Twenty years ago, former president Jimmy Carter planted a grove of Paulownia trees on his Plains, Georgia property. Wood from those trees was recently harvested and, thanks to World Tree and FJ contributor/luthier Todd Lunneborg, some of that wood harvest is currently being turned into some rather special guitars.

On this week’s Fretboard Journal Podcast, we talk to Lunneborg and acclaimed acoustic guitarmaker Jason Kostal about the project. Kostal recently completed his guitar featuring the Paulownia from Carter’s grove and, thanks to a bit of a luck and some social distancing, he was able to show the former president his finished instrument. It’s an unforgettable moment and a great story that we think you’ll love.

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This week’s podcast is sponsored by Retrofret Vintage Guitars and Mono Cases.

Photo of former president Carter with the Kostal guitar courtesy of Jill Stucky.