Porter Pickups Tone-cast

In episode 74, we talk though a topic that we have to deal with weekly. What do we do about endorsements and influencer requests? It's a subject we have different thoughts and good and bad experiences with. We attempt to walk through it from the manufacturers perspective while acknowledging we have not fully landed on a position.  Have a suggestion or know of a company that handles it really well? email us your thoughts at info@porterpickups.com to be featured on a future show.    Need a personalized suggestion for your next set of pickups? Fill out our pickup chooser form: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/ 

in episode 73, Brian Porter discusses some changes with Porter this year and how we've survived the last year with a crazy music industry with some rapid fire updates.    We also cover some "Less is more" topics from pausing Porter Guitars to getting rid of or thinning down some social media to remain focused on the tasks we have to accomplish as a business.    We reference a recent video where we install for WRH humbuckers in a 335 Style guitar. Check that out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxrVEkAwRRQ 

In tone-cast 72, we're talking with McQ Olsen from ExtraMile Arena about music venue dynamics in this strange year. He talked about his experience working in the venue for 20+ years in all types of roles and how they have had to get creative to adapt to cancelations, rescheduling and safety.    We're all rooting for the live music scene to come back and we particularly enjoyed this conversation from the type of places that it happens.    pickup chooser form: https://www.porterpickups.com/home/pickup-chooser/

In episode 71, we talk about the ways we're hopeful our industry will pull through this. From more people modding guitars, to getting creative and resiliency shining through, the music industry will continue to work hard and adapt to the very real challenges we face.     

In episode 70, we talk about our newest release, Gatekeeper Pickups!  We're releasing 5 sets of pickups at a killer price point of $99 ea. Hear the story behind the line, the tones and more information as we talk about on of our biggest product released ever.  Find out more here: https://www.porterpickups.com/gatekeeper/     

In episode 69 we're joined by Mitch from Emerson Custom. We talk about how he's handled all the changes this year to how he made the jump to full time in the early years or Emerson. We also talk about what makes a good pre-wired kit and why he's gravitating towards acoustic guitars in his spare playing time.  Emerson Custom Website: https://emersoncustom.com Pickup Chooser Form: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/ 

In episode 68. we're joined by guitarist Steve Sterlacci of the Jessica Lynn Band. We cover everything from how they as a band have handled a European tour being cancelled because of Corona to creating online content and growing your skill as a guitarist. We cover why he's a huge fan of digital modeling and how he's been growing his newer Youtube Channel.  Episode Links Jessica Lynn Band: https://www.jessicalynnmusic.org Steve's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbawdoeGr439blez7bqmjHQ Steve's Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/stalach/ Pickup Chooser: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/ 

In Episode 67, Mike and Brian talk about 5 areas of focus for our business as we navigate the craziness of 2020. These areas have been key for our growth as a business and have made a massive difference to our outlook and results.   

In episode 66, we're joined by Nick Greer of Greer Amps for a show covering a wide range of topics. We talk about his love for interesting and unique guitars, Eastman Guitars and what the pandemic has taught him to never forget about his business.  He also challenges me to re-release the Greer wind pickups we created and to make a guitar with three tele bridges. A little more free form with this one, but we had a great time recording.    Greer Website: https://www.greeramps.com Pickup Chooser form: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/  

In episode 65, we're joined by my friend Ken Steorts. He's the director of Visible Music College in Memphis, TN.  We cover everything from his time as the founding guitarist of the band Skillet to running a music college in these strange times. We also get to talk about some of his favorite gear, music inspirations and some advice he'd give aspiring musicians trying to make it.    Read Kens "Music is Important" Blog: https://visible.edu/category/music-is-important/ Visible School: https://visible.edu Pickup Chooser form: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/   

In episode 64, we're joined by Blake Wyland from the Tone Mob to talk all things podcasts, the pulse of the gear industry and more about the "Shred Shed" located at his house.  We also cover some gear regrets and what one Guitar-Pedal-Amp combo he'd play if he had to choose. Find Blake's other podcast ventures here:  Tone Mob: https://tonemob.com/tag/podcast/ Chasing Tone Podcast with Brian Wampler: https://www.wamplerpedals.com/podcast/   

In Episode 63 we're joined by Mike Delaney from Delaney Guitars. Mike shares with us about what makes a good artist endorsement and how he didn't have a guitar he completely loved so he got into the guitar business to help others find their dream guitar specs.   Delaney Guitars Website: https://delaneyguitars.com Pickup Chooser form: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/  

In Episode 62 we're joined by Barry Graul, guitarists in the band MercyMe. He talks about dealing with the pandemic as a band, his favorite gear and why riding bikes is good for you. We also cover how the bands songwriting style has changed with technology and how they are finishing up and album in these strange times.    MercyMe Website: http://mercyme.org    Pickup Chooser: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/    

In episode 61, we talk with Porter employee Mike Bassett about his time working at Guitar Center, as well as his love for hollow body guitars. We also cover things like what pedals he plays, nightmare repairs and more.    Try our pickup chooser here: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/

In episode 60, we have great conversation with Hank Donovan from Rattlesnake cable company. We cover what a wild ride 2020 has been so far from the excitement of going to the winter NAMM show, to dealing with the virus situation as small business owners. Hank shares why keeping a positive outlook and continuing to improve his business are the keys to survival and momentum.    Check them out at: https://www.rattlesnakecables.com/ Try out pickup chooser form here: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/     

In episode 59, we check in with Nashville guitarist Eddie Heinzelman and cover a wide range of topics from diversifying yourself as a full time artist to his new venture with Guitar Repairs and his signature Keely Pedal. Find more about Eddie here: https://www.eddieheinzelman.com Check out our pickup chooser form: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/    

In episode 58, we sit down with Rob Ridgway from 12th fret music in Boise, ID. We cover everything from working through limitations with the Covid 19 Pandemic to his advice to others wanting to start a music store and what it takes to survive.    Find out more about them at: https://12thfretmusic.com try our pickup chooser form here: https://www.porterpickups.com/pickupchooser/      

In Tone-Cast #57 Brian Porter talks about how a series of tough events in 2017 shaped who we are today. We talk through some big plans we had that didn't work the way we wanted them to and what we learned by going through one of the toughest stretches in Porter Pickups history. 

In episode 56, we talk about the Stratocaster replacement pickup lineup we make. We feature some design details and why we created each one. We also cover some style suggestions and more. We also talk about why we got rid of the Modern Strat set in 2020.   Find our more about our lineup for replacement strat pickups here:https://www.porterpickups.com/products/pickups/strat-pickups/

In episode #55, we talk about the Corona Virus and it's impact on the music industry and our business. We talk about some ways we're working through it and facing the challenges head on.  We also talk about a potential new intro song for the podcast. Let us know what you think of it.