Shad’s Guitar Show

On this episode we get to the bottom (no pun intended) of how the Fender Precision bass came to be. 

On this episode, we discuss the Blackguard years of the Fender Telecaster

On this episode we discuss what some call "the good old day" when it comes to guitar playing... Let's talk about that and see how good they really were.

On this episode we dive into the history and career of one of the most legendary guitarists and producers ever, Mr. Chet Atkins!

On this episode we discuss how many guitars we realistically need to get the job done and cover all the bases. While the number will be different for us all, I'm going to share the five guitars that would do it all for me. Let me know if we share any in common or which of my picks your substitute for something unique to you in the comments.

On this episode we explore 10 songs to make the point that Alex Lifeson rules! An awesome player and composer responsible for some of the most legendary riffs ever committed to tape!     Spotify Playlist Link

On this episode we discuss my favorite to last resort ways of acquiring gear. 

Let's travel back in time to February 9th, 1964 and discuss the even that forever changed music! Not only music, but young players' gear aspirations! Prior to the Ed Sullivan episode, Fender and Gibson ruled without question. But, as of February 10th, all that would change as young players wanted Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Hofner, Ludwig and Vox!

On this episode, we discuss the legendary Gretsch Country Gentleman.

On this episode, we take a brief look the story of PRS Guitars!

On this episode, we discuss the story of the dark days of the Gretsch Baldwin era and how Gretsch battled back to save the company from extinction and bring it forward into the modern era. 

On this episode we discuss 3 reasons why Brian Setzer rules! Comment if you agree, disagree or want to add some reasons of your own!

On this episode we're discussing the origin of the mighty (and possibly a bit misunderstood) Dynasonic Pickup! The coolest sounding pickup you may have never tried! But DEFINITELY should!

On this episode we discuss the origin of the Gretsch Duo Jet and follow it's evolution through 1959. 

On this episode we explore the early Fender Stratocasters! 

On this episode we discuss the guy who started the modern worship guitar tone we are all chasing today! 

On this episode we discuss the history of the amazing and unique Fliter'tron pickup!

On this episode I list my top 10 favorite blues flavored albums. 

On this episode, we discuss the history of the Gretsch 6120 model!

On this episode we discuss five players who've made history using what many of us would consider the be the "wrong" guitar.... 

On this episode, we discuss three reasons I believe Gretsch has never gained the popularity of Fender or Gibson, despite most of their legendary models having been released in the same basic early to mid 50's era.    https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6nCVmBu3RkTOjhjUbApEvM?si=d4af45d7a0814a88

Today we head across the pond to the UK to discuss the vintage amp circuits of VOX and Marshall amps. We'll dive into the sonic differences between the EL84 and the EL34. 

On this episode we discuss the 4 iconic fender amp ears. Tweed, Brownface, Blackface and Silverface! We'll discuss the differences in tone from era to era and what makes each era special. 

On this episode we discuss the legendary Ibanez Tube Screamer. The various iterations of the design and what makes it such a copied circuit in the boutique world!

On this episode, we discuss the origins of spring reverb, how it works, and who ultimately perfected it for guitar!

On this episode, we look at the legendary norlin era 1976 LP deluxe that has been the go to guitar for Mike Ness and heard on all Social Distortion albums plus Mike's solo work. 

On this episode we discuss guitar scale length. How it affects feel, playability and tone!

On this episode we discuss Alnico magnets and how they effect the sound of your pickups and ultimately, your guitar tone!

On this episode, I sum up my thoughts after doing the Wood, Wire & Volts show last weekend. 

On this episode we discuss the importance of music in 2026 vs. the pre-internet age when there were less entertainment sources trying to capture your attention. 

Today we discuss one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable guitars ever built. The Gretsch White Falcon.

On this episode we discuss the unavoidable reality of AI's effect on the future of music and musicians, and what we can do to fight back!

On this episode we discuss the very real fact that the majority of players who are worldwide, larger than life guitar heroes and musical icons... guys like Clapton, McCartney, Gilmour, Page, Keef, Gibbons, etc. are all right at, or beyond 80 years old and will eventually pass on. Because so many of them are the same age, it stands to reason that we may loose a lot of these guys in a short time span. So we discuss how that's going to feel and who will take their place? Are there any guitar heroes from the 80's and beyond that carry the same weight to us as players? 

On this episode we discuss the slippery slope of the "what if" game when it comes to new gear. For those who are constantly on the hunt for the "missing piece" that will finally make your tone perfect, this episode is for you!

There's a small part hiding in your guitar's electronics that can have a big effect on your tone! IF you use your tone. Even if you don't, it's worth knowing about capacitors.... what they are, what they do and the various options you can choose. 

On this episode we discuss the awesome resource that is YouTube! How it can be a valuable resource but also create confusion and ultimately be a negative if we don't approach it the right way.

One this episode, we discuss my favorite guitar player, Kenny Burrell!

On this episode, we explore one of the most iconic and recognizable guitar models ever. The Gibson SG!

On this episode, we dive into the history of CTS potentiometers! Few small parts have their own legacy, but CTS has almost a century of quality production and has been with the electric guitar world from the beginning! 

On this episode we discuss the early days of rockabilly guitar. The pioneers of the sound and the effect that early rock and roll had on all rock music that would follow. 

On this special New Years Eve episode, we discuss potential guitar related resolutions we might want to consider for 2026!

today we discuss the often fear and generally misunderstood Floyd Rose vibrato. 

Today we explore the differences between Venetian & Florentine cutaways. Where they came from and who coined these names. You might be surprised to learn the history!

Today we discuss the roots of the distortion effect. How it started as a mistake and ended up changing music forever!

Today we tackle one of the biggest mix ups in music gear history, tremolo vs. vibrato. 

Today we discuss the history of one of the most revered and copied amp circuits ever. The Fender 5E3 Tweed Deluxe. 

On this episode we discuss the early pioneers of boutique gear. This was back before "boutique" was really a thing. These are the visionaries who shaped the modern boutique gear area as we know it today. 

On this episode we discuss what is probably the most iconic Guitar intro to a Christmas song of all-time, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree! 

On this episode we discuss those guitars you didn't expect much from but ended up being some of your favorites. We also discuss the bigger question of are we overlooking some great import options because we have a hang up about guitars not boutique or made in USA?

On this episode we discuss one of the coolest effects ever created for guitar! Delay...lay...lay...lay...lay. Join me!