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

Have you ever walked into a guitar store and expected a discount right off the bat? If so, you definitely aren't alone! In this episode of the Acoustic Shoppe Knows People podcast, we pull back the curtain on the music retail industry to talk about a slightly controversial topic: discounts and haggling. We dive deep into the history of MSRP vs. MAP pricing, the "race to the bottom", big box stores, and why we, as a family business, choose not to discount our instruments. We explain what you are actually paying for when you buy at full price (like rigorous inspections, professional setups, and top-tier customer service) and reveal the few specific scenarios where it is totally appropriate to ask a retailer for a deal!Takeaways:The discussion centered around the complexities and nuances of asking for discounts in music retail, emphasizing the importance of understanding the retailer's pricing structure.The importance of customer service and the value it adds to the shopping experience was highlighted throughout the conversation.A significant point raised was the evolving nature of the music retail industry, particularly regarding the introduction of Minimum Advertised Pricing (MAP).Listeners were encouraged to consider the broader implications of purchasing decisions, including the support of local businesses and the value of community engagement.The hosts noted that while discounts can be appealing, they often come at the expense of customer service and product quality.An underlying theme was the necessity for transparent communication between retailers and customers regarding pricing and the reasons behind it.

In this episode of The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People, the guys sit down for an in-depth conversation with acclaimed actor and musician Jeff Daniels. Jeff shares fascinating stories from his 50-year career, the parallels between acting and songwriting, and his deep connection to acoustic music. He also gives us a look at his impressive guitar collection, including his custom Martin signature model and a very special Gibson J-45 signed by George Harrison.Join us for a legendary sit-down with Jeff Daniels! Known for his iconic roles on screen and stage, Jeff is also an accomplished songwriter and fingerstyle guitarist. We dive into his musical journey, from learning Travis picking as a young actor in New York to opening his own music and theater venue, JD’s, in Chelsea, Michigan. Jeff explains why playing live solo is "terrifying" compared to acting and why he believes live, acoustic performance is something AI can never truly replace. Plus, don't miss the story behind his 1934 Martin C-2 archtop that Martin eventually turned into a signature model!

Ever wonder what goes into building some of the most sought-after boutique acoustic guitars in the world? Today on the podcast, we are incredibly honored to sit down with Guillaume and James from the renowned Boucher Guitars! Flying in from Quebec, Canada, Guillaume and James take us behind the scenes of the Boucher workshop. We dive deep into how it all started, their legendary supply of Appalachian Adirondack Spruce, and what exactly gives a Boucher guitar its signature powerhouse tone. Whether you are a proud Boucher owner or just a massive acoustic guitar nerd like us, you are going to love hearing the passion and expertise these guys pour into every single instrument. 🔗Shoppe all Boucher Guitars here! - https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/boucher --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👕Get Your TAS Merch!: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/shoppe-branded-merchandise 🪕Instruments At TAS -- ⌁Guitars: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/guitars ⌁New Arrivals: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/new-arrivals ⌁Mandolins: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/mandolins ⌁Banjos: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/banjo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌎Follow The Acoustic Shoppe Everywhere! -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAcousticShoppe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theacousticshoppe/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theacousticshoppe TAS Knows People Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yM0Y64DROnRmg9FfWnmNY?si=b76e9b34d9ab4694 Our Website: https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/ Reverb: https://reverb.com/shop/the-acoustic-shoppe 🎙️We use Ear Trumpet Labs Microphones for instrument demos - Thank you Ear Trumpet Labs! https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ 👍Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon to stay updated with all things Acoustic Shoppe. Follow us on our journey through the music world, and share your thoughts in the comments below! #BluegrassMusic #AcousticGuitar #GuitarInstrumental #MusicLovers #TheAcousticShoppeReviews

Welcome to another episode! This time, John, Jason, and Jeremy are joined by Coen and Milo from The Fellowship of the Acoustics, streaming all the way from the Netherlands.In this episode, the guys bridge the gap between Springfield, Missouri, and the European acoustic scene to talk shop, swap wild retail stories, and do a little bit of John's famous "market research". They discuss how independent stores can stand out against online goliaths by building a trusting community and prioritizing proper instrument setups. Plus, they prove that the guitar industry is always better when stores collaborate instead of compete.What's Inside this Episode:A Historic Guitar Haven: Coen and Milo share how they transformed an old town hall into a massive guitar store, complete with a lunchroom and eight dedicated brand rooms.Retail Nightmares & Funny Tales: The guys swap stories about the hazards of the job, from stolen empty guitar cases and a bathroom-hogging homeless man , to Coen accidentally stabbing his first good acoustic with a pizza knife.US vs. European Guitar Markets: A deep dive into what acoustic brands reign supreme overseas, including the massive popularity of Loudon and Atkin guitars.The Cheap Guitar Trap: Why the guys refuse to sell sub-$100 acoustics, explaining how terrible playability on cheap instruments causes most beginners to quit.Exclusive Gear Reveal: John shares a sneak peek at an upcoming collaboration: the gorgeous Cordovan Red Bourgeois M5F mandolin.Grab your coffee (or iced Dubai mocha) and tune in!Takeaways:The Fellowship of Acoustics originated from Coen Bults' great-grandfather's decision to learn music in the 1930s, highlighting a rich musical heritage.Rudi Bults' transition from landscaping to founding TFOA in 2001 marked a pivotal moment in the family's commitment to music, starting with vintage guitars.Coen Bults' role as Managing Director has been instrumental in modernizing TFOA, emphasizing their evolution into a multifaceted music platform.The unique design of The Guitar Villa, with themed rooms and a dedicated vault for exclusive instruments, showcases TFOA's dedication to creating a memorable shopping experience.TFOA's use of PLEK technology for precise guitar setups sets them apart, ensuring every instrument meets the highest standards before reaching customers.The community aspect of TFOA, exemplified by their café and concert space, fosters a welcoming environment for music lovers and enhances customer loyalty.

If you have ever searched for flatpicking lessons on YouTube, you already know our next guest! Today on the Acoustic Shoppe Knows People podcast, we are hanging out with Marcel Ardans from the incredibly popular channel, Lessons With Marcel. We dive deep into his journey of building a massive bluegrass educational platform, discuss the nuances of Tony Rice's style, geek out over acoustic guitar tone, and share plenty of laughs along the way. Whether you are a seasoned flatpicker or just love acoustic guitar culture, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. 🔗Woodshed Labs - https://woodshedlabs.io/ Follow Marcel! - @LessonsWithMarcel --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👕Get Your TAS Merch!: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/shoppe-branded-merchandise 🪕Instruments At TAS -- ⌁Guitars: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/guitars ⌁New Arrivals: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/new-arrivals ⌁Mandolins: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/mandolins ⌁Banjos: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/banjo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌎Follow The Acoustic Shoppe Everywhere! -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAcousticShoppe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theacousticshoppe/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theacousticshoppe TAS Knows People Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yM0Y64DROnRmg9FfWnmNY?si=b76e9b34d9ab4694 Our Website: https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/ Reverb: https://reverb.com/shop/the-acoustic-shoppe 🎙️We use Ear Trumpet Labs Microphones for instrument demos - Thank you Ear Trumpet Labs! https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ 👍Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon to stay updated with all things Acoustic Shoppe. Follow us on our journey through the music world, and share your thoughts in the comments below! #BluegrassMusic #AcousticGuitar #GuitarInstrumental #MusicLovers #TheAcousticShoppeReviews

Darren spent over 15 years as a founding member of the award-winning bluegrass supergroup Balsam Range before stepping out on his own. In this episode, we dive deep into his musical journey, his deep love for traditional Appalachian music, what inspired his transition to a solo career, and, of course, we talk gear and mandolins! Whether you've been a fan of his for years or are just discovering his incredible picking, you won't want to miss this conversation. 🎵 Check out Darren’s latest music and tour dates: https://www.darrennicholson.net/ 🎸 Shop Acoustic Instruments at The Acoustic Shoppe: https://theacousticshoppe.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👕Get Your TAS Merch!: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/shoppe-branded-merchandise 🪕Instruments At TAS -- ⌁Guitars: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/guitars ⌁New Arrivals: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/new-arrivals ⌁Mandolins: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/mandolins ⌁Banjos: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/banjo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌎Follow The Acoustic Shoppe Everywhere! -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAcousticShoppe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theacousticshoppe/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theacousticshoppe TAS Knows People Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yM0Y64DROnRmg9FfWnmNY?si=b76e9b34d9ab4694 Our Website: https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/ Reverb: https://reverb.com/shop/the-acoustic-shoppe 🎙️We use Ear Trumpet Labs Microphones for instrument demos - Thank you, Ear Trumpet Labs! https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ 👍Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon to stay updated with all things Acoustic Shoppe. Follow us on our journey through the music world, and share your thoughts in the comments below! #BluegrassMusic #AcousticGuitar #GuitarInstrumental #MusicLovers #TheAcousticShoppeReviews

The dust has settled on Anaheim, and the 2026 NAMM Show is officially in the books. In this episode of The Acoustic Shoppe Podcast, we sit down to unpack the entire week—the highs, the lows, and the undeniable shifts in the music industry. While there were plenty of incredible instrument launches from brands like Martin, Boucher, and Eastman, we can't ignore the elephant in the room: What is the future of the NAMM Show? With the landscape of trade shows changing rapidly, we have a serious discussion about the viability of the convention, how it’s evolving, and whether it still holds the same weight for dealers and manufacturers as it did a decade ago. It’s not all heavy industry talk, though. We also share our personal "Best in Show" picks, the hidden gems we stumbled upon, and the gear that actually lived up to the hype. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👕Get Your TAS Merch!: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/shoppe-branded-merchandise 🪕Instruments At TAS -- ⌁Guitars: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/guitars ⌁New Arrivals: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/new-arrivals ⌁Mandolins: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/mandolins ⌁Banjos: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/banjo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 - Sleeping Like A Chapman 05:58 - Today's Subject 06:37 - The Learning Sessions 08:11 - Our First NAMM vs Now 10:53 - NAMM Is Transitioning 14:18 - NAMM Expenses 17:38 - Brands That Haven't Shown 23:16 - Event Specifics 28:13 - Deering 31:00 - What Went Right 35:19 - A Fresh Perspective 38:58 - 2026 Attendance 45:41 - What If We Never Went? 47:38 - Our Winners This Year 53:40 - Product Development 55:57 - Conclusions -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌎Follow The Acoustic Shoppe Everywhere! -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAcousticShoppe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theacousticshoppe/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theacousticshoppe TAS Knows People Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yM0Y64DROnRmg9FfWnmNY?si=b76e9b34d9ab4694 Our Website: https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/ Reverb: https://reverb.com/shop/the-acoustic-shoppe 🎙️We use Ear Trumpet Labs Microphones for instrument demos - Thank you Ear Trumpet Labs! https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ 👍Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon to stay updated with all things Acoustic Shoppe. Follow us on our journey through the music world, and share your thoughts in the comments below! #BluegrassMusic #AcousticGuitar #GuitarInstrumental #MusicLovers #TheAcousticShoppeReviews

John, Jeremy, and Jason tackle one of the most debated topics in the acoustic world today: instrument affordability in 2026. With high-end boutique builds reaching new price heights and "entry-level" gear shifting in quality and cost, the crew discusses where the market is headed. Is the dream of owning a professional-grade instrument still attainable for the average player? --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 👕Get Your TAS Merch!: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/shoppe-branded-merchandise 🪕Instruments At TAS -- ⌁Guitars: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/guitars ⌁New Arrivals: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/new-arrivals ⌁Mandolins: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/mandolins ⌁Banjos: https://theacousticshoppe.com/collections/banjo -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 00:00 - The Chapman Kids 04:42 - Today's Topic 05:56 - Are Instruments Too Much? 07:41 - Comparing Professions 11:18 - Bluegrass Mindset 16:16 - Do You Judge The Product? 20:38 - Is Music Undervalued? 27:08 - Opinions on the Internet 33:14 - A Working Man's Guitar? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🌎Follow The Acoustic Shoppe Everywhere! -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheAcousticShoppe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theacousticshoppe/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theacousticshoppe TAS Knows People Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1yM0Y64DROnRmg9FfWnmNY?si=b76e9b34d9ab4694 Our Website: https://www.theacousticshoppe.com/ Reverb: https://reverb.com/shop/the-acoustic-shoppe 🎙️We use Ear Trumpet Labs Microphones for instrument demos - Thank you Ear Trumpet Labs! https://www.eartrumpetlabs.com/ 👍Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon to stay updated with all things Acoustic Shoppe. Follow us on our journey through the music world, and share your thoughts in the comments below! #BluegrassMusic #AcousticGuitar #GuitarInstrumental #MusicLovers #TheAcousticShoppeReviews

What do "Brown Eyed Girl" on a Caribbean cruise and the Foo Fighters have in common? Ashby Frank joins the podcast to reminisce about growing up as the son of a District Attorney in the heart of North Carolina's picking culture, and how a Christmas wish for an electric guitar accidentally launched a mandolin career. We dive into his work with the Earls of Leicester, his songwriting process, and why he’s ready to face the "rage-bait" of the bluegrass world with his newest single.

In this episode of the podcast, John, Jeremy, and Jason tackle the big questions: Is AI going to change the acoustic music world? And more importantly—will The Acoustic Shoppe survive the shifting economic landscape? From Jeremy’s recent trip to the Goldman Sachs housing summit in D.C. to stories about Martha Stewart and the "Great Penny Shortage," we’re diving into business, survival, and the future of our community.

Happy New Year (almost)! This week we're counting down our favorite things from 2025 in relation to The Acoustic Shoppe. That is, our favorite instruments, events, & personal goals we've achieved this year.We want to take a second and say thank you for an incredible year. This has by far been the best one yet for our business and we ae so excited to see where 2026 will take us.

In this episode of The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People, we sit down with the legendary multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and storyteller J.P. Cormier. From his early days as a prodigy to becoming one of the most respected musicians in bluegrass, folk, and Celtic music, J.P. opens up about the road, the craft, the struggles, and the moments that shaped him.We dive into his musical influences, his approach to songwriting and flatpicking, behind-the-scenes road stories, the realities of the music industry, and the resilience it takes to build a lifelong career in acoustic music. Whether you’re a fan of J.P.’s incredible picking or simply love hearing honest conversations from real-world musicians, this episode is packed with insight and heart.If you enjoy deep musical conversations and want more artist interviews, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for future episodes of The Acoustic Shoppe Knows People.

Remember when Lloyd Loars and Pre-War Martins were about 20-30k, we do too! Weather it was for an investment or maybe a nostalgic reason, I know we all have instruments that we wish would could get a second chance at. We have encountered TONS over the years, here's a list of the ones that still haunt us. 💬Let us know below, what's your one that got away? 🎵We're giving away a guitar! Learn More -- https://youtu.be/sx_iHWo8yz4

This episode we welcome back the one and only Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz guitars! He was one of our very first episodes on this podcast and we were lucky to get a bit of his time to become a repeat guest on the show.We deep dive into Richards past, reflecting on 50 years of guitar building and what the future holds. safe to say, The Acoustic Shoppe now knows Richard Hoover even more than before! ⁨

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.davidgrier.com/ Follow David Grier! - https://www.facebook.com/DavidGrierMusic

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!