Podcast 399: Michael Gurian & Dick Boak

On this week's podcast, we're joined by two instrument-making
legends, Michael Gurian and Dick Boak. Gurian was of course the
namesake founder of Gurian Guitars, while Boak famously worked at
Martin Guitars for four decades.

Michael and Dick recently co-authored the Fretboard Journal's
first standalone book, 'An Instrument Maker's Guide to Insanity
and Redemption.' It's a compilation of off-beat and
behind-the-scenes stories from dozens of instrument makers and
repair people. Included are entries by George Gruhn, Kathy
Wingert, Joe Glaser, Bob Taylor, Linda Manzer, and others.


During our chat, the duo talks about how the book project came
together, the recurring themes found amidst these various
luthiers' tales, why instrument makers need to have a great sense
of humor, and so much more.

In addition to talking about the book, we also hear about the
instruments Michael and Dick are currently working on,
 including the all-spruce guitar that Boak recently built.
Michael shares stories from the old days of wood buying in New
York City and tells us about how he just reunited with one of his
old clients, Paul Simon. 


It's a great chat with two acoustic guitar innovators.


Order the Gurian / Boak book here: 


https://shop.fretboardjournal.com/collections/all/products/pre-order-an-instrument-makers-guide-to-insanity-and-redemption


Register for our 2023 Fretboard Summit here: 


https://fretboardsummit.org/


Our podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars; Deering
Banjos; Peghead Nation (use the promo code FRETBOARD and get your
first month free or $20 off any annual subscription); Izotope
(use the coupon code FRET10 to save 10% off their
plug-ins); and Stringjoy Strings.