When most players think of George Gruhn, they picture his monumental guitar store in Nashville and the writings he's penned for various guitar publications. What they may not know is that George Gruhn has had a hand in designing numerous instruments as well. Michael Simmons visits Gruhn at his store in Nashville and gets the inside scoop on Gruhn's impact as a guitar designer. From hiring and helping future lutherie stars (Kim Walker, Stephen Gilchrist) to designing guitars for Guild, Tacoma and Barrington, the music world owes a lot to Gruhn.

When we were offered the chance to do a story about Chris Thile, our initial excitement gave way to a mild sense of panic. Even at this early stage of his life, Thile’s story is unusually complex.