Podcast 550: Inside Fretboard Journal 59
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Podcast 550: Inside Fretboard Journal 59” inside PodZeus.
Jason Verlinde shifts the focus from guest interviews to the heart of The Fretboard Journal: its 59th print issue, a meticulously crafted, reader-supported magazine that has remained unchanged in size and quality for 21 years. He reveals how the issue’s cover story on Jeff Tweedy dives deep into the musician’s emotional relationship with his 1930s Gibson 018, a guitar that’s not just a tool but a voice in his songwriting process. Verlinde also highlights a rare, globe-trotting D’Angelico archtop that once played in the Days of Heaven soundtrack, a profile on funk guitarist Ella Feingold, and a touching story about a bluegrass novel that inspired a lifelong musician. The episode doubles as a love letter to print media, emphasizing the magazine’s 128-page, 9x11-inch format, premium paper, and relentless commitment to reader-first values—no shrinking, no ads, just substance. With the 60th issue already in progress and a legendary guitar hero set to be featured, Verlinde makes a passionate case for why the physical magazine remains irreplaceable in a digital world.
The Fretboard Journal print magazine has maintained a consistent 128-page, 9x11-inch format with premium paper for 21 years—no shrinking, no ads.
Jeff Tweedy’s 1930s Gibson 018 is his primary songwriting instrument, not for its sound alone, but because it feels like a part of his voice.
The 59th issue features a rare D’Angelico archtop with a cinematic history, having passed through Leo Kottke’s hands and into the Days of Heaven soundtrack.
Ella Feingold’s profile in the 59th issue celebrates her as a pioneering funk guitarist and educator, teaching Jeff Buckley-style phrasing and rhythm guitar.
Fretboard Journal employee Mike Buckman built his first custom guitar at Robbie O’Brien’s school, proving anyone—even non-woodworkers—can learn luthiery in a week.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor Shoutouts & Summit Teaser
“You don't have to be a great player to attend. You don't have to be a pro. You don't have to be in the industry. Just come to the Fretboard Summit, register at fretboardsummit.org and you will be a kid in a candy store of guitars.”
The Heart of the Fretboard Journal: Print Magazine
“Our magazine has never shrunk because we care about you, our readers. You all support us just as much if not more than our advertisers do.”
Jeff Tweedy & the 018: A Songwriting Soulmate
“When it's singing, when it's making me happy, I can write like 10 songs a day on that thing. It's like, it's a part of my voice or something.”
Twilight Override: A Triple Album of Time & Family
Verlinde shares insights from a new interview with Jeff Tweedy about his 2025 solo triple album, Twilight Override, which was written specifically for his children’s voices and explores themes of time, mortality, and identity.
Bluegrass Iggy & the Power of a Teenage Novel
A touching story about Fretboard Journal contributor Bob Minner, whose lifelong passion for bluegrass was sparked by a 1970s novel called Bluegrass Iggy, now featured in the magazine’s 'Talk of the Town' section.
“When it's singing, when it's making me happy, I can write like 10 songs a day on that thing. It's like, it's a part of my voice or something.”
“You don't have to be a great player to attend. You don't have to be a pro. You don't have to be in the industry. Just come to the Fretboard Summit, register at fretboardsummit.org and you will be a kid in a candy store of guitars.”
“Our magazine has never shrunk because we care about you, our readers. You all support us just as much if not more than our advertisers do.”
Host
Guests
Fretboard Journal
organization
Jason Verlinde
person
Jeff Tweedy
person
Fretboard Summit
organization
Bob Minner
person
Twilight Override
media
Emerald City Guitars
organization
Mike Buckman
person
Daniel Marcus Clark
person
Ella Feingold
person
Podcast 542: John Craigie
The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast • 39m • 3/31/2026
Podcast 543: Rhys John Stubbs
The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast • 49m • 4/3/2026
Podcast 544: Thomm Jutz
The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast • 1h 6m • 4/8/2026
Podcast 545: Wendy Eisenberg
The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast • 46m • 4/9/2026
Podcast 546: Michael Daves and Jacob Jolliff on Jim & Jesse
The Fretboard Journal Guitar Podcast • 1h 0m • 4/20/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Podcast 550: Inside Fretboard Journal 59” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime