Fretboard Journal

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Win a Martin D-18 Jason Isbell

Win a Martin D-18 Jason Isbell Guitar and SP Lifespan Strings From the Fretboard Journal

Articles & Columns

A CNC is used to make a pocket for the torch inlay and the rosette, but Thompson and his crew inlay all the other components - including the snowflakes on the fretboard, the abalone purfling, the rosette and the tail wedge - by hand.

The backstrip for this particular guitar is called Flag of Many Nations. It was built for Thompson by Gurian Instruments of Seattle, Washington.

The bridge pins are made of fossilized walrus ivory from Bob Colosi. They come from Alaska and, yes, they're legal.

Photo Essay

Build Diary: Preston Thompson’s 45 Style Guitars

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Ever since Martin took a few orders for a Style 45 guitar back in 1902, musicians have been drooling over these instruments’ unique appointments. And, while presentation-grade guitars are not everyone’s cup of tea, it’s hard to argue with that original Martin aesthetic: A century later and we’re still...

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Fretboard Journal

Win a Martin D-18 Jason Isbell

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Articles & Columns

Win a Martin D-18 Jason Isbell

Premiere: Sera Cahoone’s ‘The Flora Sessions’ EP

Bench Press: La Conner Preview, Part 3

Catch of the Day: 1993 Collings AT-17

Catch of the Day: 1954 Gretsch Duo Jet

Build Diary: Preston Thompson’s 45 Style Guitars

Videos

Prelude to “Music IS” – Our Favorite Bill Frisell Solo Performances

Molly Tuttle – “You Didn’t Call My Name”

Suzanne Santo – “Handshake”

Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn – “My Home’s Across The Blue Ridge Mountains”

Anthony da Costa – “All of Your Family”