Episodes
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Iconic Albums - Toto IV
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...
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NAMM 2025 - GSP #254
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…
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Glyn Evans Pickups Q & A - GSP #253
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...
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Jerry Garcia's Alligator Guitar - Chad Winn's deep dive GSP#252
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...
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Andy Scott - Sweet GSP#251
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…
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2024 - The Year in Guitar. GSP#250.
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…
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Matt Bruck EVH Gear launches Wolfgang Van Halen's SA 126
Matt Bruck started working as Eddie Van Halen’s guitar tech in 1990, and was Eddie’s business partner at the inception of EVH Gear in 2004. After Eddie’s untimely passing in 2020 it was announced that Matt and Wolfgang Van Halen would be running the company, continuing its legacy and looking to…
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Iconic Guitar Collaborations GSP #248
There is jamming and then there is collaboration. The Iconic Series Team assemble to discuss their favourite collaborative projects. Some are massive, others more intimate. Many of these projects were inspired by a greater cause. One in particular will require all the hairspray you can find and…
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Artist Guitars AT73 Review GSP #247
Matt reviews the Artist AT73, test driving it in the studio and live on stage. This modern flavoured T-style six string features top end specs at a very friendly price. Is it too good to be true? https://www.artistguitars.com.au/ This episode is brought to you by Fretboard Biology Fretboard…
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70 Years of the Fender Stratocaster with Tim Shaw GSP#246
In this episode, we dive deep into rock 'n' roll history with none other than Tim Shaw, Chief Engineer Guitar at Fender, as our guide. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the legendary Fender Stratocaster guitar, Shaw takes us on a journey through seven decades of Strat goodness. Drawing on…
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Star Wars and Guitars with Gabe Bott of Blastpoints
Happy May the Fourth!! Are there guitars in a galaxy far, far away? The answer is yes! Gabe Bott - musician, composer and co-host of the Blastpoints Podcast - joins us to talk about the use of guitars in the Star Wars cinematic and streaming releases, bands reinventing the classic John Williams...
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Iconic Live Albums
From Ace to Zorn and Adams to Zeppelin we check out our favorite 11 live albums with killer guitar playing...plus bonus Neil Diamond! Rob Rhodes - www.rhodetripent.com Gabor Josika - SuperFunAwesomeHappyTime Pedal Show This episode is brought to you by Fretboard Biology Fretboard Biology - the...
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Iconic Guitar in the Movies
The Guitar Speak Podcast's 'Iconic Series' roundtable names the top nine motion pictures featuring cool guitar stuff. Good times! Please note - Matt's audio is a little sketchy at first but rapidly improves, Rob and Gabor sound delightful throughout as usual! Originally published Oct 2021. Iconic...
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Guitar Review: Gretsch Broadkaster Jr Chris Rocha Model GSP#245
This is the plugged in review of the new Gretsch Broadkaster Jr Chris Rocha Model! Matt reports back from the studio and live arena with the rundown of this new Gretsch signature guitar. Also check out our interview with Chris himself, talking us through the process of working with Gretsch:...
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Chris Rocha Interview - his new signature Gretsch GSP #244
Chris Rocha is an American Christian producer, Guitarist, Entrepreneur and pioneer in the Spanish Christian music industry. He is a two-time Dove Award winner, worked on two Grammy Award-winning albums and numerous Grammy nominated projects. Gretsch has just released the Chris Rocha Signature...
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(Accidental) Iconic Guitar Albums GSP #243
What albums surprised you with unexpected yet glorious guitars?! Matt, Rob and Gabor name their favourite three (accidental) Iconic Guitar Albums...starring Harry Connick Jr, The Chicks and Jamiroquai. Rob Rhodes - www.rhodetripent.com Gabor Josika - SuperFunAwesomeHappyTime Pedal Show This…
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Introducing - The Guitar Quiz Podcast
Alrighty, who doesn't love a good spinoff? Introducing 'The Guitar Quiz Podcast', a rapid fire 20 question quiz about guitar stuff. Good times! The Guitar Quiz Podcast is produced by the Guitar Speak Podcast. The quiz has it's own podcast platform to follow and subscribe to, but we will also...
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Inside Fender's Tokyo Flagship Store with Bud Cole, President Fender Asia Pacific
Bud Cole, Fender's President for the Asia Pacific region, takes us inside the company's first ever 'flagship' store, launched in Tokyo. The store boasts four levels of Fender goodness, from merch to custom shop and all points in between. Bud also explains Fender Japan's unique position in the...
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NAMM 2024 - the hits! GSP #240
NAMM 2024 was massive! Matt is joined by Rob Rhodes and Gabor Josika in another 'Iconic Series' roundtable discussing the biggest hits at NAMM, honourable mentions and couple of recent 'not exactly NAMM releases'. Rob Rhodes - www.rhodetripent.com Gabor Josika - SuperFunAwesomeHappyTime Pedal…
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Iconic Tones - the players, tracks and tools that changed the game. GSP#239
On this Iconic Series episode Matt, Rob & Gabor choose six guitarists known for crafting unique tones. Zappa, The Edge, Santana, Stevens, Knopfler and May all get a run with honourable mentions to Young, Slash and an excellent list of suggestions from GSP listeners. Rob Rhodes -...
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Fender Jazzmaster - Review and Giveaway GSP#238
Matt takes Fender's Player series Jazzmaster for a spin on stage and in the studio for this Guitar Speak Podcast review. Thanks to Fender Australia, we are giving away this very guitar. Entries close Jan 30 AEST. This episode is brought to you by Fretboard Biology Fretboard Biology - the online...
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The Iconic 2023 Wrap Up GSP#237
The GSP Iconic Series team of Matt, Rob and Gabor are back with a sprawling look back over 2023. We're talking favorite albums, gigs, gear, The Rollings Stones (the band and the similarly named publication), gig disasters, 'new' Beatles, Satriani jamming EVH, Notaklon, new and old school musical…
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Fender California Series Acoustics Review GSP#236
Fender's California Series of acoustic guitars marries Leo Fender's early '60s acoustic designs with modern features. Does this 'back to the future' plan work out? Matt test drives a couple of models live and in the studio to find out. This episode is brought to you by Fretboard Biology Fretboard...
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Iconic Gear Influencers
The 'Iconic Series' team assemble to talk about those who have influenced guitar gear trends in a massive way. We're not talking about the YouTube or Instagram cats. We are talking PLAYERS who through the force of their style and tonecraft have made a lasting and ongoing impression on the world…
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Fender Tonemaster Pro Review - all digital pro level floorboard. GSP #234
Fender is taking on the digital modelling floorboard heavyweights with the launch of its Tone Master Pro. Fender spent over four years in development and the final product boasts over 100 amps, cabs and effects, touchscreen, integrated rotary footswitches/parameter controls and extensive IO.…
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Jackson Virtuoso Guitar: the plugged-in review GSP #233
The GSP plugged-in review of Jackson's latest USA made offering - the Virtuoso. Matt test drives the guitar live and in the studio. Can it play more than metal? Spoiler alert...yes! Jackson 'Virtuoso' Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cymOD8mT-8U Marty Friedman Sept 2023 GSP interview…
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Marty Friedman - on launching the new USA Jackson ’Virtuoso’ and more. GSP #232.
Marty Friedman is back on the show! Marty talks us through his involvement in Jackson's killer new US made 'Virtuoso', working alongside Misha Mansoor, playing with orchestras, why Japanese music of all genres is so open to heavy guitars and more. Jackson 'Virtuoso' Video...
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Joe Matera - crafting a multidisciplined career in music performance, journalism and media
Joe Matera is an Australian guitarist, composer, journalist and top selling author. He has collaborated with some of the worlds greatest musicians and written for a number of leading publications including Rolling Stone, Guitar Player and Guitar World. His most book, "Backstage Pass: the Grit and...
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Oddball Gibson Guitars
The Iconic Albums team are back, but this time shifting their gaze onto some of Gibson's stranger moments. Some of these guitars were destined for greatness...some had a destiny with a bulldozer. Rob Rhodes - www.rhodetripent.com Gabor Josika - SuperFunAwesomeHappyTime Pedal Show This episode is...
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Iconic ’90s Britpop - GSP #230
'90s Britpop was full of great songwriting, huge bands and was thoroughly guitar driven. Matt, Rob & Gabor choose their favorite proponents and talk it out. Yeah? Check out the accompanying playlist! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4NAbE0rhLbQYq6TCaKWphY?si=7463d7af018e4bdd Rob Rhodes...
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Gretsch 140th Anniversary Platinum Jet and Centre Block Review
What is better than reviewing one Gretsch? Reviewing two... In this episode Matt takes the Gretsch 140th Anniversary Platinum Jet and Centre Block guitars for a spin in the studio and road tests them on stage. These guitars comprise part of the rad new Gretsch range celebrating 140 years of…
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Iconic Albums - Van Halen ’Fair Warning’
Matt, Rob & Gabor check out Van Halen's fourth album, 'Fair Warning'. This album realised more of Eddie Van Halen's vision of the band in 1981. The resulting tracks showed a darker, edgier side of the band and, although the album was a relatively slow burner, became many a guitar player's…
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Iconic RIFFS!! GSP #228
RIFFS!! The Guitar Speak Podcast 'Iconic Series' team of Matt, Rob & Gabor assemble to talk through the greatest guitar riffs ever...or at least, our favourites. We also have a crack at naming good riffs lurking in not so great songs. Good times! GSP #228 Riffs Playlist This episode is brought to...
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Glyn Evans - Mr Glyns Pickups - GSP #227
Glyn Evans of Mr Glyn’s Pickups joins us for a fascinating conversation. Glyn’s pickups are handmade on the west coast of New Zealand and are played all over the world. Glyn’s passion for pickups, guitars and playing is infectious and his insights sharp - it’s a great guitar hang!...
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Joe Satriani - Classic Episode
Satch in replay! It's our 200th episode and we are doing it in style with the one and only Joe Satriani. Satriani joins us to talk about his 19th solo album The Elephants of Mars, how he pushes himself to mine new depths of creativity, the types of bandmates he seeks out, an addition to the…
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Gear Review: Charvel So-Cal Pro-Mod 2023 Model - GSP #226
Charvel is taking their So-Cal line of guitars to the next level with the Pro-Mod series. Inspired by the hot-rodded shred machines of the '80s, the Pro-Mod is all about high performance. In a fun shift from normal programming, Matt plugs in and turns up...and takes the Pro-Mod to a couple of…
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Fender Pickup Guru Tim Shaw - GSP #225
Tim Shaw is an undisputed pickup guru. He spent time at both Gibson and Heritage Guitars before joining Fender in 1996. Today, he is Fender's Chief Engineer - Guitars, in the R & D Innovations department. Tim joins us today to share about a 'once in a lifetime' project at Fender reinventing and...
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Adam Miller GSP #224
Adam Miller is back with a fantastic new record and we hear all about it on the Guitar Speak Podcast! In Adam's words "Beyond Reason is a Guitarist / Songwriter album, if there was such a genre! I began to take note, that most of my guitar playing time was spent writing and creating, rather than...
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Randall Waller GSP #223
Randall Waller returns to the podcast to discuss his much anticipated solo album, "More". Randall's guitar chops are on display from brutal drop C riffs and killer solos to beautiful acoustic moments. A star studded lineup of guests feature, including the Budapest Scoring Orchestra, Richard…
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Iconic News Vol 2: NAMM 2023! GSP#222
Emergency podcast!! The GSP 'Iconic' roundtable team of Matt Wakeling, Rob Rhodes & Gabor Josika assemble to discuss their favourite new stuff to emerge from NAMM 2023. Guitars, amps, pedals and crazy gadgets abound! Rob Rhodes - www.rhodetripent.com Gabor Josika - SuperFunAwesomeHappyTime Pedal...
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Iconic News Volume 1: Cool or Not Cool? GSP #221
Hard hitting news and current affairs - sort of! The Guitar Speak 'Iconic' series team assemble to talk through some recent noise in guitar-land including Bad Monkey hype, reissue pedals from Marshall and DOD, new music from Nuno, Fender's Gold Foil series, isolated Jimi tracks and much more!...
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Guthrie Govan - GSP Classic Episode
Following up the Charvel signature love shared in episode #22o with Prashant Aswani, we look back at Guthrie Govan's interview with us in this GSP classic. Guthrie Govan is - with good reason - one of the most celebrated voices of the modern guitar era. Guthrie joins us from his tour with Hans...
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Prashant Aswani - new Charvel signature release GSP #220
Renowned guitarist, producer and songwriter Prashant Aswani joins us to talk about his freshly released Charvel signature PA28. Known as the “guru of groove,” Aswani has honed his technical chops across almost every imaginable genre, from mainstream hard rock, pop and soul to more eclectic...
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Iconic Albums - U2 Achtung Baby
Happy St Patrick's Day! To celebrate we re-issue our Iconic Albums roundtable discussing our favourite Irish supergroup, U2. This week we look at U2's Achtung Baby, an album where the biggest band in the world reinvented itself. Rob Rhodes www.rhodetripent.com Gabor Josika…
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Todd Mills - Jefferson Starship touring guitar, drum tech and stage manager. GSP #219
The multiskilled Todd Mills joins us to bring tales from the road as touring Guitar Tech, Drum Tech and Stage Manager for legendary rock band Jefferson Starship, Todd brings us unique insights of life in the wings of stages across the globe, including tours with Deep Purple, looking after…
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Alex Rottier & Gabor Josika - TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow GSP #218
Alex Rottier and Gabor Josika of TheSuperFunAwesomeHappyTimePedalShow join Matt to discuss their uniquely monikered YouTube channel. TSFAHTPS is one of Australia's longest running gear channels and has close to 30K subscribers worldwide. This episode brings fascinating insights into the running…
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Michael Sweet: Stryper - new album, tour and guitar GSP #217
Michael Sweet - frontman, guitarist and founder of legendary metal band Stryper returns to the Guitar Speak Podcast. Sweet talks about the new Stryper album 'The Final Battle', new Sully Guitars signature series, touring, keeping the creative fires burning in 2023 and much more. Australia & NZ…
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Ana Popovic GSP #216
Ana Popovic is a fiery blues-rock guitarist who has forged her own voice on the instrument during a career spanning over two decades. She has shared the stage with artists such as BB King, Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa and Gary Clarke Jr amongst others, Ana joins us to discuss her latest album…
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Takaakira Goto - Mono
Mono are touring Australia in March and I'm super excited - so here in replay is my conversation with Takaakira Goto. 'Taka' is the principal composer, guitarist and band leader of the Japanese post-rock band. Mono formed in 1999 and had just released a brilliant album 'Pilgrimage of the Soul'…
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Iconic Series: Desert Island Guitarists - Jeff Beck, Prince & Nuno Bettencourt GSP #215
Ok, you have heard of Desert Island Discs, how about Desert Island Guitarists? Matt, Gabor & Rob each choose one guitarist and discuss three keystone tracks from each. Join us for a fun hang talking about guitarists and guitar stuff we love. Please note, this episode was recorded before the sad...
About this show
We speak guitar! Interviews with leading guitarists, luthiers and gear manufacturers, plugged in gear reviews and the home of the ‘Iconic Albums‘ series.
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