We write about instruments the same way we build and repair them: evidence first, dogma never. Some pieces settle arguments. Some explain how things actually work. Some are just the stuff worth knowing. Three series, one rule — nothing here we can't source.
I'm Right, You're Wrong
The title is the joke, and the joke is the method.
Every essay plants a flag in the most insufferable way possible — I'm right, you're wrong — then spends the next two thousand words doing the exact opposite of what that promises. Weighing the evidence. Citing the studies. Conceding what the other side gets right. Admitting, at length, that it's complicated, that the honest answer has caveats, that reasonable people land in different places. And then, having walked you through all of it: anyway, doesn't matter, I'm right, you're wrong.
That's the whole bit. The front claim is never the point — the nuance in the middle is. The series wears the face of everything we argue against: the confident hot take, the unsourced assertion, the guy who wins debates by saying it louder. Then it smuggles the antidote inside the costume. Wry, off-kilter headers over dead-serious content. Nonsensical illustrating images over carefully sourced claims. Unearned swagger, entirely on purpose, wrapped around an argument that earns every line.
The format is the parody. The sourcing is the point.
The Truth About…
The deep dives. No posturing, no fight to pick — just one subject taken apart down to the studs.
We pick a topic — tonewoods, scale length, strings, finishes, necks — and lay out the whole thing in order: what's actually been measured, what's craft tradition handed down because it works (or because everyone assumes it does), and what's marketing wearing the costume of fact. Three buckets, kept strictly separate, because most of the confusion in this trade comes from someone quietly moving a claim from one to another. When the research is solid, we tell you. When it's thin, or contradictory, or just absent, we tell you that too — "we don't fully know yet" is an answer, and a more honest one than most of what's online.
It's the series for the reader who's tired of buying guides that rank seven woods by "warmth" and call it information. Cited throughout, linked to the primary sources, written so you can go check the work and disagree with us on the merits. That's the whole point: hand you the map, mark where the roads actually go, and let you drive.
General Articles
Everything else worth writing down — the stuff that doesn't need a thesis, just an honest explanation.
How-to guides written from the bench: truss rods and neck relief, what a real setup does and doesn't fix, when swapping a pot is worth it and when it isn't. The craft and history of the trade — why Paris has built instruments for centuries, what hand-built actually means once you strip the romance off it. And the occasional look behind the curtain at how we work, what we build, and the reasoning behind the choices most shops never explain.
No affiliate links, no ranked lists, no "top ten" filler. If we wrote it down, it's because a customer asked, a repair taught us something, or we got tired of seeing the wrong answer repeated. Practical, bench-tested, and written by the person actually holding the tools.
Infos, Hot Takes and Science
Truss Rods and Neck Relief: A Luthier’s Guide to Guitar Setup
Want your guitar to play smoother and sound better? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Truss Rods and Neck Relief—from how they work to adjusting them safely. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just curious, this luthier-approved article covers the essentials for better tone, action, and playability.
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- 0 commentson Guitar Setup : What is it ? (and what it isn't)
- by Marin Nourry
Guitar Setup : What is it ? (and what it isn't)
A professional setup can make your guitar or bass feel like a whole new instrument — but there’s often confusion around what a setup actually does. This article breaks down what’s included in a setup, what improvements you can realistically expect, and where the limits lie. From action and intonation to pickup balance and tuning stability, we’ll cover how a setup works and how to communicate your preferences to get the most out of the process. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the world of lutherie, understanding this service will help you play better — and avoid disappointment.
Read moreabout Guitar Setup : What is it ? (and what it isn't)
- 0 commentson The Truth About Fretslots
- by Marin Nourry
Why Fretslots ? Fret slots are critical to a guitar’s performance, yet often overlooked. This article explores slotting techniques, common pitfalls, and why radiused fret slots are a superior choice for serious luthiers.
I design guitars from the perspective of a bass builder
In this exclusive interview with Fretboard Frenzy Journal, I share the journey of building Belforti Instruments, my passion for crafting premium electric guitars, and the philosophy that drives my work. From the initial inspiration to the details of the crafting process, this conversation dives deep into the artistry and precision behind every Belforti guitar. Whether you're a musician, a collector, or simply intrigued by the world of high-end lutherie, this interview offers an inside look into the dedication and innovation that go into creating instruments for the modern player.
Read moreabout I design guitars from the perspective of a bass builder
- 0 commentson The Truth about Guitar Finishes
- by Marin Nourry
The Truth about Guitar Finishes
Does nitrocellulose really sound better? Does a finish let the wood "breathe"? This deep dive goes to the peer-reviewed measurements and finds the answer is sharper than either camp wants: the finish does change the wood — but at equal thickness, nitro, shellac, and modern reactive finishes do exactly the same thing. The real tonal variable isn't the chemistry, it's how thin the coat is. Plus why, on an electric, the finish is an aesthetic choice and nothing more. No fluff, no dogma — just what's actually on the wood.
- 0 commentson The Truth About Tonewoods - Part 1
- by Marin Nourry
The Truth About Tonewoods - Part 1
Discussing tonewoods… or how to make new enemies in the guitar building industry. Sounds like a plan !
This article delves into the intricate world of tonewoods and musical instrument construction, highlighting the balance between tradition and innovation. It explores the scientific properties of woods, the impact of construction techniques on sound, and the importance of sustainability in material selection. Case studies exemplify practical applications, while challenges like debunking myths and ensuring sustainable practices point towards future directions in lutherie.
- 0 commentson The Truth About Guitar Necks
- by Marin Nourry
This article delves into the nuanced aspects of guitar construction, focusing on neck joint types, grain orientation, and the choice between laminated and one-piece necks. It challenges common myths with scientific evidence, revealing that factors like material choice and craftsmanship significantly influence tone and sustain, rather than neck joint type alone. Both laminated and one-piece necks have their merits, with considerations for stability, tone, and aesthetics guiding builders and players. The piece advocates for a holistic approach in guitar design and selection, emphasizing personal preference and the interplay of various construction elements.