The Lipstick Pickup Podcast with Emily Vardaman Walters

Send us Fan MailThe Lipstick Pickup didn't get its wings until I had a chance run-in with https://deeohgee.org frontman Matthew Paige in early '24 and asked him to provide Sympathetic Strings to my effort. I couldn't have done anything without his generous contributions and here is something from the lost first season, our high vibrational pass at the history of sitar in popular music. More on Nashville's Matthew Paige and his many hats can be found here:https://www.instagram.com/m.r.paige/https://www.instagram.com/matt.hatterr/https://matthewpaige.bandcamp.com/album/matthew-paige?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnJcBk-I4Ll5dQxSxAXk4ChG7rL07bB4-zYzYSmSaZF6smBPOixbZV5ZU7UDw_aem_WxtXGlQlDyuOAxRZOlpLTg

Send us Fan MailEmily places a call of the wild to The Hudson Valley to talk to Pete Donnelly about the vintage Mellotron that has landed in his studio in Katonah, New York. Pete was an original Sympathetic String to the podcast and there is a review of his Lipstick Pickup studio Bass-ics and a Jerry Jones baby sitar Emily lent him for most of 2025.From  https://petedonnellymusic.bandcamp.com"Pete Donnelly is a New York-based songwriter, musician, producer, and dynamic performer. A founding member of the Figgs, and also an honorary member of NRBQ. Pete’s Music is built upon sturdy melodies, and played with genuine care. Equally adept in the studio, Donnelly has produced, engineered and performed on hundreds of records; Shelby Lynne, Soul Asylum, John Legend, Graham Parker, Mike Viola"https://www.instagram.com/petedonnelly

Send us Fan MailEmily places a wild bird call to Chicago to talk to independent musician Nick Wilkinson about the importance of community and Intelligence Networks. https://www.nickwilkmusic.com

Send us Fan MailDeeOhGee frontman Matthew Paige has a background in Scouting and he returns to The Lipstick Pickup to help Emily discuss and identify a couple of flying guitars and the Harpy Eagle. https://deeohgee.org

Send us Fan MailEmily places another call to Stockholm to talk to Johan Borgh about his '67 Gretsch Tennessean and the rare birds of Sweden. https://www.instagram.com/johanborgh/

Send us Fan MailThe Lipstick Pickup Podcast has a new SHORT FORMula for '26 and on this episode Emily calls former guest Sean Dunoon to hear about his new single "Firecracker" and talk about Northern Cardinals and Spark Birds.

Send us Fan MailEmily places a New Year's Day call to Dayton, Ohio to talk to multi-instrumentalist M. Ross Perkins about the fine art of thinking small and the politics of home recording. It's a lesson in the economics of artistic survival and also the longest-distance call The Lipstick Pickup Podcast has ever made -- over two hours of solid-state thinking and even a performance of M. Ross's "Let A Little Lazy." More on What's The Matter with M. Ross can be found here: BandcampInstagramWikipedia

Send us Fan MailNashville's Matthew Paige returns to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast to help Emily wrap up 2025 and ring in the new Silvertone Baritone Guitar. It was a Big Year for bari-TONE and a Big Year for them, come join the fun. 

Send us Fan MailJim Washburn's relationship with Danelectro influenced his love of guitars and it also ignited his career as a journalist and writer on the subject. He's been a valued resource to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast and in this episode, Emily calls him Costa Mesa, California to hear more about his extensive knowledge about these instruments, their evolution, and their impact on music history. The discussion covers various topics, including the significance of 1958 in electric guitar design, the rise of the baritone guitar, and the legacy of the six-string bass. Washburn also highlights influential musicians who have used Danelectro guitars and delves into the unique designs and concepts behind these instruments. 

Send us Fan MailNYC Park Ranger/Guitarist Rob Mastrianni returns to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast to help Emily wrap up her Big Year and discuss the Naturalist's approach to music and gear. Chapters00:00Introduction to the Lipstick Pickup Podcast02:34Rob Mastrianni: The Electric Sitar Enthusiast05:12Memorable Performances and Venues05:38The Beauty of Nature and Birdwatching08:28The Allure of Lipstick Pickup Guitars11:26Exploring the Harp Guitar14:15Inspiration from Michael Hedges17:03The Resurgence of Harp Guitars19:55The Joy of Busking and Performing22:47Future Plans and Collaborations25:34The Journey to Jerry Jones' Guitar Shop28:12The Legacy of Jerry Jones Guitars29:54Exploring Electric Sitar Sounds32:50Recording Techniques with Sitar Instruments35:42The Influence of Different Guitars on Music38:29Accidental Guitar Purchases43:46Birdwatching and Music: A Unique Connection44:43Birdwatching in New York City48:41The Fascinating World of Bird Migration51:31The Importance of Bird Banding52:44Birds of Prey: Nature's Predators55:29The Opportunistic Bald Eagle58:22The Competitive World of Birdwatching01:00:59Birdwatching Etiquette and Conservation01:03:33The Musical Connection to Birds01:09:45The Joy of Birdwatching and Conservation Efforts01:16:28Lipstick Pickup_Outro_31sec.mp4

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I call Des Moines, Iowa to talk to Ian Williams, the man behind Nepco Guitars, a revered and respected "recreationist" of classic Danelectro design theory. The spirit of evolution is alive and well in his wild imagination and craftsmanship and here's something about his history with music, guitar collecting and building, for the record. More on Nepco can be found here:https://www.nepcoguitars.com/https://www.instagram.com/nepcoguitarshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-EXyqGL9_ghttps://www.guitarworld.com/features/nepco-danelectro-v-style-guitar

Send us Fan MailEmily places a call to Excello Recording of Brooklyn, New York to talk to the multi-talented guitarist/music producer Hugh Pool about his career, his studio, and his collection of notable lipstick pickup guitars. Hugh shares his journey as a musician and producer, highlighting the importance of community, collaboration, and the evolution of the music industry. From his early days in Pennsylvania to establishing himself in New York City's vibrant music scene, Hugh reflects on the challenges and joys of balancing family life with a music career. The discussion  touches on the impact of technology on music production, his work with various artists to explore the versatility of the baritone guitar and electric sitar, and the importance of gear in creating music. Learn more about Hugh by visiting his website!"Just when you thought you knew all about the Williamsburg rock scene, here comes someone to throw a wrench in the works. For the uninitiated, this is Mr. Hugh Pool who's been sliding and fingerpicking his National through his Ibanez Tube Screamer since the first time those clothes were in style.He has shared the stage with such luminaries as Patti Smith, Gov't Mule, Leslie West, Johnny Winter, Dave Edmunds, John Mayall, The Fabulous Thunderbirds and more. He has performed on the Emeril Lagassi Show, The Mitch Albom Show and Late Night With Conan O'Brien. His original songs have been used in network TV, movies, award-winning documenaries and an off Broadway play. When he's not playing, performing or writing you can find him twiddling the knobs on the big board at his Brooklyn studio. Excello Recording is where he's worked with talented folks like Debbie Harry, Kiki & Herb, Michael Brecker, Radio 4, Joseph Arthur, Larry Campbell, Tony Garnier, and, well, the list does go on.So you can see that he's no one trick pony. Hugh hails from the Rust Belt, which is where he draws inspiration for his backwoods amalgam of rock, country & blues. But living in New York for the last 20 years has tweaked his sensibilities a bit. His brand of trad psyche-delta stomp comes with a bit of New York noise-damage."

Send us Fan MailEmily and DeeOhGee's Matthew Paige delve into the fascinating history of the Bellzouki, a unique 12-string electric guitar. They explore its history, cultural significance, and the impact it has had on various music genres. Matthew shares his personal experience with the instrument, discussing its features and the challenges of playing it. The conversation also touches on the broader context of 12-string guitars in music, the road life of musicians, and the joy of discovering and sharing musical instruments.

Send us Fan MailOn the episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, I call accomplished Blues Guitarist Johan Borgh of Stockholm, Sweden to discuss his new album Island Blues and the Danelectro Guitars that are a critical part of his sound. https://www.instagram.com/johanborgh/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Johan Borg02:51 Johan's Musical Beginnings05:32 Influences and Inspirations08:32 The Journey to Guitar Mastery11:28 The Role of Self-Teaching14:21 Discovering Slide Guitar17:31 Social Media and Musical Growth20:12 The Making of Island Blues31:22 Recording Process and Instrumentation33:27 Cinematic Influences in Music35:19 Collaboration and Guest Musicians39:00 Listening Experience and Album Intent40:17 Musical Inspirations and Composition Techniques44:19 Gear Talk: Guitars and Equipment59:56 Exploring Guitar Tones and Techniques01:02:59 Live Performance Gear and Setup01:03:37 Vintage Guitars and Their Stories01:06:02 The Sparkly Berry Tone and Its Unique Sound01:07:58 Songwriting and Creative Process01:10:41 Valuable Guitars and Personal Connections01:12:33 Merchandise and Community Engagement01:18:26 Life in Stockholm and Future Aspirations01:23:00 Lipstick Pickup_Outro_31sec.mp4

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast I go on location to my hometown of Jackson, Mississippi to having a very inspirational talk with audio engineer/producer Wolf Stephenson of Malaco Music Group.Wolf helped found and build “The Last Soul Company" Malaco Records in 1967 and he and his partners have managed to outlast major record label competitors and remain independent for nearly six decades. The small, mostly unheard-of independent record label has been home to multiple recording artists and songwriters and has a catalog of original recordings and music copyrights, numbering into the thousands. The history of Malaco is one of the most enduring success stories in the history of recorded music and Wolf's personal history is just as phenomenal. He's a survivor with Gospel to spread and I hope you enjoy this visit to the one and only Malaco Music Group.https://www.malaco.com/https://www.youtube.com/@malacomg"Malaco Records is an American independent record label based in Jackson, Mississippi, United States,[1] that has been the home of various major blues and gospel acts, such as Johnnie Taylor, Bobby Bland, Latimore, Z. Z. Hill, Denise LaSalle, Dorothy Moore, Little Milton, Shirley Brown, Tyrone Davis, Marvin Sease, and the Mississippi Mass Choir. It has received an historic marker issued by the Mississippi Blues Commission to commemorate its important place on the Mississippi Blues Trail.[2]A tornado on April 15, 2011, destroyed much of the company's main building and studio at 3023 West Northside Drive in Jackson, Mississippi, which have since been re-built.[3]"

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, I make a Scouting Trip to see Lipstick Pickup Community Cornerstone Jack Brunson of Jack's Guitarcheology in Lebanon, Tennessee. Jack shares his journey in the world of guitars, from his early days of fixing broken instruments to establishing https://www.jacksguitarcheology.com/ and brick-and-morter location on the Lebanon Town Square. Our discussion digs into the importance of preserving vintage guitar construction, the legacy of retailers like Sears and Roebuck on instrument accessibility, and the collaborative spirit within the sales and service network that he built to serve the Nashville Music Community. We also discuss our mutual admiration for Danelectro Re-creationist, luthier Ian Williams of Nepco Guitars and Jack helps me show off Ian's latest high flyin' creation, my Birdman electric sitar. Come get your vibration high with this fun visit!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode, I take a trip through the Lone Star State with Steven Cooper, a native Texan and Nashville-based touring/session guitarist who has worked with a variety of artists including the Watson Twins, Patrick Sweany, Jessie Baylin, Nicole Atkins, and his own band Indianola. Steven's knowledge of lipstick Stratocasters can be traced back to his youth spent at Dallas' legendary Charley's Guitar Shop and two of Texas' favorite guitar-playing sons: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Charlie Sexton. In addition to discussing the Lipstick Stratocaster's rich history, we explore the importance of communication and professionalism, navigating Nashville's music culture, and the complexities of owning vintage guitars.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Stephen Cooper and the Lipstick Stratocaster03:16 The Journey of a Young Guitarist06:09 Charlie's Guitar Shop: A Hub of Musical Knowledge09:16 The Evolution of Guitar Ownership12:18 The Impact of Local Music Scenes15:17 The Legacy of Charlie's Guitar Shop17:56 The Influence of Stevie Ray Vaughan20:52 The Importance of Small Amplifiers23:53 The Role of Jazz in Guitar Playing27:04 The Guitar Community and Its Evolution29:45 The Value of Vintage Guitars32:41 The Relationship Between Charlie and Stevie Ray Vaughan38:33 The Supportive Role of Relationships in Music41:11 The Evolution of the Lipstick Strat47:34 The Legacy of Stevie Ray Vaughan51:25 Charlie Sexton: A Multifaceted Artist56:05 The Gear Behind the Sound01:10:48 The Power of Instruments in Music01:12:15 Guitar Acquisitions and Personal Preferences01:14:15 Touring Experiences and Musical Connections01:16:49 The Significance of Guitar Shops01:20:17 The Journey of Giving and Receiving Guitars01:22:35 Guitar Choices and Personal Comfort01:24:30 Influences and Early Musical Inspirations01:27:37 The Role of Communication in Music01:31:15 Building Relationships in the Music Scene01:33:24 The Economics of Vintage Guitars 

Send us Fan MailGuitarist Michael McAdam comes by The Lipstick Pickup Listening Lounge with an armful of interesting guitars and talks to Emily about playing professionally in Guitar Town for nearly 4 decades. It's a journey of a million miles and it all started on a Silvertone guitar and that's why he still loves the TONE of Masonite and Lipstick Pickups. More on Michael at :https://michaelmcadam.com 

Send us Fan MailWriter, blogger and rock historian Angie Moon returns to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast to help Emily take the Sitar Electric and discuss a subject of her authority, Beyond The Sitar: Indian Influences in Classic rock. The conversation explores the concept of "Insomnia," the role of session musicians, and the impact of culture, fashion and style on rock culture, highlighting how these elements intertwine to shape artistic expression. More on Angie and the music discussed:https://crazyonclassicrock.com/2017/01/10/indian-influences-in-classic-rock/https://open.spotify.com/playlist/75UVBqXxCXo5HQKHuNCvAk?si=21916da5c6b54659 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily welcomes back Stu Snyder to discuss various topics related to vintage instruments, music recording, and New York City and it's rare birds. They pickup where they left off with a discussion of his vintage guitar string collection and also get a look at his specimen lefty Rickenbacker, among other things. There's also Lipstick Pickup Merch on the way and Stu and Emily touch on the rock and roll legacy and costume history of the Bandana. 

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily calls Classic Rock historian Angie Moon in Coventry, England to talk about her new book The Crime of The Century and the subject of her blog, The Diversity of Classic Rock. She discusses her personal journey through music, the healing power of sound, and the importance of accurate music history. Angie also touches on her future writing projects, including a focus on celebrity trials, and reflects on the cultural narratives that shape our understanding of music. In this engaging conversation, they delve into the intricate connections between personal history, music, and cultural identity. They explore the legacy of Oscar Wilde, The Kinks and how The Great Migration shaped American Music. The discussion also touches on the role of storytelling in history, the influence of Sitar in music of the British Invasion, and the significance of personal style in creative expression. Follow Angie here:https://www.instagram.com/angiemichellemoonhttps://crazyonclassicrock.com/

Send us Fan MailDean Farley, a seasoned string designer, returns to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast to discuss the life and legacy of Hartley Peavey, a pivotal figure in the music industry. They explore Peavey's innovative spirit, his business acumen, and the impact he had on the music world, particularly through Peavey Electronics. The discussion highlights Peavey's unique personality, his approach to business, and the lasting influence he has had on musicians and the industry as a whole.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily talks to Nashville-based, Mississippi native drummer Allen Jones. They discuss their mutual connections in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and delve into Allen's musical history, from his early influences growing up in a remote town to thriving in the vibrant Hattiesburg music scene. They discuss the importance of community in music, the challenges of touring, and the creative growth that comes from DIY collaboration and recording.  They cover the historical significance of the Pine Belt region and its impact on music, as well as his influential experience of working at the Peavey Leakesville plant, where he gained insights into guitar manufacturing and setup. We hope you enjoy this trip into Mississippi music culture and free-enterprise.

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Lipstick Pickup podcast, Emily gets 411 help from Nathan Daniel's son Howard about the myth of the Lipstick Pickup and the importance of getting the Danelectro record straight. Please visit https://pen4rent.com/ for more from Howard Daniel. "I've learned so much from you and I should have been keeping better notes, but this time we're going to have it for the record. And I hope to add this sort of approach to future episodes in my podcast where I just simply call somebody like you, 411-INFORMATION. The best approach and one of the inspirations for my podcast is the power of the telephone. I'm calling Howard to introduce him to my listeners and give some service to some great work that he's done, keeping the world informed about his father, Nat Daniel, and the world of Danelectro. They can all be found on his website, which is www.pen4, the number 4. It's pen4rent.com. which is how I met you. And then when I first started publishing the podcast, I heard from you, and we've had an occasional phone call ever since, and this one we're going to record. "

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily gets a primer on the career of The String King, Dean Farley of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. More on Dean from https://pyramid-saiten.de/de/direct/"Dean Farley began his journey with guitar strings during the summer of 1970 at age 16. Little did he know at the time that this period would radically change his life’s direction. Between the months of July and August, guitar strings in America were going through a major change in their basic sound. Previously, the strings Dean played were very rich in their tone and had a much more soulful sound! That was early July. However, by a week into August, things had changed drastically. This “new” (rather foreign) sound of the sets he bought a few hours before his weekly jam session were noticeably brighter in character, yet strangely, lacked the sweet midrange and full bass response from the sets he had bought only several weeks before. Simply put, Dean couldn’t get that wonderful original sound from his Telecaster/ Fender Super Reverb amplifier combination—despite even after fooling around with the amp’s various controls for far too long. This was a very frustrating and confusing dilemma.At this point, Dean’s curiosity completely took over and he was hell-bent to find strings that sounded “right” to his critical ears. A few years down the timeline, he had several opportunities to learn about the incredible variety of metals used in the manufacturing of silicon wafers in the semiconductor industry. In Silicon Valley, Dean was lucky he had access to extremely high tech equipment which would benefit him as a string designer in the near future. It might be noted here that Dean Farley is the only individual in the string business who actually has a solid connection to the semiconductor industry in a very real sense; his father happened to be the one who, originally, came up with the now famous nickname of “Silicon Valley” long before it finally stuck as the formal name of the Santa Clara Valley, CA area around 1971.As the early to mid 1980s came along, Dean finally got into the string business for himself. He recognized from the start that the only way that he could make any success with this was to think in very different terms. Indeed, he literally had to pretend like he had no competitors if he was going to create anything truly special.By the mid 90s, Dean’s string adventures had led him into a side gig as a journalist and this resulted in him starting to write monthly columns about guitar string history and design in Vintage Guitar magazine. It was right here where Dean wrote about Pyramid Strings’ history and their association with The Beatles.Eventually, in 2006, Dean met Pyramid‘s director, Max Junger, at a trade show in Los Angeles. The two of them had an immediate connection and the rest of this story has been currently manifesting into a wonderful relationship that will leave some deep marks on the musical world. It’s great to be here at Pyramid! This is an absolute honor and pleasure to design thoughtful and unique concepts in guitar string designs that should inspire every musician of any style or background."

Send us Fan MailThe Lipstick Pickup Podcast calls former New Yorker Stu Snyder to discuss his migration to Tokyo, collectable guitar strings and his late friend session guitarist Vinnie Bell. The dialogue highlights the importance of recognizing lesser-known figures in the music industry and their impact on popular culture. In this segment, the conversation delves into the history and significance of the electric sitar, highlighting the contributions of Reggie Young and Vinnie Bell. Stu and Emily discuss the importance of oral history in preserving musical legacies, particularly in light of the passing of influential musicians. They also explore the intricacies of guitar strings, their impact on tone, and the evolution of string preferences among musicians, emphasizing the connection between string quality and sound. more on Stu can be found at:https://stupendousmusic.com/https://www.instagram.com/stupendousmusic/

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Nashville's Matthew Paige returns to talk to Emily about strings, threads, and what it means to be "Tailor-Made" in Nashville. Matthew imagines some Americana possibilities on a Jerry Jones Baby Sitar and discusses the recording of his new acoustic folk EP with Stager Microphones.  More on Matthew Paige and his upcoming European Tour:🔥 Bobby Bare Jr. feat Matthew Paige – European Tour 2025 🔥May 20: Medley, Malmö (SE)May 21: Grisen & Draken, Kristianstad (SE)May 22: Loppen, Copenhagen (DK)May 24: Sofiehof, Jönköping (SE)May 24: Vänna Gård, Bengtsfors (SE)May 25: Vägs Ände, Larv (SE)May 27: Hägerstensåsens Medborgarhus, Stockholm (SE)May 28: Holännapaviljongen, Ljusdal (SE)May 30: Hamnplan 1, Örebro (SE)May 31: Folkets Park, Kramfors (SE)June 3: Jazzköket, Östersund (SE)June 4: Moskus, Trondheim (NO)June 6: Pitstop Motor Week, Kongsvinger (NO)June 7: The Bull Inn, Bø i Telemark (NO)June 8: Dust of Daylight, Bergen (NO)June 10: Revolver, Oslo (NO)June 11: Nöjesfabriken, Karlstad (SE)June 12: Monument, Gothenburg (SE)June 14: Strandkompaniet, Löderup (SE)June 17: The Dukes of Highgate, London (UK)June 18: Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield (UK)June 19: The Cluny, Newcastle  (UK)June 20: Drygate Brewing Co, Glasgow (UK)June 22: JT Soar, Nottingham (UK)June 26: Hen & Chicken, Bristol (UK)June 27: Le Pub, Newport (UK)June 28: The Folklore Rooms, Brighton (UK)June 29: Cowboy Up Revival, Waardamme (BE)https://www.instagram.com/m.r.paige/https://deeohgee.org/https://www.instagram.com/matt.hatterr/?igsh=ZTN1M3htYTJ5azln

Send us Fan MailThis episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast returns to its humble origins with a flashback to a conversation from December 2023 between Emily and Bay Area guitarist (and her first "Sympathetic String") James DePrato. A longtime Bay Area resident and member of Chuck Prophet's Mission Express, James stays busy as an in-demand session player in addition to  gear development and endorsement projects. James, who was Emily's very first guest, discusses how he views himself as a practitioner of music rather than a collector, how he's still chasing the feeling of being scared of music, and that a song doesn't have to make sense to be great. James also shares his love and reverence for Danelectro guitars and shows off a few from his collection including a Danelectro double neck, his homemade modified electric sitar, and his 12-string Jerry Jones. The jailbreak starts right here, right now with the Lipstick Pickup Podcast! 

Send us Fan MailNashville guitarist and Lipstick Pickup Podcast Tone Ambassador Matthew Paige returns to spend Silvertone Sunday with Emily preaching the gospel of the legendary amp-in-case and his early days in Nashville. Emily and Matthew explore the unique features of these guitars, their durability, affordability, and how they have shaped Matthew's performances. They also touch on the challenges of traveling with instruments, the sentimental value of guitars, and the evolution of Matthew's musical career in Nashville. Pull up a pew, clap your hands, and say a prayer to Silvertone guitars!

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of the Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily mixes business with pleasure with a Saturday night hang with Guitar Center staffer and musician Sean Dunoon. Emily and Sean discuss the history of Guitar Center, the business of buying and selling instruments, and the thrill of your first double-neck guitar acquisition. Once they wrap up their sales pitch, Sean gives Emily several demos – first, on Emily’s Jerry Jones electric sitar, then on his own silverburst Danelectro double neck, and, finally, his favorite guitar, a 1964 Guild. The stairway to heaven and the heart of Saturday night goes straight through the Lipstick Pickup Podcast!

Send us Fan MailEmily telephones Matthew Paige in Nashville for a TONAL review of his vintage Danelectro amp, Chuck Prophet's '64 shorthorn, and The City Of Nashville Police Department. Teaser: Matthew tried to fight the law with an amplifer and the law won...

Send us Fan MailEmily telephones Rick Taylor of Silvertone to discuss the Roots of Rock and how they are modernizing the brand with new and re-designed products. If you like thoughtfully-made, affordably-priced instruments, the future is bright!More from www.silvertoneguitars.com"As early as 1905, Sears, Roebuck & Company was selling musical instruments – mainly ukuleles – built by the Harmony Company. In 1916, Harmony was bought by Sears, continuing to make instruments for Sears and other customers. In 1940, Sears sold the Harmony brand to an investment group and adopted the Silvertone brand name for all musical instruments By then, Sears was buying instruments from many other U.S. builders as well as Harmony.The country was still very rural prior to World War II with the population spread out over wide areas. The big “catalog houses” such as Sears, Montgomery Ward and Spiegel served customers around the country from their big city headquarters. These companies sold nearly everything that you needed, and some would even ship you the house to put it all in.The 1940s market the introduction of Silvertone electric guitars. The late ’30s had seen plenty of ‘Hawaiian’ lap steel instruments and amps, but 1941 marked the first year you could get an electric six-string in the Sears catalog. The selections were limited, but the funky, eclectic styling and easy affordability made them popular with players.Silvertone guitars were inexpensive and readily available by mail order. Struggling blues musicians of the 1940s found them roadworthy and replaceable, with legends such as Muddy Waters and Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup among those who chose Silvertones.Changes were coming fast and furious in the post-war period. Musical tastes were changing, the suburbs were exploding and there was a cultural energy waiting to be unleashed.The electric guitar went solid in the 1950s, and Silvertone was right there at the beginning."

Send us Fan MailEmily calls Matthew Caws in Cambridge, England to congratulate him on the success of Nada Surf's Moon Mirror and talk gear!  From www.nadasurf.com“Moon Mirror,” the band’s new album, and first for New West Records, is out today. You can also watch the new video for “Second Skin” directed by Spencer Gentz.Rolling Stone said “Moon Mirror is one of their best…” calling it “Nada Surf’s most musically and emotionally passionate album in years, on the level of gems like Let Go, The Weight Is A Gift, and The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy… a sterling tribute to the kind of inspiration that endures and deepens over the long haul.” Uncut Magazine called it “Masterful power pop with a cerebral core… the band’s deepest and most accomplished effort yet.” MOJO called it “Wonderful” in their 4 Star review, while No Depression said “Moon Mirror represents a step forward for the band… one of the best albums of their long career.”

Send us Fan MailEmily calls Jake Rynearson at Rio Grande Pickups to learn about the their new "Wide Boy" lipsticks for Silvertone and get's a TEXAS-sized portion of Houston guitar tone history.More from www.riograndepickups.com: "Rio Grande Pickups was founded by two legendary characters of Lone Star history, David Wintz and Bart Wittrock.  In 1972 they opened one of the South's first and finest vintage guitar stores, ⁠Rockin' Robin⁠, in Houston.  A vintage guitar scene barely existed in those days.  By 1982 David and Bart expanded the shop to introduce their own line of Texas-toned electric guitars, known to folks around the world as ⁠Robin Guitars⁠.  In addition to wanting fiery and more toneful pickups for their own guitars, the boys saw a need for a different kind of pickup to go in the guitars they'd been selling and repairing for years.Both wondered "why aren't we getting enough out of these old Teles and Strats? What's with all this low output bullshit?" By the end of the arena rock era breakout bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and so many others embraced vintage guitars, bringing them back into vogue.  Dave and Bart realized what was missing in these 'old' instruments was that hot sound players of the '90s wanted. So, in 1993 Rio Grande was born to deliver Hot Texas Tone for the masses.Now, some 30 years later, Rio Grande continues to make well over 100 different models for all kinds of guitars, basses, playing styles and attitudes.  Our hot Texas sound still reaches into every corner of the globe, bringing that Texas heat everywhere they go to the delight of countless players.  And while we like it HOT, HOTTER, or HOTTEST around here, we have plenty of models for subtlety too. "

Send us Fan MailEmily bonds over TONE, Pete Townshend and Andy Summers in this fun-filled chirping bird session with singer-songwriter and home recording enthusiast Britta Pejic.https://www.youtube.com/@Riffindotshttps://brittapejic.bandcamp.com/https://riffindots.com/home"Britta Pejic decided it was time for a metamorphic journey of nomenclature. With a twinkle in her eye and a dash of daydreaming, she stepped through the shimmering pages of a mystical tome and emerged as RiFFiNDoTs!Gone were the days of predictable tea parties and familiar strolls down cobblestone paths. RiFFiNDoTs brought with her a sense of wonder that hung in the air like a question mark, inviting adventures yet to be written, and tales yet to be told.Britta is a Musician. Songwriter. Artist. Foreign Language Teacher. Grew up in Maine. Lived in France. Came back to Maine. Went back to France. Basque Country. Enjoys getting lost. "

Send us Fan MailIt's not easy becoming a legend in NYC but Brooklyn-born Rob Mastrianni has managed to do it as both a Park Ranger and a Guitarist. Birdwatching and music all come together with insightful talk about ecological SUSTAINability and Rob's history with Masonite guitars with Lipstick Pickups. More on Rob: https://robmastrianni.hearnow.com/airwaves   • Nearly extinct in NYC, bald eagles re...  https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/inw...https://robmastrianni.bandcamp.com/al...https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Mas...

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, I ask Nashville-based Blues guitarist Patrick Sweany to talk to me about the guitar stylings of Bukka White and we hope it RESONATES with music history lovers.From www.patricksweany.com Whether it's the ones he records on his albums, the ones he lays down with his band on the stage, or the ones that define his days writing songs and living life in his E. Nashville neighborhood, the Grooves are what have propelled Sweany through 20+ years of performing and recording across 8 studio albums and dozens of countries around the world. Being in the Groove is Sweany's recipe for success.To say 2020 has disrupted these Grooves, is a severe understatement. The cancellation of live music in the U.S. for the past several months initially ground Sweany's Groove to a halt. However, it hasn't all been bad. The time away from the road and away from the studio has forced some introspection and reflection.Serendipitously, Sweany had begun a new experiment in 2019 teaming up with Andrew Trube and Anthony Farrell (the Austin duo known as Greyhounds) to rework and re-record some of his oldest compositions. Taking songs from his first two records, Sweany headed into Bud's recording Services, Greyhounds' studio while on tour in Texas.Together with his touring band, Sweany reworked about a dozen older songs, and even tracked a cover and a never-released tune. The experience was rewarding and fun, but with tour dates pending, the rough tracks sat on the shelf for several more months. Once back in Nashville, Sweany began working with local producer Dexter Green at 3 Sirens Studio. Dex began meticulously shaping and mixing them, and Get That Feeling was born.Nine Mile Records is releasing two batches of these recordings (volumes I & II) in 2020 and 2021 while Sweany writes and records another full-length album of new compositions.The songs represent both a look back over Sweany's long career, and new collaborations that showcase some sides of Patrick's songs you might find surprising.​It's never too late to find a new Groove.

Send us Fan MailAustin's David Grissom has worked with some of the greatest names in contemporary music, and Emily gets to talk to him about his formative years with Joe Ely and guitar manufacturer Paul Reed Smith.  Also discussed are his selection of guitars with Lipstick Pickups including a double-neck that was custom made by luthier Jerry Jones.https://www.facebook.com/davidgrissommusicpagehttps://www.instagram.com/davidgrissomguitar/More from www.davidgrissom.com:David Grissom has toured and recorded with artists such as Buddy Guy, John Mellencamp, Joe Ely, Storyville, The Allman Brothers Band, The Dixie Chicks, Chris Isaak, Robben Ford, John Mayall, and Ringo Starr. His songs have been recorded by John Mayall, Rita Coolidge, Trisha Yearwood, Lee Ann Womack, and Storyville among others.  David moved to Austin in 1983 and quickly became a stalwart on the vibrant local scene. He joined Texas legend Joe Ely’s band in 1985 and toured and recorded nonstop until 1991 when he joined John Mellencamp’s band. David made 3 records with John and toured extensively from 1991 through 1993. After, Mellencamp, David went back to Texas to form Storyville, the band that included the Double Trouble rhythm section of Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon, and powerhouse vocalist Malford Milligan. Since 2000, David has divided his time between recording sessions, including four Buddy Guy records, and scores of Americana releases, along with touring with the Dixie Chicks from 2003-2007, and playing hundreds of live gigs, designing signature guitars and amps with PRS Guitars, and producing his solo CD’s. He just released his 5th solo CD Trio Live 2020.

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of The Lipstick Pickup Podcast, Emily And Matthew Paige get historic with a recording made on the morning of the 2024 Presidential Election. If you want to know our results, you have to turn the news on and watch it. MORE ON MATTHEW AND HIS BAND DeeOhGee:https://deeohgee.org #freedom #danarmstrong #ampeg #keithrichards #matthewpaige #deeohgee #therollingstones #nashville #sustain #guitar #rickbeato #ericambel #justinandthecosmics #nashville #sustain #guitartone

Send us Fan MailNashville's Wade Cofer is a multi-instrumentalist and luthier who talked to The Lipstick Pickup Podcast back in June and the episode SUSTAINS...More on Wade his Tone Authority can be found here:https://www.instagram.com/wadecofer/https://reverb.com/item/67487571-cofer-fender-telecaster-deluxe-2018-black

Send us Fan MailIt's January 20th, 2025 and we're dropping the mic and the ball on a new and improved Lipstick Pickup Podcast with Nashville's Ray Duncan. She's a committed Danelectro Tone Ambassador with a brand new single called Used To It and Emily get's to help her "swear it in" on Inauguration Day. Enjoy...Lipstick Pickup Citizens of The World!More on Ray on her forthcoming EP Laundromat can be found here:https://rayduncan.bandcamp.comhttps://rayduncanmusic.com  / rayduncanmusic  https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ray...Born in Cambria, California, Ray has been performing all her life. Playing her first shows at only 13 years old, by 16 she had formed the duo Ranchers for Peace with her father, songwriter Charles Duncan. In 2019 Ray moved to Nashville to find new inroads for her career, where she now works as a background singer and freelance composer, in addition to performing as a solo artist. Ray also co-hosts podcast “Book of Jude,” which is a series of interviews with her mother, hit songwriter Jude Johnstone, that tells the story of Johnstone’s career in the music business.Since moving to Nashville, Ray has recorded and released several projects, including her 2022 single “Don’t Let It Get To You,” co-written with Johnstone and featuring performances from legendary musicians such as drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, guitarist David Keary, and bass player Nick Scott.After 2 crowd funding campaigns, Ray is now preparing for the 2025 release of her long anticipated Laundromat EP, recorded at Starbird Sound with producer Mike Fahey (Phish, Chris Stapleton).Composing work: Twelfth Night (Workshop at Mercury Store, 2024;) Two Noble Kinsman (Workshop at The Public Theater, in collaboration with HVSF, 2023;) Romeo and Juliet (HVSF Spring Tour, 2023;) Much Ado About Nothing (Opera House Arts, 2022;) A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Connecticut Shakespeare Festival 2021;) As You Like It (Scranton Shakespeare Festival;) Much Ado About Nothing (Easy Leap Theatre Company/The Brick;) Othello (Easy Leap Theatre Co/The Underground Lounge.) Musical arrangements: Henry IV (Scranton Shakespeare Radio Plays, 2020.)

Send us Fan MailThe New Lipstick Pickup Podcast gets off to a bang with a pilot episode with guitarist/creator Michael Weber Jr. It's an episode that's packed with action and all the guitars that he used on our snappy new intro. Enjoy, Lipstick Pickup Fans!More on Michael Weber Jr from www.themichaelwebershow.com:The Michael Weber Show is an explosive rock group fronted by guitar phenom, Michael Weber. He was the winner of MTV's “Amazingness” television talent/variety show hosted by Rob Dyrdek and has performed on stage with numerous Grammy winners and Rock Hall inductees, including Counting Crows, Nils Lofgren (E-Street Band), Jim Peterik (The Ides of March), and regularly with garage rock legends, The Shadows of Knight (“Gloria”).​A record Weber wrote, played on, and produced for The Shadows of Knight entitled “Wild Man” was released on Little Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records, came in 4th place on Sirius XM 21’s Coolest Song of the Year listener’s poll, and received a glowing review on-air from Iggy Pop during his BBC radio program.​Amongst Weber’s hundreds of concerts, he has shared the bill with Ace Frehley, Gin Blossoms, Lita Ford, The Wallflowers, Mark Farner, and numerous others.  In addition to his own musical project, he currently plays lead guitar alongside late Cleveland rocker Michael Stanley’s Resonators and MSB bandmates in the “The Michael Stanley Songbook” concerts promoted by Live Nation.  ​In addition to his 2 albums and 2 EPs released under his own name, Weber composes film scores. His two most recent works include My Name is Lopez, a documentary on ‘60s pop star Trini Lopez (now available on Amazon Prime and the Roku Channel) and Satanic Hispanics, a Latin horror anthology in which he composed the entire score for the section directed by Eduardo Sánchez (of The Blair Witch Project fame).​Transcript