Best Ed Les Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 327 - Danocaster Offset 26:03

3h ago26:03

26:03

Fortunately for all of us, impeccable, handmade boutique guitars are easy to find; no one is wanting for choice. We are truly in an instrument-building renaissance. Dan Strain of Danocaster Guitars is one such builder, and his focus is all about having a guitar feel like it’s been yours for years, even if you’ve only just picked it up. We were fort…

1
Episode 326 - Fender Tom DeLonge Starcaster 23:41

6d ago23:41

23:41

We are torn here at High Gain HQ about the Starcaster that Fender released in 1976. All these years later, it has experienced a rehabilitation of sorts in the indie crowd. Now that the Tom DeLonge Starcaster has been introduced, will those on either side of the great Starcaster debate find common ground? If so, we smell a Nobel Peace Prize for Tom …

1
Episode 325 - Silvertone 1438 Bass 27:21

15d ago27:21

27:21

In the immediate aftermath of WWII, the founders of Teisco would get their guitar bodies from a milkman who built instruments on the side. By the 1960s they were responsible for a large chunk of the Japanese import market, coming up with wilder designs as they went along. They mostly built for third parties; case in point this Silvertone bass, made…

1
Episode 324 - Justin Abernethy of Abernethy Guitars 25:06

20d ago25:06

25:06

It’s been 5 years since we met Justin Abernethy of Abernethy Guitars, and he’s been very busy making top-shelf instruments. It seems like more and more we’re seeing Justin’s guitars in the hands of brilliant musicians. And there’s a reason for that. Like the Sonic Baroness baritone we enjoyed while catching up with Justin. Enjoy! Like the show? Fol…

1
Episode 323 - Millimetric MGS3 22:05

28d ago22:05

22:05

It’s been quite a while since we had the pleasure of talking to Florian at Millimetric Instruments. He’s one of the most thoughtful designers out there, and his guitars reflect the care he puts into everything he does. We’ve been fortunate enough to play several Millimetrics, and have loved every one of them. And now, Ed has his own! We took it for…

1
Episode 322 - Gibson Les Paul Lite 23:56

1M ago23:56

23:56

Recently, Gibson added a new Les Paul to its lineup. It’s got hot pickups and slim neck, and sports a simpler, no-frills design. And, it’s very light! Is all this enough to convince Ed? Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgai…

1
Episode 321 - Squier Katana 22:38

2M ago22:38

22:38

In the early 1980s Fender briefly found itself without a factory. The company had been bought from CBS by a consortium, and the factory wasn’t included in the deal. So, they set up shop in Japan. At the same time, the Hair Metal Onslaught™ was in full bloom. What’s an instrument manufacturer to do? Make a guitar shaped like a samurai sword, that’s …

1
Episode 320 - Fender Mustang 25:35

2M ago25:35

25:35

Ed has recently acquired one of the most uniquely beat up Fender Mustangs we’ve ever seen. Made in the year the model was released, every last sticker, scrape and scratch on it is perfect; character like this comes along rarely. So , naturally, we thought it best to do a review of what makes the Mustang the rock machine it is to this day. Like the …

1
Episode 319 - Author Nick Corasaniti 32:05

2M ago32:05

32:05

Nick Corasaniti is a domestic correspondent covering national politics for the New York Times. He has covered four presidential cycles, along with countless congressional, gubernatorial and mayoral races in more than 15 years at the Times. He was once the Times’s Jersey correspondent, tracking the politics, policy, people, trains, beaches, and ecce…

1
Episode 318 - Supro Kingston 27:32

2M ago27:32

27:32

Thanks to people like Jack White and Dan Auerbach, budget line catalog guitars remain fondly in our conscience as the vibe-laden machines they are. Supro was/is no exception, having crafted some amazing instruments out of little more than a pickup and some fiberglass. Among them was the Kingston, with its buff sand color and swoopy good looks. Enjo…

1
Episode 317 - Airline Upbeat Stereo 27:11

3M ago27:11

27:11

Montgomery Ward produced one of the largest mail order catalogs in the US, starting way back in the 1870s. By the time the 1950s rolled around, they were including electric guitars, like the Upbeat. Our example is a stereo version, and left us scratching our heads more than we thought it would. But it sounds good, and plays well, as most budget ins…

1
Episode 316 - Ernie Ball Music Man Armada 27:50

3M ago27:50

27:50

like, well, cool things that drop out of stuff. The Armada was the company’s first guitar designed with a neck-through. The result is every bit as sonorous as you might imagine. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: Patreon || https://www.patreon.com/thehighgain Instagram || @thehighgain Web || https://www.thehighgain.com…

1
Episode 315 - Fender Jaguar Thinline 23:30

3M ago23:30

23:30

In 2012, Fender celebrated the 50th anniversary of one its greatest instruments, the Jaguar. In the US reissues were designed to evoke the look of those original guitars. In Japan, production took a wider turn that saw a double bound thinline model hit the market. We’re divided as to how successful it was at the time, or what we think of it now, bu…

1
Episode 314 - Harmony Rebel 25:13

3M ago25:13

25:13

Starting in the 60s, and up into the 1970s, the world was awash in earth-toned appliances; refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, you name it. Autumn Harvest and Avocado Green were at the top of the heap. No wonder, then, that Harmony would create a version of its Rebel guitar to match. Because nothing says modern convenience like the color of guacamol…

1
Episode 313 - Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Inspired by Gibson Custom 24:38

4M ago24:38

24:38

Epiphone started life as a primarily jazz-tinged manufacturer, making some of the finest hollowbodies there were. Eventually, Gibson bought the company, and eventually moved production overseas, where the brand would be relegated to mostly budget guitars. Now, though, Gibson is ramping up the build quality of these instruments - using US-made compo…

1
Episode 312 - Knaggs Kenai-J 25:19

4M ago25:19

25:19

Joe Knaggs spent many years at PRS, contributing guitar designs that came to be classics. So, of course, when he left those hallowed halls, Joe fired up his own shop and hung his shingle on a whole new family of instruments, this time bearing the name Knaggs Guitars. These are elegant, next-level machines. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these f…

1
Episode 311 - Gibson Map Guitar 25:22

4M ago25:22

25:22

In the early 1980s, Gibson undertook an ad campaign, the slogan for which was “American made, world played”. It featured a photograph of a guitar cut into the shape of the continental United States. Visibility of that ad increased curiosity about the guitar itself, and Gibson were soon making it available for purchase. It underwent various refineme…

1
Episode 310 - Kay Barney Kessel Pro K1700V 25:39

4M ago25:39

25:39

One of the venerable companies that made guitars in Chicago at the middle of the last century was Kay. Their instruments provided tremendous value at an affordable price. One such instrument was the Barney Kessel Pro. These were recently reissued, and we found our example to be a whole hell of a lot of fun to play. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us a…

1
Episode 309 - Rickenbacker 330 25:24

5M ago25:24

25:24

The Rickenbacker 300 series of guitars was introduced in 1958. Designed by the esteemed Roger Rossmeisl, these guitars have changed little, but withstood the test of time. Just when we thjought we knew what we were dealing with, however, a 330 in matte black shows up. We had to grab it. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at these fine establishments: …

1
Epiosde 308 - Guild S-100 Polara Kim Thayil 22:47

5M ago22:47

22:47

We’re pretty big fans of vintage Gretsch guitars over here at High Gain HQ. Especially the S-100, with its indispensable phase switch. If it’s good enough for Kim Thayil of Soundgarden it’s good enough for us. So when we got a line on the new Guild S-100 Polara Kim Thayil signature guitars, we had to try them. We were not dissappointed. Enjoy! Like…

1
Episode 307 - Ovation Magnum 22:01

5M ago22:01

22:01

When Ovation began making solidbody guitars, just about everything they came up with was full-featured, well-made and very playable. Their designs were perhaps a little forward thinking for most, however, and they didn’t fare too well in a market of Teles and Les Pauls. When it came to bass guitars, they fared little better. But the Magnum bass is …

1
Episode 306 - Castedosa Conchers 25:24

5M ago25:24

25:24

Carlos Lopez started his guitar-building journey on the production line at Fender. Before long he joined the Custom Shop. Not long after that he was apprenticing to become a Master Builder. You could say our man Carlos has the chops… So, it’s really no surprise to see him sailing and thriving under his own banner - Castedosa Guitars. Along with his…

1
Episode 305 - Godin Radium 24:05

6M ago24:05

24:05

Robert Godin started his guitar-making journey in a small shop in La Patrie, Quebec, in 1972. Over the years he expanded into five factories, across six well-known brands, including, of course, Godin Instruments. The goal was/is to make quality guitars at a reasonable price. Not easily done without cutting corners somewhere, but Godin never did. No…

1
Episode 304 - Graig Markel of Recovery Effects / Danelectro Double Neck 3923 27:49

6M ago27:49

27:49

Graig Markel and Zera Marvel of Recovery Effects have been making some of our favorite effects for a long time. At any moment they can be found on our pedal boards, emitting the precise lushness Recovery has become known for. So when Graig stopped by with two of his latest, the Moonstruck reverb/delay and the Revere overdrive, we knew what we had t…

1
Episode 303 - Ibanez Musician MC200 25:38

6M ago25:38

25:38

Among the first original designs Ibanez made after the famed Gibson lawsuit was the Musician Series. These were guitar re-thought from the ground up. They are still considered sturdy workhorses, and they mark a direction that would set Ibanez on the path to being one of the world’s leading guitar makers. This MC200 got a rare ‘double buy’ from us. …

1
Episode 302 - PRS Paul's Guitar 27:17

6M ago27:17

27:17

Paul Reed Smith, the man, has been creating the highest quality guitars ever since he made one for college credit, after which he dropped out to pursue the art fulltime. PRS instruments are known for their attention to detail, impeccable response, and beautiful tops. Why then, haven’t we paid more attention to them? We’ve been remiss, and we apolog…

1
Episode 301 - B.C. Rich Mockingbird 25:30

6M ago25:30

25:30

Bernardo Chavez Rico grew up making classical guitars. He learned the craft from his father. Luckily for us, Bernardo decided to branch out into solidbody electrics. And the world was never the same, as musicians across all genres played his instruments at some point in their careers (Elliot Easton of The Cars? Yup…) We were fortunate enough to tak…

1
Frazzled: The Risk of Sleeping 40:00

7M ago40:00

40:00

Sleep is as natural to the human condition as breathing — and just as critical. Without it, we wouldn’t survive. Despite that, sleep often doesn’t always come naturally, especially as we get older. But one would thing it should come naturally when we’re young. And it does, of course. But dealing with the seemingly random and choppy sleeping pattern…

1
Episode 300 - Rickenbacher Ken Roberts 24:09

7M ago24:09

24:09

Before Rickenbacker, there was Rickenbacher, and they pioneered electric guitars with their clever use of electronics, materials and design. But one instrument, the Ken Roberts electro-Spanish guitar, introduced in the throes of the Great Depression, and discontinued a few years later, would come to be regarded as one of the forerunners of today’s …

1
Episode 299 - Rock N Roll Relics Lightning Junior 23:00

7M ago23:00

23:00

The fine folk over at Rock N Roll Relics continue to kick out some of the most beautiful ideas. We’ve been fans of theirs for quite some time, and the Lightning Junior, with its lightning bolt f-holes and single pickup, does nothing to dissuade us from these rock machines. Give a listen and see if you don’t agree. Enjoy! Like the show? Follow us at…

1
Episode 298 - Graham Instruments Baritone 25:30

7M ago25:30

25:30

Our friend Iain Graham is at it again. THis time he’s loaned us a baritone guitar, fresh off the press. There are so many bespoke touches on this thing, we almost forgot to actually play it. And it did not disappoint. It was as easy as could be to get any kind of sound out of this instrument. Contact Iain for more info at https://grahaminstruments.…

1
Episode 297 - Hallmark 60 Custom 30:10

7M ago30:10

30:10

Once upon a time, a man named Joe Hall learned how to make guitars at the foot of Semie Mosely. He then struck out on his own with Hallmark Guitars, before leaving the industry altogether. And that may have been the end of that, had not Bob Shade resurrected the Hallmark brand and run with it. It’s unanimous - the 60 Custom is a rock machine. Enjoy…

1
Episode 296 - Dave Dederer of The Presidents of The United States of America 27:57

8M ago27:57

27:57

Dave Dederer stopped by for a vast discussion about all things guitar, including his use of only three strings during his time with The Presidents of The United States of America. Dave has an encyclopedic knowledge of his instrument, even if he is using all six strings these days. But he did bring donuts, and that counts for a lot. Enjoy! Like the …

1
Episode 295 - Fender "10 for '15" American Standard Double Cut Telecaster 23:46

8M ago23:46

23:46

In keeping with its tradition of mixing and matching designs from its own history, Fender introduced the “10 for ‘15” series of limited edition guitars. Rolled out in 2015, each model was limited to 500 instruments. One of the more unusual guitars was the American Standard Telecaster - with a double cutaway. We were pleased to try it out, as you do…

1501
🎄 CHRISTMAS PROLOGUES - THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS by Les Standiford 1:06

8M ago1:06

1:06

Just before Christmas in 1843, a debt-ridden and dispirited Charles Dickens wrote a small book he hoped would keep his creditors at bay. His publisher turned it down…

1501
🎄 CHRISTMAS PROLOGUES - AN IRISH COUNTRY CHRISTMAS by Alice Taylor 1:47

8M ago1:47

1:47

A memoir of a County Kerry Christmas as seen through the author’s own nine-year-old eyes. A tender remembrance of a simpler, yet harder, time past. These are holidays as everyone wishes they could remember them…

1
🎄 CHRISTMAS PROLOGUES - THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES by Jeff Guinn 1:36

8M ago1:36

1:36

This is how it all began. One day Jeff Guinn received an urgent call from the North Pole from a man claiming to be Santa Claus. Lo and behold, it actually was Santa…

1
Picky, picky: The Risk of Eating 39:20

8M ago39:20

39:20

Raising children to be healthy eaters is a major focus for parents. One of the most common questions pediatricians field from parents is "What can I do about my child's picky eating?" In this episode we interview Anne Blocker, a dietician and the Executive Director of the Ellyn Satter Institute (https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/), an organizati…

1
🎄 CHRISTMAS PROLOGUES - THE HOMECOMING by Earl Hamner Jr 1:21

8M ago1:21

1:21

Clay-Boy takes to the snowy Virginia hills in search of his father in a Christmas story told with warmth and power. Spencer’s Mountain inspired the popular television show The Waltons…

1
🎄 CHRISTMAS PROLOGUES - THE HOPE OF CHRISTMAS PAST by Laura Rollins 1:46

8M ago1:46

1:46

Belle Young has waited three years for Lord Wilkins to return from his travels abroad—and a full seven years since he first promised to marry her and carry her away from her aunt’s oppressive home. What better time of year for their reunion than Christmas?

1
🎄 CHRISTMAS PROLOGUES - JACOB T. MARLEY by R. William Bennett 1:29

8M ago1:29

1:29

"Marley was dead to begin with..." With sobriety we recall an essential player in this drama, paid homage by Scrooge after he proclaims his commitment to alter his path. What of old Jacob?

1
Episode 294 - Hamer Virtuoso 25:01

8M ago25:01

25:01

Paul Hamer and Jol Dantzig were pioneers of what we know today as the boutique, or custom, guitar phenomenon. Many a touring band went to Hamer to get something that could not be had anywhere else. One such custom instrument is the Virtuoso. It boasted 36 frets and a scalloped fingerboard. Each guitar had a unique finish; no two are alike. We decid…

1551
🎄 CHRISTMAS PROLOGUES - THE LAST MAN AT THE INN by R. William Bennett 1:16

8M ago1:16

1:16

Simon considers himself fortunate after securing the final room at the inn in Bethlehem. While eating his supper, he sees a younger man and his pregnant wife denied lodging at the door of the inn…

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