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  • # 53 One Mandolin, One Mic: Baron Collins-Hill on Teaching from Bangkok

    # 53 One Mandolin, One Mic: Baron Collins-Hill on Teaching from Bangkok
    2026/08/25

    Magnus Zetterlund talks with Baron Collins-Hill, the mandolin teacher behind the MandoLessons YouTube channel, running strong for nearly 20 years. Baron picked up mandolin after hearing Chris Thile on Nickel Creek's self-titled album, learned through the early Mandolin Cafe forum community, and started posting lessons on borrowed camera equipment before "online mandolin teaching" was really a thing.

    They talk about Baron's move to Bangkok and the surprisingly lively Irish and bluegrass jam scene he stumbled into there, how living with just one mandolin has pushed him toward a simpler, more minimal approach to both playing and content creation, and how nearly two decades of teaching has shaped his own playing as much as his students'. Baron also shares his philosophy on tackling regional tune variations at a jam, why he thinks teaching today is more about curation than creation, and how his free MandoLessons content and paid Academy community fit together.

    If you've ever hesitated to walk into your first jam session, or wondered how a mandolin holds up in tropical humidity, this episode is for you.

    Visit our website for more episodes:
    https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    Find Baron online:
    https://www.mandolessons.com/

    Show Notes

    In this episode:

    • Baron's origin story: hearing Chris Thile on Nickel Creek's self-titled album, learning basic chords from a family friend, and getting hooked through the early Mandolin Cafe forum around 2000
    • Starting MandoLessons in 2008 — from borrowed MiniDV cameras and Vimeo to a full YouTube studio setup
    • How teaching for nearly 20 years has shaped Baron's own playing as much as his students'
    • Why the mandolin community has exploded with resources since 2008, and how that's shifted a teacher's role from "creation" to "curation"
    • Baron's move to Bangkok, Thailand, and the thriving Irish and bluegrass jam scene he found there (Irish session and bluegrass jam happening most weeks)
    • Traveling with just one mandolin — and how that minimalism has carried over into a simpler approach to filming and teaching
    • How mandolins actually hold up in tropical humidity
    • Advice for beginners hesitant to join a session: go and just listen first, then bring your instrument next time
    • Navigating regional tune variations at a jam — Baron's approach to picking up an unfamiliar B part on the fly
    • The difference between Baron's free MandoLessons repertoire site, his paid "Comprehensive Mandolin" course, and the MandoLessons Academy community (tune-of-the-month, currently "Cold Frosty Morning")
    • What's next for Baron: reorganizing and updating the MandoLessons website's growing tune database (~300 tunes and counting)

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Nickel Creek (self-titled album) and O Brother, Where Art Thou?
    • Mando Mike, David Benedict — fellow mandolin YouTube educators
    • Steve Kaufman's Old Time & Bluegrass Camp
    • Bluegrass Bangkok / Irish Session Bangkok
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    53 分
  • #52 Mando Mike on Teaching, Technique & the Broken Hand

    #52 Mando Mike on Teaching, Technique & the Broken Hand
    2026/07/28
    Join Magnus Zetterlund with UK-based mandolin teacher Mike Giverin (Mando Mike) to explore why learning an instrument transforms lives. Mike shares his journey from seeing Nickel Creek at 14 to building his YouTube channel with 170+ free lessons. Discover his two teaching philosophies—nurturing absolute beginners and fixing technique for musicians switching instruments. Hear the story behind his book "How to Practice the Mandolin with a Broken Hand," dive into right-hand escape motions, and explore why chords are philosophically fascinating. Plus, insights on his band the Jaywalkers and why practice truly makes perfect.Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcastVisit Mike Giverins' website:https://www.mandomike.comTopics Covered:Mike's Origin StoryFirst encounter: Nickel Creek concert at age 14Started mandolin at a bluegrass session in Northwest UKEarly teacher also ran weekly bluegrass jam sessions24 years of mandolin playing since that first lessonChris Thile as primary inspirationMusical Background & TrainingBrass band experience (age 8-13) in the UK traditionLearned to read music formally; classical musician approachThree distinct musical styles shaped his playing: bluegrass, folk, and Irish4Square The Jaywalkers BandMando Mike YouTube ChannelStarted May 2018 with 3 videos per month (released simultaneously)Shifted to 2 videos per month after 2 yearsTotal: 170-200 free lessons (no monetization)Philosophy: "Shop front" for teaching style, not about views or subscriptionsAlways provides tab and music notation with videosPandemic-driven transition to online lessons filled his teaching schedulePairing with weekend gigging with Jaywalkers—exactly what he wantedTeaching Philosophy & Student CategoriesCategory 1: Absolute BeginnersOften retired people who've always wanted to learnJoy of opening up "a secret world" to new musiciansEmphasis on correct technique from day oneRecent student: Grateful Dead fan using lyric sheets instead of chord chartsCategory 2: Experienced Musicians (Guitar, Ukulele, Violin)Wrong pick directions and habits from other instrumentsHigh success rate after fixing pick strokes (2-3 tunes usually fixes the issue)Violinists: Good melody understanding, excellent reading, but need chord playing introductionGuitarists: Natural chord understanding but struggle with mandolin-specific pickingThe Bill Cheatham Solo CollaborationDavid Benedict's group video project featuring different playersMike's contribution: bluegrass-influenced soloChallenge: balancing complexity—not too fancy, but distinctly "you"Hundreds of takes wrestling with note selectionThe Broken Hand Story: "How to Practice the Mandolin with a Broken Hand"Christmas 2016: Family game of picking up a shrinking cereal box with teeth while leaning overMike fell and broke his left-hand middle finger (the bone you break when punching)Four weeks without fretting handSolution: intense right-hand workContent: right-hand patterns, cross-picking exercises, alternate picking progressionsDesperation breakthrough: playing fiddle tunes on open strings onlyResult: A book of pure right-hand techniques (tongue-in-cheek title, serious content)Exercise value: Playing melodies without fretting hand forces picking hand awarenessWhy Everyone Should Learn an InstrumentTravis Kelsey (Taylor Swift's fiancé, NFL player) podcast insight: proves practice makes you betterPhysical, mental, and subconscious benefitsBrain activation: learning instruments activates more areas than almost anything elseHumility and connection: requires approaching others with humility"Music for Life" teaching philosophy: enjoy the journey, growth is a bonusNot about becoming professional; about lifelong benefitsThe Philosophy of ChordsWhat are chords, really? Existential music questionRole of chords: accompanying a melody, creating harmonyChord rhythm variations: 2 per bar, 4 per bar, flexible depending on songTeaching challenge: explaining why G is G when you can't see the guitar fretboardSolution: Play-along tracks essential for understanding chords in contextStudents often overthink chords; they're simply what the song needsMandolin Rhythm vs. Bluegrass RhythmMandolin rhythm sounds different than guitar rhythm in rhythm sectionsBluegrass context: very specific percussive approach (chop chord)Mike's perspective: gets bored of chop chords quicklyAlternative rhythm approaches in folk/Irish settingsFiddle chopping (learned from Casey Dreason at Sore Fingers) opens new possibilitiesRich world of mandolin rhythm beyond bluegrass choppingReading Music & TablatureNot critical, but opens up learning possibilitiesMike's approach: teach full spectrum (by ear, tab, music notation)Benefits: when you find a song online, you can learn it without a teacher converting to mandolin tabRetired/beginner students often come from classical piano backgrounds and need score readingUK Bluegrass Scene6-7 festivals every ...
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    59 分
  • #51 Does Your Pickguard Kill Your Tone? Hayes Griffin Weighs In

    #51 Does Your Pickguard Kill Your Tone? Hayes Griffin Weighs In
    2026/06/23
    Join Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin as they discuss gear essentials, touring adventures, and what happens when you remove a pickguard from your mandolin.Hayes shares his inspiring experience at Blue Ridge Guitar Camp with flat-picking heroes and his recent European tour backing Beppe Gambetta in Italy. Discover the community's favorite cleaning products—including the legendary Fast Fret string cleaner—and debate the pickguard question: does it really affect your tone? Plus, hear about Southern Flavor, New Camptown Races, and why the Punch Brothers' latest release is absolutely worth your attention.Visit our website for more episodes:https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcastShow NotesTopics Covered:Blue Ridge Guitar CampHayes' experience at the prestigious North Carolina guitar campMeeting and studying with Cody Kilby (six hours of instruction)Playing alongside bluegrass legends and instructorsLeading jam sessions at the campCollings Guitars video collaboration with Cody KilbySouthern Flavor (Fiddle Tune Adaptation)A "deep cut" in bluegrass—rarely called at jam sessionsHayes teaching this tune to Magnus years agoThe power of shared musical language and common repertoireUpcoming guitar and contest arrangement lessons from HayesNew Camptown Races ProjectMagnus's detailed transcription and tutorial workMultiple versions and variations of the tuneJesse Brooks as an inspiration for "hero licks"Building resources for students: basic version + performance arrangement + hero licks seriesHayes' European Adventure: Italy with Beppe GambettaWeek-long visit to Genova, Italy with wife QuinnThree nights of concerts at the National Theater in GenovaCollaborators: Trey Hensley and Maddie Denton (East Nash Grass)Theme: Jam band music focused on improvisationHayes proposed to Quinn in Liguria, Italy (the region where Genova is located)Community Music Choice: If You Could Only Listen to One MusicianChris: Steven Stills (solo), Fleetwood Mac (band)Jane: Cecilia Bartoli (Italian mezzo-soprano)Steve: Johann Sebastian Bach (composer/repertoire)Hayes: Jethro Burns (bridges country, fiddle, swing, and jazz)Magnus: Julian Lage or Chris Thile (contemporary, making new music) Recent discovery: Punch Brothers' new single "Song of the Water Kelpie" from their latest releaseRecommendation: Listen to audio first, then watch the music video to see how they layer instrumentsThe Pickguard Debate: Does It Affect Sound?Magnus's experimental video comparing mandolin sound with and without pickguardFindings: Subtle difference in high-end frequencies and pick noiseHayes' take: More treble and pick-string contact without the guardPickguard blocks part of the F-hole, affecting airflowMagnus removed pickguard from his recording setup to eliminate pick-strike noiseDifferent instruments respond differently to pickguard removalCommunity Pickguard Opinions:Bob: Removed pickguard immediately; lighter touch means no protection neededKit: Pickguard fell off mid-gig; got scratches on varnish—pickguard necessaryTim: Questions impact of pickguard blocking F-holeHayes: Keeps pickguard on Red Diamond (likes the look, minimal tone difference)Buas mandolins: Standard without pickguards (no protection needed with proper technique)Northfield: Uses thin, close-to-strings pickguardsCleaning & Maintenance ProductsMagnus's Essential:GHS Fast Fret - String cleaner and lubricantDaily use for non-coated stringsExtends string life significantlyRemoves hand oils and residueLasts about 1-2 years before needing replacementCommunity Recommendations:Martin Guitar Polish (lemony scent, popular for wiping down instruments)Music Nomad Fretboard F1 Oil (fretboard maintenance)Elderly Instruments Microfiber Cloths (high-quality polishing cloths)D'Addario Fretboard Lemon Oil (string change maintenance)Jim Dunlop Cleaning Sprays and Fretboard OilsHayes' Approach:Uses coated strings most of the time nowAppreciates Fast Fret for extending uncoded string lifeHas oily hands; strings would go dead after one gig without maintenanceFeatured Music:Punch Brothers - "Song of the Water Kelpie" (from latest album)People Mentioned:Brian Sutton (Blue Ridge Guitar Camp instructor)Cody Kilby (guitarist, Blue Ridge Guitar Camp instructor)Beppe Gambetta (Italian bluegrass/traditional musician)Trey Hensley (guitarist)Maddie Denton (fiddler, East Nash Grass)Jethro Burns (mandolinist, Hayes' choice for lifetime listening)Julian Lage (contemporary guitarist/composer)Chris Thile (mandolinist/Punch Brothers frontman)Jesse Brooks (mandolinist)Resources:Blue Ridge Guitar CampChapman's Acoustic Shop (Buas dealer in US)GHS Fast Fret productElderly Instruments (quality cloths and maintenance supplies)Mandolin Secrets Academy (video version of this episode)Guitar Club (Hayes' online courses)
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    43 分
  • #50 Four Chords to Solo Concerts: Malin Foxdal's Octave Mandolin Journey

    #50 Four Chords to Solo Concerts: Malin Foxdal's Octave Mandolin Journey
    2026/05/19

    Join Magnus Zetterlund as he welcomes Swedish artist Malin Foxdal to discuss her journey with the octave mandolin, from knowing just four chords to performing solo concerts. Malin shares insights on her two new ensembles—one rooted in Swedish and Celtic folk, another exploring improvised poetry and jazz. Discover her philosophy of learning through doing, the liberating power of stage improvisation, and how the octave mandolin became her creative voice. Plus, hear live performances of "Ingens Lilla Flicka" and "I Sing" from her acclaimed music theater work about Swedish immigration, and learn Magnus's secret trait: unstoppable grit.

    Visit our website for more episodes:
    https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast

    Malin Foxdal's website:
    https://www.malinfoxdal.com/

    Show Notes

    Topics Covered:

    Discovering the Octave Mandolin

    • First encounter with Esbjörn Hazelius's instrument in 2009
    • Buying an octave mandolin knowing only four chords—and never regretting it
    • Why the octave mandolin creates a perfect "third voice" for singer-songwriters
    • How it blends beautifully with violin, guitar, and other string instruments

    Learning Philosophy: Be Brave & Curious

    • Teaching yourself through performance rather than waiting to be "ready"
    • The importance of getting on stage with whatever you know
    • Adding songs one by one to build your repertoire
    • Learning to fail forward and staying curious to avoid boredom

    New Musical Projects

    • Trio with Emma Reid (violin) and Dan Knagg (multi-instrumentalist): Swedish and Celtic folk with newly composed music rooted in tradition
    • Experimental trio with Anders Hagberg (flute/sax) and Rickard Åström (piano): Improvising poetry live on stage, including audience-contributed words
    • The art of trust, presence, and listening in live improvisation

    20 Years as an Artist

    • Celebrating two decades of building experience and tools
    • Recent album receiving fantastic reviews and cultural awards
    • The journey from experimental beginnings to confident improvisation

    Music Theater & Social Commentary

    • "På andra sidan Swede Hollow" (On the Other Side of Swede Hollow): A play about Swedish immigration to America
    • Drawing parallels between historical Swedish emigrants and modern immigrants to Sweden
    • Using music theater to cultivate sympathy and perspective

    Instrument Spotlight: Weber Bridger A

    • Custom-made octave mandolin from Weber factory (2009/2010)
    • Tuned G-D-A-E with flatwound strings for a mellow tone
    • Comparing sounds with Magnus's similar model
    • One of only two octave mandolins in their household!

    Current Practice Focus

    • Developing more rhythmical playing patterns
    • Experimenting with picking hand technique
    • Playing the same songs with fresh presence each time

    Featured Music (Live Performances):

    • "Ingens Lilla Flicka Längre" (No One's Little Girl Anymore) - Original composition with lyrics by poet Kristina Lugn
    • "I Sing" - From the music theater "På andra sidan Swede Hollow" about Swedish immigration

    Magnus's Secret Revealed: Malin shares that Magnus's defining trait is his unstoppable persistence—once he decides to do something, he never gives up. Pure grit!

    Connect with Malin Foxdal: Website: malinfoxdal.com Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms

    Recommended Albums:

    • Latest album celebrating 20 years as an artist
    • "Natt Fjäril" (2010) - Gillian Welch songs interpreted in Swedish with an Americana vibe
    • "Jag längtade" - Traditional Swedish folk songs with blues/Americana touch

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Esbjörn Hazelius (Swedish musician)
    • Emma Reid (violinist from Newcastle, England)
    • Dan Knagg (multi-instrumentalist)
    • Anders Hagberg (flutist/soprano saxophonist)
    • Rickard Åström (pianist)
    • Gillian Welch (American songwriter)
    • Kristina Lugn (Swedish poet)

    Resources:

    • Full video performances available exclusively in Mandolin Secrets Academy
    • Previous podcast episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
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    50 分
  • # 49 Karl Tirén: Composing, Band Leadership & Overcoming Injury

    # 49 Karl Tirén: Composing, Band Leadership & Overcoming Injury
    2026/04/21

    Join Magnus Zetterlund as he sits down with Swedish mandolin player, bandleader, and composer Karl Tirén to discuss his innovative Atlas project—a unique trio featuring mandolin, trombone, and double bass. Karl shares his compositional process, the journey from injury to inspiration with the tune "At Last," and how he practices through playing rather than drilling scales.

    Links:

    Visit our website for more episodes:

    https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast


    Connect with Karl Tirén: Instagram: @karltiren.music

    https://www.instagram.com/karltiren.music


    Bandcamp - Karl Tiren

    https://karltiren.bandcamp.com/album/atlas


    Music available on Spotify, Apple Music, and all streaming platforms Physical CDs available by contacting Karl directly

    Spotify:

    https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rlnxnGG3xgGMG16lRIh7D?si=VxT_r2iJRQ-OoaEf0x8Ybg


    Mandolin Secrets Academy

    https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/academy


    Topics Covered:

    The Atlas Project

    • Unique instrumentation: mandolin, trombone (Magnus Grumer), and double bass (Johan Lindblom)
    • Released as three EPs, now available as a complete album
    • Blending American mandolin traditions with Scandinavian sensibilities
    • Modern approach to releasing music in the streaming era


    Composition & Creative Process

    • Karl's workflow: starting with instrumental phrases that "stick"
    • Voice memos and long-form development (some tunes take years)
    • Writing specifically for ensemble voices (like "Tromb" for trombone)
    • Balancing melody and rhythm on the mandolin


    Practice Philosophy

    • "Practice listening" as the foundation
    • Desire-driven rather than strictly disciplined approach
    • Learning through playing tunes instead of isolated exercises
    • Influences from David Grisman, Chris Thile, and Brazilian mandolinist Hamilton de Holanda


    Overcoming Injury

    • Karl's tendonitis story and years away from playing
    • How Atlas bandmates share a history of performance injuries
    • The importance of listening to your body
    • "At Last" as a turning point in regaining inspiration

    Band Leadership

    • Self-releasing music without a record label
    • Building a touring quartet (adding trumpet player Karl Valmyr)
    • Balancing music with day jobs
    • Planning and sustaining a long-term project

    Instruments

    • Karl's Bouvier F-style mandolin (refinished from purple!)
    • Also plays a Nordic flat-top mandola by Mats Nordvall
    • Discussion of American vs. Nordic mandolin traditions


    Featured Music:

    • Åre Polskan (Swedish traditional, mandolin duo with Magnus)
    • "At Last" (original composition that launched the Atlas project)
    • "Tromb" (written specifically for trombone)
    • Bridal march (Scandinavian-influenced original)
    • Bach Menuet in G Major (duo arrangement)


    Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Johan Lindblom (double bass)
    • Magnus Grumer (trombone)
    • Karl Valmyr (trumpet)
    • Former band: Primus Motor
    • Hamilton de Holanda (Brazilian mandolinist)
    • Mats Nordvall (Nordic mandolin builder)


    Resources:

    • Full video version available in Mandolin Secrets Academy
    • Bach Menuet and Åre Polskan arrangements available in the Academy
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    52 分
  • #48 The Making Of Bingsjö Lilla Långdans

    #48 The Making Of Bingsjö Lilla Långdans
    2026/03/10

    Go behind the scenes as Magnus Zeterlund breaks down his latest release, "Bingsjö Lilla Långdans"—a traditional Swedish tune reimagined on electric octave mandolin and guitar.

    Discover how he adapted the melody, layered harmonies across different octaves, and programmed drums in Logic Pro.

    Magnus shares his workflow for multitracking, why he chose certain tones, and the three biggest lessons learned: separating instrument sounds, editing drums at the event level, and deciding track length early.

    Perfect for musicians curious about the creative and technical process of bringing traditional music into a modern recording.

    Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.

    Please watch video and listen to performance by following the link below.
    https://www.mandolinsecrets.com/bingsjo-lilla-langdans

    Visit our website for more episodes:
    https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
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    36 分
  • #47 Deconstructing a Classic: When You Wish Upon a Star

    #47 Deconstructing a Classic: When You Wish Upon a Star
    2026/02/10

    In this episode:
    Magnus Zetterlund takes a deep dive into his unique mandolin arrangement of the 1940 Disney classic. Using an AI-generated technical overview as a jumping-off point, he explores the intersection of music theory, instrument physics, and emotional delivery.

    Technical Key Points Covered:

    • The "Spice" of the A7#5: Why Magnus used an augmented dominant chord to create tension and Sophistication in the A-section.
    • Harmonic Sophistication: A breakdown of the Dm7(b5) to G7 (ii-V-I) progression and how it adds a jazz flavor to the traditional melody.
    • Position & Timbre: Why fretboard geography matters. Comparing the "warm, rounded" tones of the lower frets to the "bright, bell-like" quality of the higher fret voicings.

    Resources Mentioned:

    • Magnus Zetterlund’s Lead Sheet: The original PDF arrangement of When You Wish Upon a Star.
    • AI Technical Overview: A digital analysis of the harmonic complexity within the manuscript.

    >> Download free mandolin chord charts at my website:

    https://mandolinsecrets.com/wish-upon-a-star


    Visit our website for more episodes:

    https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
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    18 分
  • #46 Pick Slanting Breakthroughs & Practice Priorities for 2026

    #46 Pick Slanting Breakthroughs & Practice Priorities for 2026
    2026/01/13

    Join Magnus Zetterlund and Hayes Griffin as they wrap up 2025 and dive into the real work happening in practice rooms across the mandolin community. In this candid conversation, Magnus and Hayes get technical about pick slanting and escape motions—the breakthrough technique that's transforming their playing after decades of double-escaping. They also tackle practical questions from the community about practice routines, gear choices, and how to stay motivated on your musical journey.

    Whether you're a beginner finding your way or an experienced player refining your technique, this episode offers honest insights into the practice process and what it takes to keep growing as a musician.

    Topics Covered:

    Pick Slanting & Single Escape Technique

    • Magnus shares his breakthrough moment with pick slanting after 30 years of playing
    • Understanding supination vs. pronation and rest strokes vs. escape strokes
    • Why this isn't just about speed—it's about efficient, powerful single-note picking
    • Practical demonstrations of two-note and four-note per string patterns
    • How to build vocabulary from mechanical exercises

    Practice Priorities

    • Hayes on the importance of tracking your practice (and his 20-month tracking gap)
    • Magnus's focus on right-hand technique and melodic adjustments
    • Community members share their goals: learning scales, memorizing the fretboard, and diving into Nordic folk tunes

    Gear Talk: Cases & Gig Bags

    • Finding the right fit for different instruments and situations
    • Hard cases vs. soft cases: when to use each
    • Magnus's search for the perfect electric octave mandolin case (spoiler: Strandberg guitar bags might be the answer)
    • Community recommendations including Colorado Case Company, Blue Heron, TKL, and Northfield cases

    Looking Ahead to 2026

    • Magnus's new Octave Mandolin Course now available
    • Plans for a Nordic Folk Guitar course coming in spring 2026
    • Hayes's upcoming European tour in May (details TBA)
    • New Guitar Club content and guided courses on the horizon

    Community Insights

    • How joining Mandolin Secrets Academy increases practice frequency and commitment
    • The power of putting "skin in the game" for your musical development

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Mandolin Secrets Academy (mandolinsecrets.com)
    • Previous podcast episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcast
    • Hayes's tour with Beppe Gambetta
    • Magnus's collaboration with Johan Eriksson Rapp


    Connect With Us: Watch the video version of this episode exclusively inside Mandolin Secrets Academy, or find all previous episodes at mandolinsecrets.com/podcast


    Here are the weblinks mentioned in the show.


    Visit our website for more episodes:

    https://mandolinsecrets.com/podcast


    Beppe Gambetta website:

    https://beppegambetta.com/
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    50 分