Life With Strings Attached
Everything in life is better understood if you can learn to see the strings attached.
Jamie Gale is a thought leader who rose to prominence in the guitar industry by simplifying complex concepts. In this podcast, he engages in cross-disciplinary discussions to reveal how everything from guitar design to architecture, philosophy, physics and more can be better understood if you learn to see the universal truths that underpin our world.
Episodes
86 episodes
Michael Greenfield's Inspiration & Evolution
Today on Life With Strings Attached, I’m joined once again by master luthier Michael Greenfield. Someone whose work and thinking continue to shape the modern acoustic guitar.In this conversation, we look at how musical inspiration evolv...
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Episode 86
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1:48:44
A Conversation with George Gruhn, Part 2 | LWSA Ep 85
This is the second part of a two-part episode with our guest George Gruhn. If you've not listened to part one, we suggest you go and do that first. Then return here for part two. Find the first part right here: https://www.buzzsprou...
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Episode 85
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1:18:11
A Conversation with George Gruhn, Part 1 | LWSA Ep 84
Today, I'm speaking with someone whose name is synonymous with vintage guitars and collecting: George Gruhn. Since opening Gruhn Guitars in 1970 George has become the go-to authority for everyone, including the biggest names in guitar like Eric...
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Episode 84
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1:04:12
A Conversation with John Monteleone | LWSA Ep 83
Today, we sit down with one of the most celebrated living luthiers, John Monteleone, a maker whose instruments have graced museums, concert halls, and the hands of some of the world’s finest players.From his Long Island workshop, John c...
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Episode 83
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40:17
John Mlynczak (CEO) on NAMM's Future
This week, I’m joined again by John Mlynczak, CEO of NAMM. With the NAMM Show 2025 right around the corner, we talk about what it really takes to lead the world’s largest music trade organisation in a time of rapid change.John shares in...
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Episode 82
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1:40:54
Biography | The Story of Andy Manson
Welcome to another special Life With Strings Attached 'Biography' episode. Today, we trace the incredible life of legendary luthier Andy Manson, a craftsman shaped as much by chaos and curiosity as by chisels and wood. From buildin...
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Episode 81
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2:06:36
From A Vision To Jimmy Page’s Hands: Randy Parson’s Journey
In this episode we visit a century-old church in the heart of Kansas, now transformed into the creative sanctuary of luthier Randy Parsons.Randy’s story is one of risk, reinvention, and the courage to live life outside the lines. We talk...
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Episode 80
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42:05
From Repair Bench to Research Lab: Bryan Galloup Redefines the Guitar
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached! In this episode we explore the evolving world of guitar making, where craftsmanship meets innovation. From the floor of guitar shows to the heart of the workshop, we reflect on how artistry, science, and s...
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Episode 79
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1:37:28
Graph Tech: How Dave Dunwoodie Revolutionized Guitar Technology
** Whoops! It seems we've forgotten to cut out the end of the podcast, which is usually reserved for the members of our Patreon 'Business of Guitar'. Oh well, we're happy to give everyone a glimpse into what they're missing... 😉 Find o...
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Episode 78
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1:38:03
Biography | The Story of Michael Spalt
In this special Life With Strings Attached biography episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Michael Spalt. Guitar builder, sculptor, and creative force who’s redefined what a guitar can be. From his roots in Vienna a...
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Episode 77
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1:05:13
Biography | The Story of Ulrich Teuffel
In this special segment of our Luthier’s Story series we’re honoured to feature Ulrich Teuffel, visionary in the world of guitar design whose work challenges convention and redefines what it means to build an instrument.Ulrich’s guitars...
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Episode 76
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1:01:59
The Art of Curation in Music Retail, with Joe Caruso of The Music Emporium
Today on Life With Strings Attached, we’re joined by Joe Caruso of The Music Emporium in Boston: a shop that has become legendary for its thoughtful curation and deep respect for the guitar as both an instrument and a cultural icon.
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Episode 75
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2:19:15
In Conversation with Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitar Company
Today on Life With Strings Attached, I sat down with Richard Hoover, founder of Santa Cruz Guitar Company. From California’s redwood forests and the threat of wildfires to the physics of string tension and modal analysis, Richard brings nearly ...
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Episode 74
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1:55:28
From Jerusalem to Guitar Mastery: The Avi Shabat Story
This week on Life With Strings Attached, I sit down with Avi Shabbat. From growing up in Jerusalem, discovering music in the middle of the grunge era and serving in the military, to building a career in sound engineering and eventually founding...
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Episode 73
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1:40:47
Biography | The Story of Giulio Negrini
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. For this week's special biography edition of Life With Strings Attached, we're on location in Switzerland with Giulio Negrini, founder of Giulio Negrini Guitars, to uncover the r...
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Episode 72
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26:04
Biography | The Story of Dion James
Welcome to Life with Strings Attached. I'm your host, Jamie Gale. For this week's special biography edition of Life with Strings Attached, we're on location in Edmonton, Canada to dive deep into the story of Dion James, an extraordinary guitar ...
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Episode 71
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28:36
Reuben Forsland on The Art of Curiosity
This week on Life With Strings Attached, we sit down with Reuben Forsland: Adventurer, innovator, and the luthier behind JOI Guitars. Reuben’s story stretches from backcountry snowboarding and near-death kiteboarding crashe...
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Episode 70
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1:36:36
Omer Deutsch: Crafting Guitars in a Time of War
This week on Life With Strings Attached, I’m joined once again by Omer Deutsch, founder of OD Guitars. Omer returns with insight forged under pressure, literally. Living and working in a conflict zone, he shares how humor, community, and creati...
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Episode 69
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1:47:46
Maneli Jamal on Strings, Stories, and Ikigai
Today’s guest is internationally acclaimed guitarist Maneli Jamal, known for his deeply expressive compositions and a playing style that fuses rhythmic complexity with emotional clarity. Born in Belarus to Iranian parents, Ma...
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Episode 68
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1:46:13
Biography | The Story of Rainer Tausch
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. In this episode, we travel to the small Bavarian town of Illertissen to meet Rainer Tausch: Guitar maker, musician, and founder of Tausch Guitars. Rainer’s journey began with a homemad...
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Episode 67
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1:02:54
Why Jim D'Addario Spent his Life Chasing the Perfect String
This episode dives deep into the legacy and future of D’Addario & Company with James D’Addario, Chairman and Director of Innovation. With roots in string making that stretch back centuries, Jim shares how his family’s c...
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Episode 66
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1:56:50
Amber, Meteorite, and the Mind of Rapolas Gražys
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. In this episode, we sit down with visionary guitar designer Rapolas Gražys. A creative force whose instruments are as much about storytelling and emotion as they are about sound. From his studi...
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Episode 65
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1:48:47
From Wine Cellars to the Workbench: Raymond Kraut’s Path to Luthiery
Today’s guest is Raymond Kraut, an exceptional luthier whose work blurs the lines between science, art, and soul. In this conversation, Raymond and I dive deep into the evolving craft of guitar making: from the physics of sound and the role of ...
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Episode 64
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2:01:07
Biography | The Story of Adriano Sergio
This week on Life With Strings Attached, we dive into the remarkable story of Adriano Sérgio. An artist, musician, and luthier whose life journey is as inspiring as the guitars he creates. From his early days as a political...
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Episode 63
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51:08
The Anti-Luxury Luthier: Andy Manson on Touch, Tools, and Truth
Welcome to Life With Strings Attached. In this episode we sit down with master luthier Andy Manson, a maker whose work lives at the intersection of creativity, chaos, and craftsmanship.Andy takes us on a journey through travel, ...
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Episode 62
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2:30:22