Acoustic Tuesday | Guitar Routine Show Tony Polecastro

After almost 100 years, this Martin sounds better than ever, but how does it compare to other Martins?
Today's show is something truly special, especially for those of you who love vintage guitars just as much as I do. We'll be exploring the world of all-mahogany, pre-1950 Martin Guitars, from the craftsmanship and the sound to why these guitars are valued by guitar geeks.
We're kicking things off with a 1946 Martin 00-17, a mid-sized guitar that packs a punch. The all-mahogany build gives it a warm, mellow tone and its larger body size projects that tone beautifully. If you're all about that mid-range magic, this one is for you.
Next up, we're taking a leap back in time with a 1935 Martin 0-17. This beauty features a smaller body size that contributes to a distinct, focused tone. Despite its compact size, this all-mahogany Martin has a voice that's full of character—it's perfect for those fingerpicking blues.
Finally, we're going even further back to 1926 with the Martin 2-17. The smallest of the bunch, it surprises with its rich and warm sound. This one is proof that size doesn't always equate to sound. Its smaller stature gives it a unique tonal profile that's just simply enchanting, dry, woody, and responsive.
Throughout the episode, we'll do side-by-side comparisons of these amazing instruments to truly dive deep into the effect of body size on a guitar's tone. Not to mention, these all-mahogany Martins are more accessible in terms of price - making them fantastic options for guitarists who want that vintage charm without breaking the bank compared to other guitars from these years.
Featured in this episode...- David and the Devil  - Bella White Music  - Rhett Shull  

What's better than 10 resonator guitarists (resonatorists?) to inspire your guitar journey? How about 18?
Today's episode is for those who are passionate about resonator guitars—those distinctive instruments that have captivated artists and audiences alike with their uniquely soulful, metallic timbre. If you've ever been captivated by that robust and twangy sound, you'll love this video as we delve into the works of 18 remarkable resonator guitarists who are bound to inspire you.
From well-known artists like the incredible Charlie Parr, known for his raw, authentic, and deeply emotive blues and folk music, to lesser-known yet immensely talented musicians like Sarah Rogo, who blends her compelling voice with expert slide guitar to create a truly mesmerizing experience.
Resonator guitars are unlike any other. Their unique construction features spun metal cones that amplify the strings' vibrations. They produce a sound that's both powerful and vibrant, exuding a sense of nostalgia and a certain rawness that's hard to replicate. This unique sound—part country, part blues, part old-timey music hall—has enamored audiences across generations, making them a beloved choice for musicians worldwide.
As we journey through this list, we'll dive into what makes each guitarist unique and how they utilize the resonator guitar to bring their music to life. Whether you're an experienced guitarist looking for some new inspiration, or a beginner interested in trying out the resonator guitar, this video is for you!
Featured in this episode...- Fretboard Journal  - The Handmade Music School  - Emerald City Guitars  - Furch Guitars Official  - Adrian Bellue  - Darrell Scott  - Fat Possum Records 

Have you ever seen such tasty sunburst, slope shoulder dreadnoughts?
I'm a proud owner of two slope shoulder dreadnoughts and let me tell you, they're a real treasure in any guitarist's collection. These guitars are known for their deep, rich sounds, creating a broad audio landscape that contrasts sharply with the laser-focused sound of their square shoulder counterparts.
The first star of today's show is the Santa Cruz Vintage Southerner. This guitar is a true jack of all trades. Its high-quality woods, precise craftsmanship, and the unmistakable Santa Cruz touch all blend together to produce a sound that's as rich and full as you can get. It's great for instrumentals and recording, filling the room with balanced, vibrant tones. With its responsive top and comfortable playability, it's no wonder the Vintage Southerner has earned its place in my collection.
Next up, we have the Atkin J43. If you thought the Santa Cruz was versatile, wait until you get a load of this one. The Atkin J43 is a powerhouse of versatility, making it an excellent choice for both fingerpicking and flatpicking styles. Its balanced tone, robust volume, and the warmth it brings to the table make it a standout choice for any recording or instrumental performance. The craftsmanship is, of course, top-notch, as we've all come to expect from Atkin guitars.
So, stick around as we delve into the nuanced world of slope shoulder dreadnoughts. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, there's something to learn and appreciate about these amazing instruments.
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b 
Featured in this episode...- Santa Cruz Guitar Co  - Atkin Guitar Company  - Candy Rat Records  - Molly Tuttle  - Chicago Music Exchange  - Colter Wall  

Martin or Gibson? Boxers or briefs? Who is the most famous person I've played with?
Today, we're doing an AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode where I'll be answering YOUR questions that you've been leaving in the comments on previous episodes.
In this episode, we'll dive deep into my personal life—from my love for hockey, to the books I enjoy reading, and even where some past employees at Tony's Acoustic Challenge are today. You'll get an intimate look at my musical upbringing, how it has shaped who I am today, and some fun stories along the way.
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b 
Featured in this episode...- Thunder Road Guitars  - Old Town School of Folk  - Fretboard Journal  - True Vintage Guitar  - Calton Cases - Dust to Digital  - Andrea Stolpe  

In this episode of Acoustic Tuesday, we'll be exploring the life stories, unique styles, and techniques of 11 more incredible acoustic blues guitarists. By the end of this series, you'll have a wealth of 33 blues artists to add to your listening list!
In this special episode, we'll be diving into some rare, intimate concert footage from acoustic blues musicians throughout the past century. Many of these guitarists have been lost to history, with only a few archival records remaining. I'll be sharing their captivating life stories, how they were discovered or rediscovered, and the invaluable contributions they made to the world of blues music.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of these 11 acoustic blues legends:
Kid BaileySylvester WeaverBo CarterSon HouseFrank StokesPink AndersonReverend Gary DavisBlind Willie JohnsonSam ChatmonJosh WhiteReverend Robert Wilkins
Don't forget to check out parts 1 and 2 of this series if you haven't already, and let me know what you think in the comments!
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b 
Duluth leadership guitar fundraiser:https://www.gofundme.com/f/leadership-duluth-music-for-life-project
Featured in this episode...- Old Town School of Folk Music- Fretboard Journal  - The North American Guitar  - Thompson Guitars- Bourgeois Guitars - Alexandr Misko  - National Guitars  - Luca Stricagnoli  - Carter Vintage Guitars- Martin Guitar  

Is there such a thing as too much blues? If you're looking for more deep-cut hidden gems in the world of blues guitar, you don't wanna miss this episode.
After the overwhelming response to our previous episode featuring 11 incredible blues artists, I knew I had to share 11 MORE acoustic blues artists that'll help you play better and inspire you on your guitar journey.
In this episode, we're diving into the world of acoustic blues like never before, with intimate concert footage from some of the most influential blues musicians throughout the past century. We'll be exploring the captivating sounds of Mississippi hill country blues, delta blues, Chicago blues, and more, as we celebrate the rich history and legacy of this incredible genre.
Get ready to be amazed by the raw talent and authentic emotions of artists like Bukka White, JB Lenoir, Blind Willie McTell, and Jessie Mae Hemphill, as we take a closer look at the unique styles and techniques that have shaped the world of acoustic blues.
So grab your guitar, tune in, and let's embark on this blues journey together! And if you haven't already, make sure to subscribe to Acoustic Life so you never miss an episode of Acoustic Tuesday, where we celebrate the acoustic lifestyle and share our love for all things guitar.
Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!https://airtable.com/shrpAVAi9HUGVUW8b 
Featured in this episode...- Old Town School  - Fretboard Journal  - Jason Isbell  - Gibson Guitar  - Michael Watts  - Blind Guitars  - Molly Tuttle  - Gryphon Strings  - Martin Guitar  - Hurt: The Film