The Guitar Channel

Finland ToneFest: Petri Matero Organizer Interview

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:45:45 +0000

In 2026, The Guitar Channel travelled to Finland for the first time to cover ToneFest (tonefest.fi), the country’s biggest guitar show. Here is an interview with Petri Matero, organiser of this wonderful event and owner of the shop Tonefest Guitar Gallery (tonefestguitargallery.com), also located in Tuusula, just north of Helsinki.

A big thank you to Petri, who partly funded my trip to Finland and thus made it possible

Petri Matero interview

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Photo album

My take on this guitar show

I absolutely loved covering this guitar show. It was a blast to meet luthiers producing instruments of the very highest standard. The Finnish musicians who were there, whether performing in concert or giving masterclasses, were top-class; I was truly blown away by meeting all these talented people.

If the stars align, I hope to be able to go back there in the future.

Until the next interview or gear review, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

For more info:
ToneFest Reports

Robert Pieculewicz Interview Polish Guitar Player

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:26:26 +0000

Thanks to a long-time subscriber to La Chaîne Guitare (thank you, Michel!), I was able to get in touch with Polish musician Robert Pieculewicz (Facebook page). Here he is in a Zoom interview to learn about his career and his projects.

Robert Pieculewicz interview

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

For more info:
Guitar in Hand Interview

Puteaux Guitar Festival, Florent Monfort Interview

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:33:05 +0000

The Puteaux Guitar Festival / Festival Guitare de Puteaux (culture.puteaux.fr) will hold its 6th edition from October 10th to 12th, 2025. It will be the first under the direction of Florent Monfort, who is now the director of the Puteaux conservatory. I work for Florent again via The Guitar Channel, as organizer of the luthier show and also to advise him on programming at his request. Here's the interview to start revealing what's going to happen in October.

Puteaux Guitar Festival
October 10th to 12th 2025

Florent Monfort interview

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

The Puteaux music academy: an extraordinary place dedicated to music

Puteaux music academy is a magnificent venue with a top-class concert hall seating over 600. There are also numerous spaces available for masterclasses, instrument practice and additional concert halls.

Conservatoire Jean-Baptiste Lully
5bis, rue de Pressensé – 92800 Puteaux

Guitar show

Depending on the date on which you read this article, there may still be time to apply as a guitar builder to take part in the guitar show organized by The Guitar Channel.

Click Here to Submit Your Application for the Guitar Show

Until the next interview or gear review, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports
Guitar Show Reports

MIGS Academy: boost your guitar skills in Classical, Fingerstyle or Rock in Montreux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 14:00:00 +0000

A major innovation for Montreux International Guitar Show aka the MIGS (migs.ch) is that this 2024 edition will be preceded by a guitar workshop with top Classical, Fingerstyle and Rock musicians! This is the MIGS Academy (migs-masters-camps.com) which will take place from Monday April 22 to Friday April 26 in Montreux.

Here's an interview with organizers David Rosset and Emmanuel Cottier, accompanied by musician Vincent Schmidt, one of the coaches.

Coaches by style

Classique
- Thibault Cauvin, Pierre Willimann, Monica Torti
Fingerstyle
- Jon Gomm, Alexandr Misko, Vincent Schmidt, Adrien Delamarre
Rock
- Saturax, Jack Gardiner

Interview with the MIGS Academy organizers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

For more info:
MIGS Reports & Interviews
Guitar Show Archives

Nyl Guitars – Presentation and demo by Michel Gentils in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:01:42 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by Nyl Guitars (fr.nylguitars.com) by musician Michel Gentils (michelgentils.com) in the presence of luthier Julien Jalaguier.

Nyl Guitars demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

As always, the Puteaux Guitar Festival included demo concerts, giving the opportunity to discover the instruments exhibited at the guitar show organized by The Guitar Channel during the festival in the magnificent Jean-Baptiste Lully conservatory.

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

CF Guitars – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 11:08:49 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by CF Guitars (Facebook page) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Fred Charpiot.

Configuration:

Amp: Kelt V-Twin
Sound: Ox Box Universal Audio

CF Guitars demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Criman Guitars – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 16:26:57 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by Criman Guitars (criman.ro) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Christian Sandu.

Configuration:

Amp: Kelt V-Twin
Sound: Ox Box Universal Audio

Criman Guitars demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Thomas Grumler Lutherie – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 11:04:43 +0000

Presentation and demonstration instruments by Thomas Grumler Lutherie (lutherieguitare.wordpress.com) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Thomas Grumler during the Puteaux Guitar Festival.

Thomas Grumler Lutherie demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Marine Guitars – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:58:50 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by Marine Guitars (marineguitars.com) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Marine Pacaut.

Marine Guitars demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Tausch Guitars – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 14:21:22 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by Tausch Guitars (tausch-guitars.de) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Rainer Tausch.

Tausch Guitars demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Boxis Guitars – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 17:04:12 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by Boris Guitars (boxisguitars.com) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Alexis Bonin.

Boxis Guitars demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Berg Guitares – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 09:27:18 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by Berg Guitares (berg-guitares.com) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Jonathan Berg.

Configuration:

Amp: Kelt V-Twin
Sound: Ox Box Universal Audio

Berg Guitares demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Micoud Guitares – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by Micoud Guitares (micoud-guitares.com) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Baptiste Micoud.

Micoud Guitares demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

TM Lutherie – Presentation an demo by Marwan Boulaïd in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two guitars by TM Lutherie (tmlutherie.fr) by musician Marwan Boulaïd (marwanboulaidmusic.com) in the presence of luthier Thomas Meuret.

TM Lutherie demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Kopo Guitar – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 14:00:00 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two instruments by Kopo Guitar (kopo.fr) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Fred Pons.

Configuration:

Amp: Kelt V-Twin
Sound: Ox Box Universal Audio

Kopo Guitar demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Lame Horse Instruments – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 16:46:27 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of a Lame Horse Instruments (lamehorse.net) guitar by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Chris Jenkins.

Lame Horse Instruments demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Dejardin Guitare – Presentation and demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 11:30:00 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two Dejardin Guitare (dejardinguitare.be) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Ghislain Dejardin.

Dejardin Guitare demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Guitares Berdah – Presentation an demo by Hugo Martin in Puteaux

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 18:04:37 +0000

Presentation and demonstration of two Guitares Berdah (guitaresberdah.com) by musician Hugo Martin (coursdeguitaremoderne.fr) in the presence of luthier Michel Berdah.

Guitares Berdah demo concert

Sound, video and edit: Philippe Camus

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

About the demo concerts

The filming and editing of the demo concert videos is 100% financed by The Guitar Channel

It's an investment that's made because it's a great way of promoting the show for exhibitors who want it at no extra cost, for the demo musicians, for the festival and for the guitar in general.

The professional musicians are paid by the conservatory for their performance at the concerts.

For more info:
Puteaux Reports & Interviews
Demo Concerts Archives
Luthier Interviews

Tausch Guitars 665 Raw review of a great sounding German boutique guitar

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 09:06:48 +0000

German luthier Rainer Tausch (tausch-guitars.de) builds incredible guitars that are a successful blend of tradition and modernity. Indeed, the lines of his guitars are inspired by well-known American models, such as the Telecaster in the case of this 665 Raw.

But Rainer doesn't just copy a well-known recipe - far from it! The 665 Raw is very different from an old-fashioned Telecaster: the body is hollow, the neck is glued and the pitch is 665mm (hence the reference).

Tausch Guitars 665 Raw review

Photo album

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview or gear review, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

Songwriting in a 50h course: Henning Pauly and Rafael Cano interview to know everything!

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 16:52:44 +0000

I've known Henning Pauly for years since I've seen him at almost every show except the NAMM where he decided not to go anymore. You probably also know him because his videos on YouTube are a must.

Well, this time Henning decided to share his knowledge of songwriting by putting together a 50+ hour course on the subject with his partner Rafael Cano.

To know more about it, I interviewed the two guys!

The course is available on the website : spectreacademy.net

Henning Pauly and Rafael Cano interview

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

The course "Almost But Not Quite Complete Guide to Songwriting"

With this humorous title the two German musicians offer a 4-part curriculum:

Music harmony
Lyrics
Writing
Real writers interviews

Disclaimer

Henning is a real friend of the YouTube world, so I did this interview to give him a hand.

Also because during the in-depth interview with him in August 2022, I had discovered his background as a producer and songwriter, so he really knows what he's talking about even if we know him more for his gear testing.

Buy the Songwriting course

The link to buy this training is an affiliate link so if you buy it, The Guitar Channel will get a commission on the sale. There you go, you know everything.

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar and... writing songs!

Pierre Journel.

Teuffel, Ruokangas, Spalt, Sergio and Tausch, what the guitar builders have to say about The Guitar Channel

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Sun, 08 Jan 2023 21:30:30 +0000

In January 2021, we were still in lockdown mode all over the world so there was no Winter NAMM that year. So I decided to do a live interview with several of the best and most original luthiers in Europe:

Tania and Michael Spalt (spaltinstruments.com)
Uli Teuffel (teuffel.com)
Juha Ruokangas (ruokangas.com)
Adriano Sergio from Ergon Guitars (ergonguitars.com)
Rainer Tausch (tausch-guitars.de)

Here is what they said spontaneously at the end of the interview. I was touched and honored by their good words about my work as an interviewer. Thanks guys, you rock!

The full video of the interview with the group is available in this article.

Best guitar builders testimony

Do like the best luthiers
and all the guitar lovers,
support The Guitar Channel by subscribing!

The subscription will give you access to the full catalog of interviews of musicians, luthiers, guitar event reports and gear reviews.

Pierre Journel.

[cta]

Cem Ocek from Ocek Guitars interview with a Turkish builder with some cool new shapes

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 18 May 2022 07:15:00 +0000

Cem Ocek (ocekguitars.com) is a Turkish luthier based in Germany who offers very original guitar shapes. Here he is in Zoom interview to present his Synapse and Puduhepa models. He has a very original approach to guitar design.

The results are some cool instrument shapes very far from the usual LP or S style shapes we see over and over on the market, even in the boutique guitar field. So congratulations to Cem for breaking new grounds and show a new proposition in the domain.

Cem Ocek interview

Free Extract:

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

MIDI pedalboard configuration to drive your guitar software on a computer

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +0000

In this CAM or CAG gear chronicle (as you prefer), we tackle with Guillaume Jeulin from Blue Cat Audio (bluecataudio.com) a subject that usually makes guitarists run away: MIDI! Don't worry, we're not going to talk about guitar synthesizers but about configuring and using a pedal board to drive via MIDI what's happening on your guitar software on your computer.

In this review, we use a Line6 pedalboard (line6.com/foot-controllers/) model FBV3. The principle is the same whatever the pedalboard you will use.

Using a Line6 FBV3 MIDI pedalboard to control your computer

Free Extract:

Full version reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Kari Nieminen, Finnish Luthier for Versoul Guitars

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 09:30:00 +0000

During a tourist visit in Paris, France of Kari Nieminen, I had the pleasure to welcome the Finnish luthier at the showroom to do an interview about his extraordinary instruments. Versoul Guitars (versoul.com) offers beautifully crafted instruments with unique designs.

Kari Nieminen interview

Free Extract:

Full version reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Try the Raya 6 Custom at our Paris showroom

Please note that until the end of May 2022, the Raya 6 Custom guitar presented during this interview is in private test at The Guitar Channel showroom in Paris, France.

You have two options to take an appointment to try the instrument:

You are a premium subscriber : you can contact me to setup an appointment
Your are not premium subscriber : you can either become one or contact the builder to engage the conversation.

The Versoul Raya 6 Custom

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

How to setup an audio interface to play guitar on your Mac computer – Blue Cat Audio chronicle

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:00:00 +0000

As part of a collaboration with Blue Cat Audio (bluecataudio.com), editor of CAM software for the studio and for the guitar, here is a new CAM (Computer Assisted Music) column. or CAG (Computer Assisted Guitar), as Guillaume Jeulin, the founder of Blue Cat Audio, likes to say.

This time it is the connection and configuration of an audio interface to a Mac that we look at step by step.

Note that the example of the software used is that of Axiom, Blue Cat Audio's guitar product, but what is explained and shown is valid whatever your product of choice: Neural DSP, Positive Grid, IK Multimedia, etc.

Themes discussed:

Connecting the interface to the Mac
Configuring the Mac
Explanation and setting of the buffer parameter
Level calibration
Sound demonstration

Setting up an audio interface to a Mac to play guitar

Free Extract:

Full version reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next gear chronicle or interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Setup an audio interface to play guitar on your PC computer – Blue Cat Audio chronicle

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 09:10:00 +0000

As part of a collaboration with Blue Cat Audio (bluecataudio.com), a software editor for studio and guitar, we recorded a series of videos dedicated to Computer Assisted Music (CAM). Guillaume Jeulin, founder and developer of Blue Cat Audio, even talks about CAG (Computer Assisted Guitar).

In this first part, we start with the basics: connecting and configuring an audio interface so you can play guitar on your PC.

Themes discussed :

Connecting the interface to the PC
Configuration of the PC
Explanation and setting of the buffer parameter
Level calibration
Sound demonstration

Setting up an audio interface to a PC to play guitar

Free Extract:

Full version reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next gear chronicle or interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Montreux International Guitar Show 2022, interviews with the Swizz organizers

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 08:55:00 +0000

David Rosset and Emmanuel Cottier are the two Swiss organizers of the Montreux International Guitar Show (migs.ch) which will take place from April 29 to May 1, 2022 on the shores of Lake Geneva in Montreux in the Casino Barrière.

MIGS organizers interview

Photo album of the Casino Barrière

The Guitar Channel will be in Montreux at the MIGS

The Guitar Channel will be part of the exhibitors of this first edition of the MIGS which looks like it is going to be a great guitar show. You just need to look at the list of the exhibitors already registered at the time of the recording of this interview, there are some incredible guitar builders.

I will be on site during the three days to cover the event through reports and interviews.

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Blue Cat Audio, interview with Guillaume Jeulin in his development studio

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Guillaume Jeulin, developer and founder of the software company Blue Cat Audio (bluecataudio.com) was, as yours truly, one of the speakers of the guitar workshop organized by Pat O'May in Brittany, the Guit-Ar-Camp. On my way back from the 3 days workshop, I stopped at his place to record this interview.

Guillaume Jeulin interview

Free Extract:

Full version reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast with Blue Cat Audio

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Victor Lee guitar in hand interview with the Korean born American musician

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 08:10:00 +0000

Met via Clubhouse, Victor Lee (victorleemusic.com) is a Korean born musician who came to the US at the age of 16. His instrumental music is awesome, he plays great and the production is very well done. In addition Victor plays on the great American guitars from Suhr and Tom Anderson so he has obviously very good taste. So here he is for a guitar in hand interview.

Victor Lee interview

Free Extract:

Full version reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Victor Pitoiset & Melissa Lesnie play Les Paul & Mary Ford – Showroom concert

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

On Thursday, May 20, 2021, singer Melissa Lesnie and guitarist Victor Pitoiset came to give a live concert in the showroom to (re)discover the wonderful music of Les Paul & Mary Ford.

Victor Pitoiset & Melissa Lesnie concert

Page Facebook - Page Band Camp

Audio of the concert available in the podcast

The audio version of the concert is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next session or interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

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Andy Wood, guitar in hand interview with the musician who came from the mandolin

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 08:05:00 +0000

Thanks to Mark Lettieri I was able to get in touch with Andy Wood, this American musician is incredibly good at the guitar and started at the mandolin. His Junktown album of instrumental music is a treat with a melodic sense worthy of his idols Eric Johnson or Eddie Van Halen.

Andy Wood interview

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The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

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Yeore Kim and Antoine Boyer Showroom Concert

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

On Thursday, June 10, 2021 the talented duo composed of Korean Yeore Kim on harmonica and Antoine Boyer (antoineboyermusic.com) on guitar came to give a live concert from the showroom of The Guitar Channel in Paris. Here is the full replay below.

Yeore Kim and Antoine Boyer concert

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the full concert is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next session or interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

Sean Ashe guitar in hand interview with the talented musician

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 17 May 2021 08:35:00 +0000

First met in 2018 at NAMM, Sean Ashe (seanashemusic.com) is an American musician with a strong melodic sense. He has released a new single called Ocean on May 15, 2021, 5 years after his album Flux. It is guitar in hand (a Tom Anderson of course!) that he answered all my questions from his home studio in California.

Subjects discussed in the full 90min interview

Impact of the pandemic on his life as a musician
The legacy of Eddie Van Halen
The collaboration with Tom Anderson
The making of his single Ocean
His songwriting and recording process
His arm injury and how he healed
The next projects

Sean Ashe interview

Full version reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

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Janek Gwizdala bass in hand interview with a super creative musician

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 10 May 2021 08:45:00 +0000

Janek Gwizdala (janekgwizdala.com) is a world class bass player who has played with many musicians from John Mayer to Mike Stern. It was Mark Lettieri who recommended him to me and put me in touch with Janek. I didn't know before this London-born musician who is now based in Los Angeles.

The 40min interview with him bass in hand is fascinating as he shares all his background, his training, his meeting with Mike Stern, his approach to social networks and all his current projects.

Janek Gwizdala interview

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The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Classic S Suhr, the Best American Super Strat Today

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 08:30:00 +0000

"Classic S Suhr, the best American Super Strat today?" Come on! Let's assume the bold statement that the Classic S from Suhr Guitars (suhr.com) represents the best of the modern Super Strat in the production guitar segment.

Big fan of John Suhr (whom I hope to interview one of these days!!) and his work in the world of guitar products, I've been eyeing a Classic S from his brand for a while to equip the showroom. It's done, I bought one for this review, here it is in video.

Note that I bought this instrument to be able to do this test independently. To be totally transparent, the European importer gave me the artist discount.

Classic S Suhr review

What I enjoyed the most

The quality of manufacture and finishing
The comfort of the neck
The sounds in all positions
The beauty of the wood grain
The general elegance

What I enjoyed the least

Nut not perfect up for tuning stability
Volume pot that scratch a little

Photo album

Conclusion

This guitar is dripping with quality on all sides. It's hard to fault it, whether it's in the manufacturing, in the raw materials used, in the electronics, in the beauty of the Sunburst and in the sounds, this is the top of the line.

Only small negative points, the saddle pinged a little on the G string, I had to use a small file to give it a good stability of tuning. Also the volume pot scratches a little, I'll have to fix this. This is not normal at this price level for these two points.

Having bought the guitar directly from the European importer, it might not have undergone the normal check-up that a store would do? Just a guess.

This Classic S is a real pleasure to play in all 5 pickup positions. All sounds are excellent. The proprietary SCII noise reduction system works remarkably well. It gives very nice single coil sounds without the buzz inherent to this type of pickup. Note that this system is completely passive and therefore does not require a battery.

I had specifically chosen a Super Strat with modern specifications (Gotoh 510 vibrato, stainless steel frets, PU finish, SSCII system, SSH config) to have a reference guitar at 2021 level, I am not disappointed, this is a top of line guitar.

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

For more info:
Super Strat
Strat

Ben Eunson, guitar in hand interview with the Australian musician based in NYC

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Through Jeff McErlain (whom I would like to thank in passing) I did the interview of Ben Eunson (beneunson.com) below guitar in hand with this young Australian guitarist based in New York City. It was a blast to to record this video with this amazing musician.

Ben Eunson interview

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The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Cory Wong, guitar in hand interview with the Funk musician from Vulfpeck

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 08:20:00 +0000

Cory Wong (corywongmusic.com) is one of those guitarists who make you tap your foot immediately because of his incredible sense of groove. Whether it's through his solo albums or with Vulfpeck or Fearless Flyers, this guitar Funk master takes you in an irresistible whirlwind.

Here he is in an interview with his guitar in hand from his home studio to talk about his training, his influences, his philosophy of music and many other things.

Cory Wong interview

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Full version reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

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Greg Howe guitar in hand interview from Shrapnel to Michael Jackson and more

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 08:30:00 +0000

The American guitar player Greg Howe has played with huge pop stars from Michael Jackson to Justin Timberlake, Enrique Iglesias and more. His career as a solo artist or within a band has also been very rich. Here is a guitar in hand interview from his home in Oklahoma.

The two other interviews with Greg are here (at Musikmesse 2015) and there (for the time of the band Maragold).

Greg Howe interview

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The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Snarky Puppy Mark Lettieri interview about The Baritone Sessions Vol.2

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

The Texas based guitar player Mark Lettieri (marklettieri.com) who plays with Snarky Puppy among many projects is the guest of this guitar in hand interview recorded from his home studio. The occasion was the release of his new solo album The Baritone Sessions Vol.2.

Mark goes through his composition process and walks through the conception of the record. As the Fiore his signature model with PRS Guitars has just been released, he showcases it as well in his cool baritone arsenal.

Mark Lettieri interview

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The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

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Zane Carney, guitar in hand presents Alter Ego, the album of his quartet

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:30:00 +0000

Zane Carney (zanecarney.com) is an American guitar player who accompanied people like John Mayer or Jonny Lang on tour. He is now moving more and more toward working on his own music. Alter Ego is the album of his quartet. It is full of ferocious Jazz as Zane puts it himself. Here is a guitar in hand interview from his studio.

Zane Carney interview

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Full 50min version
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The Guitar Channel podcast with Zane Carney

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

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Rainer Tausch interview with the German boutique guitar builder

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 08:50:00 +0000

Rainer Tausch is the German guitar maker behind Tausch Guitars (tausch-guitars.de). He was the guest of a live interview on The Guitar Channel. In this video he talks about his training as a luthier, his 665 Raw Deluxe model and his philosophy of electric guitar building.

Rainer Tausch interview

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Rainer Tausch interviews from the archives

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Popa Chubby interview guitar in hand about his album Tinfoil Hat

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 09:00:00 +0000

Here is a guitar in hand video interview with the American musicien Popa Chubby well known to usually 200 shows per year. He presents his latest album Tinfoil Hat and how he has adapted to the pandemic situation. Take a listen to the album as I think it is one of the best Popa Chubby has released recently in my humble opinion.

Popa Chubby interview

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Popa Chubby interviews in the archives

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Verso Instruments, interview with the German luthier Robin Stummvoll

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

The German guitar builder Robin Stummvoll from Verso Instruments (versoinstruments.com) has a very original approach to what is an electric guitar. In this live interview the luthier presents his Cosmo model which is built around a neck and a bent sheet of metal. Check-out his work, it's very refreshing to see an out-of-the-box design in the guitar world.

Interview Robin Stummvoll

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Full version
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The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Tausch Guitars 665 Raw Deluxe review, a great German boutique guitar

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 09:40:00 +0000

The German luthier Rainer Tausch (tausch-guitars.de) makes guitars that have a very classic appearance but are in fact completely revisited instruments. In the case of the 665 Raw Deluxe model, it is clearly Telecaster inspired. And yet this luthier guitar is a hollow-body with a glued neck, so it's far from the Esquire.

Tausch 665 Raw Deluxe review

Free Extract:

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Come and try this guitar in our showroom in Paris, France!

During the whole stay of this instrument in the showroom, it will be possible to come and try it out.

There are two ways to do this:

You are a premium subscriber to The Guitar Channel, you can then make an appointment and come whenever you want.
You are not (yet) subscribed, then contact the luthier to start the conversation and see with him if it is relevant to come for a test ride.

Until the next gear review or interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Gus G talks about his Blackfire pickups and let you win a set of humbuckers!

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 08:45:00 +0000

The Greek guitar player Gus G who played with Ozzy Osbourne and now leads his own band Firewind launches his brand of guitar pickups, Blackfire (blackfirepickups.com). In this guitar in hand interview he demonstrates the two types of models, the Immortal (passive) and the Proteus (active) and talks about his current projects.

Win a pair of Blackfire pickups!

To win a set of pickups of your choice,
you need to mail at pierre@lachaineguitare.com
the name of the city where Gus G was born.

The winner will be chosen among the good answers one month after the publication of the article.

Immortal

Proteus

Gus G interview

Free Extract:

Full version
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The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Ariel Posen guitar in hand interview about his album “Headway”

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 09:10:00 +0000

It was a blast to record this interview with the Canadian musician Ariel Posen (arielposen.com). His new album Headway is will be released on March 5th 2021. It is full of great songs with some awesome guitar playing. During this guitar in hand interview, Ariel Posen speaks about his composition process, how he records, how he is adapting to the pandemic and many more subjects.

Ariel Posen interview

Free Extract:

Full 40min version
reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Adam Levy, guitar in hand interview from Brooklyn, New-York

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 15:40:00 +0000

The great American guitar player Adam Levy (adamlevy.com) was the guest of this guitar in hand live interview recorded via Zoom. He showcases a gorgeous archtop Gibson L-7 from 1945 and talk about his latest projects.

Adam Levy interview

Free Extract:

Full 40min version reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Mike Campbell of The Dirty Knobs, Tom Petty’s alter ego in interview

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 09:15:00 +0000

Mike Campbell is the American guitarist who accompanied Tom Petty for decades. He has just released an excellent album called Wreckless Abandon with his band The Dirty Knobs (thedirtyknobs.com). The second guitarist of the band, Jason Sinay, was also interviewed. At 70 years old Mike Campbell still has the drive to release an incandescent Rock album.

Mike Campbell interview

Free Extract:

Full 20min version
reserved for subscribers

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Franfret luthier’s guitar model #1, a Strat with a Mahogany body

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 09:10:00 +0000

The Spanish luthier Francisco Rodriguez is the craftsman behind the Franfret brand (franfret.net). Already interviewed several times, he sent to the showroom of The Guitar Channel a Strat like no other. Indeed, not only is the inspiration clearly David Gilmour's vintage guitar #00001 but its body is made of Mahogany. On this kind of guitar the essence used is usually Alder or Ash.

Get ready for an amazing luthier guitar review!

Franfret guitar model #1 review

Free Extract:

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Come and try this guitar in our showroom in Paris, France!

During the whole stay of this instrument in the showroom, it will be possible to come and try it out.

There are two ways to do this:

You are a premium subscriber to The Guitar Channel, you can then make an appointment and come whenever you want.
You are not (yet) subscribed, then contact the luthier to start the conversation and see with him if it is relevant to come for a test ride.

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

[cta_video]

Jason Sinay interview about Mike Campbell Dirty Knobs debut album

pjournel@gmail.com (Pierre Journel) — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 09:35:00 +0000

Jason Sinay (jasonsinay.com) is a Los Angeles studio musician who is playing and singing in Mike Campbell band The Dirty Knobs. They have just released their debut album Wreckless Abandon which is full of cool songs and great dual guitar tones.

Jason Sinay interview

Free Extract:

The Guitar Channel podcast

The audio version of the video is available in the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and below:

Until the next interview, keep on playing the guitar!

Pierre Journel.

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