FRET12

09/01/2026

We welcomed Kenny Whitmire into the shop before he took the Fairgrounds stage to open for Billy Currington and Kip Moore at The Salt Shed. He played us his new song “Movin’ On’s Movin’ In”.

08/31/2026

.framed was on a photo walk through the West Loop when the yellow DETROIT lettering on the back of our Station Jacket stopped him mid-stride.

Spencer moved to Chicago from Detroit not long ago. He snapped a few frames, looked us up, and sent the shots our way.

Thanks for this one, Spencer.

Spot FRET12 out in the wild? Tag us or send it over. We want to see where the gear ends up.

08/30/2026

Lightweight, breathable, and built for whatever’s next, from soundchecks and sidewalks to flights home. The Analog Hat in Faded Grey has a low-profile six-panel cut that layers clean without competing for attention. Designed in Chicago with the same small-batch mentality as everything else we make.

08/29/2026

Some things are better with a little wear on them.

The Analog Hat in Faded Grey starts with that already-lived-in feeling, with a washed finish and understated shape that only gets better the more places it goes.

08/28/2026

Three Rail Jackets. Blue, Tan, and Black.

Cut and sewn in Chicago, then naturally dyed with Metric Coffee for a broken-in feel from day one.

Now available for pre-order at FRET12.com.

08/27/2026

New on the shelves: three titles for anyone who wants to know who built it, what was plugged into what, and why it mattered.

Issue 11 + Supplements goes deep on records, gear, listening spaces, and the people behind them. We came for all of that, but especially loved the interview with A.P.C. founder .

Issue 5 packs more than 170 pages of conversations with John Cale, Suzanne Ciani, Justice, Soulwax, Ty Segall, Tom Vek, and plenty more. We’re down to our last few copies and won’t be able to restock this one.

Made On Earth for Rising Stars is a massive visual history of , packed with prototypes, vintage documents, circuit history, rare photos, and first-hand stories from more than five decades of making strange boxes that changed music. Written by and with Dan Epstein, and published by .

Three very good ways to lose an afternoon.

08/26/2026

A study in proportion, texture, and everyday wear.

Naturally dyed with Metric Coffee for a broken-in feel from day one.

The Rail Jacket.

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

Six Foot Blonde brings together big vocals, infectious melodies, and a distinctly Midwestern sense of fun. We're excited to premier this video for "Carmilla" from their forthcoming second album "Hummingbird". The four songs they played during their FRET12 Session brim with confidence and cohesion and represent a true leap forward for the band. Stay tuned for more!

08/24/2026

Monday. Tank full. Stereo up. Somewhere to be.