This episode of Anatomy of Tone offers a deep dive into the world of custom guitar craftsmanship through the lens of Farhad Sohaili, the founder of FSC Instruments. Farhad shares his comprehensive journey from his early music influences and moving from Iran to the United States to the establishment of his guitar-making business. The conversation explores the meticulous process behind creating handcrafted guitars, emphasizing the selection of materials like aged and roasted woods, the art of matching necks to bodies, and the importance of playability and design. Farhad discusses the transition from repair work to building guitars, the impact of the environment on the guitar , and the venture into boutique pedals and amps, illustrating his commitment to quality and the unique character of each piece. The episode also delves into the challenges of the guitar business, the shift from traditional sales to online platforms, and the value of a close-knit guitar community, offering insights into the passion and philosophy that define FSC Instruments.   00:00 Welcome to Anatomy of Tone: A Deep Dive with Farhad Sohaili 00:46 The Craftsmanship of FSC Instruments: Beyond Mass Production 02:27 Navigating Name Pronunciations and Immigrant Experiences 04:42 Musical Beginnings: From Classical Lessons to Punk Rock Passion 11:29 The Journey from Guitar Enthusiast to FSC Instruments Founder 15:06 Mastering Guitar Repair: A Self-Taught Success Story 20:36 The New York Hustle: Building a Business in the Big Apple 24:31 Seasonal Shifts and the Constant Grind of NYC Life 27:17 The Hustle of New York Musicians 28:08 The Importance of Taking Breaks and Having Support 28:56 Navigating the Challenges of Running a Small Business 30:46 The Evolution of Guitar Design and Production 33:18 The Art of Guitar Customization and Quality Control 34:42 Innovations and Changes in Guitar Features 45:01 The Craftsmanship Behind Fretwork and Nut Slots 49:14 Navigating Customer Expectations and Guitar Maintenance 55:33 The Unique Experience of Handbuilt Guitars 57:29 The Art of Selecting Wood for Guitars 58:26 Crafting Unique Guitars: A Personal Approach 01:00:02 The Importance of Thin Finishes and Vintage Aesthetics 01:02:24 Navigating the Boutique Guitar Market 01:04:08 The Future of Guitar Sales and Marketing 01:05:45 Collaborations and Innovations in Guitar Gear 01:08:31 Expanding the FSC Brand: Pedals, Amps, and More 01:19:18 Concluding Thoughts on the Guitar Industry   Visit my website Anatomy of Guitar Tone