Best Stratocaster Podcasts (2025)

1
Dweezil Zappa 1:19:16

20d ago1:19:16

1:19:16

Greg Koch sits down with guitar virtuoso Dweezil Zappa for a fascinating deep dive into musical authenticity, technical mastery, and the challenge of preserving a legendary legacy. Their conversation reveals the extraordinary dedication required to perform Frank Zappa's intricate compositions, with Dweezil candidly sharing his 14-year journey to tr…

1
Tom Bukovac 1:41:50

27d ago1:41:50

1:41:50

There's something uniquely captivating about listening to two master musicians simply talk shop. When Nashville session legend Tom Bukovac (affectionately known as "Uncle Larry") sits down with Greg Koch for this episode of Chewing the Gristle, their conversation unfolds like a masterclass. Bukovac pulls back the curtain on the Nashville session sc…

1
Tyler Bryant 1:04:34

1M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Tyler Bryant's musical journey embodies the purest essence of artistic dedication. From the moment he left his tiny Texas town of 1,700 people at age 17, armed with nothing but talent and determination, his singular focus has been creating authentic music that resonates. That unwavering commitment has evolved into a Grammy-winning career spanning p…

1
Joe Bonamassa Returns 1:09:44

1M ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa returns to Chewing the Gristle, bringing his characteristic wit and wisdom as he prepares for an ambitious European tour season. This conversation between two master guitarists reveals the realities of sustaining a music career with both artistic integrity and business savvy. Bonamassa takes us behind the scenes of his…

1
Ben Eller 1:03:34

2M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Greg Koch welcomes YouTube guitar sensation and touring musician Ben Eller (Uncle Ben) to the Gristle fire for a conversation that meanders from lighthearted Waffle House tales to profound insights about musical authenticity. Ben shares how his guitar journey and popular YouTube channel were born from simple boredom - first as a homeschooled kid wi…

1
132- Gibson Designer Guitars - Explorer, Flying V, Firebird (Barber) 49:11

2M ago49:11

49:11

I remember seeing the Edge and James Hetfield with an Explorer. Billy Gibbons and Jimi Hendrix with a Flying V. Johnny Winter and Allen Collins with a Firebird… Such fascinating tones from such fascinating players. Of course I wouldn’t call these guitars traditional by any stretch of the imagination. Simply put… they look awkward, clunky, and like …

1
Mike Irish 1:08:30

2M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

What happens when two guitar virtuosos reunite after years apart? Greg Koch welcomes his former mentor Mike Irish to Chewing the Gristle for a masterclass in musical wisdom that spans far beyond technique. Mike Irish, who taught at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point when Greg was a student, shares his refreshingly inclusive teaching philosop…

1
131- Frontman vs Side Player (Lloyd) 58:20

2M ago58:20

58:20

Nothing can beat a charismatic frontman. Then again, there are some Side Players that give them a run for their money. I mean… who is Bono without Edge? Freddie Mercury without Brian May? Roth or Haggar without Eddie Van Halen? Robert Plant without Jimmy Page? Anthony Kiedis without John Frusciante? Bon Scott or Brian Johnson without Angus & Malcol…

1
Albert Castiglia 1:03:24

2M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

When blues powerhouse Albert Castiglia crossed paths with Bill Murray, neither could have predicted the musical partnership that would follow. In this captivating conversation with Greg Koch, Castiglia pulls back the curtain on how a Hollywood legend became his unexpected bandmate through a series of serendipitous connections that began with Murray…

1
Dave Hill 1:04:00

2M ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Dave Hill seamlessly blends virtuosic guitar playing with razor-sharp comedy, creating an entirely unique performance experience that defies categorization. In this captivating conversation with Greg Koch, Dave reveals the unexpected path that led him from his Cleveland roots as a rock musician to becoming a multifaceted comedian, author, and perfo…

1
130- Guitar Shows (Owen) 52:57

2M ago52:57

52:57

I am fortunate enough to live in an area that not only has amazing guitar shops, but 1-2 times a year guitar shops from around the nation will come to buy, sell, trade, and showcase musical gear all under 1 roof. Occasionally you’ll see a celebrity. Get a chance to listen to some live music. And possibly touch a true holy grail piece. I grew up goi…

1
Seth Rosenbloom 1:05:37

3M ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Seth Rosenbloom, the fiery young blues guitarist from Massachusetts, brings his wealth of musical knowledge and performing experience to the Chewing the Gristle podcast. What begins as a gear chat about Two Rock amplifiers quickly evolves into a fascinating exploration of musical authenticity and the hard realities of making a living as a performin…

1
Daniel Kimbro 1:07:04

3M ago1:07:04

1:07:04

What does it take to become a musical chameleon who commands respect across diverse genres? Daniel Kimbro delivers a masterclass in musical versatility on this episode of Chewing the Gristle. From his beginnings in a family folk band called Mountain Soul to his current status as bassist for Jerry Douglas and session player on Eric Clapton records, …

1
Iconic Albums - Toto IV 54:51

6M ago54:51

54:51

Toto are back touring the globe in 2025 and Matt has tickets for the Sydney show! What better time to revisit Toto's smash hit fourth album? Matt, Rob & Gabor investigate the record featuring Steve Lukather at the top of his game. We bless the rains! ___________________________________ The Guitar Speak Podcast is produced and hosted by Matt Wakelin…

1
NAMM 2025 - GSP #254 1:29:55

6M ago1:29:55

1:29:55

NAMM 2025 - all the hits!! And a couple of misses... Matt, Gabor and Rob give their take on the biggest music trade show on planet Earth. ___________________________________ The Guitar Speak Podcast is produced and hosted by Matt Wakeling in Sydney, Australia. The show features deep dive interviews with amazing guitarists from around the globe, occ…

1
Glyn Evans Pickups Q & A - GSP #253 1:08:43

7M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

Glyn Evans, of Mr Glyn's Pickups New Zealand, returns to answer your questions. After 30 years of full time pickup design and production, Glyn has a fantastic ability to decipher the science of pickups in distinctly musical terms. It's a fascinating Q & A! mrglynspickups.com ____________________________________________________________ The Guitar Sp…

1
Episode 350 - The Final Episode 42:45

7M ago42:45

42:45

It’s been our great pleasure to make this show for anyone who would listen, week after week, for 7 years. Knowing you were out there, and hearing from so many of you, really fed us as we pushed forward to that “next” guitar. This is the final episode of The High Gain Podcast. Enjoy! This website and our Instagram account will remain active. If you’…

1
Jerry Garcia's Alligator Guitar - Chad Winn's deep dive GSP#252 43:14

7M ago43:14

43:14

Jerry Garcia's unique "Alligator Strat" holds legend status in Grateful Dead lore - and is arguably one of the first heavily modded Strat's to grace the stage of a high profile band. Ace Nashville guitar tech, Chad Winn, joins us to go deep on the history of this guitar from it's hybrid vintage heritage through to the extensive mods Garcia and the …

1
Andy Scott - Sweet GSP#251 30:29

7M ago30:29

30:29

Andy Scott has spent over 50 years - and counting - rocking as the lead guitarist of Sweet. The UK band has enjoyed phenomenal international chart success with hits like "Ballroom Blitz", "Fox on the Run" and "Love is Like Oxygen". Sweet influenced bands like Def Leppard, Kiss and the Scorpions to name but a few. Andy joins us to talk guitars, reco…

1
Episode 349 - Epiphone 1963 Firebird I 25:11

7M ago25:11

25:11

In 1963 Gibson introduced the Firebird series of guitars. It came in multiple variations, with several options. The “lowest” model was the Firebird I, so named because of its single pickup. Now, as part of its “Inspired by Gibson Custom” series, there is an Epiphone 1963 Firebird I. In our humble opinion, its simplicity makes it somehow cooler than…

1
Episode 348 - Hamer Steve Stevens SS2 25:39

7M ago25:39

25:39

Hamer had a long history of making great guitars, especially for the metal crowd. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that not only did Steve Stevens have a signature model named after him, but he played it in the Top Gun Anthem video. Double cool. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/t…

1
2024 - The Year in Guitar. GSP#250. 1:56:56

7M ago1:56:56

1:56:56

2024 - what a year for guitar! The Iconic Albums team assemble to talk through all the good stuff. Matt, Rob & Gabor discuss favourite albums, gear, gigs, podcasts, books and more and debut the impromtu "what Rob said" segment \m/ _______________________________ The Guitar Speak Podcast is produced and hosted by Matt Wakeling in Sydney, Australia. …

1
Episode 347 - Yamaha Samurai SG12A 24:58

7M ago24:58

24:58

Yamaha was founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha. Dealing primarily in keyboard instruments, it took a while to get around to designing electric guitars. But in the 1960s they did exactly that. One of the most unique shapes they came up with was known as the “Flying Samurai”. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || htt…

1
Episode 346 - Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster 22:47

8M ago22:47

22:47

Hello Kitty is perhaps the most recognizable character of Japan’s “cute” culture. The ubiquitous cat has appeared on just about every object you can imagine, and guitars are no exception. Having debuted in 2006, the Squier Hello Kitty Stratocaster is now being reissued, just in time for Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow u…

1
129- 2024 Premier Guitar Mystery Stocking (Jason) 1:09:04

8M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

This has been a fun annual event to do each year. I enjoy the anticipation, the fun in the forums, and the chance to get something I normally would not pick out myself. I would also say that I am a consumer of Premier Guitar’s content and for me this is a small way to support what they do. Of course, not all people feel this way. Many believe it to…

1
Episode 345 - Fender Yngwie Malmsteen Stratocaster 23:26

8M ago23:26

23:26

When you grow up listening to classical music, and studying the violin pyrotechnics of Nicolo Paganini, you’re bound to emerge as one of the most unique shredders in the world. And if you’re Yngwie Malmsteen, you get your own signature Fender Stratocaster. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.…

1
Episode 344 - Dwight Guitars 23:46

8M ago23:46

23:46

Man, that Dwight guitar sure does look like an Epiphone Coronet, you might be thinking. You’ve got a sharp eye my friends - back in the day, the fine folk from Kalamazoo badged some Coronets for Sunny Shields Music in Illinois. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || …

1
Episode 343 - Jackson Monarkh Baritone 28:01

8M ago28:01

28:01

It was Danelectro that brought us the baritone electric guitar, but it’s Jackson that has now released what is perhaps the doomiest version of that instrument. We tried our hand at some death metal this week (glad that’s over). Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || …

1
128- Are You A Guitar Player or Collector (Jason) 1:08:55

9M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

As you just heard in the intro, Jason is now a licensed therapist in Texas. Although this podcast has never been about true scientific therapy and the advice here was never meant to treat anything but an entertainment deficiency. My hope was always that you left here encouraged, happier, and motivated to be a better person and musician… then in whi…

1
Episode 342 - Doubleday Guitars 26:36

9M ago26:36

26:36

We are truly living in a renaissance of custom guitar building. Just when you play one, another pops up to surprise and delight you. And the Doubleday Broadwing is no exception. Made in Austin, Texas by Walker Doubleday, we think these guitars would fit any bill, any place, any time. Special thanks to Superfan Alex for the gracious loan of this fan…

1
Episode 341 - Epiphone Coronet USA 26:18

9M ago26:18

26:18

Originally introduced in 1959, shortly after Gibson bought the brand, the Coronet was the first Epiphone solidbody guitar. What started out as a student model would eventually come to be regarded as the rock and roll machine it is today. So why did it take so long to reissue a US made version of the original? Who knows, but we’re sure glad it’s her…

1
Episode 340 - Gibson Victory 24:57

9M ago24:57

24:57

In 1981 Gibson introduced one of its pointiest guitars yet. With an Explorer headstock and a slightly offset superstrat-style body, the team in Kalamazoo was ready to meet hair metal head-on. So they marketed the new instrument to - country musicians… It’s hard to say exactly what contributed to its poor showing, but the Victory was gone almost as …

1
Episode 339 - ESP E-II Horizon-II 26:33

9M ago26:33

26:33

Once a major provider of parts, bodies and necks to brands like Kramer and Schecter (which it ended up buying), ESP now occupies valuable territory in the metal world of guitars. Admittedly, we are less-than-familiar with these beasts, but we gave it our best shot this Horizon, which ticked all the boxes. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fi…

1
Episode 338 - Squier Mami Sasazaki Jazzmaster 47:09

10M ago47:09

47:09

Scandal is a Japanese band that holds the Guinness World Record for longest-active all-female band that still has all its original members. So it’s no wonder that they’ve all got signature guitars, including this 2014 Mami Sasazaki Jazzmaster, affectionately known as the “Stratomaster” - Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments:…

1
Episode 337 - Fender Jack White Triplecaster Telecaster 30:01

10M ago30:01

30:01

Jack White has carved out a place of distinction for himself. His approach to music is at once considered and no-holds barred. He knows what he wants to hear, and has never stopped looking for it. We’re big fans over here at High Gain HQ. So when we got our hands on the new Fender Jack White Triplecaster Telecaster, we had to take it for a ride. En…

1
Episode 336 - Greco Shrike 59:37

10M ago59:37

59:37

Greco was among the many brands created to capitalize on the guitar boom of the 1960s. These instruments were mostly copies of well-known American brands, and were made in Japan by a variety of manufacturers, including Teisco and Kandai. The Shrike, however much it might have owed to Rickenbacker, was an original design. Enjoy! Like the show? Follo…

1
Episode 335 - Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass 23:28

10M ago23:28

23:28

Dan Armstrong was an original thinker. As a musician he toured with Van Morrison. He was one of the creative forces behind the Ampog SVT amplifier. Who else, then, in the late 1960s, could come up with the idea of a guitar made out of Lucite? Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgai…

1
Episode 334 - Yamaha Revstar 26:16

10M ago26:16

26:16

In 2013, Yamaha was looking to make a splash with a new guitar design. They wanted something that looked both old and new, but not too out there. Taking cues from their own past designs, as well as Cafe motorcycle culture, the came up with the Revstar series. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patre…

1
127- Passion to Paycheck (John) 1:11:52

11M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

We all have passions. When I was a kid I loved playing sports and collecting baseball and football cards. As a young adult I was into playing guitar and music. Now as a middle age adult I love being with my wife and kids. Teaching and learning. Being in the music industry. And obviously I love collecting, playing, and fixing guitars. Of course not …

1
Episode 333 - Fender Contemporary Stratocaster 22:25

11M ago22:25

22:25

When CBS sold Fender to a consortium of employees, the US factory was not included in the sale. So, while the new owners figured out where their new home would be built, production moved to Japan. That was when the Contemporary Series of Stratocasters and Telecasters was introduced - the first set of Japanese instruments to bear the Fender name on …

1
Episode 332 - Guild S-50 Jet-Star 24:49

11M ago24:49

24:49

When Guild decided to enter the solidbody guitar game, in 1963, they did it by introducing a series of instruments with funny headstocks and curves cut into the bottoms; some even had built-in kickstands. The least of these was the S-50 Jet-Star, a single-pickup affair targeted at the student market. It boasted a single pickup, a volume and a tone.…

1
Episode 331 - Riggio Tango 24:49

11M ago24:49

24:49

The Pacific NW is proud to call itself home to some amazing makers of guitars, pickups, effects and more - they grow well in the rain up here. For 30 years Joe Riggio has crafted guitars of singular distinction. And for those in the know, his refinish work is impeccable. We’ve seen guitars that Joe has brought back to life, and we are amazed every …

1
126- Glories of a Stratocaster (Chris) 1:06:50

11M ago1:06:50

1:06:50

Back in 1954, Leo Fender once again created a guitar that would revolutionize popular music. Although many changes have occurred over the last 7 decades… at the heart of it… the Stratocaster is still just as revolutionary today as it was back then. Of course it has been a long journey since then. In 1965 the headstock was enlarged. In 1971 the 3 bo…

1
Episode 330 - Rivolta Combinata 23:06

11M ago23:06

23:06

When guitar builder Dennis Fano was looking to expand the reach of his designs, he partnered up with Eastwood Guitars to create Rivolta. Incorporating design elements from vintage guitars, these overseas guitars are still distinctly Fano, somehow. We got our hands on a Combinata, and found it to be a pleasure to play. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow u…

1
Episode 329 - Motander SM65 Ardweirdo 26:10

12M ago26:10

26:10

Justin Motander Jones is making some wonderfully inventive guitars down there in San Diego, CA. He’s been experimenting with creating effects by controlling the pickups themselves, as opposed to simply feeding their output through an effect. He calls this idea the Ardweirdo, since the brain behind all of this is the Arduino open-source electronics …

1
Jeff McErlain 1:14:50

12M ago1:14:50

1:14:50

Ever wondered how blues rock guitar maestro Jeff McErlain from Brooklyn, New York, balances the dual life of performing and teaching? Join us on a soulful journey as we chat with Jeff about his thriving career, his popular teaching platform jmguitarlessons.com, and his engaging YouTube content. You'll get a glimpse into the camaraderie and shared s…

1
Episode 328 - Gibson J-50 22:23

12M ago22:23

22:23

Gibson introduced both the J-45 and J-50 acoustic guitars in 1942. Wood was scarce, and production in Kalamazoo was severely curtailed in favor of war-related endeavors. A few “banner” J-45s were made, but the J-50 would not be reintroduced until 1947. At that time, the J-50 was little more than a J-45 without the paint job. Our example is from 196…

1
125- Lifest 2024 (Owen & Eli) 1:15:22

12M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Every year I talk about how this festival feels like a family reunion and this year was no exception. It’s not just because I get to see my normal Tweed Couch Buddies and not just because I get to perform music with my bandmates. It is because of the bond we share because of our desire to see this Christ centered event be successful. Of course, muc…

1
Allen Hinds 1:05:44

12M ago1:05:44

1:05:44

What if your musical idols became your mentors? In our latest episode, we sit down with the extraordinary guitarist Allen Hinds to uncover the stories behind his transformative journey from the Southern rock roots of Minnesota and Alabama to the creative hub of Los Angeles. Allen Hinds shares how iconic bands like the Allman Brothers and Cream shap…

1
Episode 327 - Danocaster Offset 26:03

12M ago26:03

26:03

Fortunately for all of us, impeccable, handmade boutique guitars are easy to find; no one is wanting for choice. We are truly in an instrument-building renaissance. Dan Strain of Danocaster Guitars is one such builder, and his focus is all about having a guitar feel like it’s been yours for years, even if you’ve only just picked it up. We were fort…

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