Play for Keeps: Stories for the Custom Curious

by MachMachines

Play for Keeps is an interview series by MachMachines Musical Instruments. Each episode features a musician who has commissioned a custom instrument as they chat with Dave and Jen, cofounders of MachMachines, about the sound, style, and story behind their build. MachMachines is an independent maker of guitars, basses, ukuleles, and instrument accessories. Rooted in craft and the Chicago music community, we believe that a favorite instrument is more than a prized possession — it’s a lifelong relationship. Founded by David Showalter and Jennifer Vianello — a luthier and a strategist, a maker and a storyteller —MachMachines is where instruments are made, not manufactured, built for fit and feel, and played for keeps. We make sound that stays. www.machmachinesmusic.com

Latest episodes

Showing 3 · updated from the feed

Occasional Albini barber & former restaurateur on his matching ukuleles

Greg Ellis — multi-instrumentalist, former fine-dining chef, and barber for dozens of musicians — is a two-time MachMachines custom player with matching concert and barit

Sep 20
18 min

Former Black Math / Le Tour guitarist on his custom, short-scale T-style

Harvey Doo-Wop, former guitarist and bassist in Black Math and Le Tour, chats with old friends David Mach Showalter and Jennifer Vianello. Harvey is a two-time MachMachin

Aug 1
22 min

The Grooveliner guitarist on his multilaminate neckthrough guitar

In this first episode, Matt Vianello - guitarist, attorney, pilot, taxi commissioner, and marathoner - sits with his sister, Jen, and Dave for a surprisingly raucous chat

Jun 17
18 min

Chart trend

Position in the Music Interviews chart (US), last 90 days.

#1#97#193AugOct

#107

all-time peak

days in the top 200 since Aug 2026

Chart positions

Where Play for Keeps: Stories for the Custom Curious ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Oct 11, 2026).

#107 NEW Music Interviews US

More podcasts like Play for Keeps: Stories for the Custom Curious

Popular shows in Music Interviews, for your next listen.

Browse charts by category

Daily updated Apple Podcasts rankings for the United States.

About Play for Keeps: Stories for the Custom Curious on Reason.fm

Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Play for Keeps: Stories for the Custom Curious, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.

Contact

Questions or issues? Reach us at hello@reason.fm