The Tone Tailors Podcast

Tone Tailors
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Music Interviews
  • Weekly

Hosted by lifetime entertainer, web designer, and marketing agency owner Levi McCurdy, the Tone Tailors Podcast dives into Lancaster’s music scene. Each week, Levi chats with musicians, artists, venue owners, and scene-makers, exploring music and the city’s vibrant culture. Plus, discover Tone Tailors’ in-store and online gear—guitars, pedals, strings, mics, accessories—your one-stop shop to keep the rock rolling in Lancaster, PA.

  1. Oct 22

    Adam Stec of Drums Etc. | Drum Gear, Music Stores & the PA Drum Show

    This week on the Tone Tailors Podcast, I sat down with Adam Stec, owner of Drums Etc. in Lancaster, PA, to talk about drums, the music industry, running an independent music store, and the 2026 Pennsylvania Drum Show!Founded in 1985, Drums Etc. has been part of Lancaster's music community for over 40 years. Adam took over the business in 2021, continuing its legacy while expanding drum lessons, vintage drum restoration, custom drum building, and community events.We get into the actual science behind drum shells, what makes one drum kit sound different from another, and why expensive drum gear isn't always necessary to get a great sound. Adam also shares what it's like running a specialty music store in a world of Guitar Center, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace.And of course, we talk about the 2026 Pennsylvania Drum Show, happening THIS SUNDAY, October 25th, at Mickey's Black Box in Lititz, Pennsylvania!2026 PENNSYLVANIA DRUM SHOWSunday, October 25, 2026Mickey's Black Box | Lititz, PA12 PM to 7:30 PMTickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0200650BE4EB90D1The show features new, used, and vintage drums, cymbals, and percussion gear, a consignment marketplace, industry exhibitors, and drum clinics with:-Gregg Bissonette, drummer for Ringo Starr-Rob Mitzner, drummer and educator-Fr. Hyacinth Cordell, the drumming priest from PhiladelphiaIN THIS EPISODE-How Adam Stec became the owner of Drums Etc.-The history of Drums Etc. since 1985-Why garage bands and hands-on music education are making a comeback-How drum shells are built and why different woods sound different-Maple vs. poplar vs. mahogany drums-Why drum tuning and drumheads matter-Restoring and customizing rare vintage drums-Guitar Center vs. independent music stores-Buying, selling, and trading used drum equipment-The 2026 Pennsylvania Drum Show-The Central Pennsylvania Music Awards and some friendly competition between our shops-Supporting local musicians and the future of independent music retailABOUT DRUMS ETC.Drums Etc. is an independent drum shop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offering drums, cymbals, percussion equipment, lessons, repairs, and custom drum work.https://www.drumsetc.com/ABOUT TONE TAILORSWe're an independent music store in Lancaster, PA, offering new and used guitars, basses, pedals, amplifiers, repairs, and lessons.617 North Prince Street, Unit C, Lancaster, PAShop online: https://www.tonetailors.com/Subscribe to the Tone Tailors Podcast for more conversations with musicians, music industry professionals, and the people behind the local music scene.

    Adam Stec of Drums Etc. | Drum Gear, Music Stores & the PA Drum Show

  2. Oct 10

    Martin Guitars: New 16 Series, Tonewoods & How They're Made | Brenden Hackett

    I sat down with Brenden Hackett, a district sales manager at Martin Guitars, to talk about the new Martin 16 Series and what goes into making an acoustic guitar. John LeClair from Tone Tailors joins us later to get into guitar setup, Martin’s history, and where the company could go next.Brenden walks me through the new colors, body shapes, and pickups in the 16 Series. He also explains how to read Martin model names, why body size and tonewoods change a guitar’s sound, and how Martin builds guitars in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and Mexico. We talk about the balance between handwork and machines, plus the ideas that make it into Martin’s Custom Shop.John joins us for a conversation about Martin and Taylor neck designs, guitar playability, PLEK machines, and artist models from players including John Mayer, Billy Strings, and Trey Anastasio.If you’re trying to find the right Martin guitar, you can explore them at tonetailors.com or stop by Tone Tailors in Lancaster, PA. Shop Martin at Tone Tailors: https://shop.tonetailors.com/products/martinDiscover the 16 Series: https://www.martinguitar.com/series-16.htmlChapters:0:00 Meet Brenden Hackett3:23 Martin’s history and the dreadnought7:03 Why Martin makes its own strings10:23 The new Martin 16 Series14:20 16 Series body shapes, woods, and pickups17:45 How to read Martin guitar model names23:35 Tonewood supply and responsible sourcing28:20 Where Martin guitars are made31:19 Brenden’s favorite Martin guitars35:15 How wood and bracing affect tone41:10 John joins us for Martin’s history47:24 Martin vs. Taylor playability and neck design57:44 CNC, PLEK, and the future of guitar building1:06:32 Martin artist and signature guitars1:15:13 Final thoughts on the 16 SeriesSubscribe for more conversations with the people who make, play, and work on the gear you use.

  3. Sep 28

    Teching for Trey Anastasio & Phish: Justin Stabler | Tone Tailors Podcast

    What does it actually take to keep Trey Anastasio's rig running night after night? On this episode of the Tone Tailors Podcast, John from Tone Tailors sits down with his longtime friend Justin Stabler, guitar tech for Trey Anastasio and Phish, fresh off the band's four-night run at Dick's in Colorado. Justin traces his path from playing bass in Jersey pop punk bands and lugging gear into CBGB's to learning repair work in New York City, landing his first touring gig with Lauryn Hill, and stepping up to a massive Bob Bradshaw rig for John Shanks on Bon Jovi. From there, a call from a production manager he'd worked hard for opened the door to Trey's camp. John and Justin dig into what really goes on side stage: anticipating where Trey is headed with his tone, why some vintage pieces like his whammy are nearly impossible to replace, the trade-off between old tubes and repeatability, and why the best-sounding gear is only as good as the hands playing it. Justin also opens up about balancing touring with family, how martial arts keeps him grounded on the road, and his advice for anyone who wants to become a guitar tech. Chapters 0:00 Dick's Recap & Crossroads 3:20 Growing Up in Jersey & Early Bands 15:06 Becoming a Guitar Tech & Touring with Lauryn Hill 25:07 Bon Jovi, John Shanks & the Bradshaw Rig 28:57 Landing the Trey Anastasio Gig 36:35 Touring Life, Family & Show Day 47:35 Inside Trey's Rig: Tone, Tubes & the Whammy 1:02:09 Staying Healthy on the Road & Advice for New Techs Shop guitars, pedals, and gear at Tone Tailors: https://shop.tonetailors.com

  4. Sep 17

    Recording Studio Tour: Real Amps vs. Modelers, Home Studios & Going Viral with Bret Michaels

    We take the Tone Tailors Podcast inside MDW Productions, a recording studio in the Colonial Park section of Harrisburg, PA, for a conversation with owner, producer, engineer, and musician Michael Washkevich about recording guitars, tracking real bands, mixing, home studios, streaming, and making records in 2026.Michael gives us a behind the scenes look at how a professional recording studio actually works, why the engineer matters more than expensive gear, and what musicians should do before stepping into a session. He's been making records since the late 90s, has engineered CPMA award winning records for The Jellybricks and The Depth Beneath Us, and plays bass in the suddenly viral Van Halen tribute act Van Wirsing and guitar in the instrumental band Very Fine Gentlemen.If you're a guitarist, musician, producer, recording engineer, or building a home studio, this episode is packed with practical advice and some genuinely wild stories.We talk about:-How guitar players should prep their instrument before a session-Real guitar amps vs. amp modelers when tracking-Full band tracking, isolation, and the producer's role in mixing and producing a record-Why every musician should have a home recording setup-Spotify payouts, streaming, and the return of physical vinyl and CDs-Building a live show people actually remember-Van Wirsing, Van Halen, Bret Michaels, and going viralWe also get into Very Fine Gentlemen's new EP Relish, and their decision to hold it off streaming until after The Relish Road Show release show on September 26 at Capital City Music Hall in Harrisburg, plus the wild story of how Van Wirsing went from a one off backyard festival set to sharing the stage with Bret Michaels.🎸 GET TICKETS TO THE RELISH ROAD SHOW HERE: https://the-very-fine-gentlemen-llc.square.site/s/shop🎧 HEAR MUSIC RECORDED & PRODUCED AT MDW PRODUCTIONS:https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2jenSblCBtfhmyvREHNIBu?si=wnX-uEfcTs6zHdbiiL_X5Q&utm_source=copy-link&pi=4ecChq7FRnyN4🎚️ MDW PRODUCTIONS:https://www.mdwproductions.com/🎸 VERY FINE GENTLEMEN:https://www.veryfinegentlemen.com/🔥 VAN WIRSING:https://www.vanwirsing.com/CHAPTERS:00:00 Don't Skip this Intro00:44 Inside MDW Productions02:35 Meet Michael Washkevich13:28 Preparing Your Guitar for the Studio17:10 Tracking, Mixing & Producing Records27:27 Why Every Musician Should Have a Home Studio35:01 Streaming, Physical Media & the Live Show Experience51:48 Van Halen, Van Wirsing & Going Viral with Bret MichaelsABOUT THE TONE TAILORS PODCASTThe Tone Tailors Podcast talks with the musicians, producers, engineers, builders, artists, and industry professionals who make music happen.From recording studios and guitar shops to live stages and home studios, we're talking about the gear, techniques, people, and stories behind the music.Need your guitar ready for the studio? Tone Tailors offers professional guitar repair, setups, fretwork, electronics, pickup installation, restringing, upgrades, plus new and used guitars, amps, pedals, and recording gear.🎸 SHOP TONE TAILORS:https://shop.tonetailors.comSubscribe for more guitar gear, recording studio tours, music production conversations, artist interviews, guitar repair tips, and episodes of the Tone Tailors Podcast.

    Recording Studio Tour: Real Amps vs. Modelers, Home Studios & Going Viral with Bret Michaels

  5. Aug 15

    Liam Galiano: Making a Living as a Full-Time Bassist in Lancaster, PA | Tone Tailors Podcast

    He quit his actuary job, and now he's one of the busiest bass players in Central PA. On this episode of the Tone Tailors Podcast, we sit down with Liam Galiano: full-time session bassist, open mic host, and teacher, to talk about what it actually takes to make a living playing bass without ever leaving Lancaster. Liam breaks down how he strings together income between hired-gun gigs, wedding bands (Bachelor Boys, Jordan Kahn Music Co.), his Stevie Nicks tribute band Nixon Time, teaching lessons, and BMI performance royalties most musicians don't even know they're leaving on the table. We also get into his two original projects: the instrumental solo work he releases as Liam Galiano, and All Groove, a rotating collaborative project where every song has a different lineup. Plus his (very firm) take on AI in music, and the on-stage malfunction that almost ruined a run opening for Blackberry Smoke. In this episode: Why bass players are some of the most in-demand musicians locallyHow performance royalties (BMI) actually pay youMatching bass gear to the gig: wedding bass vs. tribute band vs. solo workThe Lancaster, PA music scene right nowHosting open mics (find his full list below)Teaching guitar, bass & ukulele, and why guitar is the hardest to teachHis philosophy on AI in music and songwriting Chapters:0:00 Welcome Liam Galiano to the show0:56 From actuary to full-time bassist3:26 How performance royalties (BMI) actually work9:34 Matching bass gear to the gig16:31 Hosting open mics around Lancaster & Reading30:52 The pedal malfunction that almost ruined a Blackberry Smoke opening slot39:31 Inside his music: solo work & All Groove58:13 Where to find Liam & Tone Tailors shop info Find Liam Galiano:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liamgaliano/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liamgalianoSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6CLKpwCurhzxSWCIsCRDZQYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@liamgalianoAll Groove: https://allgroovemusic.com/liam-galianoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@liamgalianoUpcoming shows: https://www.instagram.com/p/Db4nUBCFnvD/?img_index=1 Find us:🎸 Shop guitars, gear & more: https://shop.tonetailors.com🛠️ Instrument repairs, upgrades & lessons available in-store📍 Lancaster, PA

    Liam Galiano: Making a Living as a Full-Time Bassist in Lancaster, PA | Tone Tailors Podcast

  6. Jul 17

    Aubrey Nicole: The Voice Season 28 Finalist Talks Reba, Snoop Dog, Nashville & Her Single, One Lane

    The Voice Season 28 finalist Aubrey Nicole joins the Tone Tailors Podcast! The Littlestown, PA native and Belmont University songwriting student takes us from singing in her small-town church choir to the finale stage of The Voice — landing on Team Reba, dueting with Reba McEntire on "Mary Did You Know," and finishing fourth in the nation. We talk about why Nashville is the country music capital, her wild string of coincidences (including a CMA line encounter that changed everything), the songwriting process behind "One Lane," her brand-new collab with fellow Voice contestant Makenzie Phipps, the Post Malone country crossover debate, social media strategy for artists, and her dream of a Grand Ole Opry debut.🎵 Stream Aubrey Nicole:"One Lane" – https://open.spotify.com/track/1eqOEExFHk76S4DrF8FJAe?si=9742a48028fe4515"Send Me A Sign" (NEW) – https://open.spotify.com/track/0MpWcmL6HETi3QIOxcpNXd?si=2869936d53af4642"Devil Ain't in Hell" (with Makenzie Phipps) – https://open.spotify.com/track/05OCvwrI7kgOz6Tf5UWgpW?si=4cf9aea91cc54644Catch Aubrey live:July 25 – Summer Boots Festival (opening for The Band Perry, Stell Lefty & more)Aug 1 – York State Fair, Froggy Free StageAug 2 – Car Show (National Anthem)Aug 7 – Carroll County FairFollow Aubrey Nicole:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubrey_nicole_official/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aubrey_nicole_officialShop guitars, gear & lessons: https://shop.tonetailors.com⏱️ CHAPTERS0:00 – Intro1:01 – Singing since forever & the move to Nashville8:03 – Belmont University & switching to a songwriting major11:23 – Auditioning for The Voice20:20 – The blind audition, Team Reba & dueting with Reba McEntire29:16 – The finale, finishing fourth & life after The Voice34:27 – "Devil Ain't in Hell" with Makenzie Phipps & Central PA's music scene40:12 – "Wholesome country" & the Post Malone crossover debate52:30 – Goals: Grand Ole Opry, record deals & a CMA nomination1:02:04 – The social media blueprint for artists1:15:57 – Songwriting "One Lane," the jukebox story & upcoming shows

    Aubrey Nicole: The Voice Season 28 Finalist Talks Reba, Snoop Dog, Nashville & Her Single, One Lane

  7. Jul 10

    Vinyl Rush | A Central PA Youth Rock Band w/ A 26 Date Summer Tour - Tone Tailors, Lancaster PA

    They started this band at 13 years old with no one taking them seriously — five years later, Vinyl Rush has a concept album about a soldier going to war, an award-show win, and a 20-date summer tour booked. On this episode of the Tone Tailors Podcast, drummer Nic, guitarist/vocalist Cody, and bassist/vocalist Dante sit down on the couch to talk their debut album Dead Luck, their hard line on AI in songwriting, the gear that gets them through a live set, and how three guys who met in middle school turned a band room hangout into a real touring act.We get into the story behind the band name, why they built an entire concept album instead of writing about "hanging out at the mall," their take on artists reinventing their sound, and what happens when money's no object on the Tone Tailors showroom floor.🎧 Listen to Dead Luck on all streaming platforms: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2p5DZA6cNQL63UwC4X18vl📸 Follow Vinyl Rush: https://www.instagram.com/vinyl_rush_/🛒 Shop the gear talked about in this episode: https://shop.tonetailors.com📍 Catch Vinyl Rush live at Legends Live this Saturday night! #VinylRush #ToneTailors #GuitarShop #IndieRock

    Vinyl Rush | A Central PA Youth Rock Band w/ A 26 Date Summer Tour - Tone Tailors, Lancaster PA

  8. Jun 12

    Dave Costarella & Lloyd Schafer of Hand Up Partners, Helping the Homeless Through Work & Music

    This week on the Tone Tailors Podcast, I sit down with Dave Costarella and Loyd from Hand Up Partners to talk about one of the most unique community initiatives happening in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.==GET TICKETS TO THE JUNE 14th FUNDRAISER:Hand Up Partners Fundraiser ExtravaganzaPresented by Jimmy Juice & Tellus 360https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/hand-up-partners-fundraiser-extravaganza-2026-06-14-tellus360-lancaster-b2e064==Many people know Dave as the bandleader of DC & Co., a horn-powered rock and blues band that has been performing for more than 30 years. But for nearly a decade, Dave has also dedicated his life to helping Lancaster's homeless community through programs like My People On The Streets and Hand Up Partners.What started as a mission to provide support and build relationships with people experiencing homelessness has evolved into a program that empowers individuals through meaningful work, community involvement, and daily opportunities to earn income while helping beautify Lancaster's parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces.In this conversation, we discuss:• The origins of My People On The Streets• Why traditional approaches to homelessness often fall short• The creation of Hand Up Partners• How daily clean-up initiatives are changing lives• Restoring dignity, purpose, and self-worth• The challenges facing Lancaster's homeless population• Building stronger connections between housed and unhoused neighbors• Community partnerships and local support• The impact of music, storytelling, and advocacy• Dave's award-winning music video "Just Let Me Lay Down"Hand Up Partners has helped provide thousands of work opportunities while creating cleaner neighborhoods and stronger communities throughout Lancaster. More importantly, the organization focuses on seeing people as people first and helping them take meaningful steps toward long-term self-sufficiency.If you've ever wondered what effective community outreach looks like, this episode offers a powerful perspective from people doing the work every day.Learn more about Hand Up Partners:https://handuppartners.orgIf you enjoy conversations about music, community leaders, local business, and the people making a difference across Lancaster and Central Pennsylvania, be sure to subscribe and follow the podcast.#LancasterPA

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About

Hosted by lifetime entertainer, web designer, and marketing agency owner Levi McCurdy, the Tone Tailors Podcast dives into Lancaster’s music scene. Each week, Levi chats with musicians, artists, venue owners, and scene-makers, exploring music and the city’s vibrant culture. Plus, discover Tone Tailors’ in-store and online gear—guitars, pedals, strings, mics, accessories—your one-stop shop to keep the rock rolling in Lancaster, PA.

Information

  • Creator
    Tone Tailors
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Tone Tailors
  • Show Website
    The Tone Tailors Podcast