:00+00:00Losing My Mind with a 1959 Gibson Les Paul - The Morgan Burst<p>While I do get regular offers to play rare and exotic guitars I am not so jaded that the thought of spending quality time with an original 1959 Gibson Sunburst Les Paul doesn't get the blood pumping!</p><p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/97b943c295962e513d884554c82dc8226c7695b7/original/img-6895.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>In this video I take a look at The Morgan Burst - an exquisite instrument owned by the late James Llewelyn Morgan with the deeply groovy Marc Allum who you may recognise from The Antiques Roadshow who tells us the story of the guitar.</p><p> </p><p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/9b2a498b6af4c3b2fb699aa9dd3c084ae34a531e/original/screenshot-2022-03-01-at-16-46-35.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>After that it's time to unleash the beast through an old Cornford amp and some exotic pedals - it is mighty. I'm still shaking, my ears are ringing and I feel joyously alive.</p><p> </p><p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e697eab6fdd023f870e726fd9816650da73fa037/original/screenshot-2022-03-02-at-14-51-45-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Thank you to <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.doreandrees.com/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Dore and Rees Auction House">Dore and Rees Auction House</a> for the invitation to groove smoothly with this exceptional guitar, to <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.instagram.com/eleanorjanephoto/?hl=en" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Eleanor Jane">Eleanor Jane</a> and <a class="no-pjax" href="https://marcallum.co.uk/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Marc Allum">Marc Allum</a> - I hope you enjoy the video!</p><p> </p><p style="text-align:center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X4TyngUJhFk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p><p style="text-align:center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p><p style="text-align:center;">Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/68767052022-01-22T10:57:10+00:002022-01-24T12:26:03+00:00USA vs UK Acoustic Guitars - What do They Sound Like?<p>I am regularly asked for my thoughts on the differences between acoustic guitars from the USA and the UK and rather than get bogged down in minutiae I find that a direct comparison is often the most useful way to address the issue. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1c999873b26bae15c2b599f275d786e569edbee1/original/img-6614.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Brooding...</em></p>
<p>For this video I chose two instruments, each of which effectively personifies the character of instruments from its place of origin. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2a3f1cd47cfe5e3d4a1c19b53035d6f42d9f5480/original/img-6629.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Mysterious...</em></p>
<p>It is indicative of both schools of guitar making that the designs, materials used and sound of each instrument differs wildly. This should come as no surprise!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/03966c301c1f219d62906f04ccc1bfb5b384e290/original/img-6620.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Chunky...</em></p>
<p>You may disagree entirely with my choice of guitars here and that's cool too, it's all part of life's rich pageant as far as I'm concerned. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/df3fb1370a765cc7d00e24a27ddb5144c8343035/original/img-6612.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Laminated...</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy the video - thank you so much to my friends at <a contents="GuitarGuitar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">GuitarGuitar</a> for the loan of these beautiful instruments!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="OOF1Mvo4b9Q" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/OOF1Mvo4b9Q/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OOF1Mvo4b9Q?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/68694502022-01-14T22:13:34+00:002022-01-14T22:16:34+00:00My New Guitar! Casimi Custom C1 Signature<p>Since I played my first notes on a <a contents="Casimi&nbsp;acoustic guitar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.casimiguitars.com/" target="_blank">Casimi acoustic guitar</a> back in 2014 I have been inspired, awestruck and not a little obsessed with the sound that Mattias Roux and Matthew Rice of <a contents="Casimi Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.casimiguitars.com/" target="_blank">Casimi Guitars</a> manage to pull out of a steel string instrument - they have made many of the finest guitars I have every played. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d3b16ed2e52b7e3c0f824d6952ed10c7755ab130/original/img-0751.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>A younger Watts getting his ears pinned back in 2014!</em></p>
<p>Since then I have enjoyed a close friendship with Casimi Guitars - one that has seen me travel all over the world to play their instruments.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/87dc8abf56d901449f0dcd581272adf6a876f7bf/original/img-1629.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Appearing on CNN African Voices</em></p>
<p>And now, years later, I am honoured and privileged to be having a truly bespoke guitar created for me by these masters of modern luthiery. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1e0307d97de49e876a897c71b9f5df8e18e2ad90/original/c4dcd469-c35e-479d-ade5-be257e79ad42.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The mould! It begins!</em></p>
<p>Welcome to the first instalment of my video diary documenting the creation this new instrument. I'm really excited about the musical potential of this guitar - every single Casimi instrument I have played has been exceptional and I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do with one of my own!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="F9ad_OTT7t8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/F9ad_OTT7t8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F9ad_OTT7t8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/68601332022-01-05T21:21:42+00:002022-01-05T21:23:02+00:00What Happened to This Archtop?<p>Recently I've had a lot of emails asking what happened to the Clara Archtop that Luthier <a contents="Thierry André" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.andreinstruments.com/" target="_blank">Thierry André</a> and I had been working on for the 2020 Holy Grail Guitar Show in Berlin. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e6ba4b7e67a41633046d7b486e5ff1be8d57a7a6/original/hogging.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>80 Year Old Sinker Cedar anybody?</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4fe781f39a64448a273cbc41c370460cc98b8e9f/original/photo-2020-03-26-20-15-30.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />How about some Ziricote for the back and sides?</em></p>
<p>With the cancellation of the show, tragic as it was, we were given the opportunity to stretch out and explore different ideas and the guitar was completed a few months ago!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5ca8c1ccfcd74ae09f03163336d8fec9310aed30/original/clara-archtop-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>It sold immediately...</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can learn more about this wonderful guitar - did I get to play it? in this new video - I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="fFdUCtsNYfI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/fFdUCtsNYfI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fFdUCtsNYfI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/68123842021-11-17T12:36:57+00:002021-11-19T04:59:28+00:00Guide to Alternate Tunings - Guitar.Com x Elixir Strings<p style="text-align: center;">You can now watch the entire 4-episode guide to alternate tunings that I hosted for Guitar.com and Elixir Strings!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/49581c2b5f61f93d12207f9ffb733ce745dc9d0a/original/screenshot-2021-11-17-at-11-55-24.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Oh yes you can!</em></p>
<p>In this final episode I explore some full-sounding textural tunings that you may have heard under the fingers of artists such as Sonic Youth and King Crimson. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f3a0789d53d5b7e09ddac6bea23220317addcb0f/original/screenshot-2021-11-17-at-11-57-10.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You'll also get to hear what a Wren and Cuff Box Of War sounds like through a molten Vox AC15. It's fun. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/961143ab106930fc3af30405e49a2fe7088e6348/original/screenshot-2021-11-17-at-11-58-50.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I take a look at a tuning made up entirely of tritones</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c1ede628a4c1c47a7ba309981cf6633d0a5e0381/original/screenshot-2021-11-17-at-12-00-43.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I explore Robert Fripp's "New Standard Tuning" too</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f2740173de0d64f513d1c6da672423f332adca42/original/screenshot-2021-11-17-at-12-02-05.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Before getting freaky with practical effects that I crafted myself from a set of strings!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy the video, you can watch the whole series at <a contents="Guitar.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/guitar-com-x-elixir-strings-advanced-alternate-tunings-for-electric-guitar/" target="_blank">Guitar.com</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Ei1b04MwVSY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Ei1b04MwVSY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ei1b04MwVSY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/68017182021-11-12T14:26:31+00:002021-11-12T14:26:31+00:005 Ridiculously COOL Guitars I still Haven't Played!<p>I have been very fortunate, over the past couple of decades I have been left unsupervised with some truly stellar instruments made with love by many of the world's most talented luthiers. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b792b20dff369f41c182acbcba1e11a2b04aaa30/original/screenshot-2021-09-01-at-15-31-23-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>This sort of thing being a case in point...</em></p>
<p>However, there are still some incredible instruments out there that have so far eluded my loving embrace - a fact that I find intensely frustrating. You can no doubt sympathise. </p>
<p>In this video I share 5 Ridiculously COOL guitars I still haven't played - instruments that have haunted my thoughts since I first saw them online, or in one case in person. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="IaIQ73Jlo7g" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/IaIQ73Jlo7g/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IaIQ73Jlo7g?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy it, do get in touch and tell me what has turned your head recently!</p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/68055792021-11-11T13:45:16+00:002022-05-11T17:46:45+01:00Interview - Richard Fortus - Guns N' Roses - Gretsch Signature Falcons<p>It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Guns N' Roses supremo <a contents="Richard Fortus" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.4tus.com/" target="_blank">Richard Fortus</a> whose beautiful new signature <a contents="Gretsch Falcons" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.gretschguitars.com/features/richard-fortus" target="_blank">Gretsch Falcons</a> have just dropped!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/richard-fortus-on-gretsches-gnr-slash/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d6b61b01a6bc7e6d37d6dbbffc9e2cf772cc9915/original/richard-fortus-gretsch-2-1050x1400.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Lucky dude!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can read my chat with the man himself <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/richard-fortus-on-gretsches-gnr-slash/" target="_blank">right here</a> in the luxury pixels of <a contents="Guitar.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/richard-fortus-on-gretsches-gnr-slash/" target="_blank">Guitar.com</a></p>
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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWIwdMFMOuy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Michael Watts (@michael.watts.guitar)</a></p>
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<p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/67715242021-10-10T15:48:00+01:002021-10-10T15:48:00+01:00Wonderful Small-Body Guitars - with "The Devil Is In It" author John Stubbings<p>It's always a joy to spend time with my friend <a contents="John Stubbings" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orpharionpress.com/" target="_blank">John Stubbings</a> - John is the author of one of the most beautiful books on the acoustic guitar that I have ever read <a contents="The Devil Is In it" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orpharionpress.com/" target="_blank">The Devil Is In it</a> - if you don't have a copy then get invoved, it is wonderful and I'm not just saying that because I'm in it!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/906b057d350d2399918c9b4fc02380f34a02e695/original/screenshot-2021-10-09-at-15-12-15-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Around page 329 I believe...</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">John put a huge amount of love and attention into this work and reading it is a tactile experience to be savoured. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/976d1d767b8c8e3f3532bb70481528556a3e5a38/original/screenshot-2021-10-09-at-15-12-00-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I visited John at his home in London last week for a long-overdue catch up and to discuss our shared love of small-body acoustic guitars, the treachery of Perry Bechtel, the wrong kind of slots and what to do when your custom guitar build takes over 10 years!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e49a517015209522901eda057a722fa9b8fe2373/original/screenshot-2021-10-09-at-15-09-57-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>10 actual years of a man's life!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kXTSEG8fb6A" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/kXTSEG8fb6A/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kXTSEG8fb6A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/67606762021-09-29T11:39:03+01:002021-09-29T11:45:07+01:00What is a MODIFIED DREADNOUGHT Acoustic Guitar?<p>The Modified Dreadnought acoustic guitar was created by the luthier <a contents="Ervin Somogyi " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.esomogyi.com" target="_blank">Ervin Somogyi </a>(Oakland, California) in the late 1970s at the request of several artists recording for <a contents="Will Ackerman" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://williamackerman.com/" target="_blank">Will Ackerman</a>'s nascent <a contents="Windham Hill" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://windhamhillrecords.com/windham-hill-discography-100/" target="_blank">Windham Hill</a> record label - most notably <a contents="Daniel Hecht" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.danielhecht.com/" target="_blank">Daniel Hecht</a> who commissioned the first instrument - delivered in 1980 and now on display at the <a contents="National Music Museum at the University of South Dakota" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://collections.nmmusd.org/PluckedStrings/Guitars/Somogyi/14414/SomogyiGuitar.html" target="_blank">National Music Museum at the University of South Dakota</a>. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/674ea10e3a72d07a9d7ba40fab369de8abbd9c5a/original/museum-md-001.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Well, look at that!</em></p>
<p>Since performing with this very instrument at the launch of Ervin Somogyi's Books on The Responsive Guitar I have loved the Modified Dreadnought design - as these instruments are still relatively rare there is still quite a bit of misunderstanding and ambiguity about the MD as it is also known. I hope this video goes some way towards telling the story of this beautiful guitar and the joy of using one for solo fingerstyle playing. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="wukIelWBS1Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/wukIelWBS1Y/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wukIelWBS1Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/67552012021-09-23T15:44:43+01:002021-09-23T15:45:26+01:00A Guitar Made With Human Teeth - Ervin Somogyi<p>While trawling my archive of hours of raw footage from the first season of <a contents="Luthier Stories" data-link-label="LUTHIER STORIES" data-link-type="page" href="/luthier-stories" target="_blank">Luthier Stories</a> I came across this clip where legendary guitar builder <a contents="Ervin Somogyi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://esomogyi.com/" target="_blank">Ervin Somogyi</a> talks about the creation of an unusual instrument made with decayed woods and actual human teeth. </p>
<p>I mean, yeah. Why not? It's Ervin Somogyi, he can do whatever the hell he wants on a guitar - and he will, every single time!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3iX-5XpycKY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/3iX-5XpycKY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3iX-5XpycKY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/67549412021-09-23T10:07:59+01:002021-09-23T10:07:59+01:00Interview - Andy McKee<p>For many years my friendship with the sublime talent that is Andy McKee has been based primarily on intermittent but consensual nose-boopage. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/56e62b151df5992a91670a9efc48a1eafcc63dcb/original/eee81b3d-26e1-45f1-b9f1-393aaf2abbca.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Boop</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/71c800946300be7104f327fcd3fd992638dc82ea/original/6692818e-0356-4670-b558-a165c92ce5cc.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Boop</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d9b93545fcbc97077a27d1592751a1fcba3a4d73/original/700827cb-352c-46f0-8ada-4359d57a40dc.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Double Boop!</em></p>
<p>Neither of us knows exactly why but that's not relevant right now. The main news is that we were left unsupervised on Zoom on behalf of <a contents="Guitar.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/andy-mckee-symbol-prince/" target="_blank">Guitar.com</a> to talk about Andy's beautiful new EP <em>SYMBOL - </em>get to it!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/773d6a3ba969aa06597a00252df658a1345c5666/original/andy-mckee-credit-simone-cecchetti-hero-1400x1050-696x522.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_small"><em>Credit: Simone Cecchetti</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can read the whole interview on the luxury pages of <a contents="Guitar.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/andy-mckee-symbol-prince/" target="_blank">Guitar.com</a> right now!</p>
<p>For more interviews I have done with some of the world's most talented mammals you can visit my <a contents="Written Interviews" data-link-label="WRITTEN INTERVIEWS" data-link-type="page" href="/written-interviews" target="_blank">Written Interviews</a> page. </p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned! </p>
<p>Michael</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/67504182021-09-18T11:51:19+01:002021-09-18T11:52:26+01:00The Guitar YouTuber's Dilemma<p>Here's something a little different! This recording was inspired by a voice message sent to me by my friend Brian Truesby which I believe neatly encapsulates the thought process that goes into every video I make.</p>
<p>I know I won't be alone in this.</p>
<p>I found listening to this message quite moving and I felt compelled to turn it into music both as a thank you, but also as words of encouragement for all of us who are about to press record. The acoustic guitar part was played on a Bourgeois 000 and was improvised as a whole take before editing.</p>
<p>Thank you, to each and every one of you for watching my videos. It means a great deal to me.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kMbs5wtwXoM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/kMbs5wtwXoM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kMbs5wtwXoM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/67408872021-09-09T10:08:10+01:002021-09-18T18:25:41+01:00Can You Play Fingerstyle on a Dreadnought?<p>It is a question that comes up with unfailing regularity wherever acoustic guitarists congregate. Inevitably one, perhaps a little bolder than the rest, will offer an opinion on the efficacy of Martin's venerable dreadnought design when pressed into service as a fingerstyle instrument. And the fun begins...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/fd419c0d6e4ff063c9941c182f9663e9f845b240/original/img-5861.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>It dreads literally no thing</em></p>
<p>I thought it was well past time I explored the fortés and foibles of the Dreadnought design for the fingerstyle player and in this case I did so with the help of a rather lovely Martin D35 that I borrowed from my friends at <a contents="GuitarGuitar&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">GuitarGuitar </a> - that's a three-piece back with a Brazilian rosewood centre plate to the uninitiated, but if you're reading this you're probably very initiated indeed. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/41b3c21e005b73a5930c27f720bfea94f70aea77/original/img-5950.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Contemplating a 14-fret neck again!</em></p>
<p>I hope you'll enjoy this video, I had a lot of fun making it - confirmed preconceptions notwithstanding, it's always fun to get your hands on a great guitar! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="TO2J8jbxU-c" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/TO2J8jbxU-c/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TO2J8jbxU-c?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>
<p>PS. You can watch the full version of Between Streets from this video right here!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="gqN06iTGJ6U" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/gqN06iTGJ6U/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gqN06iTGJ6U?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="530" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/67329222021-09-02T07:21:55+01:002021-09-02T16:03:24+01:00Nail Care for Fun and Profit - A Guitarist's Guide<p>It has been several years since I first explored the topic of nailcare for the acoustic guitarist in a video. Many things have evolved since then and my approach to nail care and tone production is no exception. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b792b20dff369f41c182acbcba1e11a2b04aaa30/original/screenshot-2021-09-01-at-15-31-23-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />In this video I share my process of getting my nails to recording session/performance standard and how I apply this approach when it comes to expressive playing. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/97730ceb72eac37e536b5f3beb83357666133e4e/original/img-5838.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Accessories!</em></p>
<p>Nail care is a vital part of my approach to the acoustic guitar - I find it a meditative process that gets me ready to play as well as I possibly can.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="fCNKyOynL8o" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/fCNKyOynL8o/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fCNKyOynL8o?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I hope you enjoy this video and if you have any further questions please do get in touch! </p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/67153802021-08-13T16:28:03+01:002021-09-08T20:15:28+01:00The Genius Of The Manzer Wedge!<p><a contents="Linda Manzer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://manzer.com/" target="_blank">Linda Manzer</a>'s Wedge design is an elegant ergonomic solution to the challenge of playing a large-bodied acoustic guitar.</p>
<p>Not to be confused with The Manzer Wedgie - a playground manoeuvre also invented by Linda some years previously - The Wedge offers several advantages over bevel designs and you can learn more in my video below - I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Sn2sfbTTl7c" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Sn2sfbTTl7c/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sn2sfbTTl7c?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/67011402021-07-29T11:52:55+01:002021-07-29T11:52:55+01:00With Derek Gripper Paris 2018 - The Lost Interview!<p>It's funny how things turn out. Although I'd been aware of his work after watching a mind-bendingly good perfomance on a <a contents="Casimi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.casimiguitars.com/" target="_blank">Casimi</a> classical guitar, my first meeting with the South African guitar genius Derek Gripper was in a beautiful apartment in Paris where we had been invited to play a private concert. I had asked Derek if he'd be willing to sit for an interview for a since abandoned podcast series I had started (I much prefer the visual medium to be honest!) and he kindly agreed. </p>
<p>The intention was not to film the interview but I had just bought a GoPro camera and thought I'd let it run just to see what happened. I'm not sure how much you know about GoPros but they use a tiny memory card that almost immediately nestled into the foam padding of my camera case and would not see the light of day again until years later when I found the little bugger!</p>
<p>I hope you enjoy this video, it brings back excellent memories</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1rxqNoXLIdo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/1rxqNoXLIdo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1rxqNoXLIdo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/66944832021-07-22T12:09:37+01:002021-07-22T12:09:37+01:00Do Flat Top Strings Work on a Flat Wound Guitar?<p>Recent bouts of pondering coupled with conversations with friends led to a very real and pressing need to explore the tonal implications of flatwound strings on a flat top guitar. Because why not?</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f0ad000134a94fb067760163952f3e7167321547/original/7afefbad-902e-426f-b8bf-064a5f035e90.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Obviously a set of flats isn't going to turn a Kostal MD into a vintage L5. Probably... But it might at least be fun. Also there may be some new sounds and textures to explore and that's always a good thing!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/fd126bc10c19470d69ec2ff65083be8655cf71ec/original/screenshot-2021-07-22-at-11-08-23.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There's only one way to find out of course and that's exactly what I did!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KYxwvOFOM0I" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/KYxwvOFOM0I/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KYxwvOFOM0I?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/66843092021-07-14T11:00:25+01:002021-12-28T11:15:59+00:00New Piece! Birdseye | One-take Performance<p>I'd like to share this new piece with you - It's called Birdseye and while it's still a work in progress to some extent, I managed to pull off a take during some long-overdue time spent with loved ones in the Yorkshire Dales a couple of weeks ago. I hope you enjoy it. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KT-TrXDeiAs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/KT-TrXDeiAs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KT-TrXDeiAs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">PS. you can see more like this in the rest of my <a contents="One Take" data-link-label="ONE TAKE" data-link-type="page" href="/one-take" target="_blank">One Take</a> series of performance videos</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/66843062021-07-14T10:53:29+01:002021-07-19T17:58:16+01:00We Need To Talk About Maple - Does it Work for Acoustic Guitars?<p>Maple is a wood that divides opinion amongst acoustic guitarists with almost surgical precision. "It's too bright, There's no bass, it's too trebly, it's sterile" etc are accusations often levelled at this superb wood. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cheerfully I say unto you "Bollocks". </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/91c957ff4fe452ec44ead4851b3583e6775503ad/original/img-2017.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I've been fortunate to play some utterly mind-bending maple instruments that effortlessly shattered my own preconceptions. These admittedly, were rooted in a diet of 1990s Taylor, Gibson, Guild and Takamine guitars accompanied by fatuous truisms along the lines of "Maple is a great wood for electro acoustics but for a real guitar you need mahogany or, even better, rosewood."</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f988b6de9f4b590ef4c151e8030caef22d447cca/original/10153625436586965.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />In this, the latest video in my <a contents="tonewood " data-link-label="TONE WOOD VIDEOS" data-link-type="page" href="/tone-wood-videos" target="_blank">tonewood</a> series, I take a look at the joys of maple steel-string guitars for the fingerstyle instrumentalist. I hope you enjoy it! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="358C-HsyTPM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/358C-HsyTPM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/358C-HsyTPM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/66551012021-06-10T09:58:37+01:002021-06-10T09:58:37+01:00Guitar.Com x Elixir Strings Guide to Alternate Tunings Episode 1<p>I'm very happy to present the first episode of Guitar.com's guide to alternate tunings for acoustic guitar in association with Elixir Strings!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d6443228eedd8e0a1a9cb2fd57963373a6828d9a/original/screenshot-2021-06-10-at-09-38-01-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Yes, I have been a little quiet here, the main reason is that with the easing of the latest lockdown I was able to zoom out to the wonderful Mizpah Studios in Bath Spa to film the first episodes of a series exploring the wonderful world of alternate tunings!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/3d407aeebba2ad856d92391ec2d0bbd277833482/original/screenshot-2021-06-10-at-09-37-27-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In this introductory video I explore Drop D</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/02976262a7b4b92ebe233ef666d16e7e6f51a11a/original/screenshot-2021-06-10-at-09-39-30-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Open D Major</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b33900620a446e7d2635573f839ae652c22fa609/original/screenshot-2021-06-10-at-09-40-25-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />and, of course, DADGAD</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5458d54cc4165b9a26b988dc7f1efd17eacf9b84/original/screenshot-2021-06-10-at-09-41-45-2.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Thanks to the Guitar.com video talent the production standards are off the charts, I really wish I could make my videos look this beautiful for you! </p>
<p>Here's Episode 1, I really hope you enjoy it! In the next episode I look at tunings used by John Martyn, Joni Mitchell and others!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FIoRurkfpy0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/FIoRurkfpy0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FIoRurkfpy0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I look forward to sharing more of this series including alternate tunings for electric guitar (gasp!) very soon - until then, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/66310382021-05-15T10:12:24+01:002021-05-15T10:12:24+01:00Playing a Matsuda M1 <p>I have made no secret of my admiration for the work of luthier Michihiro Matsuda (Oakland CA). Since first meeting him in 2009 I have been regularly left dumbfounded by the extraordinary elegance and startling lines of his instruments. As such I have been looking forward to sharing one of Michi's guitars with you on my channel and I'm delighted that the opportunity has finally arrived!</p>
<p>Here it is!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ad031a9476e754cffd9f6d3257c15a4e5266e218/original/img-2654.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />This M1 model in African Blackwood and Adirondack (I think...) spruce was completed in 2005 and like the early work of any pioneering genius it is full of tiny hints at what is to come. From the beautiful headstock to the sublime bridge carve.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/09abcfa383f020ce70ae08e18d9ee784bd8b3b2d/original/img-2638.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>That is a tasty headstock</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/850fd72fed7644cb297375aedad617507fc47ed8/original/img-2657.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Michi's bridge and saddle designs have since evolved but this is a wonderful example</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0949ed359aacb266e79ae2b3cc56f170dab1dbc3/original/img-2660.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Sublime design </em></p>
<p>I find this instrument fascinating as it is relatively restrained by today's Matsuda standards - it's a snap shot of his evolving design language in an elegant guitar that sounds wonderful. </p>
<p>I'm very grateful for the chance to borrow this gorgeous instrument - I hope you enjoy the video!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="J04ljf_FdBI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/J04ljf_FdBI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J04ljf_FdBI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/66126222021-04-24T12:10:27+01:002021-05-05T12:58:14+01:00Some Thoughts on Practice - Working on Improving<p>Practice - it's a huge topic for every musician and everyone approaches it in their own way. </p>
<p>I'm often asked to recommend ways to make practice more effective. I have found that nothing beats discipline, intent, focus and a little bit of structure when it comes to Working on Improving a certain part of your playing.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/543d587d3b86ba072b6e9abaeed226853e7a3d02/original/screenshot-2021-04-24-at-11-47-17.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>With that in mind I have made this video with insights into my own process as well as recommendations for further reading. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZaByw9M4sd0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZaByw9M4sd0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZaByw9M4sd0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>You can also use the luxury PDF which I lovingly made for you - <a contents="Download it here" data-link-label="PDF Downloads" data-link-type="page" href="/pdf-downloads" target="_blank">Download it here</a>! Help yourself to some blank TAB while you're at it!</p>
<p>Oh and if you'd like more information about booking me for an online concert <a contents="click here" data-link-label="BOOK ME - LOCKDOWN PRESENTS" data-link-type="page" href="/book-me-lockdown-presents" target="_blank">click here</a>!</p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65909842021-04-02T15:42:19+01:002021-04-02T15:42:19+01:00The Tree Quilted Mahogany - Does It Live Up To The Hype?<p>Ok here we go! Quilted Mahogany from The Tree is the rarest and most expensive tone wood in the world. Its striking figure and rich colour makes The Tree immediately identifiable but what is it like to own a guitar made from this legendary wood?</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2e98e9cac1a61c300584e1774be6cc53b192d6bd/original/the-tree-slide-002.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Discovered in 1965 in the Chiquibul jungle of Belize, The Tree has been used by a privileged handful of guitar makers on their finest instruments. It's a common foundation for a presentation-grade guitar or a top-line custom order. With prices far in excess of most tone woods The Tree represents a considerable investment. Is it truly worth the thousands of dollars that a set can cost?</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/aba75525b58237d253d4679744e45b10449d23e6/original/img-1843.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>In this video, the latest in my <a contents="Tone Woods" data-link-label="TONE WOOD VIDEOS" data-link-type="page" href="/tone-wood-videos">Tone Woods</a> series, I look at The Tree from the player's point of view to help you decide whether it lives up to the hype. In this video I tell the story of The Tree, look at its sonic properties and answer some very probing questions from my instagram followers!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="cc110dVUMFQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/cc110dVUMFQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cc110dVUMFQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I really hope you enjoy this video on The Tree Quilted Mahogany from the player's point of view! If you've played, owned, lusted after, or even flat-out dismissed The Tree then feel free to get in touch!</p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65666512021-03-06T11:28:43+00:002021-03-14T21:22:59+00:00Things get weird when you have 1 Million Followers! - Life on the Fretboard with Alan Gogoll<p>My friend <a contents="Alan Gogoll" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.alangogoll.com/" target="_blank">Alan Gogoll</a> came out of nowhere (well, Australia) with his astonishing Bell Harmonic technique and promptly became king of Spotify, Lord of Instagram and Thrice Blessed keeper of the Algorithm. With an audience that numbers in the millions worldwide and a string of accolades including Acoustic Guitarist of the Year 2020 under his belt, Alan's artful videos and gentle melodies have made him a guitar hero for the meme generation.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/8ad147ec61a99285f655094dfed4ddeec3cfc1c5/original/img-6671-2.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Alan Gogol at the Åstrand Guitars Workshop in Sweden</em></p>
<p>While this does grant him the joy of sharing music with an international audience it also puts him in front of people who neither appreciate nor respect the origin of his creativity or the years of hard work that have gone into his music. In this, the first episode of Life On The Fretboard - I talk to Alan about his career, social media for the acoustic guitarist, the joy of handmade instruments and how the loudest boos come from the cheapest seats.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="FbfHN4Qhs-s" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/FbfHN4Qhs-s/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FbfHN4Qhs-s?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>To see more of Alan's work please visit <a contents="https://www.alangogoll.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.alangogoll.com/" target="_blank">https://www.alangogoll.com/</a> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65589002021-02-26T01:52:09+00:002021-02-26T01:52:09+00:00Ordering Your First Custom Guitar - 5 Questions To Ask<p>Ordering your first custom guitar is an incredibly exciting experience as well as a considerable investment in time, emotions and money. With this video I want to give you the tools to get it right by asking the sort of questions that can give insight into your unique needs as a musician before you begin. Subjects like the ergonomics of the instrument, dynamic and timbral range, working with a luthier and more are covered right here!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I hope you enjoy the video, feel free to get in touch if there is something I can help with!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="YnNNdb-Z2TE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YnNNdb-Z2TE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YnNNdb-Z2TE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65507772021-02-17T13:21:25+00:002021-02-17T13:36:22+00:00How different can two guitars from the same luthier be?<p>This is a question I am often asked - how much does the signature style of a guitar maker differ? Well, I just filmed two instruments by Rosie Heydenrych of Turnstone Guitars with contrasting personalities that still retain the Turnstone signature sound and response.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/fccc5d4b6fac1bf847d98d66838514a8e323cf53/original/img-2081.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Just look at these two!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As you might expect from Rosie, there are some interesting woods in there too!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1435a0d910c588a21b904cd37af85a9d5073350d/original/img-2153-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Always handy to have a spec list...</em></p>
<p>Here we have the largest Turnstone model, the TG in Madagascar rosewood and Alpine Spruce and a very custom 12-fret TM model in Cherry and Yew. As ever, a huge amount of love and attention to detail has gone into these instruments and it was almost as much fun taking pictures as playing them!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f6d84e1251bd5dc8177cc4090c138f0a7d4f2dff/original/img-2094.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Turnston TG Cutaway" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>An Elegant sweeping Florentine cutaway</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/9ff48bf2a8c669277ea4db26398a0595d7513496/original/img-2103.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Madagascar Rosewood" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>A frankly stonking set of Mad Rose on the back and sides!</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f3ac81816cb54cd384971189c9b3155897b58d8f/original/img-2086.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The Turnstone headstock with Gotoh 510s - My personal favourite </em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/888f144483354a75e2ad921bb950cb9608262741/original/img-2087.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Look these position markers - I really like this new design!</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2b1eeeee39b138166e1831b8e5ed2e04ca86e06d/original/img-2105.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Turnstone Guitar" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Here's the TM - The movement in the grain on both woods is very beautiful</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/68c635b2574be19ccd4196290f6eee6056cd5044/original/img-2124.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Turnstone Guitar Yew top" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Not just for English long bows - Yew makes for a lively soundboard too! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/67ecfd0e234a591b5c1c1948181366e747a41512/original/img-2114.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>A frankly edible headstock reverse veneer of sycamore</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4be18d8f7428a0c02a280c5ec6368b0427d5b7d7/original/img-2082.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Two very different, very lovely guitars</em></p>
<p>But enough of this, you want to see them in action and I can't blame you. Here you go - how different can two guitars from the same luthier be? Listen closely and then you can tell me!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here's the Mad Rose TG</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="TjEkEhgVm3k" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/TjEkEhgVm3k/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TjEkEhgVm3k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And here's the custom TME in Cherry and Yew</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="0VYK6wFaiIE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/0VYK6wFaiIE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0VYK6wFaiIE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Answers on a postcard.</p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65398122021-02-04T23:14:04+00:002021-04-22T14:28:42+01:00The Virtuous Circle 2021<p>The Virtuous circle is from my debut album <a contents="Vetiver" data-link-label="VETIVER" data-link-type="page" href="/vetiver" target="_blank">Vetiver</a> and it is a piece that has a unique hold over me.</p>
<p>Part dream state, part letter it changes each time I play it. The beginning is deliberately tentative, even faltering, as my fingers barely brush the strings before the guitar rises up to meet me in the chorus.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/37a9ed19474b5ba8053fca2cb2cc6828353b7082/original/img-2017.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Virtuous Circle is an exercise in texture, touch and timbre. It demands my full attention, total release to keep each tiny detail alive.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is a challenging piece. Always has been, and ten years after I first wrote it I get the feeling it always will be.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In this intimate performance from my <a contents="One Take" data-link-label="ONE TAKE" data-link-type="page" href="/one-take" target="_blank">One Take</a> series I revisit the music I first wrote a decade ago. </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy it</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="kfhuF-nKrGo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/kfhuF-nKrGo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kfhuF-nKrGo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65349072021-01-30T16:20:26+00:002021-01-30T16:20:26+00:00Book Me Via Lockdown Presents!<p>I have missed playing live so much. That connection with an audience, the thrill of live music making, it is intoxicating, as is the experience of a performance happening right in front of you. </p>
<p>Now, while I have been able to offer the unparalleled excitement of watching me grow a beard in real time, it's arguably not the same and I am very happy to announce that you can now book me to play for you via the amazing people at <a contents="Lockdown Presents" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.lockdownpresents.com/musicians/michael-watts" target="_blank">Lockdown Presents</a>!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="g3J6KNcgqZ4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/g3J6KNcgqZ4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g3J6KNcgqZ4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Performances last from 15 minutes and take place over Zoom. I have my recording mics set up to give you the best possible sound I can and you can even choose which guitar you'd like to hear! Imagine that, a private concert for you, your friends and family! </p>
<p>Lockdown Presents is a non-profit organisation with portion of the fee going directly to charity. I like that very much.</p>
<p>I look forward to playing for you, until then Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65271452021-01-21T23:00:14+00:002021-02-03T09:13:26+00:00The Rolls Royce of String Winders<p>As promised, here is the first Accessories Review video of the year!</p>
<p>We all know that a good winder can be your best friend when you experience a snapped string but it would be stretching the facts absurdly to describe them as beautiful. Until now.</p>
<p>Frank Ford, the legendary repair man from Gryphon strings in Palo Alto California crafts small batches of hand made winders that are a joy to use and here are some of my thoughts on that subject. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="NQpwV27hYzE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/NQpwV27hYzE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NQpwV27hYzE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65232172021-01-17T13:44:06+00:002022-07-19T10:42:45+01:00African Blackwood - Expensive Brazilian Rosewood Substitute?<p>African Blackwood! Heavy, powerful, rare, eye-wateringly expensive and deeply elegant but surely there is more to this exotic tone wood than just a Brazilian Rosewood substitute? </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e994bbfe3e035f549aef5268e5ce36b1b3e25f80/original/img-1676.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Delicious...</em></p>
<p>With a ferocious Casimi C3 Signature fan fret in hand I explore some of the tonal characteristics you can expect from this beautiful wood and take a look at why it has become so popular in recent years.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="osRWaLakPgQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/osRWaLakPgQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/osRWaLakPgQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Click here to watch the other episodes in my Tone Wood series" data-link-label="TONE WOOD VIDEOS" data-link-type="page" href="/tone-wood-videos" target="_blank">Click here to watch the other episodes in my Tone Wood series</a></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65200722021-01-13T21:41:36+00:002021-01-13T21:44:15+00:00Octet - A Virtual Guitar Ensemble by The Chris Woods Groove Orchestra for Elixir Strings<p>I have been a heartfelt endorser of <a contents="Elixir Strings" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.elixirstrings.com/" target="_blank">Elixir Strings</a> for years and when they invited me to take part in a long-distance collaboration, featuring artists from all over the world, I was delighted to accept!</p>
<p>Octet is a composition by Chris Woods of the nattily named <a contents="Chris Woods Groove Orchestra&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://chriswoodsgroove.co.uk/" target="_blank">Chris Woods Groove Orchestra</a> who, as well as being a powerful solo performer, writes beautifully intricate pieces for guitar groups. An example of which had my name on it!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/bafa8f0e0c0237cc356f97de0013b9642047ca64/original/img-1434.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Harmonics a go-go!</em></p>
<p>Having learned the piece, and following several chats with Chris to fine-tune my part I sat down to record. You can see the results below - I am joined by Chris Woods himself and <a contents="Maneli Jamal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://manelijamal.com/about" target="_blank">Maneli Jamal</a> (Acoustic Guitar) <a contents="Tiffany Lloyd" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tiffsbass.com/" target="_blank">Tiffany Lloyd</a> (Bass) and <a contents="BERNTH" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bernth.at/" target="_blank">BERNTH</a>, <a contents="Kwiny" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/kwiny__/?hl=en" target="_blank">Kwiny</a>, <a contents="Ando San" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPJF1eO9bAZxi-x6Fv2dYNg" target="_blank">Ando San</a> and <a contents="Sus Vasquez" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://susvasquez.com/" target="_blank">Sus Vasquez</a> (electric Guitars) for a joyful celebration of long-lasting, quality tone. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="dD2mxeRjMB0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/dD2mxeRjMB0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dD2mxeRjMB0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Thank you to Chris Woods and everyone at Elixir Strings for the invitation to make some music with these wonderful artists. It was joyful. </p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65150802021-01-07T01:31:08+00:002021-01-07T17:38:28+00:00Midnight Long Distance Blues<p>Sometimes you just have to play it all out. This was one of those times. I'm playing a beautiful Supro Belmont into a Cornford Hurricane for this Fat Possum meets Buena Vista improvised Slide Blues. I hope you enjoy it. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Vkez4IAWBK4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Vkez4IAWBK4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vkez4IAWBK4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can watch the rest of my <a contents="One Take series right here!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/one-take" target="_blank">One Take series right here!</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/65107532020-12-31T11:11:12+00:002020-12-31T17:02:00+00:00Coming up in 2021!<p>Thinking back over the past year I am tremendously grateful for the vocal support and appreciation of my growing audience. 2020 did not go to plan for any of us but knowing you were out there helped me to keep on keeping on throughout. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0bf57374c8497d55b1e901f60991af02ba80c394/original/img-0676.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I am also very thankful to have had the opportunity to set up a dedicated filming space - something that prior to lockdown seemed a step impossibly far in the future. This has helped me focus on the kind of content I want to make but has also allowed me to look at subjects suggested by you - a theme that will definitely continue into the new year. </p>
<p>I have made this short video to say thank you and a Happy New Year to you and yours!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="jtrCJXlZ-_A" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/jtrCJXlZ-_A/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jtrCJXlZ-_A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next year, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64811312020-12-12T19:55:00+00:002020-12-13T22:50:32+00:00The World Of Modern Luthiery - With Martin Simpson<p>British guitarist <a contents="Martin Simpson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://martinsimpson.com/" target="_blank">Martin Simpson</a> is more than just an award-winning internationally successful musician. He is, to my mind, pretty much the epicentre of the modern luthier-built acoustic guitar scene on both sides of the Atlantic.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c4658d9803d5ec103639e393873578ec6735bcae/original/ms.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>In fact, I'll go one further. It is my firm belief that no other player has had the same seismic effect on the guitar we love - his touch and musicality has informed the work of luthiers such as <a contents="Stefan Sobell" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.sobellguitars.com/" target="_blank">Stefan Sobell</a> and Roger Bucknall of <a contents="Fylde Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fyldeguitars.com/" target="_blank">Fylde Guitars</a> in the UK and <a contents="Ervin Somogyi," data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://esomogyi.com/" target="_blank">Ervin Somogyi,</a> <a contents="Jeff Traugott," data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.traugottguitars.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Traugott,</a> <a contents="Dana Bourgeois" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://bourgeoisguitars.com/" target="_blank">Dana Bourgeois</a>, <a contents="PRS " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.prsguitars.com/" target="_blank">PRS</a> and others in North America for decades. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/9f3a5b5cc05d2bf175c8e623b1eacea149382db0/original/m-simp.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>As if that wasn't enough Martin continues to champion the art of the handmade guitar and has been working closely with British luthiers such as Rosie Heydenrych of <a contents="Turnstone Guitars " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Turnstone Guitars </a>and Rory Dowling of <a contents="Taran Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.taranguitars.co.uk/" target="_blank">Taran Guitars</a> in the creation of beautiful new instruments that play to those luthiers' strengths as artists.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5bc0cb01d8a5f52b106ee7ccb81cd17a2826ae7a/original/martin-simpson.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />Talking about guitars with Martin is one of life's great pleasures and I'll never forget an afternoon we spent with going through a brand new batch of Stefan Sobell's guitars. I learned a huge amount that day. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c90766489d546a40c63f4efa248eeda9936cf84e/original/392176116964.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I hope you enjoy this video where we discuss the inspiring work of the men and women at the forefront of the global luthiery scene. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="O4E5BEc_PCE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/O4E5BEc_PCE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O4E5BEc_PCE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64909502020-12-03T18:30:11+00:002020-12-03T18:33:42+00:00The Probett SG-TEOR Electric Guitar<p>When electric guitar renegade <a contents="Matte Henderson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mattemusic.com/about-matte" target="_blank">Matte Henderson</a> recommends a guitar builder to me I sit up and take notice! The man has impeccable taste and many of the instruments he has commissioned are pretty much exactly what I would have chosen while some of them are perfectly off the beaten track. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mattemusic.com/about-matte" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/bc8897f60422c415f4a4559a6f7ed5638e4ac51b/original/screen-shot-2014-02-27-at-12-20-56-pm.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Matte Henderson in his studio - no doubt dreaming up something very naughty...</em></p>
<p>Earlier this year Matte pinged me on Instagram about a new instrument that was being made for him by British luthier Damien Probett. It was an eyebrow-raising amalgam of the Gibson SG and the Fender Telecaster - two of my favourite electric guitars. Many have attempted to marry these very different beasts but it was immediately obvious that Damian Probett had hit the design just right!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.probettguitars.com/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ef6f5636139558118e373b10c6a2c278f5d9ec7a/original/img-1260.jpg" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Damien Probett in his workshop. I took this picture and I'm quite proud of it actually! </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In a very different episode of my <a contents="Michael Watts Plays..." data-link-label="MICHAEL WATTS PLAYS" data-link-type="page" href="/michael-watts-plays" target="_blank">Michael Watts Plays...</a> series you can see this extraordinary instrument in action - it's rather special!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="YR64DsHhQ3E" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/YR64DsHhQ3E/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YR64DsHhQ3E?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64829482020-11-21T19:50:59+00:002020-11-21T19:56:45+00:00Bog Oak - What is it? Is it any Good?<p>Since I uploaded the latest video in my <a contents="Michael Watts Plays..." data-link-label="MICHAEL WATTS PLAYS" data-link-type="page" href="/michael-watts-plays" target="_blank">Michael Watts Plays...</a> series I have received several messages asking for more details about Bog Oak (and its many other names).</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ce8703d6e46f6e74f303e3e8d17ab1595e0dc078/original/img-1138.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>A Bog Oak guitar yesterday</em></p>
<p>In this latest episode of my <em><a contents="Tone Wood Videos&nbsp;" data-link-label="TONE WOOD VIDEOS" data-link-type="page" href="/tone-wood-videos" target="_blank">Tone Wood Videos </a> </em>I take a look at the fascinating story of this cool and unusual tone wood, its use as an acoustic guitar wood and its personality from the player's point of view. If you think you might be into that then click below!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="lthVo5U8BCY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/lthVo5U8BCY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lthVo5U8BCY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64813092020-11-19T18:03:45+00:002020-11-21T20:25:11+00:00Here's a Swannell OMC in Bog Oak!<p style="text-align: center;">I have spent an enjoyable couple of days in the company of this OMC model by British luthier <a contents="Jamie Swannell" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.swannellguitars.co.uk/" target="_blank">Jamie Swannell</a>. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5eadc15adaf1ff9f7d66dfc4a05fc729e2a70cc9/original/img-1151.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>That's quite fetching isn't it?</em></p>
<p>This is the first example of Jamie's work that I've played and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to do so. I like his clean, elegant design language - there are times when less really is more and this is very well judged.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/aef2455fb13066b8ada9e4b7e1f08307e2b3648d/original/img-1121.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>I love the rosette</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/032e47429d46a1b506adcf576c31b157d887d698/original/img-1136.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />Fenland Oak on the sides</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ce8703d6e46f6e74f303e3e8d17ab1595e0dc078/original/img-1138.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />And the back too</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5a5c46c0bda346f2fdf025d1fb32a0210659d82b/original/img-1124.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" />European Spruce soundboard</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b2b5e228014853aa9c6eb8958d000b5821b9e345/original/img-1119.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />Topped off with a nice headstock design too</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can watch this guitar in action in the latest episode of my <em><a contents="Michael Watts Plays..." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/michael-watts-plays" target="_blank">Michael Watts Plays...</a> </em>series on YouTube and I really hope you enjoy it! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="t66uJfmf8Fc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/t66uJfmf8Fc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t66uJfmf8Fc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64748022020-11-11T11:44:53+00:002020-11-11T11:44:53+00:00Turnstone TGE Review - Guitar.com<p>Long-term readers will be well aware that I need very little excuse to spend some time with a <a contents="Turnstone guitar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Turnstone guitar</a>. As such I was very happy to be asked to review one of Rosie Heydenrych's E series (all English woods for the uninitiated) for <a contents="Guitar.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/acoustic-guitar/turnstone-guitar-company-tge/" target="_blank">Guitar.com</a>!</p>
<p>You can read the whole review by clicking the pic below </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/acoustic-guitar/turnstone-guitar-company-tge/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/181e7298f1ed2a8296bccf4e9e8a14a09f30e8f7/original/387-47.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Just look at that... Photo Eleanor Jane</em></p>
<p>And here's the accompanying video to pique your curiosity - it was filmed at my home with a matched pair of Gefell M300s and no EQ, reverb or effects.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="3kdsbePfazI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/3kdsbePfazI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3kdsbePfazI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64721952020-11-07T15:30:51+00:002020-11-07T15:34:03+00:00Interview - Graham Coxon - Guitar.com - Jaded Hearts Club<p>It was a joy to catch up with one of my favourite guitarists, the mighty <a contents="Graham Coxon" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.grahamcoxon.com/" target="_blank">Graham Coxon</a> (Blur) alongside <a contents="Miles Kane" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.mileskane.com/" target="_blank">Miles Kane</a> (The Last Shadow Puppets) and Nic Cester (<a contents="Jet" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.jetofficial.com/" target="_blank">Jet</a>) to talk about their new supergroup The Jaded Hearts Club which also includes Matt Bellamy (Muse) on bass and drummer Sean Payne (The Zutons) as well as guitarist Jamie Davies. </p>
<p>Click on the pic to read the whole interview at <a contents="Guitar.com" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/graham-coxon-reinventing-classics-the-jaded-hearts-club/" target="_blank">Guitar.com</a>!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/graham-coxon-reinventing-classics-the-jaded-hearts-club/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/3aedea8f1a522957209c21a465c165d1b1ad7bf3/original/jaded-hearts-club-credit-eleanor-jane-1-2160x2700.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Credit: Eleanor Jane" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eleanorjane.co.uk/" target="_blank"><em>Credit: Eleanor Jane</em></a></p>
<p>You can read more of my interviews with some of the greatest guitarists in the world <a contents="right here" data-link-label="WRITTEN INTERVIEWS" data-link-type="page" href="/written-interviews" target="_blank">right here</a></p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64660452020-10-29T20:25:49+00:002020-10-29T20:25:49+00:00HYLAB - One Take Performance<p>I started my One Take Performance series as a way of keeping in touch with pieces that will feature on my second album <a contents="HYLAB" data-link-label="HYLAB" data-link-type="page" href="/hylab" target="_blank">HYLAB</a> as and when I am able to complete it. </p>
<p>I did actually listen back to the recordings so far after a break of a couple months and I was glad, and not a little relieved that the music sounded even better than I'd remembered!</p>
<p>This is One Take Performance of HYLAB the album's title track played on my <a contents="Kostal MDW Signature model" data-link-label="GUITARS" data-link-type="page" href="/guitars" target="_blank">Kostal MDW Signature model</a>. I really hope you'll enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="IhdAeWaxzQs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/IhdAeWaxzQs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IhdAeWaxzQs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64516322020-10-08T16:51:00+01:002020-10-11T12:20:06+01:00Apple? It's a Turnstone, anything is possible!<p>Rosie Heydenrych of <a contents="Turnstone Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Turnstone Guitars</a> can always be relied upon to bring me something I've never played before and in this case it's a gorgeous TM model in the fashionable Bearclaw Alpine Spruce but also, apple!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/91deb3675d47807d0496c5e3d02d3f5e6e0e1661/original/screenshot-2020-10-08-at-16-22-15.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>And why not? Apple, as I learned a few short hours ago can be a visually pleasing timber with some beautiful grain. It reminds me of one of my first luthier-made guitars, a Tamar by Brook Guitars in Devon. That was Red Gum (a Eucalyptus) with a cedar top. It's good though isn't it? That cocobolo binding really pops too. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/94e0c7207a27221ce4d0ea1d6544e07d157f80e8/original/img-0948.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Somewhat unusually for a 14-fretter this guitar has a slotted headstock to provide sonic and haptic joy to the player as well as the gentle challenge of changing strings without too many puncture wounds. But where's the fun without the danger?</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c3405fc98fb2afd751b388082003694ba028c412/original/img-0910.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">There are some other lovely touches like the Kathy Wingert style mini bevel </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e653c4dabc694c1a118b1486f038f314363b1be7/original/img-0917.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And the recurve neck heel, all the rage amongst the hep cats of modern Japanese luthiery </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/155c8b3e0de68dfa4c72ca13ef0476c342f6a89a/original/img-0908.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />This is my first sighting of the design from a UK luthier.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Of course none of this matters if the guitar doesn't work as a musical instrument and in this case Rosie has created a warm, engaging and thoroughly joyful instrument which I really enjoyed spending time with. You can see it in action in this latest instalment in the demurely titled Michael Watts Plays... series. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="e6tWmsw0oRo" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/e6tWmsw0oRo/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e6tWmsw0oRo?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Michael<br> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64470542020-10-01T18:58:15+01:002020-10-29T20:09:28+00:00Between Streets - One Take Performance<p>Hello everyone,</p>
<p>I've been pretty ridiculously busy this past couple of weeks but I finally found the time to get in front of the camera for a one-take performance of Between Streets on my Gretsch White Falcon.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/599dcececdb3bc5f30ebed3934ffe8bcc3c4e390/original/img-0846.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>A Gretsch White Falcon earlier today...</em></p>
<p>I really hope you enjoy this video and I look forward to sharing the album version with you at some point in the next forty years. It will happen. It's actually sounding pretty good and I'll do another album diary video as soon as I get the chance. Anyway, here you go. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="tchFRPvf6rM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/tchFRPvf6rM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tchFRPvf6rM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64470512020-09-30T20:20:00+01:002020-11-01T15:34:11+00:00Zoom Call with Carlos Santana for Guitar.com Live!<p>It's been an interesting couple of weeks...</p>
<p>When <a contents="Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/" target="_blank">Guitar Magazine</a> editor Chris Vinnicombe told me of Guitar.com's grand plan to hold a <a contents="huge on-line guitar festival" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/live/" target="_blank">huge on-line guitar festival</a> featuring some of the biggest names in the six-string world I thought he'd lost his damn mind. He swiftly confirmed this by asking me to interview some of these luminaries completely unsupervised!</p>
<p>I mean really!</p>
<p>Here's just one of the interviews I conducted - a call with Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana, Vernon Reid and John Mclaughlin! Click on the image to check it out!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/61Dzyob3iHo" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b475ba69c6f4bcef334551969ef02c3d9a8003b6/original/aeef3661-6f73-4045-8ff2-1f239a95001d.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64361382020-09-17T14:15:47+01:002021-04-21T18:13:29+01:00Moon Spruce - What is it? Is it worth the cost?<p>I've had a lot of emails asking about my thoughts on Moon-Harvested Alpine Spruce or "Moon Spruce" as it's more commonly known. That's hardly surprising as it's regarded by many as the ultimate spruce choice and often means a significant upgrade in the price of a custom guitar. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/a4f0d92b15704185ab310209b198cfd640096c4a/original/img-0685.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you're considering Moon Spruce as an option for your next guitar I hope you will find this video helpful.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="dQRl11U2Ndk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/dQRl11U2Ndk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQRl11U2Ndk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you have any more questions please do get in touch!</p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64350212020-09-16T16:43:23+01:002020-09-16T16:43:23+01:00Playing a Casimi C3 Signature Fanfret<p>The latest episode in my "Michael Watts Plays..." series is out now and it features one of my favourite Fanfret guitars on the planet - this mighty Casimi C3 Signature in African Blackwood and Moon-Harvested Alpine Spruce. </p>
<p>Take a look!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="2mWIJ9c3kH4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/2mWIJ9c3kH4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2mWIJ9c3kH4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64186722020-08-27T20:59:39+01:002020-09-13T04:35:29+01:00The Messiah Will Come Again - Roy Buchanan - Solo Arrangement <p>It wasn't supposed to happen like this.</p>
<p>I had other plans for today.</p>
<p>I was planning to make you a beautiful in-depth analysis of my evolving approach to nail care with quotes from players from Tarrega and Pujol to Miles Davis and everyone in between. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I still might. </p>
<p>Today, however, it just was not happening. I didn't want to waste all that hard work though so I played instead. </p>
<p>This piece, Roy Buchanan's heartbreaking and heartbroken The Messiah Will Come Again which featured on my debut album Vetiver and which, although it's a favourite during live performances for getting me where I need to be from an emotional point of view, I had never filmed. </p>
<p>Many people have asked me if I believe in the sentiment. I know I believe in every single note Roy played when he recorded this song.</p>
<p>That's enough for me. </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy it.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="PskXeEHgazY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/PskXeEHgazY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PskXeEHgazY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64135492020-08-20T18:28:55+01:002020-08-20T18:29:32+01:00Is a Fan-Fret Guitar Right For You? 7 Questions Worth Asking!<p>Recent chats with luminaries in the world of fan fret guitars such as luthier <a contents="Michael Greenfield" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.greenfieldguitars.com/" target="_blank">Michael Greenfield</a> and Paul Heumiller of <a contents="Dream Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dreamguitars.com/" target="_blank">Dream Guitars</a> got me thinking about fan fret instruments again. So much so that I arranged to spend some quality time with a particularly superb example of the breed, a Casimi C3S fan fret!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/32d0121a3c1b3d1791f45eb31296ea26dcf67315/original/img-0485.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0b0dd6e8c1ebd4847ebdb248a15d0b9a30d9c889/original/img-0480.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f644e42dfab4b22914ff8a25e9d3b9071c5beac5/original/img-0484.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4b84f8e5c6905afb71543b7336cd17a5e762d37a/original/img-0602.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Delicious...</em></p>
<p>I regularly received emails asking for guidance when it comes to fan fret instruments and I felt that it was a subject worth revisiting in a video. This one in fact. It's one of those list things. I hope we can still be friends. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="bOQSkgH5_ok" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/bOQSkgH5_ok/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bOQSkgH5_ok?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/64036092020-08-06T17:32:51+01:002020-08-06T18:36:26+01:00My First Thoughts On The Passerelle by Kaki King and Atelier Rosenkrantz<p>This morning the postman was on form! In amongst the usual stuff was this gorgeous creation, a Passerelle designed by my friend <a contents="Kaki King" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kakiking.com/" target="_blank">Kaki King</a> and handmade in Bronze by luthier <a contents="Rachel Rosenkrantz" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.atelierrosenkrantz.com/" target="_blank">Rachel Rosenkrantz</a> who you need to check out. Now. Seriously.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7adca1b54a75912c3ac6af296dcd967621cb676d/original/img-0470.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The Passerelle is a secondary bridge which turns your acoustic guitar into a 12-note instrument like a Japanese Koto or Chinese guzheng. I know this because I read the instructions! These were also very helpful when it came to fitting the Passerelle to my guitar.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5cf5148ef7700aa38f110e56b92d14b78db473c7/original/img-0463.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Look at that! Completely mental and I love it already! </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Check out this video where I explore this beautifully made and already very inspirational new approach to guitar. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KVs4P4ixEUI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/KVs4P4ixEUI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KVs4P4ixEUI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I'm going to spend the next couple of weeks seeing what I can come up with using the Passerelle and I look forward to sharing the results with you very soon!</p>
<p>Until then</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63953252020-07-28T13:57:44+01:002020-10-10T06:31:05+01:00Watch me chat with Paul Heumiller!<p>Since I began my <a contents="Instagram Live" data-link-label="INSTAGRAM LIVE" data-link-type="page" href="/instagram-live" target="_blank">Instagram Live</a> video series I have had more requests to chat with Paul Heumiller of <a contents="Dream Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dreamguitars.com/" target="_blank">Dream Guitars</a> than any other figure in the modern acoustic scene. I was very happy to sit down and talk guitar with the man himself who since 1999 has spearheaded the custom acoustic guitar scene. We talk about celebrity woods, advice for new luthiers, fan frets and all sorts of good stuff!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KogeAUPNlSM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/KogeAUPNlSM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KogeAUPNlSM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! </p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63917002020-07-24T07:50:10+01:002020-07-29T10:01:28+01:00The Taran Oreval<p>I have had the pleasure of playing several beautiful <a contents="Taran guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.taranguitars.co.uk/" target="_blank">Taran guitars</a> over the years but one model has been on my list for a while - The Oreval. This is Rory Dowling's biggest guitar and I was intrigued to find out how he'd approached the challenges inherent in the creation of a larger instrument. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7cbf08cda0d767f447d98cc72067abb8693d3a9a/original/img-0404-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I was very happy to hear that not only had Rory recently completed two examples of the model made (intentionally, I should stress) with very different personalities, but he was also keen to send them to me! It would have been churlish to decline...</p>
<p>A few days later two bloody great boxes arrived containing a pair of very beautiful instruments, the first of which was a high power thunderer in African Blackwood and bearclaw Swiss Spruce. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f36cb1c05b8ca36b4c6db938c85c21c6557020bc/original/img-0235-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Big Guitar - Big Sound</em></p>
<p>You can check it out in this video</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Z8HOPNhrDO8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Z8HOPNhrDO8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z8HOPNhrDO8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The second Oreval was a shimmering fingerstyle creation in redwood and claro walnut with added soundport!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/8ebf336ecd096f281fe28972d0cbe80e45902a2a/original/img-0311.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Redwood - Sibilant</em></p>
<p>This is a wonderful example of a redwood guitar tempered by claro walnut. You can watch it in action in this video.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="pFL_LirMFdk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/pFL_LirMFdk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pFL_LirMFdk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I'll be sorry to have to return these guitars but they both have good homes to go back to. Thank you so much to Rory Dowling for the loan of these beautiful instruments and, as ever, for the love and attention that went into their creation. It's very inspiring.</p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63909592020-07-23T18:22:57+01:002020-07-23T18:25:05+01:00Some Thoughts on Redwood Guitars - Do They Work?<p>I've been thinking about redwood, I've been thinking about tone, I've been thinking about Koa and the world's biggest necklace etc... Apologies to the great Bob Dylan there...</p>
<p>Seriously though - Redwood can divide opinion amongst fingerstyle guitarists and over the years of owning, playing and commissioning redwood guitars I have come to some of my own conclusions which I'm sharing with you in this video! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="9TG8MzzO9JI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/9TG8MzzO9JI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9TG8MzzO9JI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Let me know your thoughts too!</p>
<p>Until next time, Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63844522020-07-13T15:35:17+01:002020-07-13T15:35:17+01:00Judy Dyble<p>I was very saddened to hear that Judy Dyble passed away this week.</p>
<p>Judy was the original singer of <a contents="Fairport Convention" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fairportconvention.com/" target="_blank">Fairport Convention</a>, one half of seminal folk duo <a contents="Trader Horne" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trader_Horne_(band)" target="_blank">Trader Horne</a> and an integral part of what would become <a contents="King Crimson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dgmlive.com/" target="_blank">King Crimson</a>. Her solo projects were also very beautiful. </p>
<p>In the summer of 2013 Counting Crows bass player Matt Malley and I had driven from all the way to Banbury for the Cropredy festival after a week playing at the Edinburgh festival with Beverly Martyn.</p>
<p>Jetlagged (Matt), exhausted (me) and increasingly bedraggled we had enjoyed a wonderful time at Cropredy but were both looking forward to a little peace and quiet away from the festival buzz. </p>
<p>We found that the following day. Judy had invited us to come over for tea in the afternoon (Matt had contributed to Judy's latest album) and we spent the afternoon hanging out with Judy in her sunlit garden, walking with her dog (she loved greyhounds) and talking about music, life and everything else. There are some days that you just know you'll remember for the rest of your life. This was one. </p>
<p>Thank you Judy. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/35e72e8c488b4579a92bed2d430df17969d54374/original/screenshot-2020-07-13-at-14-52-08.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>With Judy Dyble - Complete with garden and greyhound</em></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/48b311ab96a607894579c69f661b3dbf527ba431/original/10151840637936965.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Matt Malley and Judy Dyble enjoying afternoon tea after a busy week!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Here's some wonderful live footage of Judy with Fairport in 1968 sounding great and looking frankly cool as hell. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nxEpR2GViBc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/nxEpR2GViBc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nxEpR2GViBc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63808982020-07-09T17:40:29+01:002020-07-09T17:40:54+01:00McNally Guitars Review - The Guitar Magazine August 2020 Issue!<p>The latest issue of <a contents="The Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.guitar.com/" target="_blank">The Guitar Magazine</a> features <a contents="my review of an instrument by Ciaran McNally " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/acoustic-guitar/review-mcnally-guitars-presentation-om-celtic-ivy/" target="_blank">my review of an instrument by Ciaran McNally </a>- Check it out, I hope you'll enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="_Rr8Kyv6zQQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/_Rr8Kyv6zQQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_Rr8Kyv6zQQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/6115cb9dfa18e152a2b4fc5acee50fcf96619d2a/original/3f62aa43-292b-40e8-bfb3-ce3e1989caee.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>It's very pretty...</em></p>
<p>Until next time, Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63698902020-06-29T13:50:57+01:002020-07-15T11:31:09+01:00Watch me chat with Al Petteway! <p>Al Petteway is a giant of the world acoustic guitar scene. A Grammy-Award winning instrumentalist, Al's work is familiar to many from his albums of original music as much as his collaborations with Ken Burns and Dream Guitars of North Carolina. He is also one of my guitar heroes!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7abfda93075041efef3d8ba3c4093bf6708cbbc1/original/al-pkt.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Al Petteway Yesterday </em></p>
<p>Al joined me for an hour on instagram where we discuss the fun to be had demo'ing guitars on YouTube, wonderful vintage and handmade instruments and the incredible men and women around the world who make and play them. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="M5oaLxnwhvQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/M5oaLxnwhvQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M5oaLxnwhvQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until Next time</p>
<p>Stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63404732020-06-03T14:00:59+01:002020-06-06T16:22:09+01:00Watts x Polecastro - Instagram Live - Saturday 6th June <p>I hope you'll join me on Saturday 6th June for a live <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> chat with a giant of the acoustic scene, the mighty <a contents="Tony Polecastro" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tonypolecastro.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyPj74tjl6QIVhrHtCh07eATgEAAYASAAEgIaIfD_BwE" target="_blank">Tony Polecastro</a>! Tony will be familiar to many of you as the host of <a contents="Acoustic Tuesday" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8jYLoDm3lMxlcE_OA50XXkjYxpcCt-Mh" target="_blank">Acoustic Tuesday</a> and <a contents="Tony's Acoustic Challenge" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tonypolecastro.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyPj74tjl6QIVhrHtCh07eATgEAAYASAAEgIaIfD_BwE">Tony's Acoustic Challenge</a> and he is responsible for spreading a huge amount of enthusiasm and good vibes around the acoustic community. I'm really looking forward to catching up with him!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b4cd55d99113780d60bb2b59b72129afe60bad32/original/watts-x-polecastro-logos-watermark-001.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>We'll see you on Saturday.</p>
<p>Until then, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63305712020-05-26T16:06:37+01:002020-10-05T06:35:29+01:00Watts x Greenfield Instagram Live Video<p>Chatting with super luthier Michael Greenfield about any subject whatsoever is one of life's real pleasures. Here, in all its rough and ready glory is an hour of exactly that - from the advantage that a solid foundation in guitar repairs gives a luthier and working for over a decade with wood from The Tree to advice for the aspiring funk/soul guitarist and the recipe for the perfect espresso we cover quite a lot of ground and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Fp_GlJ0CAPg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Fp_GlJ0CAPg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fp_GlJ0CAPg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63220432020-05-21T15:06:10+01:002021-12-22T13:25:16+00:00A Kostal Guitar for President Jimmy Carter<p>In a recent chat with <a contents="Jason Kostal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kostalguitars.com/" target="_blank">Jason Kostal</a> he told me about a fascinating project he'd undertaken to create an instrument for 39th President of the USA Jimmy Carter!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7a8d3746d9ee6f82fe957013e23ef306111b162b/original/img-0360.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>President Carter with his new Kostal OM</em></p>
<p>The guitar is made from Paulownia wood that was planted and harvested by President Carter himself, who contacted luthier <a contents="Todd Lunneborg" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://tlguitars.com/" target="_blank">Todd Lunneborg</a> to find instrument makers who might be willing to build with this wood. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/a4265b6aa8d033e7867cda04dfe6d2844675645a/original/paulownia-5091011-1920.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>A Paulownia Tree </em></p>
<p>You can find more details in this video where Jason speaks about the challenges of building with this relatively unknown wood - as well as the honour of building for an ex president of the United States of America. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="UQECjt1Ks3A" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/UQECjt1Ks3A/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UQECjt1Ks3A?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I'm massively proud of Jason and I hope you'll enjoy the story of this uniquely beautiful Kostal Guitar!</p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63220462020-05-19T15:05:25+01:002020-05-26T16:08:31+01:00Watts x Greenfield - Instagram Live - Saturday 23rd of May<p>Montreal is one of my favourite cities in the world, not least because it is home to one of my favourite people in the world, the legend of modern acoustic guitar luthiery that is <a contents="Michael Greenfield" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.greenfieldguitars.com/" target="_blank">Michael Greenfield</a>. </p>
<p>My friendship with Michael Greenfield goes back over a decade and I love everything about the guy. I especially appreciate his utter inability to compromise when it comes to quality of espresso, business ethics and personal and brand integrity. </p>
<p>Michael has created beautiful, unique instruments for players such as <a contents="Keith Richards" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.keithrichards.com/" target="_blank">Keith Richards</a>, <a contents="Tony McManus" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tonymcmanus.com/" target="_blank">Tony McManus</a>, <a contents="Pipo Romero" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://piporomero.com/web/" target="_blank">Pipo Romero</a> and <a contents="Adam Miller" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.adammiller.com.au/" target="_blank">Adam Miller</a>. However, he is perhaps best known for his long-standing collaboration with <a contents="Andy McKee" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://andymckee.com/" target="_blank">Andy McKee</a> which recently resulted in a series of signature models. </p>
<p>I'd like to invite you to join us for an <a contents="Instagram Live chat" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank">Instagram Live chat</a> this Saturday 23rd of May at 17:00 UK - 14:00 Montreal (Other timezones may vary...)</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c42c700ad1c5eb66a364522c87a9f357ba541c21/original/me-and-the-greeny-002.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>I hope you'll join us!</p>
<p>Until then, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63221672020-05-19T13:43:29+01:002020-06-19T18:09:38+01:00Thoughts on Sinker Redwood - The Guitar Magazine <p>Redwood, and in particular Sinker Redwood, has grown to prominence in the past couple of decades as an alternative soundboard wood for acoustic guitars and I regularly field queries about my thoughts on its use as a soundboard wood. As luck would have it, a few weeks ago a rather sumptuous example arrived at my home in the shape of this Lowden F35 in Ebony and Sinker Redwood. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/review-lowden-f-35-ebony-sinker-redwood/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/32d108426ba76c52b8ce1e96c421ecfa57d2541f/original/gm382-lowden-f-35-ebony-sinker-redwood-2-23-hero-1400x1050.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="Photography - Eleanor Jane&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://eleanorjane.co.uk/" target="_blank"><em>Photography - Eleanor Jane </em></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As you'd hope, I look at the guitar in some detail but the salient points as far as Redwood is concerned are here. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/review-lowden-f-35-ebony-sinker-redwood/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1ff5a26e0aa2413718f8f445394bc7b88e0a1571/original/screenshot-2020-05-17-at-09-54-33.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/review-lowden-f-35-ebony-sinker-redwood/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7ba661eae4857ae98359c97a1792618f9e00352a/original/screenshot-2020-05-17-at-09-55-08.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This is one of the best reasons to get a Redwood topped guitar</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/review-lowden-f-35-ebony-sinker-redwood/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b143b142a037e9e1b14ce9641fa53fe8ca568b7e/original/screenshot-2020-05-17-at-09-55-19.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>Personally I've only owned one redwood topped guitar but I've must have played upwards of 50 over the years. One of my favourites was by Petros Guitars - It was a model I think they have now discontinued calls the FS Ultralite and it was utterly superb. </p>
<p>If you have questions about this or any other wood from the player's point of view then don't hesitate to get in touch!</p>
<p>Until then stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael Watts </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63161382020-05-14T14:09:22+01:002022-09-10T01:35:49+01:00Watts x Kostal - Instagram Live - Saturday 16th May<p>It was a real pleasure to catch up with my dear friend <a contents="Jason Kostal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://kostalguitars.com/" target="_blank">Jason Kostal</a> in an <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> Live chat last Saturday! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the session where we discuss the history of the fingerstyle acoustic guitar, tone woods, techniques, new approaches and the best martial art for kicking someone's ass. <a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/9d6d40a4301625ce2d679c15f467a78d34598231/original/jason-mw-ig-001.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As promised I have managed (it's a fiddly business actually) to turn this into a video for my YouTube channel which you can enjoy below!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Zg7P3KvBiSU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Zg7P3KvBiSU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zg7P3KvBiSU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><br> </p>
<p>I've enjoyed these informal chats over Instagram and I'm looking forward to my next one this Saturday 23rd of May with Michael Greenfield! Make sure you <a contents="follow me" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank">follow me</a> to avoid missing out!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/home/blog/watts-x-greenfield-instagram-live-saturday-23rd-of-may" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c42c700ad1c5eb66a364522c87a9f357ba541c21/original/me-and-the-greeny-002.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Until then, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/63145672020-05-14T12:40:36+01:002020-05-14T14:04:20+01:00Recording Acoustic Guitar Q+A with Nashville Producer Rory Rositas <p>Nashville studio ace Rory Rositas has worked with many of the biggest names in acoustic music including <a contents="Bryan Sutton" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bryansutton.com/" target="_blank">Bryan Sutton</a>, <a contents="John Jorgenson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://johnjorgenson.com/" target="_blank">John Jorgenson</a> and most recently <a contents="Tommy Emmanuel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tommyemmanuel.com/" target="_blank">Tommy Emmanuel</a> whose wonderful new album <em>The Best of Tommy Songs </em>was tracked in only three days (that's 24 songs and two bonus tracks!) at <a contents="Omnisound Studios" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.omnisoundstudios.com/" target="_blank">Omnisound Studios</a>. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/92a8310cbf38fca9ffbc05972a7af769051d7126/original/rory-rositas-omnisound-1.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Rory Rositas at the desk - Omnisound Studios, Nashville USA</em></p>
<p>I first heard Rory's name when I interviewed Tommy Emmanuel and Jerry Douglas for The Guitar Magazine - Tommy spoke enthusiastically about working with Rory and was obviously delighted with the results. I felt compelled to find out more about the recording sessions which you can read here in a separate feature in Guitar. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/tommy-emmanuel-new-album-the-best-of-tommysongs/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/809b5edbe422f7b4719b6ec9b8fc27efe05ef1a7/original/screenshot-2020-05-13-at-09-28-18.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>I was delighted when Rory agreed to join me in a podcast interview and threw it open to <a contents="my Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank">my Instagram</a> followers who sent in some amazing questions - thank you so much guys! </p>
<p>You can listen to the whole interview right here. The premier will be on Friday 15th May at 6pm UK time (12pm Nashville - 10:00am L.A) and I'm very happy to announce that Rory will be joining us on live chat for the first play!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="7k1R0m1wki0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/7k1R0m1wki0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7k1R0m1wki0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62969362020-04-28T16:13:48+01:002020-04-29T17:13:38+01:00Watts x Bashkin - Instagram Live - Friday 1st May <p>Chatting with Colorado super luthier <a contents="Michael Bashkin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bashkinguitars.com/" target="_blank">Michael Bashkin</a> is one of life's great pleasures and I was looking forward to spending quality time with the man himself in Berlin next week. As you'll be heartbreakingly aware by now, that won't be happening. But, and it's a big one, Michael and I will be having a transatlantic chat over Instagram Live this Friday at 19:00 UK / 12:00 EDT.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c25f2ab627ac1b4e8bdff9cbc675728fcbcefe9e/original/watts-bashkin-final-001.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can find us on instagram as <a contents="@michael.watts.guitar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/michael.watts.guitar/" target="_blank">@michael.watts.guitar</a> and <a contents="@bashkin_guitars&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/bashkin_guitars/" target="_blank">@bashkin_guitars </a> </p>
<p>We're throwing this open as a a Q+A session too, so tune in and get involved! We look forward to seeing you on the 'gram!</p>
<p>Until then</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62909842020-04-22T22:58:42+01:002020-04-27T10:19:52+01:00Late Night Live Stream 2 - Sunday 26th April UK <p>I know that many of us have been experiencing stress, anxiety and sleep disruption. If that's you then I'd like to play for you. </p>
<p>I have started a series of Late Night Live Stream sessions on my YouTube channel, this episode was broadcast at 22:00 UK on Sunday 26th April.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Ij02xndDUZ0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Ij02xndDUZ0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ij02xndDUZ0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who joined me. It was a pleasure to play for you and a joy to read your comments from all over the world. I hope you'll join me again on Sunday evening. </p>
<p>Until then,</p>
<p>stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62830412020-04-15T13:06:57+01:002020-04-15T13:06:57+01:00DPA Microphones Comparison Video - Sound Network London <p>Back when that sort of thing was actively encouraged I was invited to <a contents="Sound Network HQ London" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soundnetwork.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sound Network HQ London</a> to film a comparison video of the <a contents="DPA microphone range" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dpamicrophones.com/" target="_blank">DPA microphone range</a>. DPA is a super-high end microphone company that sprung from the ashes of Brüel & Kjær back in the 1990s. Their mics have a reputation for astonishing detail and performance and I've been lucky to use and own several examples in the past. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ad6e798fb69f84bc140f71a9dd6d76892cb50dba/original/screenshot-2020-04-15-at-12-16-43.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>For this video I brought my <a contents="Kostal Modified Dreadnought #32" data-link-label="GUITARS" data-link-type="page" href="/guitars" target="_blank">Kostal Modified Dreadnought #32</a> in The Tree and German spruce and was quickly surrounded by a press conference amount of beautiful mics. The guys at Sound Network have done a sensational job of capturing the guitar's sound. Just look at all this lovely kit!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/da24318cdf25cdf89e34d98763708fbc2846a58d/original/screenshot-2020-04-15-at-12-48-01.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d7efb9efd6c15eaab2e18ec84ab918d9623ec87d/original/screenshot-2020-04-15-at-12-48-51.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b62a4a3566e71fceb117b0a993fa6783c3379fbf/original/screenshot-2020-04-15-at-12-49-12.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/53fb43eff3d98aabd080789fa58d92c56efc3ce4/original/screenshot-2020-04-15-at-12-49-31.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/74b6047e45f6f8cf6f42ec0f436df14b76b1bc64/original/screenshot-2020-04-15-at-12-49-51.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/9c940c8e7132a561e9efa1aee02d4af11fa8189c/original/screenshot-2020-04-15-at-12-50-12.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/3586dfa9b550be50fcc67d31bca5afaf768947df/original/screenshot-2020-04-15-at-12-50-31.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I'd just got back from Texas when this session was filmed and it was fun to get in amongst it with some superb kit. Thanks to the team at Sound Network and DPA mics, and I hope you'll find the video informative as well as entertaining. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="llqWofepHnQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/llqWofepHnQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/llqWofepHnQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62691592020-04-14T14:22:01+01:002020-05-01T17:12:39+01:00Collaborating with Luthier Thierry André - A Fingerstyle Archtop<p>One of the guitars I was most looking forward to playing at the grand finale of the Holy Grail Guitar Show is a collaboration that I have been working on with luthier <a contents="Thierry André " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.andreinstruments.com/" target="_blank">Thierry André </a>of Quebec. This is he. As you can see, Thierry specialises in extraordinary art pieces that are also beautiful musical instruments. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/98521afebc87750925a73578ed74bf591ab35670/original/screenshot-2020-04-16-at-17-42-48.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Photography - Nicolai Schneekloth</em></p>
<p>You can follow the creation of this guitar in a build thread on the <a contents="AGF Custom Shop" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576439" target="_blank">AGF Custom Shop</a> section which is where the cool kids hang out. In the meantime here are some gratuitous shots to whet your appetite. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576439" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f0138b73905ae37ee64724b0b3e241f58a9195e9/original/img-7768.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The initial blueprint - massive gold foil humbuckers are the way forward! </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576439" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/132fcd939328dc1e59dc080856063bf39290e7cb/original/p1110901.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>A collection of fine timbers... Read more the forum but if you can guess what you're looking at then I'll be very impressed!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576439" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0b83f937f5b06e5312708b85c784f5b992d998cc/original/p1120065.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Mmmm... This stuff... Mexican... </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576439" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/09829c90bcf0640d8e05baa398d7bd37ec51894e/original/p1110915.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Carving an archtop is quite a process! Look at that!</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>The <a contents="AGF (Acoustic guitar Forum)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=576439" target="_blank">AGF (Acoustic guitar Forum)</a> is easliy one of the best online resources for guitar related information in the world. I have been a member since 2008 and if you are reading this and haven't joined then I strongly suggest you do. </p>
<p>Here's a quick video with more information!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Nw8Lx4IuWwc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Nw8Lx4IuWwc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nw8Lx4IuWwc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62808112020-04-13T12:33:28+01:002020-04-28T22:00:14+01:00Late Night Live Stream - Thursday 16th April 22:00 UK<p>I know that many of us have been experiencing stress, anxiety and sleep disruption. If that's you then I'd like to play for you. </p>
<p>I have a series of Late Night Live Stream sessions on my <a contents="YouTube channel" data-link-label="YOUTUBE" data-link-type="page" href="/youtube" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>, the first of these was broadcast at 22:00 UK on Thursday 16th April. In each session I'll be playing some of my gentler tracks, close-mic'd, and with no effects. You can watch the first episode below. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="qp7PG-FRQvM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/qp7PG-FRQvM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qp7PG-FRQvM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I hope you'll join me. </p>
<p>All the best</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62682762020-04-01T14:19:02+01:002020-04-15T12:20:55+01:00Luthier Stories Series 1 Blooper Reel!<p>The first series of Luthier Stories took me all over the world from Texas and California to South Africa, Scotland and Surrey! It's been a blast, as well as a thinly veiled excuse to hang out with some very dear friends!</p>
<p>I hope you'll enjoy this selection of the bits I had to cut, I know, I'm as disappointed as you are!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="rF8RWbbaNAI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/rF8RWbbaNAI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rF8RWbbaNAI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Thank you to <a contents="Rory Dowling of Taran Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.taranguitars.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rory Dowling of Taran Guitars</a>, <a contents="Rosie Heydenrych of Turnstone Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rosie Heydenrych of Turnstone Guitars</a>, <a contents="Ervin Somogyi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://esomogyi.com/" target="_blank">Ervin Somogyi</a>, <a contents="Linda Manzer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://manzer.com/" target="_blank">Linda Manzer</a>, <a contents="Leo Buendia" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://buendiaguitars.com/" target="_blank">Leo Buendia</a>, <a contents="Mark Gaiero" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.gaieroguitars.com/" target="_blank">Mark Gaiero</a>, <a contents="Jason Kostal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kostalguitars.com/" target="_blank">Jason Kostal</a>, <a contents="Matthew Rice and Matthias Roux of Casimi Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.casimiguitars.com/" target="_blank">Matthew Rice and Matthias Roux of Casimi Guitars</a> (truly in the face of adversity!) for epic hanging out sessions and total joy.</p>
<p>I will return with the second series of Luthier Stories once everything has calmed down... </p>
<p>Until then, stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62672872020-03-31T16:34:26+01:002020-03-31T16:51:58+01:00Interview with DA Musical HQ - Berlin<p>It was a real pleasure to talk with Dominic Adelbert of <a contents="DA Musical Radio in Berlin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://damusical.com/" target="_blank">DA Musical Radio in Berlin</a> today for a live stream interview where we look at all sorts of different things from inspiration from non-guitarists, modern luthiery and sustainability, and the history of the solo acoustic guitar to beautiful books by <a contents="John Stubbings" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://orpharionpress.com/" target="_blank">John Stubbings</a> and <a contents="Ervin Somogyi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://esomogyi.com/books/" target="_blank">Ervin Somogyi</a> and the evolution of my <a contents="Kostal guitars" data-link-label="GUITARS" data-link-type="page" href="/guitars" target="_blank">Kostal guitars</a>. I hope you enjoy our chat as much as I did! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="6ayu1K5nREw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/6ayu1K5nREw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ayu1K5nREw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560px" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Dom is raising money for the World Health Organisation via his channel so do please send a donation if you're able. </p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62547382020-03-19T12:39:48+00:002020-03-19T12:41:38+00:00Backstage with Tommy Emmanuel and Jerry Douglas <p>It was a joy to catch up with two giants of the acoustic music scene <a contents="Tommy Emmanuel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tommyemmanuel.com/" target="_blank">Tommy Emmanuel</a> and <a contents="Jerry Douglas" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jerrydouglas.com/" target="_blank">Jerry Douglas</a> at Royal Festival Hall in London. The guys were in town for the Transatlantic Sessions concert and I was dispatched to interview them for <a contents="The Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/tommy-emmanuel-and-jerry-douglas-partnership/" target="_blank">The Guitar Magazine</a>. Dirty job but someone's got to do it... </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b2323e2958d84cdf7092555e3cf62be7b90866b8/original/img-7371.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Three Bad Men </em></p>
<p>While I was setting up my recording equipment I caught this snippet of Tommy and Jerry backstage which encapsulates their easy rapport and friendship as readily as anything I wrote down that day! I hope you'll enjoy it, I can't watch it without grinning!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="oa4GwvoDuwU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/oa4GwvoDuwU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oa4GwvoDuwU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can read the full interview right here at Guitar.com</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/tommy-emmanuel-and-jerry-douglas-partnership/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4a731c6608875b4c5572db081810e72a32b60e8e/original/screenshot-2020-03-17-at-18-59-36.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62510722020-03-16T17:29:50+00:002020-03-16T17:29:50+00:00Joel Paterson Interview - The Guitar Magazine<p>I've been a fan of Chicago's <a contents="Joel Paterson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.joelpaterson.com/" target="_blank">Joel Paterson</a> for a while now and it was a real pleasure to interview the man himself for <a contents="The Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/joel-paterson-on-the-beatles-finding-the-right-guitar-for-the-job/" target="_blank">The Guitar Magazine</a> recently! Click on the pic below to go through to the full interview about Joel's beautiful new album of Beatles arrangements, his collection of vintage archtops and his devotion to vintage recording techniques and the legendary session players of the 1960s. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/features/interviews/joel-paterson-on-the-beatles-finding-the-right-guitar-for-the-job/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0ba61297bb4a8824bdc43ca0977d6671085cc54f/original/img-7473.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">If you're not familiar with Joel's work then check out his gorgeous take on Michelle and then buy his entire back catalogue! Do it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="OVJm0qg3jD0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/OVJm0qg3jD0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OVJm0qg3jD0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62297892020-02-27T15:27:46+00:002020-02-27T15:31:39+00:00Archtops for the Fingerstyle Guitarist - With Sean McGowan <p>Throughout my life as a player the archtop guitar has held a brooding and slightly intimidating mystique. Now, as I'm learning how to appreciate the subtleties and nuances of these beautiful instruments - built with an intent and technique far removed from the flat top guitars I've played for decades - I'm also enjoying talking with players who specialise in making music with these rare beasts. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/af033de4e9c4538572375c4b692a1eb7306d66b3/original/screenshot-2020-01-20-at-14-16-52.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>An L5 at rest - Gibson Guitars HQ - London</em></p>
<p>One such musician is <a contents="Sean McGowan" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://seanmcgowanguitar.com/" target="_blank">Sean McGowan</a> (Colorado USA) who plays fingerstyle jazz on a selection of exquisite guitars built for that very purpose. Having deftly tricked him into handing over his phone number I called him up to find out more about the archtop world from the point of view of the fingerstyle player. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0df36c7ceed7f2c826217d9a0aea942dca2de043/original/sean.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Sean McGowan being achingly tasteful</em></p>
<p>You can hear the resulting conversation (one that I sincerely hope will prove to be the first of many) in this video. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="RnWa3nP5sXk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/RnWa3nP5sXk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RnWa3nP5sXk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62231622020-02-21T21:46:38+00:002020-02-28T21:43:48+00:00Catching Up With Rosie Heydenrych - Turnstone Guitars <p>One of the joys of a visit to the <a contents="Turnstone Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Turnstone Guitars</a> workshop is a cup of tea and a chat with Rosie Heydenrych, the luthier behind all these beautiful instruments. </p>
<p>This time we filmed it (it's been a while!) as we discuss Rosie's trip to Winter NAMM 2020, more builds with rare English woods such as yew, Fenland black oak, and Monterey Cypress, our plans for the grand finale of the Holy Grail Guitar Show in Berlin, books we've been featured in and archtop guitars! </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy the video!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Eb6tqnzmPV8" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/62100342020-02-10T21:14:25+00:002020-02-12T17:33:30+00:00Cypress with Rosie - Some beautiful new Turnstone Guitars! <p>It's always a pleasure to visit Rosie Heydenrych of <a contents="Turnstone Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Turnstone Guitars</a> - all the more so because I can be pretty sure that due to her constant explorations of English woods she'll have something for me to play that I've never seen before! Rosie had asked me to film demo videos of three new guitars, two of which feature English-grown Monterey Cypress on the soundboards. This would also be my first opportunity to play a Turnstone Cutaway model - who could resist?</p>
<p><em>"Out of English-grown soundboard choices I've found Monterey Cypress provides a slightly brighter sounding instrument in comparison to something like Western Red Cedar. It's still underpinned by a rounded warmth which makes it a pretty versatile for fingerstyle and it has a unique visual appeal too - if you're looking for something beautiful and different!"</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">- Rosie Heydenrych</p>
<p style="text-align: right;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/827961100c576e2a4d4766d4b59106ca417ecf03/original/img-0123.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>There's no denying it's good looking stuff!</em></p>
<p>The Turnstone TM model is Rosie's middle size and with a 15" lower bout and a 650mm scale length it's a full-sounding instrument in both 14 and 12 fret configurations. In this case we see it in Fenland Black Oak and Monterey Cypress. As usual I'm playing into a matched pair of Gefell M300's with no EQ, reverb or effects added. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KxfvyJt4pe4" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>Here's another TM this time with Rosie's beautiful florentine cutaway in the more familiar wood combination of Brazilian Mahogany and Alpine Spruce. I really enjoyed this one, the mahogany sounds like great Cuban and when it's twinned with quality Euro spruce you can't go wrong! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7NXyDNSKXsM" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Finally here's a beautiful example of Rosie's largest model, the TG in Cocobolo with a Monterey Cypress lid. The extra surface area of the soundboard and air in the chamber make for a powerful instrument and this one growls! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mwBvXfPeNOs" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>It was a real pleasure to play these guitars and also a welcome opportunity to experience some of my new album tracks with a different voice. I also shot an interview with Rosie which is in edit right now and I look forward to sharing it with you very soon!</p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>Michael Watts </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/61346302020-01-20T15:33:56+00:002020-01-22T16:30:24+00:00The 5am Tango on a Gibson L5 <p>I was back at <a contents="Surrey Studios" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.surreystudios.com/" target="_blank">Surrey Studios</a> this week to record The 5am Tango - which will be one of the 9 tracks on my next album <a contents="HYLAB" data-link-label="HYLAB" data-link-type="page" href="/hylab" target="_blank">HYLAB</a>. I was really looking forward to this session as the good people at Gibson HQ London had let me try out a beautiful L5 model. Just look at that! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/af033de4e9c4538572375c4b692a1eb7306d66b3/original/screenshot-2020-01-20-at-14-16-52.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Seen here in it's natural habitat of the Gibson London Custom Room</em></p>
<p>It's a Wes Montgomery Custom Shop L5CE and a particularly beautiful example of the breed. It's a real archtop with a carved spruce soundboard (as opposed to bent maple like you'd see on an ES175 or indeed my own Gretsch White Falcon) and it sounds gorgeous with flatwound strings.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/6f9dc2fff9bc702728084e795590f3903187e770/original/wes-montgomery-crop.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The Great Wes Montgomery himself</em></p>
<p>We recorded it plugged in direct through a tube pre-amp with the added attraction of a Coles 4038 and a pair of Gefell M300's for the final mix as you can see below. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b787718bb67957c1915a384fb94a5359503b17c9/original/cb55c5ac-ba4e-4227-b22b-facdc93b869f.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Mic Check!</em></p>
<p>Many thanks to Gibson London for the loan of such a spectacular instrument and to Jack Vasiliou for doing such a beautiful job of recording the track. I'm very happy with the take and I can't wait to hear what Rex Horan comes up with on double bass. You can learn even more about the session in the latest episode of my Album Recording Diary!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="x05ALWP39hg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/x05ALWP39hg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x05ALWP39hg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/60682202020-01-08T18:37:41+00:002020-10-10T07:56:44+01:00More Vintage Guitars Than is Strictly Fair... <p>It's been an exciting start to the year for me and I sincerely hope for you too!</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone for your messages over the holiday period. It was wonderful to hear from you all!</p>
<p>I've been busy in the studio and there'll be another episode in my <a contents="Recording Diary" data-link-label="HYLAB" data-link-type="page" href="/hylab" target="_blank">Recording Diary</a> series very soon. You'll appreciate that getting the thing done takes precedence over splashing social media with edgy progress reports. That said the process has taught me some great new approaches and techniques which I will be sharing with you. That's far more useful than a "What I did on my holidays" video now isn't it?</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1c73cc1cc2e2e7649ad598fca4880cc563684002/original/thetree-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>It's been quite a lot of this sort of thing...</em></p>
<p>But I digest. </p>
<p>Last week I was in beautiful Cheltenham to spend some time at the vintage guitar epicentre that is <a contents="ATB Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.atbguitars.com/" target="_blank">ATB Guitars</a>. You may remember that last time I visited I encountered a superb <a contents="1935 Gibson Super 400" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/home/blog/1935-gibson-super-400-yes-please" target="_blank">1935 Gibson Super 400</a> and an equally wonderful <a contents="1957 ES-5 Switchmaster" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://michaelwattsguitar.com/home/blog/1957-gibson-es5-switchmaster-triple-p-90-goodness" target="_blank">1957 ES-5 Switchmaster</a>. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ecfb3baee6f4c44c63ac8e7f4aae263c57f3f7c6/original/02be3331-e097-42f1-b9e9-8da7e2aacfc0.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>This one in fact!</em></p>
<p>I was very happy to accept an invitation to return to <a contents="ATB Guitars " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.atbguitars.com/" target="_blank">ATB Guitars </a>and play some of the extraordinary inventory for their <a contents="YouTube channel" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_pHJE6lx-2dljw2fndtjDw" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. It was a little surreal being back in front of the camera like this but I enjoyed every moment. </p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_aW7mnWCL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Fun today recording videos with the sublime @michael.watts.guitar, seen here with our 1977 #gibsonl5ces. We ran the gamut from sweet finger picking through Arabic misadventure to the California surf so keep an eye on our YouTube channel for the results. #vintagegibsonl5 #vintageguitars #vintageguitarmagazine #knowyoutone #guitarphotography #vintageguitar #atbguitars #cheltenham #thecotswolds #gibsonesguitar #vintagegibson #gibson #fender #fenderguitars #youtube #video #recordingguitars #gibsonarchtop #guitarsdaily #guitaroftheday</a></p>
<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/atbguitars/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Vintage Fender Gibson Guitars</a> (@atbguitars) on <time datetime="2020-01-06T19:59:35+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 6, 2020 at 11:59am PST</time></p>
</div></blockquote>
<p><script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p>
<p>I played some stunning instruments, leaping from nut width to nut width and scale length to scale length with all the grace of a newborn giraffe. What was truly eye-opening was just how good some of those older instruments sound. Having spent over a decade at the bleeding edge of luxury guitar retail it was a real pleasure to still feel that magic again. Maybe I'm not actually as jaded as I thought! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4d422e6473a9667a7cfd4e48fce0534a459ce703/original/screenshot-2020-01-08-at-16-31-56.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Just look at them!</em></p>
<p>I'll be going into detail about my thoughts on modern archtops in a future post but this was a great way to learn more about an area of the guitar that I have left relatively unexplored - at least from a musical point of view. Here we have some beauties. My favourites were a birth year Gibson L5 CE in very rare factory black finish...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/dc957e6513e425166ffa42d5e98c3f1ca8d8e5f0/original/screenshot-2020-01-08-at-16-32-10.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Nurse!</em></p>
<p>This 1960 Es 175 (yes I know, technically it's a hollowbody) had the finest neck pickup tone I have ever heard. it was absolutely sublime. I am yet to play a vintage L4 but I'm really looking forward for the opportunity to compare and contrast!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ac18bdb83212b1009aeef0864283f04dfc4458aa/original/screenshot-2020-01-07-at-11-22-09.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>As it happens, I only missed Noel Gallagher by a few days. This would appear to be the default guitarist's expression when confronted with the superb selection of instruments!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/atbguitars/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/9ddbe50747b2be3b70b6dd0c8ee27e96f2fd6b90/original/noel-and-me-001.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>I look forward to sharing the results of the shoot once they're online. If you're into vintage Gibson and Fender guitars (I think Noel bought their last Gretsch) then I can thoroughly recommend you get in touch with the team at ATB. They're lovely guys and know what they're talking about. That, for me, is the clincher.</p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/60309042019-12-19T18:59:57+00:002019-12-21T13:22:49+00:00The Story of Celandine<p>The response to the launch of the transcription for <a contents="Celandine" data-link-label="Tablature" data-link-type="page" href="/tablature">Celandine</a> has been amazing and I'm both happy and humbled that so many of you have dedicated your time to learning this piece of music. Thank you.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/81bc77f6766812158c4ff48f9ec91c7bb65da981/original/screenshot-2019-12-19-at-17-38-00.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>As seen on YouTube!</em></p>
<p>It's a miniature composition but the opening track of my debut album <a contents="Vetiver " data-link-label="Vetiver" data-link-type="page" href="/vetiver" target="_blank">Vetiver</a> represented an important milestone in my development both as a player and a writer for the acoustic guitar. I have had several requests to go into detail about the writing process so here we go! </p>
<p>Many years ago I was working as the manager of a beautiful guitar shop. Not that one, and no, not that one either! Aren't all guitar shops beautiful in their own way though? </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ecfb3baee6f4c44c63ac8e7f4aae263c57f3f7c6/original/02be3331-e097-42f1-b9e9-8da7e2aacfc0.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>ATB Guitars in Cheltenham - Some Guitar Shops are more beautiful than others...</em></p>
<p>I had recently returned to the UK after six years living in Greece and in many ways I was beginning the process of finding myself again after a long time in another culture and another language. I was also learning what this change might mean for me as a musician. My repertoire at the time, although it was original material, was heavily reliant on loops and effects with very little in the way of solo fingerstyle guitar.</p>
<p>This track, Persephone, is the only remaining acoustic evidence of that time in Greece. You'll see a heavy <a contents="Michael Hedges" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.nomadland.com/Bio.htm" target="_blank">Michael Hedges</a>/<a contents="Eric Roche" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://ericroche.com/" target="_blank">Eric Roche</a> influence along with some oceanic reverb and perhaps not an awful lot of Michael Watts... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-_K9NpbcO9k" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-_K9NpbcO9k/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-_K9NpbcO9k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Back in the UK I found myself making a conscious effort to strip back everything that I could not readily identify as me. I felt a very real need to get to the essence of what it meant when I had a guitar in my hands. This was one of the first steps in my exploration of intent and visualisation in music and it laid the foundations of what was to become the album Vetiver as well as forming the core of much of my masterclasses. The most important aspect of this was to allow melody to take centre stage and for the harmonisation to be open, maybe even sparse at times - but always supportive. </p>
<p>The first notes of Celandine were written on a Davy Graham signature Martin that I got to spend a few hours with one afternoon. The action on that guitar was something fierce and I found that unless I put a capo on the 4th fret the instrument was all but unplayable. Nevertheless a melody "fell out" pretty much fully formed! I continued to work on it for another few months before flying out to Montreal for the 2010 Montreal Guitar Show. It was here that I had the chance to play the first guitar by Jason Kostal - Serial Number 31, a Modified Dreadnought in Madagascar Rosewood and German Spruce that is now with Todd Rundgren.</p>
<p>In the video below you can see me playing the piece before being interrupted at the end by Ervin Somogyi who had come back from a trip to the pharmacy! You'll see that I was still to discover Elliott capos, I'm using a G7 and you can definitely hear the difference. Speaking of which, this is camera audio, my apologies in advance for that. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="F9L4SleW1fs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/F9L4SleW1fs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F9L4SleW1fs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Given that it's a vignette rather than a sprawling composition, Celandine was completed relatively quickly. It was the first piece that I played and filmed on my first <a contents="Kostal guitar #32" data-link-label="Guitars" data-link-type="page" href="/guitars" target="_blank">Kostal guitar #32</a> a Modified Dreadnought in The Tree and German Spruce. This footage was captured within earshot of the motorway on a windy day so it's frankly a miracle we got anything usable at all! That said, the sound here is about 50/50 pickup and microphone. Bradley Steenkamp did a great job here and it's long been the most popular video on my channel. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="aaGzVZXzylk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/aaGzVZXzylk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aaGzVZXzylk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>While I didn't have a specific running order in mind when I sat down with producer Mark Pavey to begin work on Vetiver it very quickly became apparent that Celandine would work well as the opening track of the album. It was a joy to record and I am grateful to Mark for his wonderful work on the whole record. It would not have been possible without his talents in the producer's chair. Total legend. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/20cc3ff277e399000d56ba9672f170a4492ba9ac/original/img-2337.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>The Vetiver Sessions with Mark Pavey </em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Celandine certainly caught the attention of Prof. John Thomas who wrote the liner notes for Vetiver. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/bbb89716550b39d2d772ffec68ded1befd402c12/original/vetiver-liner-notes-john-thomas.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Vetiver Liner notes - Prof. John Thomas - Fretboard Journal</em></p>
<p>More recently I was delighted to learn that Celandine had been used on the soundtrack of a Telly Award winning short film made by the incredibly talented <a contents="Jessica Savidge&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.savidgephotography.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Savidge</a> who produced this gorgeous footage for the Kostal Guitars website. Take a look! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="o9AadpX09tA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/o9AadpX09tA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o9AadpX09tA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>It made me very happy to send Jessica the first copy of Celandine by way of thanks for using the piece, and I was delighted to see the transcription had arrived safely in Arizona. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/94c46be6fe3f096b37ded7c0ee33a35c2f5cf94d/original/img-13063e7c3338-1.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>So what now? Well, in a way it's yours. If you want it. It's yours to learn, to develop, to explore. My students have described playing it as a meditative experience and it certainly demands a level of concentration and focus that I find very satisfying when it goes right! It may bring out parts of your playing that you haven't looked at in this amount of detail - It certainly did for me. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="Tablature" data-link-type="page" href="/tablature" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b4c2522c76b06e49b1347336d8b482cd1b738f91/original/celandine-edit.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/59538292019-12-01T10:31:34+00:002019-12-01T10:31:34+00:00Celandine TAB is now available!<p>The opening track from my debut album <a contents="Vetiver" data-link-label="Vetiver" data-link-type="page" href="/vetiver" target="_blank">Vetiver</a> is one of my most popular pieces and many of you have been in touch asking for the score. It's been a long time coming but I am thrilled to announce that Celandine has been transcribed and is now available as a hand signed, numbered and dedicated limited edition print on silk paper!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="Tablature" data-link-type="page" href="/tablature" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b4c2522c76b06e49b1347336d8b482cd1b738f91/original/celandine-edit.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>You can order your copy from the <a contents="Tablature" data-link-label="Tablature" data-link-type="page" href="/tablature" target="_blank">Tablature</a> page on my website - why not book a <a contents="Skype Lesson" data-link-label="Skype Lessons" data-link-type="page" href="/skype-lessons">Skype Lesson</a> while you're at it too? As ever, the fact that so many people have enjoyed this music and want to learn to play it is extremely humbling. Thank you. </p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>stay tuned</p>
<p>Michael </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/59845002019-11-29T13:10:49+00:002019-11-30T18:36:08+00:00Panning for Jazz Gold<p>One of the things I have been looking forward to most about the process of creating this next album <a contents=" HYLAB" data-link-label="HYLAB" data-link-type="page" href="/hylab">HYLAB</a> is the chance to learn more about recording in contexts away from the acoustic guitar. It would not be unfair to say that my experience as a recording artist, sound engineer, session player and producer has been heavily weighted towards the guitar with no real responsibility other than making sure the 6-string (or mandolin, charango, bouzouki, ukulele etc) bits sounded great. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/8df898b1f26d4d23efaf42b105153c8b177ce962/original/gefell-hero-shot.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>These help... A matched pair of Gefell M300's. Yum. </em></p>
<p>A couple of weeks ago I interviewed the mighty <a contents="Al Di Meola" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.aldimeola.com/" target="_blank">Al Di Meola</a> for <a contents="Guitar magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/" target="_blank">Guitar magazine</a> and I look forward to sharing the results with you very soon. I would also urge you to subscribe to the magazine if you haven't already. I genuinely enjoy reading it, even the bits I didn't write! </p>
<p>So, Al Di Meola has a new album coming out, and it's wonderful. One of my fondest memories was hanging out with the man himself and his co-producer <a contents="Hernan Romero" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.hernanromeromusic.com/" target="_blank">Hernan Romero</a> at Abbey Road Studios during the sessions for All Your Life back in 2012. he really is an extraordinary musician and I'm looking forward to this next record very much indeed!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/949de6dcd75e7c97e22490c1e1b6d0579e839633/original/with-al-di-meola-abbey-road.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Just chilling in Abbey Road Studio 3 with Al Di Meola and an 1833 Martin Stauffer nylon string... </em></p>
<p>One of the things we spoke about during the course of the interview was creative panning. Some of the tracks on his incoming record have the drums panned hard left or right and there are all sorts of other little tweaks and details which I know you'll enjoy as much as I have. What was really interesting was that the record company sent me the tracks pre-mastering. A fascinating insight into the process!</p>
<p>Now this got me thinking... I revisited some of my favourite albums to see what went where and why in the stereo image. I also took the time to scrawl some maniacal-looking notes! This came in very handy as I was looking at the recording of Between Streets from the last session with Rex and Evan and wanted some guidance with the dark art of panning for jazz... </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4138502b87814ca69706b7e5c90a74310e46a2cf/original/screenshot-2019-11-29-at-11-49-53.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Unhinged scrawl</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Check this out - the whole rhythm section all the way to the right, Art Pepper on the left -but it works - and that's the main thing!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="zFpM815EIjM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/zFpM815EIjM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zFpM815EIjM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Now this is just delicious, some of the finest players together for a glorious take on a wonderful piece of music. There's a real sense of intimacy from the close panning which gradually spreads as more instruments enter. This is one of my favourite recordings of anything ever... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1DBissQmnZs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/1DBissQmnZs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1DBissQmnZs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Once again we have some extreme panning with Nina Simone's glorious voice and HUGE piano sound countered with bass and drums hard right and some scratchy guitar to the left. This exercise wasn't intended as the catalyst for an in-depth YouTube session but that's how it ended up! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QH3Fx41Jpl4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/QH3Fx41Jpl4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QH3Fx41Jpl4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Bringing things a little closer to contemporary here is the ridiculously cool Ernest Ranglin laying down the truth front and centre with a wheezy organ bubble on the left and a spread piano playing some beautiful rhythm ideas. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="S-m5LKHGNOM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/S-m5LKHGNOM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S-m5LKHGNOM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Fear not though, despite the trio format, use of a hollowbody guitar, reckless endangerment of major 7th chords and flatwound strings I can assure you that HYLAB is not just a jazz record. Between Streets is just one texture I've been exploring and I look forward to putting more your way soon. In the meantime here is the original acoustic-only demo. I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p><iframe allow="autoplay" frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/720295435&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>Michael</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/59517002019-11-06T20:31:57+00:002019-12-03T12:48:41+00:00Album Recording Diary Episode 2 - The first Session<p>And we're off! It's official, the first recordings have happened and I am very pleased with the results! </p>
<p>I spent a wonderful day back at Surrey Studios last week with the dream rhythm section that is Rex Horan (Double Bass)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ce2fcfe1640b02436ccb693895172ed36270c0d3/original/screenshot-2019-11-06-at-20-16-14.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>and Evan Jenkins (Drums)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/6ef217564b7cad295569f3575584fbe49ab99a6f/original/screenshot-2019-11-06-at-20-16-47.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>You may have seen these guys with the <a contents="Neil Cowley Trio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Cowley" target="_blank">Neil Cowley Trio</a>, <a contents="Jawbone" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.jawboneband.com/" target="_blank">Jawbone</a>, <a contents="Ben Watt" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://benwatt.com/" target="_blank">Ben Watt</a>, <a contents="Bernard Butler " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bernardbutler.com/" target="_blank">Bernard Butler </a>and <a contents="Matt Schofield" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.mattschofield.com/" target="_blank">Matt Schofield</a> amongst others. In other words they are complete legends, very in-demand and since I played with them for the first time several years ago I have entertained a fond hope that maybe... just maybe...</p>
<p>Well, it happened, and as you can tell from the elated expression on my face the session went rather well!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/445b2b0eeaefbb4ffa713ee6dcaa56ef5e8d43ef/original/screenshot-2019-11-06-at-20-21-54.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I have just uploaded the second episode of my pithily titled Album Recording Diary which shows behind the scenes of the session including mic choice and placement, the joy of Gretsch and the right number of bars in a blues. Which is obviously nine. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="MykBm2ri0D8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/MykBm2ri0D8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MykBm2ri0D8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Thanks for all your questions and messages of support so far, it's much appreciated and I love hearing from you all!</p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/59408442019-10-28T00:19:18+00:002019-10-28T00:20:44+00:00Hanging out with Willy Porter in Camden!<p>I was first introduced to the music of <a contents="Willy Porter " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://willyporter.com/" target="_blank">Willy Porter </a>by Jason Kostal several years ago and I've been looking forward to meeting the man himself in person ever since. Willy is currently on tour here in the UK and that opportunity finally arrived today!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/57dda61a3893488adfd77c59c33e8b16fd1804f2/original/screenshot-2019-10-28-at-00-10-22.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I had planned to record this interview in a local cafe but sadly the lively clientele of Music and Beans on Camden High Street meant that clean audio just wasn't going to happen. They were probably all there for the pistachio cake which was delicious! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/44cff5e07347dc33f14ee2930f99005b413c866c/original/screenshot-2019-10-28-at-00-10-38.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It was a real joy to spend time with Willy, as a fellow Kostal player (and indeed an MDW nylon string!) I was keen to get his thoughts on guitars, recording, influences and more!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/a917efd733dd5505e885210970de52b624bee494/original/screenshot-2019-10-28-at-00-13-23.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>As it turned out, the perfect venue for an impromptu interview was Willy's road manager's car which was parked just outside! I fired up the DPA 4060's and the results are right here for you to enjoy. If you're not familiar with Willy Porter's music then check him out, you'll love his work, I can guarantee it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="aNQDy5aaFdM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/aNQDy5aaFdM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aNQDy5aaFdM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/59231072019-10-11T10:50:38+01:002019-10-11T11:20:58+01:00Album Recording Diary Episode 1 - The First Pre-Production Meeting<p>It has been a busy month that has seen me complete the writing process for my next album HYLAB (Have You Left Anything Behind). With all the pieces demo'd to some extent I met up with producer <a contents="Jack Vasiliou of Surrey Studios" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.surreystudios.com/" target="_blank">Jack Vasiliou of Surrey Studios</a>. I've worked with Jack extensively in the past and I love his attitude towards music making and the results that he gets! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/bc56dd52249b796a45759878f82bc6fc23599887/original/img-5717.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I have had a lot of messages asking about the new album, in particular the guitars, recording techniques, other musicians and processes that will be involved and I have decided that wherever possible I will share this with you. Here is the first episode of the Album Recording Diary where I introduce the tracks involved and the inspiration behind them. While <a contents="Vetiver" data-link-label="Vetiver" data-link-type="page" href="/vetiver" target="_blank">Vetiver</a> was an album of pure solo instrumentals, HYLAB will be very different with a number of guests whose musicality and outlook on life have made working with them a pleasure over the years. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="oqUX9zXeQBQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/oqUX9zXeQBQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oqUX9zXeQBQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>If you have any questions or comments please do get in touch!</p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/58527462019-08-14T10:12:06+01:002019-08-14T10:14:07+01:00Hanging out with Ben Walker in Brighton<p>Ben Walker has been one of my favourite players for a while now and it was a pleasure to finally get to meet him at his studio in Brighton this week. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4e315ec20b987e274af8cd7c1cafd3bf29eb4641/original/ea023841-541a-45e0-b8b1-6ceff6577851.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Ben's beautiful new album Echo has just been released and I had questions about the writing and recording process. Our conversation, like all good ones, took us in all sorts of other directions as we discussed playing in DADGAD, loops and synths, recording the acoustic guitar and the influences that have shaped Ben's work. As so often happens we found a lot of common ground and influences. I hope you'll enjoy the full interview right here!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="rB9I0tdk7RM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/rB9I0tdk7RM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rB9I0tdk7RM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>We couldn't spend all this time in the same room without at least attempting to play something together, as it happens we managed to scramble through John Spence's beautiful "Great Dreams From Heaven" - you can watch that too!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="CG7Hj0HfnTk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/CG7Hj0HfnTk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CG7Hj0HfnTk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="351" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>You can learn more about Ben Walker at <a contents="https://www.benwalkermusic.com/" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.benwalkermusic.com/" target="_blank">https://www.benwalkermusic.com/</a> his new album Echo is out right now and you can get your copy <a contents="right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://benwalkermusic.bandcamp.com/album/echo" target="_blank">right here</a> </p>
<p>Until next time, Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/58476722019-08-05T11:50:16+01:002019-08-05T11:50:16+01:001957 Gibson ES5 Switchmaster - Triple P-90 Goodness!<p>It's funny, archtop guitars have been much on my mind of late. Maybe it was performing on <a contents="Linda Manzer's" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.manzer.com/guitars/" target="_blank">Linda Manzer's</a> Iceberg at the closing ceremony of the <a contents="Group of Seven exhibition" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.michaelwattsguitar.com/blog/blog/the-group-of-seven-guitar-project" target="_blank">Group of Seven exhibition</a> in London...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2f55f181668a831b9671e74c3e7a1d7583bc79b1/original/img-0336.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Or discussing the joys of good archtops with Jason Kostal during our epic roadtrip from Arizona to Texas earlier this year</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/UY_3R3L0CuE" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4d73d113a1536a8c52ef8e219daf5ec72834c0f0/original/archtops-rule-001.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Or maybe the fact that that somehow I keep running into amazing examples of the breed, take this wonderful 1957 Gibson Switchmaster that sidled up to me during a recent visit to <a contents="ATB Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.atbguitars.com/" target="_blank">ATB Guitars</a> in Cheltenham. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ecfb3baee6f4c44c63ac8e7f4aae263c57f3f7c6/original/02be3331-e097-42f1-b9e9-8da7e2aacfc0.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I love these things! First launched in 1949 the ES5 was the first 3-pickup electric guitar and featured separate volume and tone controls for each pickup which must have looked pretty intimidating back in the day... There's something about an aged sunburst too, so beautiful. </p>
<p>I couldn't resist putting this elegant instrument into DADGAD and seeing what would happen with the judicious application of <a contents="The Unfair Funfair" data-link-label="Tablature" data-link-type="page" href="/tablature" target="_blank">The Unfair Funfair</a>. It was strung with roundwounds rather than the flats I would have preferred but there's still no arguing with the sound of a trifecta of 1950's P-90s all on full volume and tone through a temperamental Fender tweed amp!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Q2oiqjeRl0M" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Q2oiqjeRl0M/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q2oiqjeRl0M?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/58402632019-07-29T16:57:35+01:002019-08-04T15:17:35+01:00Jason Kostal - The Importance of String Choice<p>Luthier <a contents="Jason Kostal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kostalguitars.com/" target="_blank">Jason Kostal</a> is rightly recognised for his attention to detail at all stages in the guitar making process and during my recent visit to his workshop in Phoenix Arizona we had a chat about the importance of string choice while he carved my <a contents="MDW signature model" data-link-label="Guitars" data-link-type="page" href="/guitars" target="_blank">MDW signature model</a> a new nut and saddle. </p>
<p>String choice is an aspect of guitar making that is often left to chance but Jason is very clear about what he needs in terms of tone and response. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="K9c4OcxIgGM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/K9c4OcxIgGM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K9c4OcxIgGM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/58316952019-07-21T21:03:20+01:002022-03-20T18:11:01+00:00Designing a Guitar with Martin Simpson - Rory Dowling (Taran Guitars)<p>Over the past few years Rory Dowling of <a contents="Taran Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.taranguitars.co.uk/" target="_blank">Taran Guitars</a> has been working on a very special new design with legendary UK guitarist <a contents="Martin Simpson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://martinsimpson.com/" target="_blank">Martin Simpson</a>! Yes, really!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/561c3573bb89b69af369d8d04efbf21404441246/original/img-4068.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Taking inspiration from a 1930's Martin and Rory's <a contents="Tirga Mhor" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.taranguitars.co.uk/tirga-mhor" target="_blank">Tirga Mhor</a> design this beautiful instrument features some pioneering guitar building techniques...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/66d0bd4fa422641aad3ca22d02d7823edfa39bc9/original/img-4978.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">in conjunction with its elegant lines. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/47539f323457e571a7ae7b12b0e23bc799940350/original/img-4953.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />It's actually a year to the day that Rory appeared as my guest on the <a contents="very first episode" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbuSOPdwH5E" target="_blank">very first episode</a> of <a contents="Luthier Stories" data-link-label="Luthier Stories" data-link-type="page" href="/luthier-stories" target="_blank">Luthier Stories</a> and it was a real pleasure to catch up with him for this impromptu video shot at a private gathering of the UK's Acousticati. I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="y1Db6EpgXBc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/y1Db6EpgXBc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y1Db6EpgXBc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p>PS. Yes, there were baked potatoes in the oven just out of shot hence the slight hum. They were delicious, it was worth it. </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/58259682019-07-16T16:57:43+01:002019-07-16T17:22:18+01:00Chinese Luthiery and the Chinese Guitar Market - With Howard Feng <p>I recently spent a wonderful morning at the Tate Modern in London catching up with a dear friend of mine, guitar collector and musician turned luthier Howard Feng. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/62feac240c25ce3f0a058bfc50863bbcdd6344ed/original/screenshot-2019-07-16-at-10-58-26.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />We met at The Tate Modern to get some inspiration, there is so much incredible use of form and colour there that it would be rude not to! Some particular favourites were Ibrahim Al-Salahi's astonishing Reborn Sounds of Childhood Dreams 1 (1961-1965)</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/13d217141d8a6ad970601ac1a517a50a6a764832/original/screenshot-2019-07-16-at-11-05-41.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />Ku-Lim Kim's Death of Sun from 1964 which begged the eternal question "how much more black can it be?" and the answer "none, none more black".</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d4ed0f962fcb8d6bfe4a9b8a730eb4e5557f97b9/original/screenshot-2019-07-16-at-11-13-57.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />And, almost hidden over a door jamb, Barnet Newman's "Moment" from 1946 which looked for all the world like quite a nice set of Ziricote...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/99b0e200e1b8047e203597076680c027a1f248cf/original/5a61bb0b-f0bd-48c3-bf05-87b3a1143715-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We also managed to spend time in the Rothko room with the wonderful Derek Gripper who was in London for a flying visit </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0e66ec86a9ddbb5f4b8ee030a59938b6a9928859/original/screenshot-2019-07-16-at-11-21-43.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />I did leave with the impression that one of the canvases might have been hung upside-down as the paint drips were going upwards... but I'm not expert</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/a25cb92687c874981872e03fd9b14bb5bb955e7a/original/screenshot-2019-07-16-at-11-22-11.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" />It's always a pleasure to chat to Howard and in this instance I was particularly keen to get his insight on the Chinese guitar market and how it has evolved as a growing niche of a strong luxury goods market. I recorded the conversation as I felt that Howard's point of view might prove useful or encouraging to luthiers and buyers alike. I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="T6_IWWFjlNg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/T6_IWWFjlNg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T6_IWWFjlNg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/58209032019-07-12T09:33:59+01:002019-07-12T09:43:19+01:00Checking out Branwell Guitars<p><a contents="Nick Branwell" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.branwellguitars.co.uk/home" target="_blank">Nick Branwell</a> is a London-based luthier who is perhaps best known for his beautiful Torres style classical guitars. Recently Nick has turned his attentions to the steel-string acoustic instrument and he invited me to visit his workshop this week to play his guitars and find out more about him as a luthier. How could I refuse?</p>
<p>Once I'd negotiated the crowds assembled for the Wimbledon Tennis tournament I found Nick outside the station and we walked the short distance to his workshop chatting as we went. Nick has been a professional gardener for many years and upon reaching our destination I was greeted by a beautifully tended garden full of colourful blooms. This was certainly a hint of good things to come!</p>
<p>Nick makes three models of steel string acoustic guitar and I chose to play them starting with the smallest, the Estuary model. This one is made from Wengé and Engelmann Spruce and features a 14 fret neck join, unusual for this body size. As you'll see in the video below this makes for a very present and surprisingly powerful little guitar with great sustain (it's that wengé again!) which I really enjoyed. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="HQCP599iiOI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/HQCP599iiOI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HQCP599iiOI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Next up was Nick's take on the traditional Martin OM design - The Southfields. In this case we have another Engelmann Spruce top and Cherry on the back and sides. Cherry has increased in popularity over the last few years and Nick certainly makes it work. Once again we have a 14 fret neck.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ibvu7Xq3BzE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ibvu7Xq3BzE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ibvu7Xq3BzE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Finally I played a guitar that had piqued my curiosity when I saw it on the <a contents="Branwell Guitars website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.branwellguitars.co.uk/steel-string-guitars" target="_blank">Branwell Guitars website</a>, The 505. This is a take on the idea of a 0000 body like a Martin M, the Bourgeois J-OM or a Froggy Bottom F14. It sports a Cedar top and Black Walnut on the back and sides. This is a powerful guitar with the Cedar doing a good job of smoothing out the spikier transients. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="w7E1K1_h2lw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/w7E1K1_h2lw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w7E1K1_h2lw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Branwell guitars surrounded by amazing art pieces created by Nick's wife, the sculptor <a contents="Almuth Tebbenhoff" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tebbenhoff.org/" target="_blank">Almuth Tebbenhoff</a>, relaxed guitar-fueled conversation and Nick's lovingly made instruments. </p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/58196652019-07-10T12:29:56+01:002019-07-21T21:21:46+01:001935 Gibson Super 400? Yes please!<p>I spent a wonderful morning at <a contents="ATB Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.atbguitars.com/" target="_blank">ATB Guitars</a> in Cheltenham this week and amongst the frankly superb (even for someone as jaded as me!) inventory I found this beautiful Gibson Super 400 from 1935, the first year of production. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c690cb22020d1808f50c073b3aed9ee54359f89f/original/screenshot-2019-07-10-at-12-04-23.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It feels like these things have been following me around of late, it was only a few weeks ago that I was playing another superb example in Phoenix Arizona. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e8a79cfdb01c72db2d02d7c8924755b4d746a441/original/img-2915.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The 1935 Super 400 is my favourite version of that guitar. It's sweet and woody and everything I'd hope for in a vintage archtop. Sadly the playing style of the time demanded volume over nuance (sound familiar?) and so subsequent iterations had a longer scale and a less elegant waist. </p>
<p>This was an informal visit to enjoy a cup of tea and hang out with ATB guitars head honcho Mike Long so I only had my rough and ready recording setup of a DPA 4060 and D:Vice pre-amp but I was still happy with the results! Check out the video below!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="K-ra_6RqljE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/K-ra_6RqljE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K-ra_6RqljE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>If you have a guitar you'd like me to play for this series then please do get in touch. To learn more about my work please visit my website.</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57940402019-07-03T07:28:51+01:002019-07-03T07:28:51+01:001000 Miles of Texas Desert with Jason Kostal - Luthier Stories<p style="text-align: center;">The desert is a weird place. And there's a lot of it. Especially in-between Phoenix and Spring Branch... </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e736cd737088e20d8473a725df95f1f46829b544/original/screenshot-2019-06-15-at-11-14-53.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>It was this desert that <a contents="Jason Kostal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.kostalguitars.com/" target="_blank">Jason Kostal</a> and I would traverse in an epic 1000 mile road trip through Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. We had been invited to attend a beautiful private guitar festival and it became readily apparent that the least practical way to approach this would be to load up Jason's car with guitars, amps, stands, M&M's, Mountain Dew and drive.</p>
<p>As such this could be the only sensible course of action. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b7239ab801b9ab2926549ed9d2d47bf92f33c045/original/img-2859.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Many of you reading this will be familiar with my <a contents="Luthier Stories" data-link-label="Luthier Stories" data-link-type="page" href="/luthier-stories" target="_blank">Luthier Stories</a> series of videos which has taken me around the world to interview some of the men and women who make most of the finest guitars in history. The thing is, I've been making films with Jason Kostal and his guitars for a decade now, I've shot interviews in his workshop in Phoenix, in London, Berlin, Montreal and Paris and to be honest I don't think either of us (or indeed anyone else) would have been interested in a bench-based chat about, well, anything really!</p>
<p>But the desert, the desert is different...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/dfad1e9b54e0d6e239b089b6fc7a0b0785044fbb/original/screenshot-2019-06-18-at-18-13-56.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I was looking forward to it, we would obviously re-write the Great American Road Novel, set the world to rights, and catch up with one another in that effortless way that old friends share. It was time to clip some discrete DPA microphones all over Jason's Range Rover and set off for Texas!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1699053222a42372a4ddcf1f2b0e1d8ef613234a/original/screenshot-2019-06-18-at-17-53-40.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>And catch up we did, in a candid conversation that covers everything from guitar making to map reading, the "Barbecue and Spaghetti" diet, the best western, Arizona sunsets and bats. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0b988b2630053a701375975572256cadec33f5d2/original/screenshot-2019-06-18-at-18-23-27.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>We also talked, inevitably, about the guitar, the spark that had first brought us together in the Acousticati fleshpots of Montreal in 2009. We discussed flat tops and the development of the Kostal MDW (my signature model) as it evolved into new and beautiful iterations such as a 14 fret guitar for Paul Richards of the <a contents="California Guitar Trio" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://cgtrio.com/" target="_blank">California Guitar Trio</a> and a nylon string for singer/songwriter <a contents="Willy Porter" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://willyporter.com/" target="_blank">Willy Porter</a>. The conversation then switched track to the electric guitar, 1930's archtops, ukuleles, Stevie Ray Vaughan and the Jewel in the Texas crown - Waco's Dr Pepper museum.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/345239ecf5cac5013ccfeb5ab78e704509f385e0/original/screenshot-2019-06-10-at-11-50-24.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Fans of Luthier Stories have told me that one of their favourite aspects of the series is getting to hear the instruments in action. That was going to prove tricky from the passenger seat of a car and to be honest, so much footage exists of me playing one of Jason's guitars that I realised this could provide a wonderful opportunity to re-contextualise both his work and my own. I mean, there's more to both of us than just solo fingerstyle guitar right?</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7eb10488c2965e47dc179d8567df89272025543d/original/img-2786.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>In the back of my mind throughout the trip were the words of a very famous record producer to whom I had sold one of Jason's guitars back in the day. He said, (and I'm paraphrasing) "what I love about this guitar is that it sounds perfect in the mix without me having to do anything with it". Strong stuff and the seed of an idea... I love recording acoustic guitars "audio veritas" without any effects. What if I did a full soundtrack for our trip where all the acoustic guitars were recorded in this way?</p>
<p>As you can see below, that's exactly what I did!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4bf49fa86703094e55f159f30857b4f9fb175fdb/original/screenshot-2019-06-18-at-18-42-12.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I am delighted to present this, the final episode series 1 of Luthier Stories. I hope you enjoy it, I made it with a lot of love. And it took me ages!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="UY_3R3L0CuE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/UY_3R3L0CuE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UY_3R3L0CuE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57941392019-06-17T15:21:43+01:002019-06-17T15:29:52+01:00The Guitar Magazine Pedal Review Bonanza!<p>Have you been keeping up with my reviews in <a contents="The Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.guitar.com" target="_blank">The Guitar Magazine</a>? If not then all is not lost, you can read them online too! I've looked at some really exotic kit recently, some of it is useful for acoustic guitarists too, some of it is unapologetically not! Click below to have a nose around. If you can find a use for a <a contents="Fuzzrocious Knob Jawn" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://guitar.com/review/effects-pedal/fuzzrocious-knob-jawn/" target="_blank">Fuzzrocious Knob Jawn</a> with an acoustic guitar then welcome to the club!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://guitar.com" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5fbc4b2703b5485f1bf78c1c6158224ab41d7bdc/original/guitar-mag-review-slide-001.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57936832019-06-16T22:35:06+01:002020-07-11T11:14:57+01:005000 Year Old Bog Oak - Is it any Good?<p>Well, that's a very good question! As the buying public's appetite for exotic woods (especially post-CITES Dalbergia alternatives) has increased, there has been something of a rush to find the next, greatest, coolest, rarest, oldest, etc woods possible. One choice that has risen to prominence, especially here in the UK where it is more readily accessible, is ancient Black Oak, also known as Bog Oak (not particularly sexy) or Royal Fenland Oak (now you're talking!). This wood is over 5000 years old and has been preserved in the bogs and Fens of Britain's wetlands. There are similarities with sinker woods (Mahogany, Redwood etc) which I personally have very little time for as I find the tone too vitreous, especially in the case of sinker Redwood which is practically glass...</p>
<p>In and of itself a cool story is no guarantee of quality tone and my own long-held view is that any wood is simply a source of potential. A great builder will unlock secret nuances in a humble, plentiful material that a less "in tune" luthier would never be able to caress out of the most exotic of tropical hardwoods. As chicken from KFC is a world away from Chicken at Le Gavroche, so too are tone woods at the mercy of the luthier who will be working with them. </p>
<p>This is a good thing. </p>
<p>When it comes to ancient woods (over 1000 years old for the sake of argument) there have been so few examples that it is difficult to obtain an accurate reading of what might be possible from their use that another wood might not offer up. I have been left underwhelmed by Ancient Kauri from New Zealand, Ancient Alaskan Sitka Spruce, Ancient whatever, there's so much marketing involved that the true purpose (a functioning musical instrument) is often lost.</p>
<p>When it comes to Bog Oak I've been fortunate in that I live close to the <a contents="Turnstone Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Turnstone Guitars</a> workshop where Rosie Heydenrych has made possibly more guitars from this ancient wood than anybody else. Her hands have coaxed some beautiful tones from it and this latest video of a TGE model (all English woods) is no exception. There's a Cedar top on this one too which is nice. Have a listen and let me know your thoughts!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-50hW3THU1k" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-50hW3THU1k/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-50hW3THU1k?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57825342019-06-06T21:46:39+01:002022-04-25T07:01:02+01:00The 5am Tango<p>I'll just leave this here... I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZYtLt75Vy_Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZYtLt75Vy_Y/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZYtLt75Vy_Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Do please share, comment etc. Your support means a lot to me. If you'd like a closer look at the mic set-up, well it's two pairs of Gefell M300's and a pair of Coles 4038's. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5bfe45f1c072177ad3dfc9ee9c85bd07250baaf1/original/img-4011.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57825302019-06-06T21:46:22+01:002019-06-06T21:46:22+01:00Writing The 5am Tango<p>So here's the thing, I know nothing about tangos, literally nada. My only real tango experience was that scene in Scent of a Woman where Al Pacino dances with Gabrielle Anwar. Maybe that hit me at a formative age, who knows. The fact of the matter is that despite this,</p>
<p>a tango has been written. By Me. </p>
<p>This whole business began last December after a trip to Stoke Newington to retrieve my charango from the mighty Clive Carroll. The rest, as they say, is history. </p>
<p>This does, however, tie in rather nicely. I had asked viewers of my YouTube channel what they might like to see more of. Their response was overwhelmingly weighted towards seeing behind the scenes of the writing process. I have spared you the long nights of the soul, the torment, the wild-eyed staring... Instead you get this. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="GUVGs8K9txs" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/GUVGs8K9txs/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GUVGs8K9txs?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57779522019-06-03T12:33:49+01:002019-06-03T12:36:20+01:00Trying a new Turnstone Guitar <p>As far as I'm concerned there are few things in life as pleasurable as playing a new guitar for the luthier who made it. In this case the instrument in question was a beautiful small body TS model in Bog Oak and Cedar by Rosie Heydenrych of <a contents="Turnstone Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.turnstoneguitar.co.uk/" target="_blank">Turnstone Guitars</a> (UK).</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/004441ed6a4fe2b52130b8363b58d7ce3b40035f/original/b9fbea38-d81d-45ea-8435-d47ccf5f65d0.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I really admire Rosie's use of all-native grown woods and she brings out the character of Bog Oak in a way that few people can match. You'll see exactly what I mean in the video below!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="VW0rucw85eg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/VW0rucw85eg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VW0rucw85eg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that in the video I'm using my usual pair of Gefell M300's (no reverb, no EQ, honestly I'm not even sure I need to put that on the videos any more, you should all know by now!) but in the pic I have something different clamped onto the instrument. All will be revealed in the fullness of time. </p>
<p>Until then, stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57760722019-06-01T10:45:27+01:002022-05-11T16:46:21+01:00Hanging out with Emma Tricca<p>If you haven't heard the name <a contents="Emma Tricca" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.emmatricca.com" target="_blank">Emma Tricca</a> then where have you been? Obviously not at one of <a contents="Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.thesaucerfulofsecrets.com" target="_blank">Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets </a>European concerts where Emma supported the band in historic venues like London's Roundhouse, Berlin's Tempodrom and the Olympia in Paris. Emma is a wonderful singer songwriter with a taste for vintage Martin guitars and it was a pleasure to visit her for a session looking at open string chord work in standard tuning and some in-depth DADGAD ideas. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1e77d56d53530bb60384d051da57126d7225e162/original/img-3859.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>You should definitely check out Emma's beautiful song "Salt" as an introduction to her back catalogue, it's a gorgeous song and a lovely video. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="f8L4zm0rUsI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/f8L4zm0rUsI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/f8L4zm0rUsI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I'm looking forward to hearing the results of Emma's writing sessions for her next album!</p>
<p>If you're interested in a one-on-one workshop with me or alternatively <a contents="Skype Lessons" data-link-label="Skype Lessons" data-link-type="page" href="/skype-lessons">Skype Lessons</a> if you're outside the London area then <a contents="get in touch!" data-link-label="Contact" data-link-type="page" href="/contact" target="_blank">get in touch!</a></p>
<p>Until Next Time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57637032019-05-22T10:34:05+01:002019-05-22T10:40:44+01:00Celandine Features in Award-Winning Short Film<p>Massive congratulations to filmmaker <a contents="Jessica Savidge" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.savidgephotography.com" target="_blank">Jessica Savidge</a> who won not one, but two <a contents="Telly Awards&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.tellyawards.com" target="_blank">Telly Awards </a> for this short film showcasing the work of the <a contents="Kostal Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kostal%20guitars" target="_blank">Kostal Guitars</a>! It was a great honour to hear that she had chosen my piece <a contents="Celandine" data-link-label="Download Music " data-link-type="page" href="/download-music">Celandine</a> as the soundtrack, thank you Jessica and well done! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="vimeo" data-video-id="331568283" data-video-thumb-url="https://i.vimeocdn.com/video/779078546_295x166.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/331568283" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>Celandine is the opening track on my debut album Vetiver and was written on a guitar owned by one of my heroes, the late, great Davey Graham. It's a miniature piece, intricate and detailed and a lot of fun to play. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can learn more about the album in this video</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="aoAoFcJ3tz0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/aoAoFcJ3tz0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aoAoFcJ3tz0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57525252019-05-13T19:18:20+01:002019-05-13T20:28:02+01:00London Craft Week - Tom Sands Guitars x John Smedley Knitwear<p>This week was <a contents="London Craft Week" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.londoncraftweek.com" target="_blank">London Craft Week</a>, a celebration of the UK's exceptional hand-made heritage brands. One of the world's finest knitwear companies <a contents="John Smedley" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.johnsmedley.com/uk" target="_blank">John Smedley</a> is celebrating their 235th anniversary this year and as part of the celebrations they invited luthier <a contents="Tom Sands" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tomsandsguitars.com" target="_blank">Tom Sands</a> to give a talk on the guitar building process and guitarist <a contents="Will McNicol " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.willmcnicol.co.uk" target="_blank">Will McNicol </a>who plays Tom's instruments, to do exactly that! <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/a12dda44bdd9909953222754f8c483aa04d844c6/original/img-3713.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Michael Watts and Tom Sands" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Where possible I insist on talking to my mates with a massive black and white portrait of them hanging in the middle...</em></p>
<p>I have enjoyed seeing Tom's profile and career develop since he completed his apprenticeship with Ervin Somogyi. His voicing is very much that of the Somogyi school (as you'd hope!) but his sense of line, informed by years of design and woodworking study, is very much his own. His groundbreaking use of metals in the creation of his guitars is also fascinating to see. Tom shared his expertise with the audience during a Q+A session then handed out the finest tone woods known to man for us to give them a gentle tap.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7c274d2413d6f6a50a46576e99b5ea3e79aa1d6a/original/img-3742.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Swiss Spruce getting the treatment </em></p>
<p>Like all good evenings, my attempts to say goodbye turned into an impromptu jam with Will McNicol, I have literally no idea what we played but it was obviously hilarious! I played a Model L in Rosewood and Cedar, Tom's beautiful take on the Modified Dreadnought design. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/8de945326272bd1e04a20554400069bb5eda88f6/original/366442ea-eb29-47dd-8afe-43d561f37843.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I also had the chance to play "Jupiter", Will's new Tom Sands Guitar. It's a small body 12-fretter with a new wood combo for me, Black Limba on the back and sides and Redwood on the top - very nice indeed! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e233d14bf856e8fc40501b59d7621cf867611bef/original/img-3730.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I look forward to catching up with Tom and Will (and Daisy, not pictured but definitely there!) again very soon. BTW the John Smedley stuff is absolutely gorgeous. As Billy Idol himself said, "It's a nice day for a light sweater, it's a nice day for a cardigan!" and I have to agree.</p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57524052019-05-12T10:45:00+01:002019-05-13T20:20:14+01:00Filming at Sound Network London - The UK Home of DPA Mics!<p>It will come as no great surprise to many reading this that the prospect of an afternoon spent with some of the finest microphones in the world triggers a Pavlovian response in me. As such I always look forward to visiting my friends at <a contents="Sound Network London" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soundnetwork.co.uk" target="_blank">Sound Network London</a> who have been extremely generous with their time and expertise over the years. </p>
<p>This week I was delighted to accept an invitation to check out the full range of mics by DPA and film some video performances which I will share with you when they are released! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2f0c07338f6896bc103b426b8a8e89b02fa7f069/original/img-3615.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>While I've used DPA miniature mics such as the 4060 and 4099 a lot over the years, both as instrument mics and for voice/film work. The new <a contents="4099 d:vote Core " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soundnetwork.co.uk/product/dpa-dvote-core-4099-guitar-mic/" target="_blank">4099 d:vote Core </a>guitar-mounted model is very special indeed - I look forward to sharing a review with you on my <a contents="YouTube channel" data-link-label="YouTube" data-link-type="page" href="/youtube" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> soon. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2d6b441b3ac82527da331db9960eb92b8c7470c9/original/img-3617.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />My experiences with the serious quality of their flagship mics such as the <a contents="d:dicate 4006A" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.soundnetwork.co.uk/product/dpa-ddicate-4006a-omni-microphone/" target="_blank">d:dicate 4006A</a> has sadly been limited to a handful of recording sessions. This was a golden opportunity to get involved with some very, very serious kit... just gorgeous!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/6bb62be927d6c0e2b1ff2a28e997a444acbb64dd/original/c1eba854-cd5d-4ced-8330-c6fb4fefc337.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Thanks to all at Sound Network for an afternoon very well spent. If you're looking for some serious recording or stage microphones then the DPA range should definitely be on your shortlist. Tell them I sent you!</p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57481402019-05-11T10:45:00+01:002020-07-25T10:55:02+01:00Album Review - Gareth Pearson "A Tweak on Antique"<p>I get a lot of messages from lovers of fine guitar tone asking me to recommend guitar music and players, so much so that I have decided to branch out into record reviews! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/fb6d0cf8499b845491c293544fcb077cf1415043/original/screenshot-2019-05-09-at-11-13-53.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Some of my favourite writing (I'm a huge fan of the work of Lester Bangs and Philip Larkin for instance) has been in the realm of musical criticism/appreciation and it's a topic very dear to my heart so here we go with a look at <a contents="Gareth Pearson" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.garethpearson.com" target="_blank">Gareth Pearson</a>'s new album A Tweak on Antique out now on Candyrat Records. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/93318adef10284d92796c82df4387b9068fc5691/original/37034de40881854cd39c1eb3b31dabd9.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Gareth Pearson (The Welsh Tornado), to the uninitiated, began his career as a protegé of the wonderful <a contents="Tommy Emmanuel " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tommyemmanuel.com" target="_blank">Tommy Emmanuel </a>(who appears on this record with a gorgeous cameo on Rockfield Blues). Having toured extensively with Tommy around the world (and releasing several extremely good records) Gareth upped sticks to Canada and this is his first album since. </p>
<p>Gareth is a high-energy player and this record kicks off with "Dust Devil" which is a delicate slow air at 52bpm. </p>
<p>No it's not... </p>
<p>As the name suggests it's a pretty frenetic opening salvo with deep "Devil Went Down to Georgia" vibes and weirdness going on in the background. The main guitar is a Godin Multiac Nylon String which gives a spitty, almost banjo-like attack which works beautifully for the palm-muted middle section before we're back in the dusty madness of the main theme. It's a massive amount of fun. </p>
<p>I find Gareth's arrangement and interpretation skills are pretty much unmatched and A Tweak on Antique features this beautiful take on Dmitri Shostakovich's Waltz No.2 played Chet-style on a lovely sounding Gretsch Country Gentleman (with just a little slap-back) as its track 2. That's pretty damn delicious! Now, while I personally wouldn't have been able to resist slathering the thing in tremolo and accordion, as one Gretsch lover to another, this is strong work. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="xvloNWbl1y0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/xvloNWbl1y0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xvloNWbl1y0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Another stand-out track for me was "We Fooled Them Again", a full band country number with double bass and brushed snare cooking along in the background. This is noticeable for two reasons, the first is that a second guitar (presumably that Gretsch again) is playing some offensively tasteful chord inversions behind the acoustic lead (in this case Gareth's Maton Hybrid Artist Cutaway). The second reason is that lead guitar itself, which winds its way effortlessly from Chet to Django and Lenny Breau. You can enjoy Gareth playing it with a band on official Welsh Telly below. Get to it. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="q3G4oEThINw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/q3G4oEThINw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q3G4oEThINw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>There's a lot going on in "A Tweak on Antique", from the rugged western tear jerker "Cowboy's Hymn" to the more typical Candyrat stylings of "Iolanda's Nobel Prize" and the outright lunacy of "Thunderpaws" which I have to confess is my personal favourite track from the album. It's Gretsch-heavy and there is some gritty bigsby action and harmonisation to enjoy as well as Gareth's characteristic joy and a palpable sense of humour.</p>
<p>The Record closes with Black Mountain Rag recorded on a delicious Greenfield GF model which you can check out below. Those things can take a thumbpick! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ZzwIHAw3qxA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ZzwIHAw3qxA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZzwIHAw3qxA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>In short, if you like Gareth's work already then this is a must-have addition to his back catalogue, if you're unfamiliar with the name Gareth Pearson then where have you been? Welcome! Grab a copy of this lovely record and enjoy. <a contents="You can do that right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.candyrat.com/artists/garethpearson/atweakonantique/" target="_blank">You can do that right here</a>. </p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57459972019-05-07T18:41:08+01:002020-12-03T13:20:55+00:00#asktheartist - Acoustic Life with Tony Polecastro!<p>It's a real honour to have been asked to feature in the first #asktheartist section for Tony Polecastro's wonderful <a contents="Acoustic Life" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://acousticlife.tv" target="_blank">Acoustic Life</a> YouTube channel. In this episode of Acoustic Tuesday you can learn about my favourite guitar (no prizes for guessing that one...) an artist I think you should know more about (this may be a new name for some of you but believe me, he's incredible) and a piece of equipment that changed my life... well, you may have guessed that one too! </p>
<p>Enjoy the show, you can fast forward to 32:43 if you absolutely can't wait but there's all manner of good stuff in this week's episode!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="GqM16qXc4T0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/GqM16qXc4T0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GqM16qXc4T0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/57385692019-05-01T12:50:45+01:002020-07-11T12:26:49+01:00The Interval - Interview with Tom Sands and Daisy Tempest<p>It's always a pleasure to spend time with luthier <a contents="Tom Sands" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tomsandsguitars.com" target="_blank">Tom Sands</a> and in a recent trip up to Durham I finally had the opportunity to visit his workshop in Yorkshire. While there we recorded an episode of The Interval (The Internet's shortest running Luthiery podcast) which I'm very happy to share with you right here! Apart from handing Spaniels and cups of tea around we delve into important topics like The Tree, art and design, and Miles Davis.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KI2AWkRuoSE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/KI2AWkRuoSE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KI2AWkRuoSE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Thank you to Tom and Daisy for inviting me to eat biscuits and chat, it was a beautiful day! I hope you all enjoy the conversation as much as we did</p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/56941142019-03-26T12:44:45+00:002020-01-10T12:07:06+00:00The Fretboard Journal - Luthier on Luthier Podcast<p>I firmly believe <a contents="The Fretboard Journal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com">The Fretboard Journal</a> to be one of the gold standards for printed guitar journalism worldwide and the magazine itself is truly a thing of beauty. One thing you don't get in the hard copy, of course, is the beautiful "Luthier on Luthier" podcast hosted by my dear friend (and himself one of the world's finest guitar makers) <a contents="Michael Bashkin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bashkinguitars.com" target="_blank">Michael Bashkin</a>.</p>
<p>It is with deep joy that I can reveal that the latest episode of luthier on luthier features Michael and I chatting after breakfast on a rainy London morning. Click on the pic to listen!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.fretboardjournal.com/podcasts/luthier-on-luthier-michael-watts/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c2612e1cc4f7800848c0e46d4db4df4b47fd5f85/original/screenshot-2019-03-26-at-05-27-27.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>I've been interviewing luthiers for over a decade now, I suppose it's time they got some of their own back! Thank you to everyone at TFJ and in particular Michael Bashkin. I hope you enjoy this gently opinionated conversation between friends. </p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/56799332019-03-14T12:19:14+00:002019-03-18T18:20:52+00:00The Unfair Funfair - Tablature Now Available!<p>I'm very happy to announce that acoustic stenographer to the stars <a contents="Mark Grover" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.guitar-transcriptions.com" target="_blank">Mark Grover</a> has just completed transcribing my piece The Unfair Funfair* and it is now available for sale in limited edition prints, hand-signed, numbered and dedicated by Yours Truly! The Unfair Funfair is track number 2 from my album <a contents="Vetiver" data-link-label="Shop" data-link-type="page" href="/shop" target="_blank">Vetiver</a> and was inspired by the extraordinary guitar work of the late, great Bert Jansch. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="0LSWmfluJnk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/0LSWmfluJnk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0LSWmfluJnk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>You can get your copy <a contents="right here" data-link-label="Tablature" data-link-type="page" href="/tablature" target="_blank">right here</a>, each one is printed on highest-quality silk paper to maintain its place on your music stand for years to come! </p>
<p>Here's the piece if you're unfamiliar with it, played on the Casimi Guitars C2 Signature prototype in Cape Town South Africa</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="6AJFc8jOAtI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/6AJFc8jOAtI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6AJFc8jOAtI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>
<p>*The Unfair Funfair version 1 was not actually a piece of music at all but a letter to a dear friend. </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/56787262019-03-13T14:40:45+00:002019-03-13T14:56:52+00:00Acoustic Life Feature (Episode AT81)<p>I've been a fan of Tony Polecastro's work for many years now and I've enjoyed his <a contents="Acoustic Life" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChCj02Oamkp6OO3xgWpOzzA" target="_blank">Acoustic Life</a> YouTube channel with it's weekly Acoustic Tuesday show since the first episode. It was therefore a wonderful surprise to hear that my work had been featured in this week's episode at the recommendation of another of my favourite acoustic YouTube personalities, the wonderful <a contents="Matt Chulka of Eddie's Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/eddiesguitarsstl" target="_blank">Matt Chulka of Eddie's Guitars</a> in Missouri!</p>
<p>You can watch the episode below, my bit starts at around 15:13 but I highly recommend that you watch the whole episode and indeed subscribe to Acoustic Life. It's a really wonderful channel and if you enjoy what I do then I can guarantee that you'll love the time you spend there too!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="KFnFvb7IZ54" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/KFnFvb7IZ54/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KFnFvb7IZ54?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Until next time</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Stay Tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/56774462019-03-12T15:07:36+00:002019-03-12T15:07:36+00:00So... Was it People Get Ready?<p>Ages ago I stumbled across quite a pleasing little chord sequence that I subsequently pressed into service as a useful idea for demoing guitars. As one of my top 5 "quite pleasing" chord sequences of the time it piqued the curiosity of several players whose feedback led to the creation of a tutorial video. That video no longer exists but, thanks to Brett Jones amongst others, you can now learn the chord sequence that wasn't actually People Get Ready nor anything from Van Morrison's back catalogue. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r6LW5kNB2Jo" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>But could have been. Maybe. </p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/56630522019-02-28T09:44:34+00:002019-03-14T10:57:32+00:001000 Thank Yous!<p>My YouTube channel recently crossed the milestone of 1000 subscribers which for an entirely independent one-man operation is very pleasing! This video is my way of saying a heart-felt thank you for all your support. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="khUAHLbh-Y8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/khUAHLbh-Y8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/khUAHLbh-Y8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/55982312019-01-16T15:01:54+00:002019-01-16T15:01:54+00:00Savile Row Story - Sabiro<p>My latest video tells the story of a visit to Savile Row with Matthias Roux and Matthew Rice of Casimi Guitars in 2017. It also features a sneak peak at a new track "Sabiro" which takes its name from the Japanese word for a suit which in turn takes its name from the heart of British tailoring. With me so far? Good!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Yudv3_ZRs3Y" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Yudv3_ZRs3Y/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yudv3_ZRs3Y?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I've long found Savile Row and its history to be fascinating, and there are many similarities with the world of guitar making, especially at the custom level. The word "bespoke" has its roots in Savile Row too. It's a much abused word these days (I even heard it used as a verb on one hideous occasion recently) but that, in essence, is what goes on in Mayfair as much as it does in Muizenberg.</p>
<p>Until next time, Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/55603502019-01-01T12:44:38+00:002019-07-22T11:14:36+01:00Ervin Somogyi - Luthier Stories<p>Like all good things, my Luthier Stories series has grown completely organically over the past few months. It's been a real pleasure and a privilege to spend time with some of the finest guitar makers in the world. I knew from the start, however, that this series would never be complete without an interview with a man whose work has shaped the acoustic guitar to a huge degree, my dear friend Ervin Somogyi.</p>
<p>In the 10 years I've known Ervin I have found him to be a thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining human being whose instruments absolutely changed my idea of what was possible in a steel string acoustic guitar. It was a real pleasure to catch up with Ervin at his workshop in Oakland California for this episode of Luthier Stories. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="Iwmz7sqSqp4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/Iwmz7sqSqp4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Iwmz7sqSqp4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>I also had the honour of spending some time with the 500th Somogyi Guitar - The Diospyros. This extraordinary instrument takes its name from the Ebony that forms the back and sides. It is a glorious example of Ervin Somogyi's original design The Modified Dreadnought. I'd recommend headphones for this one...</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ckJYoMdxYQI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ckJYoMdxYQI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ckJYoMdxYQI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Until next time,</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">stay tuned</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/55603472018-12-31T21:59:14+00:002018-12-31T21:59:14+00:00Mark Gaiero's Beautiful OM - Luthier Stories<p>This may be the first time you've heard the name Mark Gaiero but I can promise you it won't be the last! <br>I met Mark during the final days of his apprenticeship at the Somogyi Guitars workshop in Oakland California. The guitar he passed me that day was newly completed but already had a spectacularly rich and mature voice and I knew I had to share it with you, it's glorious... Check out these pics!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/3d958df7e4b9de27824fe5a25175221ba1824bd3/original/screenshot-2018-12-21-at-00-25-06.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/527bb65aa412e2489ece1e34d2dded8a482b9678/original/screenshot-2018-12-21-at-00-31-16.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/533c7b95820632df2269b2bde02fa899d9c36959/original/screenshot-2018-12-21-at-00-33-40.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/a79c7dc10c27f7d950b8225045cac635f8c712de/original/screenshot-2018-12-21-at-00-24-34.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Here it is in action in this Luthier Stories interview with Mark Gaiero himself. It was a real pleasure to meet this talented young builder and to see another new, world-class voice coming from the hallowed rooms of Ervin Somogyi's workshop.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="G6hctGniJIw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/G6hctGniJIw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G6hctGniJIw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time, stay tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/55603462018-12-25T13:13:50+00:002018-12-25T13:13:50+00:00Catching up with Leo Buendia - Luthier Stories <p>I've just returned from a wonderful trip to Oakland California, where I had the chance to catch up with my friend Leo Buendia who, like Michi Matsuda, Mario Beauregard, and Jason Kostal before him apprenticed with Ervin Somogyi. </p>
<p>Since we first met in 2015, I have found talking with Leo to be a source of joy. He's a thoughtful and intensely creative person, an extremely talented guitar builder, and I really enjoy his company. </p>
<p>In this interview Leo talks about his life up to the point of becoming a luthier, his meeting with Ervin Somogyi and subsequent apprenticeship at the Somogyi workshop and what he looks for in the sound of his beautiful guitars!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b42ee697398310e9a32a62719d92ee061441749d/original/screenshot-2018-12-20-at-21-57-48.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Like this MD right here! </em></p>
<p>In May of 2018 Leo had asked me to demonstrate his work at the Holy Grail Guitar Show (Berlin) and feature in a video interview with Premier Guitar Magazine. Although Leo can hold his own in English, like anybody communicating outside of their native language, I know he found this and other similar interviews a gruelling process. For this reason the episode of Luthier Stories you're about to watch is in Spanish with English subtitles. I really hope you enjoy it! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="LTXIE7xujXw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/LTXIE7xujXw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LTXIE7xujXw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh and if you'd like to hear one of Leo's guitars in action then look no further than this video that I recorded with this stunning MD.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="AJC8f72lirY" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/AJC8f72lirY/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AJC8f72lirY?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>All the best and until next time</p>
<p>Stay tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/55348242018-12-01T10:02:55+00:002019-03-14T20:35:41+00:00Video - In Concert With Derek Gripper - At Casimi Guitars <p>Derek Gripper is an extraordinary talent and since we first played together in Paris earlier this year I've been looking forward to the next time we'd share a stage. That happened in October in Cape Town South Africa at the Casimi Guitars workshop, and this time we got it on video! It was an unforgettable evening and I hope that in watching you'll feel like you shared this experience with us. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="UxTzST8nMrg" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/UxTzST8nMrg/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UxTzST8nMrg?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The results of my quick instagram poll were pretty conclusive so I have left the footage pretty much untouched save for the longer passages of tuning... </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7b358da2a56e12b246b2f8ddbf3036971fb6e854/original/img-0453.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I really hope you enjoy the video, if you haven't already then please do subscribe to my channel to avoid missing out on future uploads!</p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/55147032018-11-15T12:23:46+00:002018-11-15T12:23:46+00:00Iconic Instruments - The Casimi Guitars Prototype<p>This wonderful instrument is the first Casimi Guitar, it even predates the company's logo so there's nothing on the headstock and no label! It is what was to become the Casimi C2 model and is made from Cocobolo on the back and sides with a Sitka lid. Very cool... You can check it out in action right here!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="6AJFc8jOAtI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/6AJFc8jOAtI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6AJFc8jOAtI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>It's always revealing to play an early instrument by an established luthier (or in this case luthiers!) and while this guitar is braced traditionally with the standard X and two tone bar configuration as opposed to a hybrid lattice it still has much of the character and response for which Casimi Guitars are now so rightly renowned. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ac0376f4020ead2b02db248fadcc538d68658d7e/original/screenshot-2018-11-15-at-12-11-59.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>You can learn more about the role this beautiful instrument played in the evolution of the Casimi Guitars brand in my Luthier Stories video. If you haven't already then do please subscribe to my YouTube channel, I'd hate for you to miss out!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e81e6996302cd9ae2a4f2f01533f83991527a5bb/original/screenshot-2018-11-15-at-12-12-13.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />You can watch the full interview with Matthew Rice and Matthias Roux of Casimi Guitars below. I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QSWTwHWMx5o" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/QSWTwHWMx5o/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QSWTwHWMx5o?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/55110572018-11-13T13:59:38+00:002020-01-22T10:54:36+00:00New Reviews for The Guitar Magazine!<p>I've really been enjoying writing for <a contents="The Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theguitarmagazine.com" target="_blank">The Guitar Magazine</a>, it's given me the chance to try some amazing kit that might have passed me by otherwise. In fact, some of it has been so good that it's made its way onto my pedal board on a permanent basis...</p>
<p>This month several of my reviews hit The Guitar Magazine's website and I'm happy to share them with you right here! First up is this lovely pair of Taylor 614's in Maple. It was my first proper experience with Taylor's new V-Class bracing and I was very happy to get the chance to satisfy my curiosity! click on the images to go straight to the reviews!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theguitarmagazine.com/gear/acoustic-guitars/taylor-614ce/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d675f0ded71447bfe12314cd0738b66a2745e8ba/original/screenshot-2018-11-13-at-12-50-03.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Next is this wonderful Martin D41 Re-imagined which I had heard a lot about from various trusted sources. This new model has a very vocal following and now it's easy to see why. It's a beast! Anyone looking for a serious dreadnought should give it equally serious consideration...</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theguitarmagazine.com/gear/acoustic-guitars/martin-d-41-reimagined/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/228c785725cb45948dd68f2fd318da1f0514ee36/original/screenshot-2018-11-13-at-12-49-34.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Here are some very cool new stomp boxes which were a joy to test out. It's always a pleasure to bask in what Frank Zappa described as "The stink of a too-loud electric guitar" with these inspiring pedals. First up here's a brace of new EHX numbers including the riotous Op-Amp big Muff Pi designed in conjunction with Billy Corgan!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theguitarmagazine.com/gear/effects/ehx-oceans-11-op-amp-big-muff/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1210b5eec8e9c026eb16434540b52d4933c20875/original/screenshot-2018-11-13-at-12-51-06.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Ryan Adams' latest toy is this Walrus Audio Defcon 4 booster/EQ pedal. It is a serious piece of kit with a price point to match. It also looks very very cool!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theguitarmagazine.com/gear/effects/walrus-audio-defcon4/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/da7554eafa36f1c6f7f6f7033c6f888a9070aa06/original/screenshot-2018-11-13-at-12-50-35.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Finally here's the Beetronics Royal Jelly OD/Fuzz which I absolutely adored. Huge sounds, everywhere! And a dry knob too to keep the clean attack! Hallelujah.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.theguitarmagazine.com/gear/effects/beetronics-royal-jelly/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/9b911bb3ed5fce06a37376713f534b49423ea9de/original/screenshot-2018-11-13-at-12-52-03.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>I hope you enjoy these reviews as much as I enjoyed writing them. The Guitar Magazine has always had a place in my heart (from back when it was Guitar and Bass) and it's a pleasure to contribute. </p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/55032612018-11-07T18:17:15+00:002018-11-07T18:17:15+00:00Luthier Stories - Linda Manzer - The Iceberg Guitar inspired by Lawren S. Harris<p>I've loved Linda Manzer's work since first meeting her in 2009 and had harboured a secret hope that at some point I'd get a chance to play her astonishing Iceberg harp guitar having seen it exhibited as part of the Group of Seven exhibition Guitar Project. It was, therefore, a huge honour and privilege to be asked to play at Linda's presentation at the Canadian High Commission in London this week.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/354fa59b3681beed2e8c2ae96fb22d91dba58341/original/img-0233.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br>I managed to film this close-up look at the instrument while we were setting up for the evening's event, I hope you enjoy it! Inspired by the work of Lawren S. Harris this guitar is a sublime work of art but just as importantly, playing it is an absolutely exhilarating experience. The back rumbles against your body and the vibrations tickle your fingertips as the bass purrs and growls. The trebles are silky smooth (it's actually a hybrid of an arch top and a flat-top) and despite only having a couple of hours with the instrument before taking the stage it felt immediately familiar and a joy to play. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="_lsbNNHlCcE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/_lsbNNHlCcE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_lsbNNHlCcE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Thank you Linda and to everyone at the Canadian High Commission for an amazing night!</p>
<p>BTW if you haven't yet heard about The Group of Seven Guitar Project you can learn more in this video I made after visiting the exhibition.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1DQxu6wGoc0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/1DQxu6wGoc0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1DQxu6wGoc0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Stay tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/54989342018-11-04T12:45:09+00:002018-11-04T12:54:11+00:00Luthier Stories - The Evolution of Casimi Guitars - Video<p>Last month I spent a truly magical few days in Cape Town South Africa with Matthias Roux and Matthew Rice of Casimi Guitars. We had a lot to cram into that short stay and I came back to the UK with several hours of footage. This first video is the latest instalment in my Luthiers Stories series which looks at the evolution of Casimi Guitars from the first spark of an idea in 2012 to becoming an internationally recognised epicentre of acoustic excellence. </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy the video and look forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QSWTwHWMx5o" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/QSWTwHWMx5o/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QSWTwHWMx5o?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until then </p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/54818232018-10-23T10:03:21+01:002018-10-23T10:03:21+01:00Workshop Sessions - Turnstone Guitars TS<p>I took a quick break during a marathon editing session following my trip to South Africa to visit Rosie Heydenrych at Turnstone guitars and film this wonderful TS model in Cocobolo and Alpine Spruce. the last time I saw Rosie she hadn't closed the box on this instrument as you can see in our Luthier Stories interview.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="aZYOMffpChE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/aZYOMffpChE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aZYOMffpChE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Here it is in all its glory and you know what? I think this may be the finest example of Rosie's work I have played to date. Check it out below!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="5XkIdrzYuYc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/5XkIdrzYuYc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5XkIdrzYuYc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/54563422018-10-05T13:59:13+01:002020-11-05T10:51:21+00:00With Casimi Guitars - Cape Town South Africa - CNN<p style="text-align: center;">I am very happy to share details of my first trip to South Africa to play a concert at the <a contents="Casimi Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.casimiguitars.com" target="_blank">Casimi Guitars</a> workshop in Cape Town!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2e534836ea79e221f471d709d3ded35434a87885/original/casimi-michael-watts-cnn-eventinvitation.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />I'll be showcasing the work of these exceptional guitar makers and talking to CNN as part of their African Voices documentary series. This will also mark the debut of a very special instrument, months in the making, that features the rarest and most valuable tone wood on the planet - The Tree!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/24487d4a4cbcb5b2213d216514926d66ba1e1fd8/original/casimi-michael-watts-cnn-2.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I'll also be giving a talk on all aspects of the luthier-built guitar experience for players, collectors and aspiring luthiers alike. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ae73fce8bd8e18000c1cc519b070058fac31989d/original/casimi-michael-watts-cnn-3.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>To say I'm looking forward to this would be a massive understatement! Check out my <a contents="Instagram" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.instagram.com/m.watts.esq/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a contents="YouTube" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/michaelwattsguitar?feature=mhee" target="_blank">YouTube</a> channel for more news as it happens. </p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/54470822018-09-29T20:36:11+01:002020-02-17T10:41:47+00:00Video - The Grand Piano Sustain Approach<p>I have long been inspired by piano music, in particular the work of composers such as Erik Satie, Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett. Pianists have an advantage over guitarists in the shape of the sustain pedal (it's the one in the middle next to the accelerator) although they don't get any vibrato so I guess it all pans out. </p>
<p>While exploring ideas for my new piece Lords of The Hundreds I came across a sustaining, textural part which while relatively simple demands a lot of concentration and accuracy to play effectively. So much so that I thought it would be useful as an exercise. </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy the video, do let get in touch with any further questions. Also, if you haven't yet subscribed to my channel please do! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="ROgh_9uFYBA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/ROgh_9uFYBA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ROgh_9uFYBA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Stay Tuned </p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/54398462018-09-23T00:40:46+01:002018-09-23T00:40:46+01:00Luthier Workshop Visit - Turnstone Guitars (UK)<p>Rosie Heydenrych of <a contents="Turnstone Guitars " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://turnstoneguitar.co.uk" target="_blank">Turnstone Guitars </a>makes beautiful bespoke instruments one at a time from her workshop in Surrey UK. I first met Rosie years ago when she was still under apprenticeship and it's been very interesting to see her work develop as her international reputation grows. What really fascinates me about Rosie's approach is her pioneering work with English tone woods and that is just one of the topics under discussion in this episode of Luthier Stories!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="aZYOMffpChE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/aZYOMffpChE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aZYOMffpChE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>During myself visit I had the chance to film two new Turnstone guitars which feature English woods, the first was this beautiful TG model in English Walnut with a Yew top, yes, that's a new one on me too!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b564113bd5478be82211bdbcb2830bcd1d434489/original/img-9447.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">You can hear it in action right here!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="odYn_CBcaDM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/odYn_CBcaDM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/odYn_CBcaDM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Also freshly strung was this custom dragon themed and really rather ethereal instrument in Ancient Sitka Spruce and Royal Fenland oak, both woods being thousands of years old. There is an almost eldritch sense of history to this one that comes through in the guitar's voice as much as the playing experience.. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/a5a5715bf47f0013a65e08649e8a1fa65ba4f5d7/original/img-9475.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And this is what it sounds like! Dracaris!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="420Dlq4Qhe4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/420Dlq4Qhe4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/420Dlq4Qhe4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Thanks to Rosie for sparing so much time so close to the Woodstock show. European guitar investigators will no doubt have seen her at the Holy Grail Show in Berlin where her instruments have made a real impact. Players in the USA, she's on her way!</p>
<p>Until Next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/54284852018-09-14T12:59:49+01:002018-09-14T12:59:49+01:00Video - How I Record Acoustic Guitars<p>Thank you to everybody who has asked me for guidance when it comes to recording acoustic instruments over the years. I hope that this video will serve as an introduction to my own method for capturing the sound of a steel string guitar using the twin tenets of quality and simplicity throughout!</p>
<p>In this video I show you my method from the equipment I use such as the Gefell M300 mics that have been my workhorses for the past decade...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b218ea60114d3e9cdaecee8064b12d173204c182/original/img-9239.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">to the different approaches I use for mic'ing up my two very different <a contents="Kostal " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kostalguitars.com" target="_blank">Kostal </a>guitars</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/15d559c99726a5ad5dc7df0e08752777967c4730/original/img-9194.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I hope you enjoy this video, as I said, it's an introduction so if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to get in touch. I'm happy to help out in any way I can. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="lQV2pMY6vw4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/lQV2pMY6vw4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lQV2pMY6vw4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/54206552018-09-08T21:06:38+01:002020-10-10T05:48:05+01:00The Group of Seven Guitar Project<p>I finally had a chance to check out the <a contents="Group of Seven Guitar Project " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://mcmichael.com/event/the-group-of-seven-guitar-project-summer-2017/" target="_blank">Group of Seven Guitar Project </a>at Canada House in Trafalgar Square this week and thoroughly enjoyed my visit! I've loved the work of the Group of Seven since my early twenties when I first visited Ontario and had the good fortune to check out an exhibition there. The idea of a guitar based Group of Seven project featuring many of my favourite luthiers was almost too much to handle! In this video I share my impressions about the exhibition and look at the work of both groups of seven!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="1DQxu6wGoc0" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/1DQxu6wGoc0/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1DQxu6wGoc0?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>The guitar version of the Group of Seven is made up of George Gray, <a contents="Tony Duggan-Smith" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.tonyduggan-smith.com" target="_blank">Tony Duggan-Smith</a>, <a contents="Sergei de Jonge" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.dejongeguitars.com/home3.html" target="_blank">Sergei de Jonge</a>, <a contents="David Wren" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.wrenguitarworks.com/Introduction/introductionindex.html" target="_blank">David Wren</a>, <a contents="Grit Laskin" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://williamlaskin.com" target="_blank">Grit Laskin</a>, <a contents="Linda Manzer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.manzer.com/guitars/" target="_blank">Linda Manzer</a> and <a contents="Jean Larrivée" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.larrivee.com" target="_blank">Jean Larrivée</a>, all of whom have had an extraordinary impact on the acoustic guitar world as we know it. I can honestly say the exhibition was a massive source of inspiration, thank you to everyone involved!</p>
<p><a contents="Click here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/united_kingdom-royaume_uni/events-evenements/gallery_group_seven_guitar_project-projet_guitare_groupe_sept_galerie.aspx?lang=eng" target="_blank">Click here</a> for more information on the London show</p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/54010102018-08-26T11:22:19+01:002018-08-27T23:58:39+01:00Luthier Workshop Visit - Sobell Guitars (UK)<p>Stefan Sobell makes some of the finest guitars in the world in his workshop in Hexham UK. His instruments are famous for their powerful, steely tone and loved by players around the world including Martin Simpson, Mark Knopfler and Darrell Scott.</p>
<p>And me! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1b260e8d5066598b8175583f390cad183b725674/original/img-8604-copy-small.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I last visited Stefan's workshop in 2010 and this meeting was a welcome chance to catch up and put the world to rights. I had a camera and mics set up just in case and this latest Luthier Stories video captured our conversation as well as performances with some new Sobell guitars. Utterly stunning, each and every one. </p>
<p>Why not make a cup of tea and sit back for a quiet 40 minutes and enjoy Stefan sharing his insights gained from a career crafting instruments for some of the world's most talented, and most demanding players. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="edbrgWkRLlU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/edbrgWkRLlU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/edbrgWkRLlU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Thank you to Stefan Sobell, for a wonderful chat, for making the some of the finest guitars on the planet and for being so generous with your time and wisdom. </p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53995392018-08-24T09:32:07+01:002020-07-16T07:19:09+01:00Iconic Instruments - The First Sobell Guitar (1981)<p>This guitar, the very first by <a contents="Stefan Sobell " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.sobellguitars.com" target="_blank">Stefan Sobell </a>(Hexham UK), is a seminal instrument in the history of the the "Golden Age" of modern steel string luthiery. Based loosely on a Martin C1 from the 1930's but with a slightly larger body and far better build quality, this is a tremendously powerful, steely and articulate instrument which foreshadows the extraordinary sound of the Sobell guitars to come. It was an absolute joy to play in the latest instalment of my Iconic Instruments series which I hope you'll enjoy. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EFwOO4q0pHk" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>There will be more from my visit to the Sobell workshop very soon. Until then</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53916122018-08-17T18:48:30+01:002018-08-17T18:48:30+01:00YouTube!<p>Thank you for visiting my website! I'd like to invite you to also subscribe to my YouTube channel with this quick video. My channel is growing everyday and if you've enjoyed what I've done for other channels in the past then I hope you'll also like my original work here. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="8GFpSMQ_KVc" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/8GFpSMQ_KVc/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8GFpSMQ_KVc?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53775772018-08-07T14:04:10+01:002018-08-07T14:04:10+01:00Video - Lame Horse Guitars - Holy Grail Guitar Show 2018<p>I have had the pleasure of demonstrating the work of Lame Horse Guitars (Texas USA) since 2009 and it was a joy to play one of their recent instruments at the Holy Grail Guitar Show 2018. </p>
<p>I'm playing Vetiver, the title track from my debut album out now on iTunes, Spotify, Tidal and available in high quality WAV files right here. </p>
<p>I hope you enjoy it!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="yuxyUE6_0DQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/yuxyUE6_0DQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yuxyUE6_0DQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Until next time</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53747162018-08-04T11:34:41+01:002018-08-05T10:22:50+01:00Iconic Instruments - Gibson L1 1919<p>Just look at this! It's a century old Gibson archtop with a gorgeous dry, sparky voice and a neck like a tree trunk! I filmed this wonderful guitar in Paris while preparing for a private concert with <a contents="Derek Gripper" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.michaelwattsguitar.com/blog/blog/podcast-hanging-out-with-derek-gripper-paris" target="_blank">Derek Gripper</a>. There were some truly magnificent instruments in the room that day but this ancient one captured my attention. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/23d22a4ab5764afcd13baa495036a0750047e75d/original/img-6876.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>And here it is in action in the latest of my Iconic Instruments series on Youtube. I hope you enjoy it. As ever the instrument was recorded in one take with a matched pair of Gefell M300 microphones and no EQ, reverb or effects. Playing an instrument of this vintage is always a real thrill, you can hear the years of music in the guitar. it's very special indeed. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="fAMsldwdufA" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/fAMsldwdufA/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fAMsldwdufA?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Subscribe to my channel to avoid missing future episodes in this series and do please drop me a like and a comment. If you have a particularly noteworthy instrument (or collection) and you'd be interested in me recording them for posterity then <a contents="get in touch" data-link-label="" data-link-type="email" href="mailto:michaeldwatts@gmail.com" target="_blank">get in touch</a>!</p>
<p>Until next time, </p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53685162018-07-31T10:57:10+01:002018-07-31T10:59:25+01:00Podcast - Michael Johnson "The Beauty of The Guitar"<p>Michael Johnson of Johnson Banks is one of the world's leading authors, designers and thinkers on the subject of design and aesthetics. So who better to have a chat with about the beauty of the guitar? </p>
<p><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" height="300" scrolling="no" src="//embeds.audioboom.com/posts/6952211-the-beauty-of-the-guitar-with-michael-johnson-of-johnson-banks-london/embed/v4?eid=AQAAAPMwYFsTFWoA" style="background-color:transparent; display:block; padding: 0; max-width:700px;" title="Audioboom player" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>In this podcast we address pressing issues such as the wabi-sabi of vintage instruments, the paradigm shifting Fender Stratocaster, bevels, wedges, Casimi guitars and risks of playing a Les Paul past the age of 23...</p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53575442018-07-22T19:36:58+01:002018-07-22T19:36:58+01:00Vetiver on Essential Guitar Tracks 2018 - DCS Only The Music<p><a contents="dCS (Only The Music)" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dcsltd.co.uk" target="_blank">dCS (Only The Music)</a> make some of the world's finest hi-fi systems and I was very happy to hear that my album Vetiver has been featured on their "Essential Guitar Tracks" playlist on Tidal!</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/82266f1e-599c-4838-b8be-563fbbf2244b" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/68158f2384a804a5d99f1265de0573cd1fc7a096/original/screen-shot-2018-07-20-at-23-21-19.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>It's quite a thrill to see my record up there with the work of some of my favourite guitarists. I was particularly humbled by the accompanying review of the title track.</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.dcsltd.co.uk/music/sounds/acoustic-guitar-playlist-curated-by-chris-thomas/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/952bd2f3691f6ada7f22fbbe6a0bfdb7eaa5c02a/original/screen-shot-2018-07-20-at-23-23-37.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Thank you so much guys, I hope to continue to make music that lives up to your exacting standards!</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53313222018-07-21T07:54:12+01:002018-07-21T07:58:09+01:00Luthier Workshop Visit - Taran Guitars (Scotland)<p>I've known Rory Dowling of Taran Guitars for several years and it was great to get the chance to catch up at this year's Holy Grail Guitar Show (Berlin) where I played some of his latest instruments. I was very impressed indeed! Taran Guitars was set up over a decade ago and while it's a well known and respected brand in Europe, Rory's work is still somewhat under the radar outside the continent and he asked if I might consider filming some demo videos of his guitars. Obviously I was very happy to agree. So I flew up to Scotland and spent a beautiful and inspiring couple of days at the Taran Guitars workshop near Fife. </p>
<p>As it happens we ended up filming a full interview about what goes into the creation of a Taran Guitar, as well as recording a podcast about the history of the company and Rory's ethos, as well as demos of three absolutely stunning guitars! I'd suggest you kick off with the interview which is right here. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="BbuSOPdwH5E" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/BbuSOPdwH5E/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BbuSOPdwH5E?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>The guitars themselves are here in all their glory. First up is this Tirga Beag (pronounced Chigra Begg) which is a "large OM" with a 16" lower bout and an impressive potential for nuance to go with all that power. This guitar is made from Malaysian blackwood and moon-harvested Swiss spruce with a wengé neck. As with previous guitar recordings of mine that you may have seen, these videos were recorded using a matched pair of Gefell M300 small capsule condenser microphones. No EQ, reverb or effects were added. You are hearing as close to the natural sound of the guitar as I was capable of reproducing. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="-DTMQA-EQlE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/-DTMQA-EQlE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-DTMQA-EQlE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>"The Taran" is Rory Dowling's take on a OO model. It's a smaller body, very comfortable to hold and play, and extremely lively. In this case we have a Madagascar rosewood and moon-harvested Swiss spruce instrument. This guitar is extremely responsive with a gorgeous voice perfectly suited to a more traditional approach. So much so in fact that we strung it with non-coated D'Addario strings (as opposed to Elixirs) to bring out all the steel and "snap" typical of that wood combo. I was particularly impressed with the way the instrument handled a capo (an Elliot Elite of course) at the 4th fret.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QBVeQ8ZeCN4" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/QBVeQ8ZeCN4/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QBVeQ8ZeCN4?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Finally here is an instrument close to my own heart. An exquisite presentation version of The Taran in flamed maple and moon spruce. Built for exhibition at the Holy Grail Guitar Show 2018, this is a lightly-built fingerstyle guitar with an immediate response and the same depth and "pizzicato cello" tone that I love in good maple guitars. The cutaway gives you access all along the neck and all in all it's a stunner. I know my friend John Thomas of the Fretboard Journal was particularly taken with this instrument describing it as one of his highlights of this year's HGGS. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="vLUBCuIcAJ8" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/vLUBCuIcAJ8/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vLUBCuIcAJ8?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Finally, I hope you'll enjoy this podcast interview with Rory. This was recorded in the wood room of his workshop, a very special place indeed full of some of the finest tone woods available including some rare British varieties. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" height="300" scrolling="no" src="//embeds.audioboom.com/posts/6927235-visiting-rory-dowling-of-taran-guitars-scotland/embed/v4?eid=AQAAAJ9QSluDs2kA" style="background-color:transparent; display:block; padding: 0; max-width:700px;" title="Audioboom player" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>I had a fantastic time at the Taran Guitars workshop, many thanks to Rory for the invitation and hospitality. It was my first time in that particular part of Scotland and the countryside is stunning. As Rory himself says, the gorgeous natural surroundings in which he works play an important role in inspiring the creation of his guitars, and it shows. </p>
<p>I should add that I have found luthier's workshops around the world to be a source of wonder, delight and inspiration for years now and I have decided that what started out as a couple of mates catching up in Berlin has laid the foundations of a new "Luthier Stories" series on my YouTube channel. I look forward to sharing the next episodes with you in the not too distant future!</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53386252018-07-10T09:36:09+01:002018-07-10T09:36:09+01:00The Guitar Magazine - Monty's Guitars MORE! Review <p>The latest issue of The Guitar Magazine features not only a pleasing gate-fold cover, but also a review I wrote about the Monty's Guitars MORE! pedal, a hand made, small batch double boost pedal with a handy effects loop. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/9b5a61c016205e6911769d1373f4fccb9145de3c/original/img-8011.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The magazine is out now on the shelves of all reputable magazine purveyors and also some less reputable ones. Check it out and let me know your thoughts. </p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53369672018-07-09T08:28:18+01:002018-07-12T14:56:46+01:00Iconic Instruments - "Junior" Isaac Guillory's 1969 Martin D35s<p>I have just uploaded the first episode of a new series "Iconic Instruments" to my YouTube channel, and it is fitting that the guitar in question is a vintage Martin dreadnought that will be immediately familiar to fans of the late Isaac Guillory.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/2c4f6979af36b2bdb7c8ee94b91ac31ff2966e29/original/screen-shot-2018-07-09-at-08-18-43.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>This is "Junior" made by Martin in 1969 in the final weeks of Brazilian Rosewood and it was Isaac's main guitar for much of his career. The next time you see this extraordinary instrument it will be in the hands of Isaac's son Easton Guillory, an amazing player in his own right. I can't wait to hear what he gets up to with it!</p>
<p>Iconic Instruments is one of several new series that I have been filming for my YouTube channel and I look forward to sharing the results with you in the months to come. If you haven't already done so then please do subscribe to my YouTube channel so that you don't miss an episode. </p>
<p>If you've followed me over the years you'll know how important Isaac's music was for me growing up. He was an extraordinary musician and a generous mentor. </p>
<p>I hope you'll enjoy this video. It meant a great deal to me. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="2WfcXVMF8Is" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/2WfcXVMF8Is/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2WfcXVMF8Is?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/53311022018-07-04T18:37:00+01:002018-07-04T18:37:00+01:00Getting to know you...<p>Over the last few months I've seen a massive spike in traffic to my site and to be honest my curiosity has been piqued! If you're a new or frequent visitor here and would like to tell me all about you as a player or luthier then why not head over to my <a contents="Getting To Know You" data-link-label="Getting to know you" data-link-type="page" href="/getting-to-know-you" target="_blank">Getting To Know You</a> page and let me know more. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="Getting to know you" data-link-type="page" href="/getting-to-know-you" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4613aca5b39caab02800f6764aecd1899eb4c710/original/img-7992.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/52769852018-06-05T18:14:20+01:002021-04-12T09:02:43+01:00The Guitar Magazine - Jackson Audio Prism & Mythos Chupacabra Reviews<p>This month's issue of <a contents="The Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theguitarmagazine.com" target="_blank">The Guitar Magazine</a> contains (amongst a host of other wonderful articles) two pedal reviews that I wrote for the magazine. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/dd07d892bd49a1dd84d3922d671a31df0d583a76/original/img-7381.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The first is a the new <a contents="Jackson Audio Prism" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jackson.audio/prism/" target="_blank">Jackson Audio Prism</a> pedal, a high-end boost handmade in the USA.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c8a0865ccf8af5c08f04be9c51aa0e191ee3d13f/original/img-7375.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And on the following page you will find a review of the <a contents="Mythos Chupacabra " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://mythospedals.com/chupacabra/" target="_blank">Mythos Chupacabra </a>Overdrive/Fuzz</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/199e5001721b6ba630e0b02ed6b72656490eee98/original/img-7379.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Get your copy now!</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/52727672018-06-03T11:11:53+01:002018-06-03T22:32:09+01:00Video - Buendia Guitars at The Holy Grail Guitar Show - Premier Guitar<p>One of my highlights of this year's <a contents="Holy Grail Guitar Show" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.holygrailguitarshow.com" target="_blank">Holy Grail Guitar Show</a> was demonstrating the work of luthier <a contents="Leo Buendia" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.buendiaguitars.com" target="_blank">Leo Buendia</a> for the first time. It was particularly pleasing to discover that the instrument I was to play was a Modified Dreadnought in The Tree!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M5Ga8DUXGJA" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>The guitar sounded wonderful as you can see in this feature for Premier Guitar Magazine (USA) </p>
<p>Thank you Leo for inviting me to put this extraordinary instrument through its paces. I look forward to more in the future!</p>
<p>Stay Tuned </p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/52571552018-05-25T17:59:50+01:002018-05-25T18:01:04+01:00Video - Teuffel Guitars at The Holy Grail Guitar Show - Premier Guitar<p>I have been a fan of Uli Teuffel's amazing instruments since I saw his "Birdfish" model featured in Guitarist magazine probably about 20 years ago... To me the Birdfish is the epitome of the modern electric guitar luthier's art and I was honoured to be asked to demonstrate Teuffel guitars for this video with Shawn Hammond of Premier Guitar magazine (USA) at this month's Holy Grail Guitar Show in Berlin. You can enjoy the results below!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ERJFS8ZiTww" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/52484442018-05-22T12:15:04+01:002018-05-23T07:42:31+01:00Podcast - Amrit Sond "What's it like to win a Grammy?" <p>I have loved the music of Avant Garde visionary Amrit Sond for years and have had the pleasure of sharing a stage with him many times since we first met.</p>
<p><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" height="300" scrolling="no" src="//embeds.audioboom.com/posts/6866466-hanging-out-with-amrit-sond-what-s-it-like-to-win-a-grammy/embed/v4?eid=AQAAAK36A1sixmgA" style="background-color:transparent; display:block; padding: 0; max-width: 700px;" title="Audioboom player" width="100%"></iframe>One of the joys of hanging out with Amrit is listening to him speak about his background, creative process and influences and I am very happy to share this podcast with you where he does exactly that! You will learn about spending time with Michael Hedges, why Lowden guitars are the perfect instruments for extreme acoustic guitar styles, developing a bullet-proof sense of self, the "above gravity" fret and, of course, what it's like to win a grammy!</p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/52320012018-05-13T20:13:02+01:002021-07-08T08:20:58+01:00Podcast - Hanging out with Derek Gripper in Paris <p>This weekend I played a concert in Paris with the sublimely talented South African guitarist <a contents="Derek Gripper" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.derekgripper.com" target="_blank">Derek Gripper</a>. Derek has been one of my favourite musicians for years now since I was introduced to his music by Matthias and Matthew of <a contents="Casimi Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.casimiguitars.com" target="_blank">Casimi Guitars</a>.</p>
<p><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" height="300" scrolling="no" src="//embeds.audioboom.com/posts/6853737-hanging-out-with-derek-gripper-paris/embed/v4?eid=AQAAAEaP-FpplGgA" style="background-color:transparent; display:block; padding: 0; max-width: 700px;" title="Audioboom player" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>This was our first meeting and it was a real pleasure to sit down and chat about altered tunings, arranging African music for nylon string guitar, 10-string Hauser instruments, multi-scale necks, interchangeable fretboards and the aerodynamic properties of the modern CD...</p>
<p>Stay tuned!</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/52228712018-05-08T18:53:06+01:002018-05-08T20:24:15+01:00Podcast - The Holy Grail Guitar Show 2018<p>This year's Holy Grail Guitar Show was better than ever with probably the largest selection of luthier-built instruments in the world. I've attended every show since the first one in 2014 and it's been fascinating to watch the evolution of what has now become a true institution. </p>
<p><iframe allowtransparency="allowtransparency" frameborder="0" height="300" scrolling="no" src="//embeds.audioboom.com/posts/6847159-the-holy-grail-guitar-show-2018/embed/v4?eid=AQAAAJbh8Vq3emgA" style="background-color:transparent; display:block; padding: 0; max-width: 700px;" title="Audioboom player" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/52131112018-05-02T11:54:00+01:002018-05-02T12:10:44+01:00Pipo Romero - Vicente Cañada Blanch Spanish School<p>This week's Monday morning started off like any other until my phone buzzed signalling the arrival of this message over Instagram. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/6d07d59c7df5f8e6f0a9966dd836499e1985a984/original/pipo.png/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Some 24 hours later I had successfully made my way to Ladbroke Grove and walked in the sunshine round the corner to the Vicente Cañada Blanch Spanish School. It was a glorious day and I was looking forward to meeting a musician who I had heard a lot about. When one of the world's finest guitar makers <a contents="Michael Greenfield " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.greenfieldguitars.com" target="_blank">Michael Greenfield </a>describes someone as "one of the good guys" then you pay attention. </p>
<p>Here's Pipo with his new Greenfield G3 fan fret guitar. It is an extraordinary instrument. Massively responsive, huge dynamic range and let's face it, it looks amazing. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/174c10299657103ae8d6d406fca2ea8e5050bd93/original/img-6540.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The concert itself was a joy for two reasons. The first was that Pipo played completely unamplified which allowed the audience a rare experience of hearing the true voice of a guitar of this quality in the hands of a world class musician. The second reason was that due to the intimate nature of the venue I was sitting about four feet away from the sonic epicentre. I closed my eyes and listened.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ff2cd148ac5563d74d7f49d484d36b17b0cdaa1e/original/img-6543.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I have to be honest here. With the incredible wealth of repertoire that Spanish music has gifted the guitar since its birth it has always struck me as surprising that there hasn't been much direct influence on the steel string instrument. I've seen various players widdling manfully through "Friday Night in San Francisco" style chord changes (worst case scenario over a looped Am, G, F and E...) in a Phrygian phrenzy, but with the exception of Pierre Bensusan's masterful "The Spanish Hour" on "Intuite" (seriously, one of the most important guitar albums of all time. Get it.) there has been a distinct lack of anything extending beyond pastiche.</p>
<p>Thankfully that is now in the past. </p>
<p>Pipo Romero plays a steel string guitar, in altered tunings, with a thumbpick <strong>with real</strong> <strong><a contents="duende" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duende_(art)" target="_blank">duende</a>. </strong>He blends influences from all over the world, Bensusan, De Lucia, Emmanuel, into something new that is uniquely his. In the music of Pipo Romero we now have a strong, authentic Spanish identity in the steel string fingerstyle world. It was a joyful experience and I am very grateful for the invitation.</p>
<p>Check Pipo Romero out below in the beautiful surroundings of the Gran Teatro de Córdoba. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QJoh5ZrZYxk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/QJoh5ZrZYxk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QJoh5ZrZYxk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Pipo will also be in Berlin for the <a contents="Holy Grail Guitar Show" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.holygrailguitarshow.com" target="_blank">Holy Grail Guitar Show</a> and I'm looking forward to hearing more of his music. It's going to be a hell of a weekend! </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/24e87aa4911637562458c0515d8d9bbd8922fd3d/original/img-6566.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p> </p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/51964132018-04-28T20:09:39+01:002018-05-09T13:07:14+01:00VETIVER - Now Available on iTunes, Tidal, Deezer, Spotify, just everywhere basically... <p>This message from "Dangerous" Jake Maclay of <a contents="Hive Ukuleles" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.hiveukuleles.com" target="_blank">Hive Ukuleles</a> sums up a lot of the inbound traffic I have been getting recently. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/vetiver/1376062076" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/04b697ee1faed34f625a5a66479302d5615b3161/original/img-6430.png/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a>And of course he's right. Damn him. And so is everybody else. </p>
<p>And so it gives me great pleasure to announce that you can now purchase VETIVER from <a contents="iTunes" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/vetiver/1376062076" target="_blank">iTunes</a>, listen to it on <a contents="Apple Music" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/vetiver/1376062076" target="_blank">Apple Music</a>, <a contents="Spotify" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4tf5kEzB0zghV2LEsYfYZy" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, Tidal as well as downloading high quality WAVs <a contents="here " data-link-label="SHOP" data-link-type="page" href="/shop" target="_blank">here </a>on my website. </p>
<p>Do be careful not to confuse me with DJ Michael 5000 Watts (a giant in his own style) whose classic cuts "Big Pimpin' Freestyle" and "Big Ballin', Shot Callin" suggest a far more colourful lifestyle than my own... </p>
<p>Look out for this, get in touch and please, if you enjoy my music spread the word. </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/vetiver/1376062076" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d79dcd510a7fa983e67510b14c85006df1dc75b4/original/vetiver-cover-solo-1-900pix.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Stay Tuned </p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/51479342018-04-07T08:07:47+01:002018-04-07T08:48:18+01:00Kostal Guitars - Holy Grail Guitar Show 2018<p>I'll be wrapping up my time at this year's <a contents="Holy Grail Guitar Show" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.holygrailguitarshow.com" target="_blank">Holy Grail Guitar Show</a> with a demo concert for the Boss Man himself, Mr Jason Kostal of <a contents="Kostal Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kostalguitars.com" target="_blank">Kostal Guitars</a>! Here he is, demonstrating a keen eye for pattern matching and pocket square "sprezzatura" so rarely seen in the world of contemporary guitar building. I'll be playing two very special instruments in this demo and it will be a great opportunity to see the diversity of character that Jason is able to build into his immaculate guitars while maintaining the characteristic Kostal tone and response. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/363b5fc33fa848c8d3dc3d524ec93bf68806b49c/original/screen-shot-2018-03-21-at-09-55-29.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>And here is Jason pictured in his Arizona workshop, one of my favourite places on Earth. He is cradling my MDW signature model (Quilted Birdseye Maple and German Spruce), at that point freshly strung up for the first time. He looks pretty happy with it! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/776478a4ee95a321cc1c6f9133c9ac00cb067258/original/0ce22f30-e8d0-4fb7-b999-d37f1ac63720.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/1e516c5bec053300f256feb371816a28d8f9fa82/original/8caede6f-f306-4c00-9c52-99660bd4d130.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>You can learn all about the thinking and creative process that went into the MDW in this video. A huge amount of shared experience and love went into this guitar and, as ever, Jason met and exceeded my extremely high expectations. I am now writing my second album and the MDW is playing an integral role in this process. I'm looking forward to sharing it with you when the time comes. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="H2MzcnOYyrI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/H2MzcnOYyrI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H2MzcnOYyrI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>The Kostal MDW model has been proving very popular with Jason's clientele. Here is a recent testimonial that Jason posted on his Facebook page written by a new MDW owner who obviously "gets" this guitar right from the first experience. This is a beautiful and moving thing and I am very happy to know that this guitar is inspiring players (and luthiers) alike all over the world. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/ca3468675e894de0b447f961f830314092953bd8/original/screen-shot-2018-03-16-at-08-24-37.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>A mini concert wouldn't be the same without a brand new instrument to put through its paces and in this case we're looking at this stunning Jumbo cutaway model in The Tree and German Spruce! This guitar was actually ordered by a friend of mine and I will be playing it very carefully indeed before it flies off to its new home. Jason has been building with The Tree since 2010 (my own Modified Dreadnought #32 was the first guitar he made in this wood) and has a wealth of experience with this true Holy Grail of tone woods. I can't wait to see how it works in a Jumbo. From a tone point of view I expect it to be an excellent foil to my Maple MDW. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/3c41046981f1b2ae1a9f1f0893a7efdcdc96a328/original/29955025-10155487710372005-238581778-o.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Tree - The most beautiful, rare and desirable tone wood in the world. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/67153d5dc9e6c82b5b2137b2603f5a79be4e35ee/original/29955620-10155487710552005-1997593992-o.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">My mini concert for Kostal Guitars takes place at 11:30 on Sunday May 6th in the Lyon Room. I look forward to seeing you there. For more details visit the official Holy Grail Guitar Show website. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p>Stay tuned,</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/51597032018-04-02T13:11:00+01:002018-04-02T13:23:19+01:00The Guitar Magazine - Danelectro Billionaire Pedals Review <p>It's not all hand-made exoticism around here, and my love of the sublime should certainly never be confused with snobbery. A good case in point would be my guilty pleasure fondness for the <a contents="Danelectro" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://danelectro.com" target="_blank">Danelectro</a> company, and indeed an abiding appreciation for all things weird in the electric guitar department. If it's made of formica, reso-glass or clear perspex rather than feather-light swamp ash or Cuban Mahogany it doesn't matter. There's a good chance I'll find something to love about it. </p>
<p>I recently reviewed Danelectro's new "<a contents="Billionaire" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theguitarmagazine.com/gear/effects/danelectro-billionaire-pedals/" target="_blank">Billionaire</a>" line of pedals. If Danelectro's marketing is to be believed, these pedals would appear to be the perfect accompaniment to a wardrobe full of bespoke <a contents="Cifonelli" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.cifonelli.com" target="_blank">Cifonelli</a> suits, an Andreas <a contents="Strehler Sauterelle à Lune Perpétuelle" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://astrehler.ch/sauterelle-a-lune-perpetuelle/" target="_blank">Strehler Sauterelle à Lune Perpétuelle</a> (to my mind the most beautiful timepiece ever made) a Bugatti Chiron (why stop at one?), a pair of hand-patina Berluti shoes etc etc</p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theguitarmagazine.com/gear/effects/danelectro-billionaire-pedals/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b04f7659b16da5592052255b397c6bafa87d56e7/original/screen-shot-2018-04-02-at-12-53-56.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>What Danelectro have actually achieved here is a series of very cool pedals that don't cost a huge amount of cash. In fact you could buy the entire range twice for the street price of a Klon Centaur. </p>
<p>Which is nice. </p>
<p>Anyway, <a contents="read the review" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theguitarmagazine.com/gear/effects/danelectro-billionaire-pedals/" target="_blank">read the review</a> and have a look for yourself. </p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/51508742018-04-01T21:15:06+01:002019-06-15T07:59:16+01:00Lame Horse Guitars - Holy Grail Guitar Show 2018<p>I'm looking forward to demonstrating the wonderful work of Chris and Jeremy Jenkins of <a contents="Lame Horse Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://lamehorse.org" target="_blank">Lame Horse Guitars</a> (Texas USA) at this year's <a contents="Holy Grail Guitar Show " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.holygrailguitarshow.com" target="_blank">Holy Grail Guitar Show </a>(Berlin Germany) on Saturday 5th of May at 15:30</p>
<p>My close relationship with Lame Horse Guitars goes back all the way to 2009 when I played for them at the (sadly defunct) Montreal Guitar show. Jeremy Jenkins of Lame Horse Guitars introduced himself after I played at the launch of <a contents="Ervin Somogyi's Books" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.esomogyi.com/books.html" target="_blank">Ervin Somogyi's Books</a> and asked me to demonstrate his guitars in a mini concert the following day. In fact they were the first guitar company that I played for in North America and will always have a special place in my heart. Here's picture of that first concert. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/dc66412d858352cf3585fc57448c91b4e5f2e932/original/1910286-122776711964-5639839-n.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I've had the privilege of playing these wonderful instruments at shows all over the world now and it's always a huge amount of fun. The last time was actually in Berlin at the Holy Grail Show 2016 where I played a double mini concert with the Italian Singer Songwriter Camila Conti. These beautiful instruments are great tools for the singer/songwriter as well as the solo guitarist. They're very responsive and never get in the way of the vocals. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/456d14250b8e66c4b8800a94173e4731c66834d0/original/14522994-1275131805870610-7598081661153842057-n.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>One of the highlights of any guitar show where Jenkins and son will be present is seeing what sartorial direction Jeremy Jenkins has taken that particular year, his sense of style is as exuberantly individualistic as the guitars he makes. It's beautiful thing. </p>
<p>But I digress... </p>
<p>I had asked Chris Jenkins for a some information to share with you about the guitars I would be playing and he sent through this beautiful piece of writing which illustrates the passion and thought that goes into each and every Lame Horse instrument. I'll now hand you over to the legend himself, Mr Chris Jenkins. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/7766fe90e79d661fcdbf018a32b0cbed72ed97fb/original/27503511-10155339757106452-5514661261150347898-o.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Chris Jenkins (Photography <a contents="Isaac Jang" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.isaacjangguitars.com" target="_blank">Isaac Jang</a>)</p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">"We are bringing two guitars to Berlin - an all Texas wood, non-cutaway, Saddle Pal which is the first of Jeremy’s rosette designs we have produced. We found the Leonardo Project very interesting (<a contents="More information on that right here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.leonardo-guitar-research.com" target="_blank">More information on that right here</a>). We had always felt the sound of the guitar was 80-90% the top, and that experiment just re-enforced our suspicions. It also confirmed the wisdom of Bryan Galloup when he said to me, “If you care what your acoustic guitar sounds like, it’s time to stop chasing the fool’s gold of back and side wood.” (Massively controversial! I love it! - MDW) </span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/038428c8005bb9f6ecf09ca3ebbd76a827781cd7/original/rosettedriversideweb.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;">So, when we saw how much excitement there was around the last Local Wood Challenge at the Holy Grail Show, we resolved to build an all Texas wood guitar to enter into the fray, if we were lucky enough to be invited back to Berlin. Luckily, the invitation came, and Emily was born to carry the voice of Texas over the Atlantic. Emily is name of historic significance in Texas. Since the guitar is all Texas wood, we decided to build in some symbolism associated with Texas history also. </span></p>
<p><span style="color:#000000;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/193df28e698a11bd15f622f27576af7f4af2934e/original/headplate2web.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#2c3e50;">The blue and red of the rosette are symbolic of the courage and blood spilled by the freedom fighters of the Texas Revolution. 185 men at the Alamo held off 3500 well trained and well equipped Mexican soldiers under the command of the ruthless Mexican dictator, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, for 13 days and 2 all out assaults on the Alamo. A third assault on March 6, 1836 finally over ran the Alamo, and all of the Texas were filled, including Davey Crockett, and Jim Bowie (inventor of the Bowie knife). On Palm Sunday 1836, Santa Ana marched out 400 Texas prisoners of war taken at the Battle of Goliad, and executed them all by firing squad. So, there was plenty of bravery, plenty of blood spilled. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b146016e52826f55114b37e6f744e69faa845b87/original/artshotweb-1.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#2c3e50;">However, on April 21,1836, the Texans rose like the Phoenix on the back of this guitar at San Jacinto. While screaming “Remember the Alamo,” and “Remember Goliad,” and while the Yellow Rose of Texas, Emily Morgan, distracted Santa Ana in his headquarters tent, the Texans over ran the Mexican army in a slaughter that lasted only 18 minutes. Texas became an independent nation. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/21262be3302d7b3d4df6e72e7ac71e626505cc1d/original/bodybaclpassweb.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><span style="color:#2c3e50;">That story is, of course, mostly only of interest to Texans, but of the 185 defenders of the Alamo, 20 or so were of Mexican extraction, over 50 were very recent immigrants from England, Wales, Ireland, Denmark, Scotland, and Germany, and all the rest were of European extraction. One of the heroes at San Jacinto was a recent Italian immigrant.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color:#2c3e50;">...</span></p>
<p><span style="color:#2c3e50;">The second guitar we are bringing is an Elko model with an Engelmann spruce top, and highly figured sapelle back and sides. </span></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/c0b0cbd3327f2fc0a6b96fd8fba83aea256e1adb/original/back-neck.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><font color="#2c3e50">The rosette is a 2 part, 3D affair, much like the one we took to the 2018 NAMM show. Instead of turquoise, like the NAMM guitar, the stone in this one is red jasper with gold veins running through it. The flat part of the rosette inlaid in the top is awabi abalone, which gives a good contrast to the domed portion of the rosette as it shines through the cutouts." (The pic below of is of the NAMM guitar, so just imagine the turquoise bits as red and gold and you get the idea! - MDW) </font></p>
<p><span style="color:#2c3e50;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/8a3f5bbc5dee69cb0457017a17e0a8f6913129eb/original/22310386-1655142464536207-798064576531746045-n.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>
<p>So once again Lame Horse Guitars will be bringing beautiful workmanship, character and serious tone to the Holy grail Guitar Show and as always I can't wait to see what they've come up with. For more information about this amazing show go to the <a contents="Holy Grail guitar Show's website" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.holygrailguitarshow.com" target="_blank">Holy Grail guitar Show's website</a> and stalk them on social media until they issue a restraining order. In the meantime put a note in your diary - Saturday 5th of May 15:30. I have. </p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/51518912018-03-28T13:26:16+01:002018-03-28T19:27:10+01:00Buendia Guitars - Holy Grail Guitar Show 2018<p>I'll be kicking off my performances at this year's <a contents="Holy Grail Guitar Show" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.holygrailguitarshow.com" target="_blank">Holy Grail Guitar Show</a> (Berlin Germany) with a mini concert for this ridiculously talented, ex-Somogyi apprentice Leo Buendia of <a contents="Buendia Guitars" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://buendiaguitars.com/about-2/" target="_blank">Buendia Guitars</a> (USA/Argentina). I'm really looking forward to this because while I'm familiar with Leo's exceptional instruments, it will be the first time I have played for him at a guitar show. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/76351b3616c1f0ee6ae5ab45abbd6248548afdae/original/screen-shot-2018-03-24-at-09-09-35.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I have very fond memories of staving off some brutal jet-lag in Memphis Tennessee with a Buendia OM model in African Blackwood in 2015. It was a gorgeous instrument that despite all photographic evidence to the contrary really perked me up! It's such a good feeling to just let go with a guitar and Leo's instruments certainly offer that opportunity to lose yourself in the music. Thanks to Isaac Jang for capturing the moment. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/8dc944bf99b7ae0161ff7cac9ecbb0240a87e745/original/11391318-10152965545901452-1453782845334007875-n.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Señor Buendia will be exhibiting an extremely special instrument at the show, a cutaway modified dreadnought in The Tree and Adirondack Spruce. He sent me these pictures of the guitar in question and it's got to be said, it's pretty spectacular, just look at that! Look at it!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/903427fb79a520bd2f7eafa63ec60d23c14ef90b/original/28342299-1572902116119792-1790890644-o.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Aside from the exotic, unobtainium wood choices and beautiful tone, this guitar features some intricate 3D hand carving around the rosette and in the end graft. All in all this is a wonderful ,exhibition-grade instrument and I am looking forward to putting it through its paces. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/17e4e363fc1a614c708bc462fe8d23b82e2ccd0e/original/28343160-1572902429453094-1171857767-o.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>The whole guitar is finished in French Polish which will allow it to breathe and pump air to full potential. While this is a relatively fragile finish you can rest assured that I will be V E R Y careful with this exquisite creation... As we all know, an instrument's finish exists to protect it from the elements and not from the player. </p>
<p>This wonderful piece also features <a contents="Linda&nbsp;Manzer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.manzer.com" target="_blank">Linda Manzer</a>'s wedge design (first used on Pat Metheny's Pikasso guitar built by Linda in 1984). This makes a relatively large body (the MD is a full-sized dreadnought) feel a lot more manageable to the seated player, effectively eliminating the fatigue known as "Dreadnought Shoulder". </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/68b287c95e5a1850469e9ae6572c70d7d391887d/original/28340842-1572902659453071-1705221944-o.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And as for good looking headstocks... here's one! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/a2ba55c8682cf1a5b10741126d7b53080f655ace/original/28342536-1572902642786406-642787393-o.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I'm something of a fan of cutaway Manzer-wedged Modified Dreadnoughts in The Tree so it will be an interesting exercise to see how Leo's voice differs from #32, the guitar <a contents="Jason Kostal" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.kostalguitars.com" target="_blank">Jason Kostal</a> built for me while still an apprentice with <a contents="Ervin Somogyi" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.esomogyi.com" target="_blank">Ervin Somogyi</a> in 2010. You can learn more about that particular beast in this video. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="E4YpbnggZMQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/E4YpbnggZMQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E4YpbnggZMQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you're based on or near Planet Earth and have even a passing interest in guitars I can pretty much guarantee that the Holy Grail Guitar Show will have a lot to offer you. Grab a ticket to Berlin and come hang out for a weekend of the finest guitars on the planet. You'll like it, it's nice. </p>
<p>My demonstration concert for Leo Buendia begins at 13:00 on Saturday May 5th in the Lyon Room at The Estrel, Berlin Germany. After that I have a sneaking suspicion that this guitar might be coming over to London... </p>
<p>Stay Tuned,</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/51442192018-03-26T12:39:54+01:002018-03-26T13:38:24+01:00Darrel Higham, Jon Gomm and Guthrie Govan Masterclasses - The Guitar Magazine <p>I recently had the pleasure of attending three masterclasses organised by <a contents="The Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theguitarmagazine.com" target="_blank">The Guitar Magazine</a> featuring a trifecta of the finest guitarists on the planet, and in this blog post I wanted to share some thoughts inspired by what I saw and heard while the memories are still fresh. The venue for all three nights was Dingwalls in Camden (London) which meant that each event was necessarily prefaced by a night-time walk along Camden high street, the heady scents of patchouli oil, vegan street food and the nocturnal denizens of the borough openly crossing the herbaceous border, hinted at exotic experiences to come.</p>
<p>Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this run of events was the variety of styles on offer, each player being an internationally acknowledged master in their field with a wildly differing style and "technology" to offer. While I have known both Jon Gomm and Guthrie Govan for many years, the first of these evenings would also be my first experience of Rockabilly overlord Darrel Higham. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Darrel Higham</u></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/995ed5d7b6495f36bfef8f207f1a6e797847f16d/original/img-5630.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let me level with you from the off. Rockabilly music scares the hell out of me. On the rare occasions I have been called upon to serve up something of the genre on stage or in the studio I've found it challenging to get beyond simple pastiche. The whole thing conjures up the need to fully absorb a whole lifestyle of hot-rods, some sort of proto boom-chick weirdness, baffling stolen country licks where you actually have to play the changes, and swirling images of beautiful women with Bettie Page haircuts and leopard skin beetle crushers.</p>
<p>Or maybe that's just Camden...</p>
<p>Either way this was an opportunity to see a legend of his genre in action and, as a lover of things <a contents="Gretsch" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gretschguitars.com" target="_blank">Gretsch</a> (Higham has long been an endorsing artist and eloquent ambassador for the brand), I was not to be disappointed. It turns out that one of the main parts of Rockabilly as it should be played is a really loud Gretsch guitar. So loud in fact that Higham's barstool mounted CD player for his backing tracks gave up the ghost and toppled, stunned, onto the floor leaving him to finish the number on his own. This didn't detract from the excellence of the performance in the slightest, if anything it was a happy accident demonstrating just what a powerhouse Higham is without the need for tinned accompaniment. </p>
<p>These evenings all featured a question and answer session, and after a couple more songs which provided a chronological progression through Darrel's influences (and this time with the CD player firmly planted on the floor) the Q+A began. It's always inspiring to hear players talking about their first steps, difficulties they have faced, instruments they have loved and lost, good times and bad. Darrel Higham was very open about his life as a musician and his obvious love for what he does was infectious, as was his exhaustive knowledge and passion for Rockabilly guitar. </p>
<p>It does us all good to experience something outside of our comfort zone and while this genre of music is certainly well outside my own frame of reference we can all learn a great deal from Darrel Higham's quiet virtuosity. </p>
<p>Here he is in action with <a contents="Jeff Beck" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://jeffbeck.com" target="_blank">Jeff Beck</a> and <a contents="Brian Setzer" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://briansetzer.com" target="_blank">Brian Setzer</a>! </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="QN3MkPPegac" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/QN3MkPPegac/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QN3MkPPegac?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Jon Gomm</u></p>
<p>I should probably preface this by saying that <a contents="Jon Gomm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.jongomm.com" target="_blank">Jon Gomm</a> is one of my favourite human beings and I was looking forward to this evening as much for the chance of catching up with a dear friend as for the inevitable sublime musicality. I arrived just in time to hear the end of Jon's soundcheck and we retreated to the green room for a proper chat. Although understandably a little tired following an extremely successful tour of Germany, Jon was on good form and talked in detail about future plans and also the thought process behind his <a contents="signature Lowden guitar" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.lowdenguitars.com" target="_blank">signature Lowden guitar</a> with its "hybrid" soundboard. Interesting stuff and I look forward to hearing more. </p>
<p>As always when you're having fun, time flew, and all too soon it was time for Jon to take the stage. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/3328ed2dd4775f6ce03da4e264a1d75bda24c5a5/original/img-5888.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Watching Jon play brought back many wonderful memories of gigging with him over the years. The first time we played together was in around 2001 in a tiny bar in Leeds. It was obvious then that Jon was a stunningly talented musician. At the risk of sounding unutterably wanky (I think the start of this last sentence may have sealed the deal anyway) I have taken a huge amount of happiness and pride in watching Jon's career and profile soar over the years. He's my mate and I love him dearly but he's also one of the finest guitarists that has ever lived and often leaves me (and most of the guitar-playing world) slack-jawed with his astonishing skill and musicality. </p>
<p>Tonight there was even more going on. Maybe it was because he was fresh from tour, maybe it was just a particularly good night but Jon Gomm was on fire. His playing was absolutely superb. Rich, nuanced and fluid. When it comes to Q+A there are few more entertaining speakers than Jon. His frank and insightful comments on all aspects of the musician's life were particularly inspiring. Frankly, this evening left me overjoyed. I was still grinning by the time I got home.</p>
<p>Here's Jon in action with Passionflower. It's good. Very good. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="nY7GnAq6Znw" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/nY7GnAq6Znw/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nY7GnAq6Znw?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Guthrie Govan </u></p>
<p>I have loved Guthrie Govan's playing for years, in fact I wore my copy of Erotic Cakes down to nothing when it first came out. That's not an easy thing to do to a CD. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/5e83be2bfdafafb014eb26768d36c6bbbb6d4e15/original/img-5960.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Although he is personally responsible for the now obscene secondhand value commanded by one of my favourite pedals, the Guyatone Wah-Rocker (mine is currently out on tour in Greece apparently with <a contents="Onirama" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://onirama.gr" target="_blank">Onirama</a> - Alex, I'm going to need that back someday!) Guthrie more than makes up for it with his frankly beautiful attitude to life, the universe and everything. </p>
<p>This night had an auspicious beginning when a random Camdenite pimp-rolled past me blasting Adam F's seminal liquid Drum and bass classic <a contents="Circles" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDRNYUucKvA" target="_blank">Circles</a> from his backpack instantly bringing back a flood of memories from my last serious forays into Camden a couple of decades ago. </p>
<p>Still grinning I arrived at Dingwalls just in time for a proper chat with The Guitar Magazine's gentleman editor Chris Vinnecombe, covering all bases from our shared love of Fender Esquires (especially those with Les Paul Jr style wiring), to the new <a contents="PRS John Mayer Silver Sky" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://prsguitars.com/electrics/bolton/silver_sky" target="_blank">PRS John Mayer Silver Sky</a> (possibly the most joyfully iconoclastic move in the guitar world for, well, decades!) and the exceptional work of the <a contents="Frank Brothers" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.frankbrothersguitars.com" target="_blank">Frank Brothers</a> in Toronto finding the hands of James Bay. Strong work by all. </p>
<p>While this was going on our attention was regularly caught by the sound of Guthrie Govan warming up on stage. Guthrie is one of a handful of musicians I have met who is more a pure conduit for musical communication than just a guitarist. His fluency with the instrument is frankly ridiculous, at one point later in the evening he played an excited fan's whistle back at him pitch and phrase perfect.</p>
<p>Listening to him warm up was an object lesson in the capabilities of the electric guitar in the hands of a master to surprise and delight at every note. One of the reasons I love well-played manouche music is the soaring "out of nowhere" bends and note choices that invariably make me smile. Guthrie Govan's playing has exactly the same effect. It is as joyful and life-affirming as it is virtuosic.</p>
<p>Here he is with his band The Aristocrats. </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="n6tvASVy5pk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/n6tvASVy5pk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n6tvASVy5pk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>Despite his extraordinary talent there is a humility to Guthrie Govan evidenced by his reaction to Hans Zimmer asking him to join his touring orchestra "I called him up and asked are you sure?". This humility and desire to serve the song above all further supports his repeated view that we as guitarists are here to communicate through the language of music. </p>
<p>Guthrie then proceeded to lay down some truly face-melting communication to the assembled congregation. This made a lot of people very happy. </p>
<p>If you are unfamiliar with any any of these artists then I hope this blog post will serve as an introduction to a wealth of music that you will enjoy for years to come. Treat yourself to some downloads, make a note of local concerts and spread the word! </p>
<p>Finally, I'd like to end this post by thanking everyone at The Guitar Magazine for organising these exceptional evenings. This was a rare opportunity to experience something truly inspiring and I'm looking forward to more in the future!</p>
<p>Stay tuned</p>
<p>MDW </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/51420472018-03-22T14:48:54+00:002018-03-23T09:04:12+00:00The Guitar Magazine - Fuzzrocious Pedals Review <p>After many years as a reader, fan and occasional collaborator I am now thrilled to be writing reviews for arguably the UK's most satisfying 6-string read: <a contents="The Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theguitarmagazine.com" target="_blank">The </a><a contents="Guitar Magazine" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.theguitarmagazine.com" target="_blank">Guitar Magazine</a>!</p>
<p>It was with no small amount of excitement that I read my first printed review over eggs benedict and a double macchiato at The Ivy. In the bottom left hand corner you will see the word "<a contents="Fuzzrocious" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://fuzzrociouspedals.com" target="_blank">Fuzzrocious</a>". It is a good word and one that I now indelibly associate with gloriously belligerent fuzz pedals that will make your board a scarier place for the better. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/6fe9f5b323778b7a3b5b662f29797260d79a8bd1/original/img-5895.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>I reviewed two of Fuzzrocious's offerings, the Cat King and the Blast Furnace and was very impressed with both of these USA-made units. I won't spoil the surprise but you really should get out there and buy the latest copy of The Guitar Magazine to read my thoughts. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/f8afaaead55956b5b222c640eab1a8e65a1db235/original/img-5894.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>There will be more of this sort of thing in the months to come. Incidentally, the good people at The Guitar Magazine have been organising some exceptional events recently, I'm off to see their masterclass with Guthrie Govan tonight and have thoroughly enjoyed their evenings with <a contents="Darel Higham" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.gretschguitars.com/artists/darrel-higham-profile" target="_blank">Darel Higham</a> and <a contents="Jon Gomm" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://jongomm.com" target="_blank">Jon Gomm</a> in recent weeks. </p>
<p>Legends. The lot of them. </p>
<p>Stay Tuned,</p>
<p>MDW</p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/51417522018-03-22T14:15:10+00:002019-05-16T09:48:32+01:00Proudly endorsing Elixir Strings! <p>I am very happy to announce that I am now an endorsing artist for Elixir Strings!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/e86cdfc963727702920d66955ff0aa0fc96920c1/original/img-6288.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>My first encounter with these superlative strings was in 1998 when I met the wonderful Mr Terry Lees who was restringing his exotic-looking Lowden with exotic-looking strings... My curiosity was piqued and I paid attention. </p>
<p>Until this damascene moment I had been going through a couple of sets of strings a week due, in no small part, to my daily 8-hour practice ritual at music college (I've calmed down since then...) and the discovery of strings that would last significantly longer and retain their beautiful tone was pretty miraculous in those dark days. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/4c98756d18839f44aa2e8b09021b8f7baaa89059/original/me-and-terry.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>(Me having just been introduced to Elixir strings by Terry Lees in 1998)</em></p>
<p>At that point the only iteration available was the polyweb 80/20 bronze which proved contentious amongst the acoustic community (what doesn't?) due to their texture on the fingertip, the way the coating got furry when you used a pick, the price, and the fact they weren't phosphor bronze. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I loved them. </p>
<p>The advent of a phosphor bronze variant and nano web technology however was another evolutionary spike that I personally have never looked back from. Elixir strings sound beautiful and offer a tonal consistency throughout their lifespan that I have not found with any other brand. They have given me a musical and inspiring sound in countless recording sessions and concerts around the world. I use them on electric guitar too!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/b9f86b482d6ebb51d9bb673001386d1f75c57eab/original/img-3594.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Now, I have in the past been offered endorsement deals by numerous companies but I have declined despite the intoxicating promise of potential exposure. I refuse to compromise my sound under any circumstances and Elixir strings have delivered that sound for twenty years. I am very grateful to them for that and I look forward to seeing what fun we can have together in the years to come. </p>
<p>For those of you wondering, I use 12-53 nano webs on my Kostal acoustic guitars and always will. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/a83f2822e6232a8cb99a0ee062206ccbfeec37b0/original/img-4313.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Stay Tuned,</p>
<p>MDW </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/51012562018-02-27T13:33:19+00:002018-03-23T09:04:31+00:00The Genius of Bert Jansch - BBC iPlayer<p>Good news for fans of the music of Bert Jansch, the BBC has just broadcast The Genius of Bert Jansch concert from December of 2013 at Royal Festival hall. That does seem like quite a long time ago now! I am very proud to have played at this concert (in this case electric guitar for Beverley Martin) alongside legendary names from the UK music scene such as Robert Plant, Donovan, Bernard Butler, Jacqui Mcshee, Bonnie Dobson, Martin Simpson, Ralph McTell, Martin Carthy and others. The concert will be available online for the next month or so. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03tdd6m/the-genius-of-bert-jansch-folk-blues-and-beyond" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/6d95f5616bcdd767ce0f147df313c42f46ce1ac9/original/screen-shot-2018-02-27-at-12-56-57.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p>Bert Jansch was a massive influence to me as I was growing up. I remember hearing how it had taken my dad and two of his friends to play Angie and the horror that they had felt when they found out it was just one guy on that phenomenal record! Bert's music as a solo artist and as part of Pentangle was never far from the family turntable and like many guitarists who write for the instrument, my first stumbling teenage composition was a sort of backwards Angie.</p>
<p>As you'll see from the running order below there were some performances that didn't make the final broadcast. In particular a beautifully poignant tribute to Bert and Loren Jansch by Gordon Giltrap and also a video of Neil Young singing Needle of Death from Jack White's record making machine. I hope at some point both of these see the light of day. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/68efca2aa598e8aa9166a4799528d427f9887332/original/img-4037.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>And yes, playing When The Levee Breaks with Robert Plant watching from the wings was certainly a career highlight for me. It was nice to fire the White Falcon in anger too. The amp, (for those who might be interested in such things) was a vintage AC30. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/d35ad70f3806f82a3d3d7c8efbdc05b6e7e1c3ee/original/10520599-10152430885461965-1591086812141666356-n.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you haven't seen this concert or are unfamiliar with the work of Bert Jansch then I can only urge you to get stuck in immediately. There is a huge wealth of music to explore. You can start here.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/daec7e2e4c4ffef3b04d63562652cfb3d0a4127c/original/img-5300.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>Stay Tuned,</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Michael Wattstag:michaelwattsguitar.com,2005:Post/50750202018-02-12T18:47:47+00:002018-03-23T09:05:37+00:00Holy Grail Guitar Show - Berlin May 5-6 2018<p style="text-align: center;">I am delighted to announce that I will be appearing at this year's Holy Grail Guitar Show in Berlin!</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/67a721dbf1c0d4b7a06be8a72dd5f93c8e6690ae/original/hggs-2018.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Holy Grail Guitar Show is a very special event and I have many wonderful memories of demonstrating the work of some of the world's finest guitar builders at the show. I haven't missed one since it first started. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/0856de484f3357f04b3b3eb7ad86432cded6e4a6/large/spalt-hggs.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Having some fun with a guitar by Michael Spalt" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This year I am looking forward to playing some outstanding handmade guitars, some of which are still being built! There will be more details right here in the weeks to come. In the meantime you can see more details on the show's social media profiles. I strongly suggest you follow everything that happens there! </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/9846/693246cf140a91bdf490074febd9d0a15b9988d5/large/kostal-mdw.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="The Kostal MDW meets its maker!" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Oh and drop me a line if you're going to be at the show, it's always good to catch up with fellow guitar lovers. </p>
<p>Stay Tuned</p>
<p>MDW</p>
<p> </p>Michael Watts