Fretboard Journal
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The Fretboard Journal is a quarterly magazine for guitar, mandolin, and banjo players. In the same vein of other "coffee table magazines" such as Gastronomica, the Surfer's Journal, and the Alpinist, it boasts high-end production values and exclusive photography in each issue. Each issue is filled with photographs of rare instruments, well-known musicians, and even the workshops of instrument builders. Each issue only contains a few ads and the cover price is higher than most magazines.
The magazine was founded by Michael Simmons, a veteran of musical instrument retail sales, and Jason Verlinde, a longtime music journalist. It is published out of Palo Alto, California. Years before, they collaborated on the Ukulele Occasional magazine.
The first issue of the Fretboard Journal was unveiled in November 2005. Stories included an interview with mandolinist David Grisman, an interview with Charlie Louvin by Neko Case, and a profile of Santa Cruz Guitars. The second issue featured Case on the cover discussing tenor guitars, an article about Martin Guitars', history and an interview with mandolinist Andy Statman. Issues now come out every three months.
The latest issue of the Fretboard Journal was released in November 2006. It was the company's biggest issue to date and featured in-depth stories with Steve Cropper, Bill Frisell, Radim Zenkl, and a lengthy tribute to John Hartford. Also included was an oral history of the Minnesota guitar building community, including tales from Jim Olson and Charles Hoffman.
