Have Guitar Will Travel Podcast

Latest Episodes:

165 - A.J. Croce Apr 02, 2025

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165 - A.J. Croce

In episode 165 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist, pianist and bandleader A.J. Croce. In their conversation A.J. tells us about his current tour schedule and his new album “Heart of the Eternal” and the personnel on the album. He also talks about the vintage gear he used to record the album. A.J. then tells us about his guitar and amp collection which is impressive. A.J. talks about his shows and how much of his dad’s (Jim Croce) he plays vs his own and he takes requests! A.J. talks about growing up with his dad’s record collection (his dad passed away when he was two). A.J. discusses moving from keyboard to guitar and his successes after doing that and he also describes losing his sight at age four and how that impacted his musical skills. A.J. talks about how Mae Axton introduced him to Cowboy Jack Clement and how his first session with Cowboy Jack used him to replace Jerry Lee Lewis. A.J. shares the gear he’s searching for.. To find out more about A.J. and where he’s playing you can go to his website: ajcrocemusic.com Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #AJCroce #JimCroce #HeartoftheEternal #MartinGuitars #CowboyJack #VintageGuitar #VintageGibson #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #HGWT . . .

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164 - Ray Benson (Asleep At the Wheel) Mar 31, 2025

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164 - Ray Benson (Asleep At the Wheel)

In episode 164 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist and bandleader Ray Benson from Asleep At the Wheel. In their conversation Ray discusses his current tour schedule, his stage gear and his custom jackets he wears on stage. Ray describes the importance of the San Francisco early in the band’s career with contemporaries like Dan Hicks, Huey Lewis and Clover and Commander Cody. Ray tells us about his upbringing outside of Philadelphia, PA and how he discovered Western swing music. Ray describes his guitar and steel collection in great detail as well as amps and recording gear he’s collected over the years. Ray talks his about his friendships with the Vaughan brothers, Willie Nelson, Huey Lewis and many more. Ray discusses the early days of TNN and his work with Budweiser and his tv show on RFD. Ray tells us about his lack of plans for retirement. To find out more about Ray and Asleep At the Wheel you can go to their website: asleepatthewheel.com Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #RayBenson #AsleepAtTheWheel #CollingsGuitars #MartinGuitars #FenderGuitars #FenderAmps #SamickGuitars #GibsonGuitar #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #HGWT . . .

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163 - Craig Thatcher (Martin Guitars) Mar 28, 2025

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163 - Craig Thatcher (Martin Guitars)

In episode 163 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist, band leader and Martin Demo Artist Craig Thatcher. In their conversation Craig gives us a quick history lesson on the Lehigh Valley where he’s from and where Martin is, Nazareth Pennsylvania. Craig tells us about his band, the Craig Thatcher band and how he juggles the band vs his work traveling the world with Martin. Craig tells us about his music schooling studying with Juilliard professors at the local community college. Craig describes in detail his guitar a throughout the years, his current collection and the guitars that got away… as well as his collection of amps. Craig talks about his early musical experiences seeing Chicago and the Allman brothers while he was a young teenager and his first gig and his first experience in the studio. Craig talks about being a bandleader and the venues and type of gigs they’re playing. Craig tells us about his first NAMM experiences pre Martin and post Martin and have the opportunity to play with his heroes as well as some of the biggest stars of the guitar world and he tells us about his tv show on public television “Behind the Guitar”. Craig describes his travels with Martin all over the world and how the Martin guitars he plays are chosen and how they’re set up. Craig tells us about his model Martin guitar (which has sold out). https://youtu.be/PMzbEZtdILI?si=-oeEZB9lkSrNdNeQ the 000-11E Craig Thatcher. Finally Craig tells us about his passion for British sports cars. To find out more about Craig you can go to his website: CraigThatcher.com or he’s active on Facebook. Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #CraigThatcher #CraigThatcherBand #MartinGuitar #MartinGuitars #BehindtheGuitar #Martin000-11E #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #HGWT . . .

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162 - Jamie James Mar 26, 2025

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162 - Jamie James

In episode 161 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist Jamie James. In their conversation Jamie tells us about how his open heart surgery led to his new album “Straight Up” after woodshedding through Covid. Jamie also tells us about the personnel on the album. Jamie takes us through his history: raised in Canada moved to LA via London and formed the Rockabilly band “the Kingbees” after jamming with Bob Seger. Jamie tells us about his gear throughout his life and the guitars that got away. Jamie tells us about a chance meeting with Harry Dean Stanton that led to a musical partnership that in turn led to a musical partnership with Dennis Quaid and his band the Sharks. Jamie describes how he ended up in the reformed version of (the new) Steppenwolf. Jamie also describes how opening for Van Halen early on before their record deal shaped his performance style. Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! . . . #VintageGuitarMagazine #JamieJames #DennisQuiadandtheSharks #FenderCustomShop #theKingbees #FenderAmps #HarryDeanStanton #FenderCustomShop #StraightUp #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #HGWT . . .

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161 - Ron Pope Mar 24, 2025

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161 - Ron Pope

In episode 161 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist, band leader and record label owner Ron Pope. In their conversation Ron tells us about his different touring iterations and his tour routines. Ron talks about his new album “American Man, American Music” and the personnel on the album and how that differs from his road personnel. Ron talks about how he moved from electric guitar to acoustic and we discuss gear, vintage guitars and modeling amps and Carter’s guitars in Nashville. Ron describes the benefits of living in Nashville as a musician. Ron discusses his record label “Brooklyn Basement Records” Ron also talks about teaching himself guitar from listening to Albert King and Steve Cropper records. To find out more about Ron you can go to his website: ronpope.com Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #RonPope #BrooklynBasementRecords #GibsonGuitar #GibsonCustomShop #FenderAmps #MartinGuitars #FenderCustomShop #AmericanManAmericanMusic #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #HGWT . . .

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160 - Josh Vittek Mar 17, 2025

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160 - Josh Vittek

In episode 160 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist, manufacturer and PR person Josh Vittek, Josh is a legendary fixture at NAMM, placing artists in booths and running PR for a lot of the companies who’s booths we love as well as the press releases for most of the cool manufacturers. He also owns Sheptone which manufactures pickups and is a partner with Doyle of the Misfits in Von Frankenstein Monster Gear which manufactures strings. In our conversation Josh tells us about the clients he’s worked with and how he got involved with Sheptone and Doyle Von Frankenstein. He also explains the need for Von Frankenstein strings. Josh describes moving to central Illinois from San Diego and the reason behind that. Josh talks about growing up in San Diego playing, taking apart and putting back together guitars and working for Carvin in a few different facets and all the ups and downs that led to where he is now. Josh talks about the NAMM show and putting artists into booths and some of the crazy stuff that’s gone down. Josh also gives us some insight as to what marketing means to instrument manufacturers in the current market. He also talks about the importance or lack there of with having a celebrity attached to your product. Finally Josh tells us about the benefits of restoring a 200 year old home in rural Illinois. For more information on what Josh does you can check out his website: http://vittekpr.com Or for Sheptone pickups: sheptone.com And for Von Frankenstein Monster Gear: vonfrankensteinmonstergear.com Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #JoshVittek #JoshVittekpr #Sheptone #SheptonePickups #VonFrankensteinMonsterGear #NAMMShow #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #hgwt #HGWT . . .

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159 - Zach Myers (Shinedown) Mar 11, 2025

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159 - Zach Myers (Shinedown)

In episode 159 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist Zach Myers from Shinedown. In their conversation Zach discusses his love for Buck Owens and his Fender Buck Owens signature Telecaster and Acoustic and his PRS that’s Buck Owens themed. Zach tells us about his encounters with Brian Venable from Lucero (episode 100) who’s also from Memphis. Zach talks a bit about Shinedowns new album. Zach discusses how he became involved with PRS guitars. Zach tells us about his beginning in Shinedown, starting on bass and eventually moving to guitar… and his hesitation as he was making a lot of money as the guitar tech for 3 Doors Down. Zach walks us through his amp collection which includes two Dumbles. Zach talks about starting guitar at 13 and getting a record deal at the age of 14 then he walks us through his early career and the side projects he’s working on now. Zach describes the highlights of his guitar collection and the 10 guitars he wished for as a kid, of which he has 9 and he tells us about the one guitar he’s still looking for. He also tells us about his mom’s childhood guitar that he recovered in Louisiana. Zach discusses his relationship with Taylor guitars and his new relationship with Martin guitars and the possibility of a Zach Myers signature model. Zach talks about his childhood guitar instructor who’s now giving Zach’s six year old son guitar lessons. Zach gives his guitar tech Drew Foppe props and discusses how elaborate his Shinedown rig is and the tunings he uses in Shinedown. Zach also touches on his comedy career called “Campfire Astronauts”. To find out more about Zach and Shinedown you can go to their website: shinedown.com Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #ZachMyers #Shinedown #GibsonGuitar #DrewFoppe #GibsonCustomShop #PRSGuitars #MartinGuitars #FenderCustomShop #GuitarHero #Shredder #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #hgwt #HGWT . . .

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158 - Willy Vlautin (the Delines) Mar 09, 2025

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158 - Willy Vlautin (the Delines)

In episode 158 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist, songwriter and novelist Willy Vlautin of the Delines. In their conversation Willy talks about living north of Portland, Oregon and growing up in Reno, Nevada and playing in Cowpunk bands and how his older brother turned him on to the guitar. Willy talks about writing songs at an early age to help him escape the edge of Reno before he became entranced by it. Willy tells the story of stealing his mom’s VW to drive to San Francisco to see the bands he loved and then driving back after the show to have his mom’s car back by 6:am. Willy talks about his gear, starting with a Gibson Sonex when he was a kid and then Gibson SG’s and his father’s nylon string Martin all which were hard to find because Willy is left handed. Willy also tells us about his amps, a Milkman. Willy describes his bands, Richmond Fontaine and his current band the Delines both that Willy is the primary songwriter. Finally Willy describes his career as a novelist. To find out more about the Delines you can go to their website: thedelines.com And to find out more about Willy’s novels you can go to: willyvlautin.com Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #WillyVlautin #Rockabilly #CowPunk #theDelines #MilkmanAmps #GibsonGuitar #MartinGuitars #Novelist #RichmondFontaine #CountrySoul #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #hgwt #HGWT . .

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157 - Tony Moscal and Brandon Foster from Kepma Guitars Mar 07, 2025

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157 - Tony Moscal and Brandon Foster from Kepma Guitars

In episode 157 of “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with Tony Moscal and Brandon Foster from Kepma Guitars. Kepma guitars is probably the largest guitar company you’ve never heard of. In our conversation Tony and Brandon tell us how they got involved in the guitar company and their history before that working for St Louis Music and Peavey. Tony and Brandon tell us what makes the Kepma brand stand head and shoulders above the other Chinese brands. Tony and Brandon describe the models and the woods and electronics used on the guitars and the process to get the wood ready for guitar building (they explain the torrefaction process) and the unique functionality of the electronics. Tony and Brandon explain their role in the company and the difficulties of importing guitars from China and their price points from a couple hundred dollars to $2,499 and where to purchase. The two discuss the importance of artist endorsee’s and their presence with Nashville songwriters. The two talk about their time at St Louis music and the brands they represented at the time including the Electra MPC Guitar with plug in effects modules. To find out more about Kepma guitars you can go to their website: kepmausa.com Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #BandonFoster #TonyMoscal #KepmaUSA #KepmaGuitars #AcousticGuitar #Guitar #StLouisMusic #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #hgwt #HGWT . .

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156 - Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music) Mar 03, 2025

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156 - Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music)

In episode 156 “Have Guitar Will Travel”, presented by Vintage Guitar Magazine, host James Patrick Regan speaks with guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music. In their conversation Phil talks a little bit about where he lives in Sussex in England and his neighbors David Gilmore, Bill Bruford Then he talks guitars, particularly his Gibson Firebird VII and what he was using for amps back in the day and now and the guitar he’s still craving. Phil tells us a bit about his book “50 Years of Music” and what he’s using for gear for the book tour and where to get the self published book. Phil describes growing up in Havana Cuba during the revolution… and learning the guitar amongst the chaos. He also describes living in Hawaii just as it became a state and how that inspired a song “Hula Kula” for Roxy Music. Phil describes playing through a Hiwatt amp while Brian Ferry was singing in Roxy Music. Phil tells us about how he ended up in England and how he befriended David Gilmore and he disspells the rumors that he joined Roxy Music initially as a guitar tech. Phil describes being ahead of his time or at least being the cutting edge of fashion and musical trends and how everyone from Roxy Music at this advanced age are still making music and he describes what being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame means to him and the band. And finally Phil tells about still playing nylon string guitar mostly to his grandchildren. You can find out all you want about Phil, his music and his book at his website: manzanera.com Please subscribe, like, comment, share and review this podcast! #VintageGuitarMagazine #PhilManzanera #RoxyMusic #GibsonGuitar #CubanRevolution #GibsonCustomShop #SparkAmp #RockandRollHallofFame #GuitarHero #theDeadlies #haveguitarwilltravelpodcast #hgwt #HGWT . .

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