Shows
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 11 - A Klon Centaur Shootout Like You've Never HeardThe holy grail of overdrives takes center stage in this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast! Tyler Larson ( @MusicisWin ) and Jared James Nichols ( @JJNicholsMusic ) put an original Klon Centaur head-to-head with some of the most popular Klon clones on the market—from boutique builds to budget pedals—to find out if anything can match the legendary tone. Expect deep tone talk, epic shootouts, and plenty of guitar geekery (plus the story of how Jared became a dad mid-podcast).If you’ve ever wondered why the Klon is the most hyped overdrive pedal in history—or if the clones can truly ha...
2025-11-1045 min
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 10 - Dweezil ZappaGuitar legend Dweezil Zappa ( @thedweezilzappa ) joins Tyler Larson ( @MusicisWin ) and Jared James Nichols ( @JJNicholsMusic ) on The No Cover Charge Podcast for an epic deep dive into guitar tone, technique, creativity, and life lessons from growing up Zappa. Dweezil shares rare insights on his dad Frank Zappa’s genius, the art of improvisation, tone chasing, recording tricks, and why the “mad scientist” mindset is the key to musical freedom. Expect jaw-dropping guitar demonstrations, stories from the road, and thought-provoking conversations every guitarist will love.For all things Dweezil, go to https://www.dweezilzappa.comDweezil's fan engagement platform builder: https://www.rewardmusic...
2025-11-031h 17
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 9 - Joel HoekstraJoel Hoekstra has played with everyone from Whitesnake and Night Ranger to Cher and Trans-Siberian Orchestra—and he’s here to tell the stories behind it all. In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols, Joel breaks down his incredible career path, from Broadway pits in New York to arena stages across the globe. Joel also shares his secrets for longevity, versatility, and surviving the hustle of a professional guitar life. Expect inspiring lessons, guitar nerdery, and some unforgettable stories from one of rock’s most versatile players.P...
2025-10-281h 04
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 8 - Joe BonamassaOne of the guitar world's kings of tone, Joe Bonamassa joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for an unforgettable episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast! In this in-depth and hilarious chat, Joe opens up about his gear philosophy, vintage Les Pauls, touring stories, and the realities of being a modern guitar hero (though he won't call himself that).Expect deep insight into tone chasing, amps and guitars, modelers vs. tube amps, lessons from Danny Gatton, and Joe’s honest take on the music industry, trolls, and staying inspired.Whether you’re a guitarist, gearhead, or Bona...
2025-10-2058 min
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 7 - Steve MorseLegendary guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Kansas, Dixie Dregs, Flying Colors) joins Tyler Larson for an in-depth conversation about his incredible career, songwriting approach, and unique guitar philosophy. Steve breaks down tone secrets, composition techniques, and stories from life on the road with some of rock’s greatest bands. From his early influences to collaborating with John Petrucci and Eric Johnson on his new album Triangulation, this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast is a masterclass in musicianship and creativity. Check out all things Steve MorseSubscribe on YouTube...
2025-10-1344 min
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 6 - Tommy EmmanuelJoin Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols on The No Cover Charge Podcast as they sit down with the legendary Tommy Emmanuel — one of the greatest acoustic guitar players of all time. Tommy opens up about his musical philosophy, the art of performance, his relationship with Chet Atkins, and how he built a lifelong career brick by brick. Expect stories, wisdom, humor, and jaw-dropping playing from one of the most inspiring musicians on the planet.Check out Tommy Emmanuel on tour!Subscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on Spo...
2025-10-0646 min
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 5 - Guitar Trends That CHANGED MusicJoin Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for Episode 5 of The No Cover Charge Podcast as they break down the biggest guitar trends from the 1950s to today—and even predict where the guitar world is headed next. From the sharp suits of early jazz cats, to Clapton’s “woman tone,” to the rise of shred, grunge, boutique gear, and social media guitar culture, this episode is a fast-moving journey through the history of the instrument we love. Expect stories, laughs, and deep insights into how guitar trends shaped music history.Subscribe on YouTubeSubscrib...
2025-09-2949 minNo Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 4 - The Gibson Futura has been RESURRECTED!Step into guitar history with Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols as they unveil the resurrected Gibson Futura—a rare prototype that paved the way for the Explorer. In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, they dive into the story behind Gibson’s bold late-’50s designs, demo the one-of-a-kind Korina-built Custom Shop Futura, and explore the legacy of vintage guitars, including Jared’s legendary “Dorothy” Les Paul rescued from a tornado. Expect laughs, deep gear talk, and tones you won’t hear anywhere else.🎸 Watch now if you love Gibson guitars, rare prototypes, or vintage gear stories that chan...
2025-09-2244 min
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 3 - Richie "The Falcon" FaulknerIn this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson ( @MusicisWin ) and Jared James Nichols ( @JJNicholsMusic ) sit down with Richie “The Falcon” Faulkner of Judas Priest @judaspriest . Richie opens up about his journey in one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time, his approach to guitar playing, tone, gear, and what it means to carry the torch of legendary riffs.Expect stories from the road, deep guitar talk, and insight into what makes Richie one of the most exciting guitarists in modern metal. Fun fact–Richie has only changed his guitar strings once in nine years. Lol.🎸 If you...
2025-09-1541 min
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 2 - Andy Wood🎸 In Episode 2 of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols sit down with guitar virtuoso Andy Wood. Known for his jaw-dropping technique, blend of bluegrass, country, and rock, and his fearless approach to tone and songwriting, Andy takes us deep into his musical journey.Expect stories from the road, inspiring insights on finding your voice as a guitarist, gear talk, and live playing that will leave you speechless. If you’re into shred, chicken pickin’, tone chasing, or just love hearing from one of today’s most versatile guitarists, this episode is for yo...
2025-09-081h 08
No Cover Charge PodcastEpisode 1 - Greg KochWelcome to the very first episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols! Our inaugural guest is none other than guitar legend Greg Koch – a player known for his explosive tone, humor, and masterful storytelling.In this episode, Greg shares his guitar journey, signature techniques, stories from the road, and the wisdom behind his one-of-a-kind style. Expect gear talk, wild riffs, and plenty of laughs as we dive deep into the mind of one of the most entertaining guitarists alive.If you love guitar, bl...
2025-09-011h 05