We are proud of the feedback we’ve received from both media professionals and readers alike. Here is a sampling of what folks are saying about the Fretboard Journal: 

Awards
Best of 2006: Music, The Washington Post.
The 2007 Folio Eddie and Ozzie Awards; Silver Medal–Consumer (Enthusiast) category.

Media Reviews

"The magazine is called Fretboard Journal. It’s pricey, don’t get me wrong, but the quality is ridiculous. First off, when you pick it up you’ll notice the heft. It’s a heavy magazine and the cover is thicker and more sturdy then most paperback books. You just pick it up and you know that this is a magazine that you could save, archive, for future readings." —The Fifth Fret.

"Everything about The Fretboard Journal — published by Amazon.com’s former music editor, Jason Verlinde and edited by guitar author and historian Michael Simmons — is an example of the right way to make a magazine. The paper is thick and coated just right for the luscious color photographs and rich black and white photographs. The design is thoughtful and playful but always respectful of the fact that the articles are meant for reading. The articles are enjoyable to neophytes and (I suppose) old salts alike." —BoingBoing.net

Letters from Our Readers

I have been a subscriber from the beginning and started my subscription with
great expectations. You have not disappointed, to say the least. Your
publication started off with a bang and has improved issue by issue.

But I want to draw attention to you current (#12) issue which is the best
yet. The intimate conversation between Jim Hall and Bill Frisell was
terrific, demonstrating each man’s deep understanding of and commitment to
music. The pieces on Wayne Henderson and Fred Carter were especially nice,
though I would have liked to have seen a few more pictures of Henderson’s
work. And what can I say about Telluride? As a Coloradoan, I am proud of
this institution that has grown to such national prominence and holds such a
special place in the hearts of musicians.

Finally, I really loved the article on John Monteleone, who is one of the
finest artisans working today. I had the rare pleasure to meet John at a
pickin’ session at Stan Jay’s (Mandolin Bros.) house some years ago. His
instruments show such a fine connection between the past and the future and
the man is truly creative. Thank you for featuring him and his work. The
photographs were particularly fine.

Keep up the good work. You have raised the bar yet again.

Paul Malkoski
via email

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I love the artistic photography and fine attention to journalistic detail in the Fretboard Journal. This is truly the Rolls Royce of guitar magazines.
Roger McGuinn

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I wanted to take a second to thank you and your team for such an outstanding publication. If i were to have an editorial meeting with myself, I’d say, "Gee I wish someone would create a magazine that covered modern builders, collectors, restorers, and the people that make music with these wonderful machines. I’d like my knowledge expanded, since I don’t know anything about guitars in Mexico or the world of high end violin dealers, but i also want recognizable players and builders and repair guys. I don’t really care anymore about what fuzz box the latest shredder uses. AND I want it all dressed up in a wonderful, clean design, with long lasting paper stock bound in a classy manner that will obviously last longer than I will." Well, you saved me all that work, and did it all for me.

I missed your first 3 or so issues, but I remember picking you up on a news stand and going Whoa, everything I really love in one magazine!.. How Cool!

So once again keep up all the great work and please pass along my thanks, admiration and appreciation to the entire team. Rest assured as long as you are publishing, I will be subscribing.

Best,
Tim Nicholson
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Thank you!
You have succeeded in producing the best guitar magazine I’ve ever seen. I brought it to work today to show off to some others and hopefully increase your subscription.
Sincerely,
Ron D.. via email

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Gentlemen,

I have been a subscriber since issue #1 – I have them all on my shelf – and
I confess that I have read nearly every word and ogled every picture. I am
very impressed by the quality of you publication, the breadth and depth of
the writing, and most especially the layout, graphics and printing. What a
pleasure it is to receive a new issue in the mail. They simply don’t come
often enough, but I am sure you’ve heard that before.

Keep up the great work. It is much appreciated.

Regards,

Paul Malkoski

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Jason,

I can truly say that the Fretboard Journal’s customer service matches the world class periodical itself. You can print that!

Thanks again for your help.

William (Lou) Timney

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Greetings!

I absolutely love your magazine, as does every other guitar aficionado I’ve spoken to. It’s time I bought a subscription rather than waiting for my local Borders to get the latest issue on the shelf.

On another topic: I have been interacting with the folks at Tom Anderson Guitarworks since late in 2007, and have found it to be a fascinating company. Fifteen people produce 800 or so guitars a year, and each guitar is a work of art. The people are generous with their time and advice, and the guitars play beautifully.

An article about Tom and his company (including their in-house comedian/spokesperson, Roy) would be of real interest to readers of Fretboard Journal, I believe. Innovations such as their hollow drop top, their hybrid Crowdster and their amazing pickups make the company a major part of guitar technology and history.

That’s my $0.02.

Thanks again for your great publication.

Lofton H., via email

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Your magazine is absolutely the best!
Nothing about Dimebag Darrel!!!!
Anyway- we’ve got a luthier in our area we are very proud of.
He is Jim Holler of Trinity Guitars.
Jim is doing some really innovative things with body shapes.
Please give him a look at his web site.
The Wedge is really intriguing!
Keep up the great work!!!!!!
Tom, via email

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I have a subscription to your journal and I bought the first few off the shelf at a Book Store. What caught my eye from the first moment I saw your publication was the quality of the photos and the quality paper and printing. Then I started reading the articles.

If every guitar publication took the approach you do there would be many more informed musicians, or many more happy fans. The depth of your articles far exceeds those other publications that favor advertising over the real stories you publish. The artists you feature can withstand the scrutiny you expose because they are artists.

I am so happy that your journal is here for me to read. I look forward to every issue and I can’t imagine that anyone else can fill this niche as well as your staff. Keep the good stuff coming because I haven’t seen a publication yet that treats the guitar and it’s artisans as well as you do.

Thank You,

Chris Mills, via email

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This is, without a doubt, the most beautifully executed publication I have ever seen!
The photography, the writing, the overall feel of the journal is excellent. I made it a point to quickly obtain all the back copies I had missed.

I will relish each new issue and I will make every effort to spread the word to all my friends who may have missed it thus far.

Thank you.
Reed B., via email

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I just received my #4 copy of FJ and am blown away. I immediately went to the web site and re-upped for two more years.

This is the best issue yet — an amazing collection of articles. The Hartford tribute was amazing, and the short articles on the Minnesota luthiers and wonderful, large pictures was great. And Cropper and PRS! — All this in one magazine!?

You guys are doing an amazing job. This is by far my most-anticipated guitar publication. It always ruins my day when it arrives because I don’t get a thing else done!

Keep up the great work,

William K.