The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People (A Podcast About Acoustic Instruments, Music, & Artists)

Darrin is one of the most influential voices, producers, & creators in the Bluegrass 7 country music world - you may just not realize it! As a producer and backup vocalist, he has been featured on countless hits. We so happy to have him on the podcast to discuss behind the scenes moments, touring moments, and how he became successful!

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Alvarado and Matt Miller of Driftwood Guitars—master luthiers and YouTube creators known for their stunning custom acoustic builds. We dive into their journey from hobbyists to full-time guitar makers, how YouTube transformed their business, and the challenges of balancing craftsmanship with content creation.

From passing out at a sweltering Bluegrass festival to being stuck in a Canadian blizzard, the Chapmans have had quite the experiences in their 20+ years of touring. For those that only know The Acoustic Shoppe, before all of this the Chapmans were a family band! Take a trip with us down memory lane as John, Jason, & Jeremy talk about their best and worst moments on the road.

The Acoustic Shoppe Knows Tony Polecastro! Back at the Fretboard Summit we had the opportunity to sit down with incredible individuals in the acoustic world, one of which was Tony! Here we deep dive into his history with the Old Town School of Folk, his YouTube career, & his innovative and inspiring methods of spreading acoustic guitar. Thank you for joining us, Tony!

In this episode of TAS Knows People, we know David Grier! - One of the most influential flatpickers of our time. David shares stories from his musical journey, his approach to flatpicking, thoughts on creativity, and advice for players at any stage. With decades of performance and teaching experience, he brings humor, honesty, and deep insight into the world of acoustic guitar.🔗https://www.davidg...

In this episode of the Acoustic Shoppe Podcast, we sit down with banjo virtuoso and musical storyteller Jens Kruger for a rich and insightful conversation. This conversation holds much more than just insight into playing music, but also shares funny and heartwarming stories from Jens' life. Thank you for this conversation, Jens!

In this candid episode of the Acoustic Shoppe Podcast, we open up about the uncertain future of music retail. We share our real-world experiences from inside the shop, how the market has changed in recent years, and the growing challenges of selling acoustic instruments in a digital-first world. From shifting customer habits to supply chain changes and brand dynamics, we discuss what keeps us hope...

In this episode of TAS Knows People Podcast, we’re joined by Pete Mroz and Shannon Pollard, the new owners of Breedlove Guitars, following the retirement of Tom Bedell. We dive into their backgrounds, their vision for the future of Breedlove, and how they plan to continue its legacy of innovation, sustainability, and tone. If you’re a Breedlove fan or just love hearing what’s next for acoustic gui...

We're joined by a very special guest today - Chris Meikle from Alvarez Guitars! Chris, one of the great minds of business and guitar designing, stopped by to give us some insight on the history of St. Louis Music and Alvarez/Yairi guitars. Thanks so much for stopping by, Chris! 🔗Shoppe our collection of Alvarez/Yairi Models here! - https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/alvarez-yairi

In this episode of the Acoustic Shoppe Podcast, we’re talking all things Fretboard Summit 2025 — and yes, we’re attending! We share what we’re most excited about this year: exclusive guitars, builder showcases, workshops, and the overall celebration of all things acoustic. From legendary luthiers to the jam circles, it's one of the most inspiring events in the guitar world.🔗Learn more about t...

We’re proud to welcome Maton Guitars to The Acoustic Shoppe family! In this episode of the Acoustic Shoppe Podcast, we sit down with Rob & Kevin, two members of the Maton team to learn more about the company’s Australian roots, approach to craftsmanship, and what sets their guitars apart. Whether you’re new to Maton or already a fan, this episode is full of insights into tonewoods, design, and...

In this episode of the Acoustic Shoppe Podcast, we take a break from reviews and artist interviews to talk about something a little different—our favorite competitors in the music retail world! From the way they run their shops to how they treat their customers, these businesses make the acoustic industry better. We highlight some of the stores we love collaborating with, learning from, and suppor...

In this special PTSD Awareness Month episode, we’re joined by Nigel Fischer of Guitars for Vets—a program that provides guitars and lessons to U.S. military veterans working through PTSD and other challenges. Nigel shares his personal story as both a graduate and now a team member of the program, explaining how music helped him through his own healing journey. We also talk about how Guitars for Ve...

We caught up with Lilian Werbin of Elderly Instruments at IBMA, where we talked about the store's legacy, its evolving role in the acoustic community, and what it's like running one of the most respected music shops in the country! From supporting artists to preserving tradition while embracing change, this conversation is a deep dive into the acoustic retail world, Lilian's story, and...

Get ready for a super fun show today! We're ranking our personal top 5 (or more) acoustic albums of all time - Jeremy, Jason, and John each get their own picks. We're truly diving into albums that made us the musicians we are and influenced us as well as ones we constantly have on repeat. Let us know below - What are your favorite acoustic albums of all time? Albums Mentioned:---Bluegrass...

In this episode of TAS Knows People Podcast, we’re joined by the one and only Jim Pankey—banjo player, teacher, and beloved figure in the bluegrass community. Jim shares his story of getting started on banjo, building a music career, and why teaching and mentoring beginners is such a huge part of his mission today. Jim brings both humor and heart to this wide-ranging conversation. If you’ve ever l...

Greg Rich is a living legend when it comes to guitar and instrument design. 🎸 In this exclusive podcast, we sit down with Greg to talk about his long career in the acoustic world, including his time at Gibson, Rich & Taylor, as well as the Music Link! Greg shares stories about the art of building world-class banjos, the challenges of balancing tradition and innovation, and some of the best be...

In this special episode of The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People Podcast, we sit down with the incredible Sierra Hull—a mandolin virtuoso, singer-songwriter, and bluegrass trailblazer—for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation. Sierra opens up about her musical beginnings, working with legends like Sam Bush and Alison Krauss, finding her artistic voice, and navigating the ever evolving world of ac...

In this episode of The Acoustic Shoppe Knows Things, we break down the current U.S. tariff changes and what they mean for acoustic instruments. From the impact on imported tonewoods and parts to how price hikes could reshape the used market, we explore which brands are affected most—and what this might mean for stores like ours. We also talk candidly about how The Acoustic Shoppe is preparing for...

Get ready for a real treat in the latest episode of "The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People"! We had the privilege of chatting with the legendary Banjo hero, Alan Munde. We dive deep into the world of bluegrass music, exploring how instruments like guitars, banjos, and mandolins take on a life of their own in the hands of talented musicians. Plus, we challenge the idea that success and wealth are the ul...

Welcome back to "The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People"! In this episode we're in for a treat as we sit down with the one and only Wayne Benson, our mandolin hero and long-time member of IIIrd Time Out and Wayne's World Of Mandolin. Like many fans, we've grown up on their music, and now we're thrilled to have a chat with Wayne!

In this episode of "The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People," the Chapman brothers reflect on the unique challenges and distinctions between running a music store and managing a band. They share how their journey began without viewing their venture as a business, initially driven by their passion for music." Gain insights into the stark differences between managing a band and a retail business, as they r...

In this episode of "The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People," we're chatting with the incredible musician and songwriter Tim O'Brien. We'll also dig into Tim's musical history, including his alter ego escapades with Red Knuckles. Plus, we'll share our gratitude for Tim's inspiration and support. #timobrien #bluegrasspodcast #theacousticshoppe #thechapmanspodcast

In this episode of "The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People," hosts John, Jeremy & Jason Chapman interview Jerry Lambert the head of international sales at "Two Old Hippies" (Breddlove & Bedell Guitars), a seasoned musician and industry expert. Jerry shares his journey from becoming a skilled guitar and banjo player and eventually transitioning into the business side of the music industry. He dis...

Welcome to "The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People" podcast. In this episode, we discuss the idea of "The Golden Age of Guitar Building" brought on by the transformative contributions of master luthiers like Dana Bourgeois, Bill Collings, Richard Hoover, Preston Thompson, and many others. Through innovation, meticulous craftsmanship, and a passion for excellence, these visionaries forever elevated the f...