Episodes

  • PHILLIP MCKNIGHT Part 2 (sort of)

    PHILLIP MCKNIGHT Part 2 (sort of)
    May 14 2024
    Once in a while the Patrons of this podcast tell me that one of the bonus episodes NEEDS to be released publicly, and when Phil McKnight came on late last year that happened again! I received a bunch of messages telling me that this bonus episode should NOT be behind closed doors, and if the Patrons ask I need to deliver. If you aren't familiar with Phil, he is one of the most successful guitar gear content creators of our time, and has a wealth of knowledge about many aspects of this weird industry. You should definitely listen to his first appearance on the podcast. Just scroll back in your feed a bit, and it'll be there! So here is the Patreon bonus episode with Phil, and we get down to business on this one. The business of guitar stores, the business of guitar YouTube, the business of guitar brands. You are going to dig it! Make sure you check out Phil over on his YouTube channel HERE https://www.youtube.com/c/PhillipMcKnight Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Are Bass Players More Important? w/ Mr. Glyn of Mr. Glyn's Pickups

    Are Bass Players More Important? w/ Mr. Glyn of Mr. Glyn's Pickups
    May 6 2024
    Are bass players actually more important than guitarists? Do we need to thin out our guitar sound? Do thru-hole pedals sound better than SMT based guitar effect technology? Can you play music using a saw blade? On this episode Blake and Mr Glyn discuss their current projects and collaborations. We also into the world of guitar pickups, exploring topics such as different core types, the impact of string materials on tone, and the importance of context in shaping a guitar's sound. We also touch on the psychology of playing expensive guitars and the role of experimentation in finding the right instrument. In this conversation, Mr Glyn discusses his love for guitars, his move to New Zealand, and his experience as a guitar repairer. He shares his passion for different types of pickups and the importance of the magnetic field in shaping the sound. Oh yeah, and DOOM METAL. We get into that too. Check out Glyn's work on his website HERE: https://mrglynspickups.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Current Projects 10:49 The Role of Context in Shaping a Guitar's Sound 39:28 The Influence of Pickups and the Magnetic Field 45:53 Exploring the Genre of Doom Metal 54:55 From the UK to New Zealand: A Guitar Journey Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Marcos Curiel of P.OD. (Yes, that P.O.D.)

    Marcos Curiel of P.OD. (Yes, that P.O.D.)
    Apr 29 2024
    I imagine that you have probably heard a song called Youth Of A Nation? Well Marcos definitely gets into the story around that song! We start off with a HEAVY dose of nostalgia with Blake telling the story of "P.O.D. on the Pepsi. box" and Marcos diving into some San Diego bands. Marcos discusses the music scene and the diverse range of genres that have emerged from the city. He talks about the importance of creating a unique sound and vibe as a musician, drawing inspiration from bands like Black Sabbath, Metallica, and Soundgarden. Marcos also emphasizes the need for musicians to be open-minded and experimental in their approach to music, and expresses his hope for a resurgence of originality in heavy music. Marcos emphasizes the need for artists to take risks and follow their own vision, rather than simply imitating what is popular. But ALSO the blessing/curse combination that comes with having an original sound. DJing, tube amps, songwriting, the role of producers, staying true to yourself, and a WHOLE lot more on this episode! Check out Marcos' DJ Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/mark3yt05/?igsh=d2xpZDJkc3Rwb2Jw Check out Marcos' personal Instagram HERE: https://www.instagram.com/officialmarcoscuriel?igsh=YXU0MmRvYjkyYW15 P.O.D. Website HERE: https://payableondeath.com/ Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • "Scared Myself Into Doing Music" w/ Jon Deiley of Northlane

    "Scared Myself Into Doing Music" w/ Jon Deiley of Northlane
    Apr 22 2024
    In this conversation, Blake interviews Jon Deiley from Northlane about his journey in music. They discuss topics such as starting a band, the challenges of pursuing a career in music, and the evolution of their gear and recording techniques. Jon shares his experiences with different studios, amps, and effects pedals, highlighting the importance of finding the right sound for their music. They also touch on the rise of digital modeling and the convenience it offers in terms of portability and versatility. In this conversation, Blake and Jon discuss the benefits of recording a DI (direct input) signal when tracking guitars. They highlight how a DI signal allows for flexibility in reamping and experimenting with different tones later on. The conversation takes a turn as they share personal experiences with eye injuries and the importance of protecting one's hearing. Takeaways Starting a band and pursuing a career in music can be challenging, but with dedication and passion, it is possible to succeed. Finding the right gear, including amps and effects pedals, is crucial in creating the desired sound for a band's music. The rise of digital modeling has made it easier to achieve a wide range of sounds and offers convenience in terms of portability and versatility. Balancing creativity and the business side of music is essential for long-term success. Recording a DI (direct input) is important for flexibility and allows for experimentation with different tones and effects in post-production. Recording a DI signal when tracking guitars provides flexibility for reamping and experimenting with different tones later on. Protecting one's eyes and hearing is crucial to avoid injuries and long-term damage. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:57 Starting a Band and Gear Evolution 24:55 The Rise of Digital Modeling 28:53 Balancing Creativity and the Business Side of Music 30:57 The Importance of Recording a DI 32:13 Recording a DI Signal for Flexibility 33:39 The Importance of Hard Drive Space 39:13 Protecting Your Eyes and Ears 54:49 Favorite Boss Pedals and Pizza Preferences Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Is The Internet All Bad? w/ Matt of Mule Resophonic Guitars

    Is The Internet All Bad? w/ Matt of Mule Resophonic Guitars
    Apr 15 2024
    In this conversation, Blake and Matt Eich discuss the growth of Mule Resonator Guitars and the development of the Mavis guitar. (The first wooden Mule guitar build!) We explore the importance of unique sounds and the balance between innovation and expression in instrument design. We also discuss the unique experience of building musical instruments and the emotional impact they have on people. They explore the feeling of creating something that becomes a tool for artistic expression and the responsibility that comes with it. They also delve into their shared interests outside of music, such as jujitsu and fly fishing, and the similarities in the flow state experienced in these activities. They emphasize the importance of being present and fully engaged in whatever they are doing. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the benefits and challenges of pursuing a passion full-time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:22 The Development of the Mavis Guitar 08:32 The Importance of Unique Sounds 13:48 Balancing Innovation and Expression in Instrument Design 28:19 The Emotional Impact of Building Musical Instruments 35:13 The Flow State in Jujitsu, Fly Fishing, and Instrument Building 39:31 The Responsibility of Being a Tool Maker for Musicians 45:06 The Benefits and Challenges of Pursuing a Passion Full-Time Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • HE FINALLY DID IT! w/ David Greeves of Great Eastern FX

    HE FINALLY DID IT! w/ David Greeves of Great Eastern FX
    Apr 8 2024
    In this episode of the Tone Mob Podcast, host Blake Wyland interviews David Greeves from Great Eastern FX. David shares his background as a music journalist and how he fell into writing about equipment from the gear world. He also discusses his journey into pedal design and the challenges he faced along the way. The conversation covers the inspiration behind the name Great Eastern FX and the launch of the company. Also in this episode, we get a sneak peek at the XO Variable Crossover pedal and Blake shares a short demo. (A first on this podcast!) David and Blake discuss the versatility and educational potential of the crossover pedal. Including creating complex effects chains and splitting the signal for different amps. David shares the origin of the pedal and how it evolved from a harmonic tremolo concept. They also discuss the importance of using your ears and understanding frequency ranges in music. The conversation concludes with David's favorite Boss pedal, the TR2 Tremolo, and his favorite kind of pizza. Takeaways David Greaves started his career as a journalist writing for music magazines before transitioning into pedal design. The inspiration for the name Great Eastern FX came from the Great Eastern Railway Company and the desire to project a sense of establishment and professionalism. The XO Variable Crossover pedal allows users to split their guitar signal into low and high frequency bands, enabling the use of different effects on each frequency range. The XO Variable Crossover pedal offers new creative possibilities for guitarists, allowing them to experiment with different effects on specific frequency ranges. Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:09 Getting Started in Music and Pedal Design 15:19 Launching Great Eastern Effects 24:04 Introducing the XO Variable Crossover Pedal 27:48 Blake's Experience with the XO Variable Crossover Pedal 30:41 Exploring Different Ways to Use the Pedal 32:21 The Versatility of the Crossover Pedal 33:01 Excitement for Bass Players 34:08 Educational Potential of the Pedal 36:31 The Origin of the Pedal 39:56 The Importance of Using Your Ears 43:24 The Impact of Frequency Ranges 46:37 The Complexity of Sound in a Band Context 49:02 Designing Pedals for Different Guitarists 50:29 The Innovation of Rock and Roll Sound 52:59 Favorite Boss Pedal: TR2 Tremolo 54:12 Favorite Kind of Pizza: Italian with Artichokes, Ham, and Mushrooms Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Rick Rubin Mindset w/ Markus Reeves of Reeves Electro

    Rick Rubin Mindset w/ Markus Reeves of Reeves Electro
    Apr 1 2024
    Markus Reeves from Reeves Electro returns to the podcast! On this episode we discuss how business has changed since he first started, and how his daughter is now building pedals full time as well! We also dig into some rather exciting new adventures that are happening with the progress of Reeves Electro Shop 2.0 on the horizon. Paypal whoas, and how he approaches his work with a "Rick Rubin" mindset, the big lightbulb moment, balance, bad gigs... All of this and more on this week's edition of The Tone Mob Podcast! If you aren't familiar with Markus's work I highly suggest that you head listen to his first appearance on the podcast. (I'm sure is you type "Markus Reeves Tone Mob" into the search bar of your podcast player it'll pop right up!) You can also find his website with all of the details HERE > https://reeveselectro.co.uk/ Takeaways Reeves Electro now supports Markus and his daughter full-time. The workshop expansion and move to a new house present logistical challenges, but Markus is determined to maintain a separate workspace. Markus plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign to support the workshop move and is offering perks such as build-a-pedal days and personalized messages. The squelch control on a CB radio inspired Markus to explore a pedal with a squelch circuit. Markus' daughter became interested in building pedals through her involvement in testing transistors and other components. Seeing his daughter succeed in building pedals brings Markus great joy and fulfillment. The pandemic had a significant impact on Markus' business, leading to a surge in orders and logistical challenges. PayPal can freeze your account due to increased activity, highlighting the challenges small businesses can face with financial platforms. Markus is hesitant to expand his business and prefers to maintain a personal touch in his pedal building process. Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 01:05 Reeves Electro Expansion 03:10 Growing Instagram Presence 04:09 Need for Bigger Workshop 05:08 Moving Workshop and House 06:37 Crowdfunding for Workshop 07:34 Build-a-Pedal Days 08:01 Perks for Crowdfunding 09:07 Moving Challenges 10:11 Intensive Process of Moving 11:48 Crowdfunding Date and Details 13:01 Discussion on Moving Production 14:14 Parking Challenges 15:53 Conversation about Cars 19:29 Maintaining Aesthetics in Different Builds 21:23 Exploring Modulation Effects 22:26 Drive and Fuzz as Red Wines 23:14 Interest in Maestro FZ1B Circuit 24:05 The Squelch Control 27:40 How Markus' Daughter Got Interested in Building Pedals 28:03 Testing Transistors 29:02 Testing Other Components 29:54 Building Her First Pedal 31:19 The Joy of Seeing His Daughter Succeed 34:08 Finding Fulfillment in Doing What You Love 36:20 The Impact of the Pandemic on Markus' Business 38:46 Dealing with PayPal Issues 43:06 Expanding the Business and Hiring Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Teaching MILLIONS of People w/ Marty Schwartz

    Teaching MILLIONS of People w/ Marty Schwartz
    Mar 25 2024
    In this episode, Blake interviews Marty Schwartz, a renowned guitar teacher and one of the first music instructors on YouTube. Marty shares his journey of becoming a successful guitar teacher and the early adoption of YouTube for teaching guitar lessons. He discusses the impact of Guitar Hero on teaching classic rock songs and the benefits of video lessons for students. We also get into using YouTube to enhance private lessons, and the challenges he faced during the 2008 economic crash. We also get into his experience creating lesson courses and DVDs and how he started working with music brands. He discusses the process of getting a signature guitar and building relationships with brands like D'Addario and Gibson. Marty also mentions his involvement in Gibson's G3 mentorship program and his collaborations with the brand. Takeaways Marty Schwartz became a successful guitar teacher by seizing opportunities and working hard. YouTube provided a platform for Marty to teach guitar lessons at scale and reach a wider audience. The popularity of Guitar Hero helped introduce classic rock songs to a new generation of guitar students. Video lessons offer students the flexibility to learn at their own pace and review material as needed. Marty's success on YouTube was a result of timing, preparation, and embracing new technology. Creating videos for specific songs and optimizing video titles for search engine optimization (SEO) helped Marty attract more viewers. Marty's commitment to daily YouTube videos and using YouTube as a referral tool contributed to his success as a guitar teacher. Learning from other music YouTubers can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and The False Episode 500 Celebration 01:16 Marty's Journey as a Guitar Teacher 03:15 Timing and Preparation for YouTube Success 04:14 The Impact of Guitar Hero on Teaching Classic Rock Songs 05:10 Benefits of Video Lessons for Students 06:08 Transitioning to Full-Time YouTube Guitar Teacher 07:12 Teaching Music at an Elementary School 08:11 Using YouTube to Enhance Private Guitar Lessons 09:08 The Impact of the 2008 Economic Crash 10:07 Focusing on YouTube Videos During Challenging Times 11:06 The Evolution of Marty's YouTube Channel 12:19 Discovering the Importance of SEO for Video Titles 13:14 Creating Videos for Specific Songs 15:16 Teaching Classic Rock Songs to Kids 18:28 Doubling Down on YouTube as a Referral Tool 19:05 The Early Days of YouTube and Monetization 20:01 Using YouTube as a Marketing Tool 22:29 Learning from Other Music YouTubers 23:23 Transitioning from Private Lessons to YouTube 25:26 Creating Lesson Courses and DVDs 27:21 Working with Music Brands 29:16 Getting a Signature Guitar 31:57 Building Relationships with Brands 34:00 Working with D'Addario 35:25 Participating in Gibson's G3 Mentorship Program 39:44 Collaborating with Gibson 00:00 Introduction and Signature Guitar 02:58 The Reality of Touring 06:03 The Connection with Fans 08:58 The Realities of Touring 13:01 Dealing with Scams and Fake Videos Support The Show And Connect! The Text Chat is back! Hit me up at (503) 751-8577 You can also help out with your gear buying habits by purchasing stuff from Tonemob.com/reverb Tonemob.com/sweetwater or grabbing your guitar/bass strings from Tonemob.com/stringjoy Release your music via DistroKid and save 30% by going to Tonemob.com/distrokid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins