Shows
Ask ZacTele Gumbo: String Stretching, Bridge Covers, Book Review & Gig-Ready GearIn this week’s Ask Zac, I’m cooking up a little Tele Gumbo, as today’s show is a mix of guitar talk, gear love, and practical tips:A better way to stretch your strings, one that keeps your tuning stable and won’t damage your nut.Why Tele bridge covers (ashtrays) are actually useful — especially for protecting your strings and saddles when your guitar’s in a gig bag.Book Review: In-Law Country by Geoffrey Himes — a must-read for fans of Emmylou Harris and her circle of musical friends.Gig-Ready Gear...
2025-11-1114 minAsk ZacThe Tour From Hell: My First Time on the RoadWhen you’re young and dreaming about hitting the road, touring sounds like the ultimate adventure, until you actually do it.In this episode, I look back on my first tour experience with the long drives, bad gigs, and all the hard lessons that came with it. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me things I still carry with me every time I step onstage.NEW MERCH SITE!https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.comTo Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZachttps://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.comTip jar: https...
2025-11-0433 minAsk ZacZac’s Hacks - How to Compensate Your Vintage Tele Saddles - Ask Zac 159To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comIn today’s Zac’s Hacks, I demonstrate the old-timey “bend the saddle screw” solution for better intonation using vintage saddles. To do this, one bends the long screw that attaches the saddle to the bridge. Also, I tell the story of how I learned how to do the modification while watching Joe Glaser work on Vince Gill’s prized 1953 Telecaster.Saddle Driverhtt...
2023-09-1817 minAsk ZacRedd Volkaert - The Telewacker - Ask Zac Player Spotlight - 139To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comIn August 1998, I was reading the latest Guitar Player Magazine and excitedly read a feature on the new guitarist for Merle Haggard's Strangers, Redd Volkaert. In the accompanying photo, he was captured holding a number of Roy Nichols-era Haggard albums, and cradling a number of vintage Telecasters, including a blackguard. In the article, Redd promoted his new "Telewacker" album and professed his love for Nich...
2023-08-1229 minAsk ZacHow to play the Ask Zac Theme, and the story behind it - Ask Zac 114To Support the Channel:https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI have gotten numerous questions over the past 2-years about the Ask Zac theme. Here I show both how to play it, and the story about how it came about. I touch on the hand pain issues I have dealt with over the past 3 years, and how the theme came about as a way for me to both strengthen my hands, and be musical.
2023-07-1313 minAsk ZacZac's Hacks - How To Best String Your Vintage Style Telecaster - Ask Zac 110To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comIn this episode, I walk through the process I use for stringing, stretching, and tuning on a vintage-style Telecaster. These methods are geared towards Telecasters with split-shaft tuners and 3-saddle bridges. These methods were learned from gurus like Joe Glaser, Dan Erlewine, and Lindy Fralin, and during my tenure as Brad Paisley's guitar tech. I cover the following:1. Importance of windi...
2023-07-0925 minAsk ZacHow To Prepare For A Gig - Ask Zac 94To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comHow you prepare for a gig dictates whether you will be asked to work with that client/artist again in the future. In this episode, I show how I prepare musically, what questions I ask the client, how I choose what gear to take, and the importance of having backups for everything. A very practical AZ episode.Gear for this video1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pic...
2023-06-2418 minAsk ZacJimmy Bryant - The First Hero Of The Telecaster - Ask Zac 93To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comWhen Leo Fender released the Broadcaster, he was laughed at by his competitors. His detractors claimed that no serious guitarist would be seen playing Fender's "boat paddle" with strings. But old Leo knew just the guitarist that could give his new plank some respect, Jimmy Bryant. What many are not aware of is that after working all day at the factory, Leo Fender would moon...
2023-06-2326 minAsk ZacHow & Why I started my Guitar Related "Ask Zac" Channel using 2 iPhones and a lapel mic - Ask Zac 92To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI started my channel in January of 2020 with 70 subscribers, and a year and a half later have over 20,000 subs. I have gotten many questions about how I create my show, including people wanting to know the specifics of how I capture my guitar sounds. Well here it is, and even a bit of the "why" I started doing my show. And to everyone that has subscribed and supported me, THANK YOU!!
2023-06-2217 minAsk ZacQ & A - Princetons, Tele Body Thickness, and Guthrie Trapp's influence - Ask Zac 91To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comToday I take a long-overdue look at questions that have arisen over the last couple of months. I cover the common questions I get about Princeton Reverb amps, the Tele body thickness question that was repeatedly asked concerning my 57 vs 67 Tele video, and I cover how Guthrie Trapp has influenced my playing, and how one of his exercises influenced the "Ask Zac" theme.Gear for this video1957 Fender Esq...
2023-06-2119 minAsk Zac1960 Deluxe VS 1959 Harvard - A Fender Tweed Comparison - Ask Zac 90To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comFender tweeds are some of the most desirable vintage amps, especially the late 50s designs, which are considered by many as the pinnacle of Leo Fender's work. Today, I look at 2 of the most revered of the smaller tweeds, the 1959 Harvard, and the 1960 Deluxe. The 2 amps are similar in many ways, sharing even some of the same iron, yet different in their cabinet size, speaker size, and perhaps most importantly the Del...
2023-06-2018 minAsk ZacHow Grady Martin's 1961 Fuzz Solo birthed Keith Richard's "Satisfaction" in 1965 - Ask Zac 89Check out the opening Squier Bass VI lick played with Fuzz! To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store at - www.askzac.comDid you know that the fuzz pedal was born because a Danelectro Bass 6 was recorded using a faulty channel on a studio mixing console? The part, played by the great Grady Martin, was a hit for Marty Robbins in 1961, and the requests to replicate the sound led the studio engineer, Glenn Snoddy, to design the Maestro Fuzz-Tone for Gibson in 1...
2023-06-1914 minAsk Zac1957 VS 1967 Vintage Telecaster Comparison - Ask Zac 88 - Leo Fender VS CBS FenderTo Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comFender has made the Telecaster for longer than many of us have been alive. The elegant, yet simple instrument has evolved and had many variations over the past 70 years. Today, I take a 1957 and 1967 Telecaster and show how the instrument changed from the heart of the Leo years, to firmly in the CBS era. From headstock to pickups, the comparison is quite enlightening, and I fi...
2023-06-1825 minAsk ZacLearning To Love Fuzz & Electric Guitar Capo Tips - Ask Zac 87To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo - AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comLearning to play guitar in the 80s, my only reference to fuzz was articles about Jimi Hendrix, SRV, and Eric Johnson in either Guitar World or Guitar Player magazines. When I finally got to play the fuzz pedals that became available in the 90s, like those made by Fulltone, they were just not to my liking. They seemed way over the top, and not useable in the music that I was pl...
2023-06-1719 minAsk Zac7 things I stole from John Leventhal - Ask Zac 86To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo - AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comJohn Leventhal is a favorite, and his work in the early 90s acted as a musical roadmap for a young Texas Honky Tonk guitarist trying to stay afloat in the world of pop/folk/singer-songwriter music. In this episode, I look at 7 concepts that I have stolen from Leventhal, that are very worthy of checking out for yourself.Print interview with JLhttps://www.askzac.com/post/john-leve...
2023-06-1625 minAsk ZacGigging in Downtown Nashville - Ask Zac 85To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comAn old friend texted me on a Saturday morning to see if I was available to play at one of the big clubs in downtown Nashville from 2-6 pm that day. I absolutely said "yes," as I had not played in the downtown area since 2003. It was loads of fun, but also quite the eye-opener to how much Nashville had changed in the last 18 year...
2023-06-1523 minAsk Zac10 Legendary Telecaster Licks - Ask Zac 84To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comMy son told me, "Dad, you ought to do a video on your favorite Telecaster licks." So here are my 10 favorite Telecaster licks of all time.1. Cornell Dupree "Rainy Night in Georgia."2. Reggie Young "Memphis Soul Stew."3. James Burton "Suzy Q."4. Jesse Ed Davis "Six Days On The Road."5. Pete Anderson "Guitars Cadillacs."6. Bobby Womack "I'm In Love."7. Clarence White "You Ain't Goin' Nowhere."8. John Jorgenson "Hi...
2023-06-1421 minAsk ZacAn Ask Zac B-Bender Lesson - AZ 83To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comAfter getting numerous emails about doing a B-Bender lesson, here it finally is. In this AZ, I show some of my favorite chord voicings and licks for the B-Bender that you can add to your string bender vocabulary. Gear Used:2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley - APC Adder (Neck) Peter Florance TE-60 (Bridge)Glaser B-Benderhttp://www.crookcustomguitars.com/https://www.glaserbender.com/Pick:Blue Chip TPR 35
2023-06-1316 minAsk ZacFRANK RECKARD of Emmylou's Hot Band - Ask Zac 82To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comSpotlight on Frank Reckard, Emmylou's Hot Band lead guitarist from 1978-1990. A great player, who is sometimes overlooked as he left the music business after his tenure in the Hot Band to go to law school. Taking the position once held by both James Burton & Albert Lee was a task that Reckard took on ably with talent, hard work, and a fat Les Paul TV P90 tone. In today's episode, we spotlight his history as a...
2023-06-1220 minAsk ZacJoe Glaser installs a B-Bender in my Paisley Tele - Ask Zac 81To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comAfter the last video, I was hooked and wanted to have a new style Glaser B-Bender installed in one of my guitars. The Bill Crook-built Paisley seemed like the appropriate candidate, so I set up a time for an install, and Joe agreed to the entire process being filmed. Besides me removing the strings, and Joe removing the neck, this is the entire installation proc...
2023-06-1154 minAsk ZacGlaser's New Convertible B/G-Bender and Updated Nashville 3-pickup wiring - Ask Zac 80To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comJoe Glaser is the guru that has kept Nashville guitarists up and running since the early 80s. With help from Brent Mason, Steve Wariner, and Ricky Skaggs, his string benders and 3-pickup Telecaster setups became "must-haves" for anyone wanting to be seen as a serious guitarist in Music City. Today, we look at Joe's recently revamped string bender mechanism, which is now convertible between the B or G string, and his updated middle pickup blend co...
2023-06-1021 minAsk ZacFender VS Vox - Ask Zac 79To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI set up an AB switch with my 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb, and 1964 Vox AC10, and I had so much fun switching in-between the 2 amps, that I decided to do a video to show the tonal differences between these two great amps. Fender and Vox have created two of the most iconic amp tones, that besides having different sounds, they also make you play differently beca...
2023-06-0914 minAsk ZacFender '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb - Ask Zac 78To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comFender recently surprised me with a new '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb amp. I was honored, yet a little concerned as I had never really enjoyed single-ended (1 output tube) amps because they tended to sound small, boxy, and to have not-so-great clean sounds. I thought about contacting them to send it back, but decided I might as well plug it in. Surprise, Surprise, I was...
2023-06-0819 minAsk ZacFred Newell, Nashville Now, and the TNN Telecaster - Ask Zac 77To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comFred Newell is best known for his decade-long position as the lead guitarist on Nashville Now, the hugely popular flagship show of TNN, The Nashville Network. Few are aware of all the sessions he played on that were huge hits for Alabama, George Strait, Jerry Reed, and The Kendalls. In this episode, I cover his early days, move to Nashville, session career, a decade on Nashville Now, and his switch to pedal steel guitar and to...
2023-06-0725 minAsk ZacMy Tales from the 2010 Nashville Flood - Ask Zac 76To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comThe Nashville Flood of 2010 was devastating. Lives, homes, businesses, and a huge amount of guitars were lost. The day the rain started, I took my pregnant wife and 1-year old son to a guitar festival in Leiper's Fork, TN, just south of Nashville. While there, I saw Larry Carlton, Reggie Young, Jack Pearson, and Robben Ford perform and had the chance to view some of the finest and rarest vintage guitars at an exhibit curated by...
2023-06-0626 minAsk ZacThe Influence of John Jorgenson - Ask Zac 75To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comSince I first heard John Jorgenson with the Desert Rose Band, I have been a huge fan. I first saw John play in 1994 with the Hellecasters in Nashville, with Brad Paisley in tow. Brad was 21, and I was 20 with a fake I.D. Paisley told me as we got to the door, "If you don't get in, I'm going in without you." Many years later, I had the chance to interview Jorgenson for the Truetone Lo...
2023-06-0529 minAsk ZacGlaser Bender Guitars, the first Super-Telecasters and the birth of the Nashville Tele - Ask Zac 74To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comThe 3 pickup Tele is commonplace now and is often referred to as the "Nashville" Tele setup. Joe Glaser pioneered it in the early 80s with the help of test pilots, Brent Mason, Ricky Skaggs, and Steve Wariner. For Mason, it was hot-rodding his 1967 Tele, for Skaggs and Wariner, Joe made the equivalent of formula one racers from the ground up with eye-catching finishes, flame mapl...
2023-06-0424 minAsk ZacRoy Buchanan - Tele Sorcerer - Ask Zac 73To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comRoy Buchanan took the Telecaster, and guitar playing in general to a new level with his groundbreaking use of volume swells, tone control "wah" simulations, pinch harmonics, and feedback. Although influenced by Buck Owens and Roy Nichols initially, while living near Bakersfield, he would go on to take in a host of diverse musical styles and influences. In today's episode, we look at his hist...
2023-06-0332 minAsk ZacRoy Nichols - No Stranger to a Tele - Ask Zac 72To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comWith the blessing of Redd Volkaert, who has an album by the same name, this Roy Nichols episode is titled "No Stranger To A Tele." Roy of course was the guitarist in Merle Haggard's band, The Strangers, from 1965-1987, but there is so much more to his story than just his time with Merle. Today we look at his story that takes flight during the d...
2023-06-0233 minAsk ZacBuck Owens & Don Rich - Telecaster Troubadours - Ask Zac 71To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comBuck Owens & Don Rich set the world on its ear with their bright, twangy guitars, and their incredibly tight vocals. In today's episode, I take a look at the Bakersfield Dynamic Duo that influenced everyone, including the Beatles. I also look at their gear, and elements of their playing styles.Spotify Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/22q...Gear for...
2023-06-0129 minAsk ZacThe Revenge of the Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb Blonde - Ask Zac 70To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comIn 2020, I checked out the original Black Tolex Fender Tone Master Deluxe Reverb and thought it was pretty good, but not great. In my video, I mentioned the virtual bright cap, the verb, and the speaker as being in need of upgrades. Well, Fender did just that with the new Blonde Tone Master Deluxe Reverb, hence "revenge" in the title. In this Deluxe fan's opin...
2023-05-3116 minAsk ZacThe Greatest Vox Amp You Haven't Heard Of - Ask Zac 69To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI have tried to be a Vox guy for years; buying and selling them over and over and never finding the right one. I had to come to the point of giving up when a friend let me borrow his 1964 Vox AC10, and I finally found the tone I had always been looking for. In this episode, I discuss probably the least known of the...
2023-05-3028 minAsk ZacAll-About the Vintage MXR Script Logo Dyna Comp - Ask Zac 68To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comThe first pedal compressor, and somewhat of a misunderstood effect. Today we will look at its history, including the changes in the pedal throughout the 70s, users, and how compressor pedals have gone from a "sometimes" effect to an "always-on" box for many.Amazon link MXR's reissue script logo box with the can CA3080 https://amzn.to/3bPkJl6Gear for this video1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tal...
2023-05-2921 minAsk ZacMaking Chord Inversions Fun - Ask Zac 67To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comIn today's lesson, we look at a fun technique for helping you learn inversions up and down the neck to help both your rhythm and solo work. In the lesson, I cycle between G major and A minor inversions on the D-B strings, G-E strings, and A-G strings. I also run G6-G9 up and down the fretboard.Gear for this video1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Re...
2023-05-2813 minAsk ZacBoss DM-2, DD-2, & DM-3 - Boss Delays of the 1980s - Ask Zac 66Today I take a look at the Big-3 delay pedals that Boss released in the 1980s, the DM-2, DD-2, and the DM-3. They were all revolutionary when released, and are now considered important delay classics. They are all favorites of mine for different reasons as all three have strengths and weaknesses. To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comPictures of the settings I used can be found on my sitehttps://www.askzac.comGear for this vi...
2023-05-2724 minAsk ZacVince Gill - Telecaster Songbird - Ask Zac 65When Vince stops singing, his Telecaster takes over. Gill was a big part of keeping the Telecaster front and center during the 90s, Country Music's most popular era. Besides covering some of his history and gear, I also showcase some Vince-isms that are an indelible part of his playing style.To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comSome Gear Shots I took back in 2003, including his 53 Tele, and the settings he uses on his CS-3 compressor.https://www.askzac.co...
2023-05-2622 minAsk ZacWhy A Jazzmaster? Ask Zac 64To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI have always had a jaundiced view of the Fender Jazzmaster. I thought it was only for surf, punk, or players with extremely large pedalboards. I learned I was horribly wrong after spending time with Dan Strain's 1965 Jazzmaster. They are beautiful sounding instruments that have their own very identifiable sleek & sinewy sound. As a known Tele-Guy, I take a look at the Jazzmaster, and spot...
2023-05-2518 minAsk ZacRoots Electric Rhythm Guitar - Ask Zac 63To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comRhythm guitar techniques in the styles of Ry Cooder, Keith Richards, Jimmie Vaughan, and Jesse Ed Davis. I had so many comments on how players had both enjoyed and incorporated concepts from my "Country Electric Rhythm Guitar," that I decided to do a companion piece covering more roots/rock styles.Gear for this video1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Da...
2023-05-2418 minAsk ZacRay Flacke - Brit Telecaster Strangler - Ask Zac 62Ray Flacke is another Tele-favorite of mine. I became aware of him through his work with Ricky Skaggs and soon started scouring the record bins for anything he had played on. I found that I had a great affinity for his singular style, which utilized low-string bends, an aggressive attack, and a sense that at any moment he might fly off the tracks. In this episode, I lay out his history, gear, and some licks that are very "Flacke" sounding.To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store a...
2023-05-2327 minAsk ZacA RUT BUSTING LESSON FOR 2021 - Ask Zac 61Sometimes when I am practicing, I just end up playing the same things over and over again. Recently, I started trying to find a good method for busting myself out of my practice rut. I found it by transposing licks & patterns to other areas of the guitar. It's an incredibly simple and effective way to open up all sorts of other musical possibilities using what I already know. To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comLink to the digital version of...
2023-05-2215 minAsk ZacJesse Ed Davis - Unsung Hero of the Telecaster - Ask Zac 60To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comJesse Edwin Davis made a huge impact on the guitar during his relatively short career. He influenced Duane Allman to learn slide, was an earlier user of the Leslie/Vibratone on guitar, and was a session man for Eric Clapton, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, and so many more. Today we pay tribute to Jesse by taking a look at h...
2023-05-2118 minAsk ZacA Very Special "Ask Zac" Christmas - Brad Paisley, Dr. Z, and Me - Ask Zac 59The story of Brad Paisley's Christmas present to me, the ensuing effort on my part to reciprocate, how it led to a new Dr. Z amp, and a further push for Celestion to make a higher wattage alnico speaker. #askzac #guitartech #telecasterSupport the show
2023-05-2012 minAsk Zac1957 Fender Esquire RESTORATION - Ask Zac 58The story of the restoration process, and the wonderful participants who helped out. Much thanks to Dan "Danocaster" Strain, Ron Ellis, Nick at Glaser's, and the lovely Val "Valocaster" Strain. I had no idea the joy that would come from the restoration of a vintage, Pre-CBS, Fender guitar To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comHere are the before shots, so you can see what we started with.https://www.askzac.com/post/my-1957-f...More restoration in...
2023-05-1919 minAsk ZacThe True Story of my 1957 Fender Esquire - Ask Zac 57To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comThe story behind my guitar safari to Guitar Gallery in Tuscaloosa on Haloween, and picking up this gem of a 50's Fender for the first time. The "before" shots, so you can see how far we had to go.https://www.askzac.com/post/my-1957-f...Gear for this video1957 Fender EsquireStrings: D'Addario 10-46Pick:Blue Chip TPR 35 RB Amp:
2023-05-1821 minAsk ZacDanny Gatton Tribute - Ask Zac 56To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comDanny Gatton was and is a huge influence on me, especially his "Strictly Rhythm Guitar" video from Hot Licks. In my tribute to Danny, I take a walk through some of his history, gear, and also cover some of his playing concepts that have stuck with me.Link for Danny's Rhythm Guitar Video https://amzn.to/376svEJSpotify Playlist for Gattonhttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ok...Gear fo...
2023-05-1712 minAsk ZacZac's Hacks - Easy Telecaster Setup - Ask Zac 55To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comThis was another topic that I have been asked many times about over the last 10 months. These are my setup tips for Telecasters. I call them hacks, as I tend to not use measurements, and go more by feel and sound. I cover looking at the nut, neck relief, action, and pickup height.Gear for this video1967 Telecaster - stock except for...
2023-05-1622 minAsk ZacThe Electric Rhythm Styles of James Burton, Albert Lee & Brad Paisley - Ask Zac 54To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comCORRECTION - The "Stars On The Water" rhythm part was both Albert Lee and Hank DeVito. They played the same part but were panned hard left and right. Hank indicated he used his Esquire and a Vox AC30 on the track. DeVito is an esteemed steel player, guitarist, songwriter, and photographer. As a musician, he was an original member of Emmylou's Hot Band, Rodney Crow...
2023-05-1518 minAsk ZacAlbert Lee - The Father of Modern Tele Players - Ask Zac 53To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comAlbert Lee's playing floored me when I heard it on Eric Clapton's "Just One Night" album. I soon began racing down the rabbit hole learning as much as I could about his playing style, gear, and buying every album I could find that listed him on the credits. This episode is a tribute to Albert, and the huge influence he has had on electric guitar players in Country & all roots-based music styles.Playlist fo...
2023-05-1423 minAsk ZacTelecaster Bridge Pickups 1950-69 - How pickups affect tone - UPDATED/CORRECTED - Ask Zac 52To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comThis is a walkthrough of Broadcaster/Esquire/Nocaster/Telecaster bridge pickups from 1950-1969. Thanks to Ron Ellis for his invaluable help in making this video. 2-weeks ago, I released an episode on pickups, and I found I had included some erroneous information on Broadcaster pickups. I immediately pulled the video from YouTube, and have now re-shot it with the correct information. Gear for...
2023-05-1322 minAsk ZacRicky Skaggs - Reluctant Tele-Master - Ask Zac 51To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comToday I spotlight a multi-instrumentalist, and a criminally underrated Telecaster player, Ricky Skaggs. Besides his remarkable guitar work, I also looked at the unique way that he ended up as his own Telecaster player after Ray Flacke left his band. Also, I show some great Skaggs-influenced B-bender and non-bender licks.Spotify Ricky Skaggs Playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/5HO......
2023-05-1231 minAsk ZacMy Top 5 Guitar Books - Ask Zac 50To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comFor my 50th episode, I take a look at the guitar reference books that have influenced me the most. I also continue my lick of the week showing some of Joe Walsh's faux steel licks he used in a recent concert with the Eagles on "Peaceful Easy Feeling." Some of the licks Joe used are variations of Bernie Leadon's guitar parts on the original recording.1. The Guitar Book, by Tom Wheeler 2. Th...
2023-05-1122 minAsk ZacIs Vintage All-That? - Ask Zac 49To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comToday I take a look at our obsession with vintage guitars. It all started with a good friend calling me and informing me that he was going to sell a high-end boutique amp and guitar, so he could afford a vintage guitar. Although I supported him in doing it, I also had to look at what drives me and so many others to become obse...
2023-05-1023 minAsk ZacHow Wood Affects Tone - Ask Zac 48To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comIn the continuing series, of how the various components affect tone, today's chapter is on wood. As to not spread too wide of a net, I stick to old-school Fender used woods ash, alder, pine, and basswood, when covering bodies, and solid maple, maple cap, and rosewood board necks. #askzac #guitartech #telecasterSupport the show
2023-05-0915 minAsk ZacBrent Mason Telecaster - Ask Zac 47To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI remember vividly seeing this "new" guitarist play on TV in the early 90s. He had this crazy-looking gray Tele, with a mini in the neck, a Strat in the middle, and boy howdy could he play! Of course, that guitarist was Brent Mason, and he has gone on to be one of the most recorded, and influential players to ever set foot in Nash...
2023-05-0825 minAsk ZacRelics. The Real Story - Ask Zac 46To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI love relics when they are done well, but must say that there are few things uglier than when aging is done badly. In today's AZ, I retell the story of seeing Joe Glaser age a pickup cover in a restoration project, long before the beginning of the Fender relics. I also dispel the often-told story that the Relic series happened after Fender sent some...
2023-05-0716 minAsk ZacGigging 6 Days a Week? - Ask Zac 45Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacBack in 1996, I got a call on a Saturday night from a drummer friend asking me to go on a 30-day run of dates in Wyoming and New Mexico. And by the way, we leave Monday. We were playing clubs 6-nights a week, 5 hours a night, with Sundays off to travel to the next show. I experienced some of the craziest gigs of my life, and probably learned more than I did in a year of lessons. I also tip the hat to the great Jim Weider. He played in The B...
2023-05-0620 minAsk ZacHow Hardware Affects Tone - Ask Zac 44To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comHow do changing bridges, saddles, and perhaps even tuners affect your guitar's tone? Today I take that on, looking at vintage style 3-saddle bridges vs heavy brass 6-saddle bridges, what to expect going from steel to brass saddles, and what happens when you install die-cast tuners. I close the show with a nod to one of the great Telecaster players in Nashville, Bill Hullett. I wa...
2023-05-0520 minAsk ZacMy 1992 Pedalboard ASK ZAC 43To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comIn this episode, we take a trip in the Wayback Machine and take a look at my 1992 era pedalboard. After last week's Klon, and the birth of boutique episode, I thought about what was my rig was back in the early 90s. Besides the original TS808, that is long gone, I still had all of the pedals I used, and even the plas...
2023-05-0423 minAsk ZacThe Klon and the Birth of Boutique - ASK ZAC 42Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacThe decision to do a Klon focused episode was made easy by a good buddy loaning me his gold horsie Klon, and by the fact that I also had access to a silver horsie version. For this AZ, I wanted to set the context for the birth of this storied pedal by explaining what trends were occurring in music retail, and how that and the new collectible pedal market set the stage for both Bill Finnegan's Klon and the other boutique builders.Gear Used:2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley w...
2023-05-0314 minAsk ZacSo You Wanna Be A Guitar Tech - ASK ZAC 41Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacPeople often ask me what it takes to be a guitar tech, and how to find a job as one. Here I lay out some important considerations for anyone wanting to pursue a position as a guitar tech.Gear Used:2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley with Adder Neck, and underwound Florance TE60http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/Pick:Blue Chip TPR 35 RB Strings: Ernie Ball 10,13,15, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel.Amp:1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speakerEffects used:T...
2023-05-0221 minAsk ZacThe JV Telecaster, Fender Japan & John Jorgenson - ASK ZAC - 40To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comThis episode of AZ was inspired by finding a 1983 JV bound 62 reissue Telecaster recently, and from a past Truetone Lounge interview with John Jorgenson in 2017. In the interview, Jorgenson mentioned that he used a "JV Telecaster" on the first two Desert Rose Band albums, including the iconic solo to "Hello Trouble." In addition to that, he later told me that he used the same guit...
2023-05-0123 minAsk ZacWhy Play A Les Paul? ASK ZAC 39To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comEven though I am a Tele-Guy, there are times when you just need a Les Paul. In today's AZ, I tell how I finagled my way into the Gibson Custom Shop and was able to go through 35 R9 (1959 Reissues) to find the one that checked all the boxes, lightweight, gorgeous top, and acoustically loud. Also, I explain what mods I have done, and what pick...
2023-04-3020 minAsk ZacTone Master Deluxe Reverb VS 1967 Deluxe Reverb - ASK ZAC 38To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comWith my "Why The Deluxe Reverb is the Best Amp" video, many of you asked for a comparison between one of my 60's Deluxe Reverb amps, and the new Tone Master modeling amp. Well here it is, my unvarnished take on the amp, and I have to say that Fender did a great job on the Tone Master.Gear used in Vide...
2023-04-2915 minAsk ZacIs Chorus "Cool" again? ASK ZAC EP 37Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacThe purpose of today's episode is to put forth the question, can we start using the chorus effect again without being subjected to ridicule? After the overuse of it in the 80s and '90s, it has become the pariah of effects. Should it be freed after its nearly 20-year quarantine, or does it deserve to continue to be an outcast? To support the show: go to www.askzac.com and visit the storeGear used in Video:2018 Danocaster Double-Cut (1955 Stratocaster Style) with Ron Ellis 50/60 FAT pi...
2023-04-2816 minAsk ZacWhy We Play Guitar - ASK ZAC EP 36Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacAll of us start playing guitar for various reasons. Here is my story, and please share yours below.To support the show: go to www.askzac.com and visit the storeGear used in Video:2018 Danocaster Double-Cut (1955 Stratocaster Style) with Ron Ellis 50/60 FAT pickups. Soft V neck, ash body, faded Inca Silver finish. Raw Vintage Trem Springshttps://danocaster.com/Strings: Ernie Ball 10,13,16, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel.Pick:Blue Chip TPR 35 RBAmp:1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V...
2023-04-2715 minAsk ZacPete Anderson Telecaster Trendsetter - ASK ZAC EP 35CORRECTION: Pete used 7 out of the 21 stockpiled Yoakam originals on each of the first 3 albums they released together. Pete Anderson turned Nashville on its ear with his playing and production on Dwight Yoakam's 1986 release, Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc. His use of a Tele and Fender Deluxe Reverb amp, instead of the Music City norm of a Strat going direct with heavy chorus, made Dwight's record stand-out, and radio and record buyers responded by quickly turning Yoakam into a bonafide star. In this AZ episode, I give some backstory on Anderson, show some of his licks, and how...
2023-04-2619 minAsk Zac5 Tips for Better Guitar Solos - ASK ZAC EP 34Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacIn this episode, I spell out some philosophies and techniques that have helped my soloing improve.1. Getting a Looper Pedal (I use an MXR Clone Looper) https://amzn.to/2AwoM7o2. Singing a solo over the changes3. Finding Rhythmic and Melodic Motifs4. Limiting Myself - Play like a hero, or with a different sound5. Become a guitar tinkerer. Make what I steal my own.To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.comGear used in Video:
2023-04-2520 minAsk ZacWhy The Telecaster Is The Best Electric Guitar - ASK ZAC EP 33To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comAlthough I started on the guitar in 1985, by 1992 I was a full-fledged Telecaster guy. In the ensuing decades, I have not deviated an iota from my love of the senior solid-body guitar. Here I tell how I fell for the Telecaster, and how the simple, pure elegance of the Telecaster design gives it an edge over all of its many electric guitar brethren. G...
2023-04-2426 minAsk ZacInside Nashville's Favorite - ASK ZAC EP 32Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacAfter my past Mostortion episode, John Lomas, the designer contacted me. When preparing that episode, I had not been able to track him down. Recently, we spoke on the phone, and I was able to get "The Rest Of The Story" on this Nashville favorite. Also, I wanted to keep up the pick and finger exercises with a couple of Atkins/Travis licks I learned from my "Guitar Dad," Pat Grogan.To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.comGear used in Vi...
2023-04-2316 minAsk ZacThe Best Playing Advice I Was Given - ASK ZAC EP 31Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacHere is the best playing advice I have ever received. Also, I had to share James Burton's outro on "Ooh Las Vegas" that Heitor Crespo at Ultimate Elvis Guitar was kind enough to show me how to play.Please support the channel by going to my store at www.AskZac.com Gear Used:2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley with Duncan La Brea pickupshttp://www.crookcustomguitars.com/Strings: Ernie Ball 10,11,15, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel.Amp:1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
2023-04-2216 minAsk ZacYour Heroes Gear Might Not Be Right For You - ASK ZAC EP 30To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.comTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacMost guitar players make many gear purchases based on what their heroes use. This is fine in itself, but what is more difficult, is to know when their gear is not working for us. And to keep from getting too philosophical, I also dissect some of the licks and parts to "Quarantine Man Blues" that I play at the top of the show.The Danny Gatton Hot Licks video I mentioned https://amzn.to/3g42h9u
2023-04-2117 minAsk ZacWhat Are Strats For? A Tele Player's Musings On The Strat - ASK ZAC EP 29To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comAs you can tell from my videos, I am a dyed-in-the-wool Telecaster guy. However, if I am playing electric, and the faithful Tele is not cutting it, I am going to first reach for a Strat. Besides the different sounds it offers, I also get more variation by setting the action higher on the Strat, and by floating the vibrato to keep me from stee...
2023-04-2021 minAsk ZacHow you can get the most from a Grab & Go - Fly Pedalboard - ASK ZAC - 28To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comFor years, I lugged around a huge pedalboard that weighed as much as a combo amp. After making multiple trips to my car for all my gear, I started getting weary of the big board. Through doing the Truetone Lounge interviews, I got to see quite a few large boards, but I was most intrigued by the players that got the most from small peda...
2023-04-1921 minAsk ZacHow Saying "YES" Changed My Life - ASK ZAC EP 27To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.comTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacSometimes saying "yes" can change your trajectory in fantastic ways. I am so glad I said "yes" when I was offered a column with Vintage Guitar Magazine 16-years ago.Like many, I started cleaning out and fixing things around the house during this crazy time of isolation. While looking at my overcrowded bookshelves, I decided to take the 16-years worth of Vintage Guitar Magazines, and cut out all of the columns, featured articles, and product re...
2023-04-1814 minAsk ZacTips on playing with Pick and Fingers ASK ZAC EP - 26To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.comTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacPick and fingers is a fabulous "picking hand" technique. In the beginning, it can seem clumsy, and daunting, but it is very rewarding once mastered. In this episode I spell out my first experience seeing a guitarist using this technique in the mid-1980s, and how a Danny Gatton Instructional video from that era really helped me "get it" by separating out the picking hand and fretting hand parts to make for a more bite-sized lesson.
2023-04-1714 minAsk ZacWhy Guitarists Should Play Mandolin - ASK ZAC EP 25To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI bought a mandolin after seeing two of my favorite guitarists, Albert Lee & John Jorgenson play mandolin on TV in the early 90s. I loved the sound, and the real change of color and tone they offered the bands they were playing in by putting down their electric guitars and picking up the mandolin. Wanting to be like my heroes, I bought a mandolin and...
2023-04-1621 minAsk Zac10 Albums That Changed Me - ASK ZAC EP 24To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.comTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacLike most of you, I have been listening to a lot of music lately while stuck at home. With all of the "Top 10" lists, I thought I would list off the 10 albums that influenced me the most, and why. The Albums:Bob Wills - Tiffany Transcriptions Vol 5Merle Travis - The Merle Travis GuitarSpeedy West & Jimmy Bryant - 2 Guitars Country StyleElvis - The Sun SessionsChet Atkins - Mi...
2023-04-1524 minAsk ZacTremolo Before Overdrive? and the Pops Staples "Shake" - ASK ZAC EP 23To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.comTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacIt might seem subtle, but it isn't. Tremolo before overdrive produces a much more interesting tone because the tremolo is fluctuating the amount of signal going into the overdrive so the sound is getting dirtier and cleaner as the signal goes up and down. It is amazing how much we take for granted what order we think effects should be in, and how we should really experiment to find out what we like better, instead of just do...
2023-04-1416 minAsk ZacDeluxe Reverb VS Harvard + Viewer Mailbag for April - ASK ZAC EP 22To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.comTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacAfter my amp videos on the Deluxe Reverb and the Fender Harvard, I had a number of requests for a head-to-head comparison of them. I also answer questions about brass vs steel saddles on Telecasters, good Tele-type guitars at a reasonable price, under $3,000 option for a bender equipped guitar, and why Leo gave the Tele a square neck heel, and the Strat a rounded one.GEAR USED:2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T...
2023-04-1318 minAsk ZacCornell Dupree - Legend of R&B Guitar - ASK ZAC 21To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comEver since I heard "Rainy Night in Georgia," and I found out who the guitar player was, I have been a fan of Cornell Dupree. In this episode, I give a bit of history and show some of his playing techniques, such as sixth, 4th's, and double stops, and how his choice of strings probably influenced his bending and tone. My Spotify Play...
2023-04-1219 minAsk ZacWhat's The Deal With Pure Nickel Strings? - ASK ZAC EP-20To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comFor many years I had heard about Fender Rock-N-Roll strings, and how they were used by Duane Allman, Eric Clapton, Cornell Dupree, Roy Buchanan, Jimi Hendrix, and many, many others. They were pretty much the standard for light gauge strings until Ernie Ball and D'Addario started eating up Fender's market share in the 1980s. I found out that the set was a strange gauge by m...
2023-04-1117 minAsk ZacSteve Cropper and the Fender Harvard Amp ASK ZAC EP 19To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comAt an early age, I fell under the spell of Steve Cropper watching the Blues Brothers movie. From there, I went back and became familiar with all of his incredible work with Atlantic, and Stax/Volt records with Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Booker T and MG's and many others. Through reading guitar magazines in the 1980's I first heard of this strange amp called a Fe...
2023-04-1020 minAsk ZacThe Maple Cap Neck Telecaster - The Last of the Affordable Vintage Tele's? - ASK ZAC 18To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI love maple cap neck Telecasters, and I give you the why, and the history of these guitars that were only made in large quantities from 1966-1968. The maple cap necks began to appear after Fender switched from maple necks to maple necks with a separate rosewood fretboard in 1959. Holdouts wanted a maple neck, so Leo began to quietly offer guitars that had a sepa...
2023-04-0917 minAsk ZacWhy The Fender Deluxe Reverb Is The Best Guitar Amp Ever - ASK ZAC EP 17To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI first played through a mid 60's Deluxe Reverb amp as a 13-year-old in South Texas in 1986. It took me over 24 years of wandering, but I finally came back to the Deluxe Reverb in 2010, and have been happy ever since. In this Ask Zac, I take you on my wandering through the tonal amp desert, that finally got me back to the venerable Delu...
2023-04-0823 minAsk ZacThe Brad Paisley La Brea Telecaster Pickup Set - ASK ZAC EP-16To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comHere is my take on the new La Brea Brad Paisley pickup set.Gear Used:2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisleyhttp://www.crookcustomguitars.com/Strings: D'Addario 9.5-44 strings EXL120+https://amzn.to/3a5qxViAmp: 1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion V30 speakerCables: George L's. #askzac #guitartech #telecasterSupport the show
2023-04-0713 minAsk ZacB-Benders - Missing History of the Evans Pullstring - ASK ZAC 15To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comToday we talk about B-Benders. I cover some of the untold stories of the B-Bender, showing some of the missing pieces of the story, including that of the Dean Porter bender, and the Dave Evans Pullstring. I also spend some time showing some fun B-Bender licks.Spotify B-Bender playlisthttps://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XQ...Gear Used:1982 Kubicki Tele...
2023-04-0620 minAsk ZacAsk Zac Intro music breakdown and James Burton's "Ooh Las Vegas" lick - ASK ZAC EP - 14To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comIn today's Ask Zac, I show James Burton's intro to the Gram Parsons tune "Ooh Las Vegas," and breakdown the Ask Zac intro music. I also cover some of my thoughts on setup and getting a good Telecaster tone.Link to the Dan Erlewine setup book I rec'dhttps://amzn.to/2Qimg9bGEAR USED:2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)ht...
2023-04-0519 minAsk ZacWhy You Need a Fender/Squier Bass VI - ASK ZAC - EP 13To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comA good friend of mine gifted me a Squier Bass VI, and I have had so much fun learning about the instrument, and how to use it in both performance and recording environments. In this episode, I share both the Danelectro 6 string bass and the Fender Bass VI's history, and the players that put them both on the map. I also give some EQ, effe...
2023-04-0416 minAsk ZacThe Boss VB-2 Vibrato - One Of The Greatest Boss Pedals EVER - ASK ZAC - EP 12To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comI focus on the Boss VB-2 Vibrato in the continuing "favorite pedals" series. It is a killer pedal, that Boss improved upon with their more recent VB-2W "Waza Craft" version. Where the old one had noise/hiss issues when bypassed, the Waza Craft version has a special bypass mode that addresses the original"s weak point. The original pedal has been used to great effect by John Jorgenson with the Desert Rose Band, Neil Fi...
2023-04-0312 minAsk ZacThe Mighty Mostortion - A Nashville & L.A. Session FAVE - ASK ZAC EP 11To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comThe Ibanez Mostortion is one of my all-time favorite dirt boxes. Besides giving some history, I also demo it with my Ron Ellis pickup-equipped Danocaster Blackguard and even share some great ways to use the powerful EQ section of the Mostortion circuit to get some killer tones.GEAR USED:2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck...
2023-04-0219 minAsk ZacMy Frankenstein Telecaster & Why You Need One Too- ASK ZAC EP 10To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comEveryone needs a crazy thrown-together parts guitar. Why? Because you never have to stop modifying them! In this episode, I give the story behind my Tele that I have toured all over the world with and changed everything on it except the body's finish. My Frankenstein even has a Joe Glaser B-Bender that I had installed back in 1997. I show a few bender licks, and a...
2023-04-0119 minAsk ZacA typical day as Brad Paisley's Guitar Tech - ASK ZAC EP 9To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comIn the latest Ask Zac, we answer some viewer questions concerning who played lead guitar on Conway Twitty's "Tight Fittn' Jeans" and what a typical day as Brad Paisley's guitar tech looked like. While reminiscing about my Paisley days, I also share a funny story about a t-shirt fiasco.Note: Lew Houston was the pedal steel player with Conway Twitty doing the chick...
2023-03-3123 minAsk ZacAll About The Nobels ODR-1 - ASK ZAC EP 8To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comTom's correction is in the video here. YT won't let you edit videos that are already published. • In response to Za... The Nobels ODR-1 has been around for a while, but it was not always seen as a "cool" overdrive pedal. Looking back, there is one man that really spearheaded its popularity, and his name is Tom Bukovac. In this epis...
2023-03-3011 minAsk ZacBobby Womack R&B Telecaster Master - ASK ZAC EP 7To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comBobby Womack was an underrated master of R&B Guitar, who influenced many, wrote the book, and/or popularized much of what is considered the R&B guitar vernacular. From his use of sixths, sliding fifths, and double-stops, he helped stamp out a much-copied style of guitar. I walk through his time with the Valentinos, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, and his own two...
2023-03-2913 minAsk ZacJames Burton - Country/Rock Telecaster King - ASK ZAC EP 6To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comJames Burton is one of the most important, and influential guitarists of all time, and in this episode of Ask Zac, I answer "why." To do this, I demonstrate some of his playing techniques, talk of his very early use of light gauge strings, and the exposure he had due to his appearing on the Ozzie and Harriet Show, Shindig, and many filmed concerts with...
2023-03-2819 minAsk ZacTelecaster Neck Pickups and Practice Tips - ASK ZAC EP 5To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comIn our first Viewer Mailbag episode, I answer some questions from viewers. First up, I was asked to compare the APC Adder Tele neck pickup in the Crook Paisley with the Ron Ellis "Julian Lage" neck pickup in the Danocaster Blackguard. For completeness' sake, I also bring out my original 1967 Telecaster and demonstrate its original neck pickup sound. Next, I cover some practice tips, and w...
2023-03-2711 minAsk ZacTips & Tricks for Soundhole Pickups - ASK ZAC EP 4To Support the Channel:Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacOr check out my store at - www.askzac.comIn the Daniel Lanois autobiography, Soul Mining, Lanois tells of using Bill Lawrence soundhole pickups, a trick he learned from U2's The Edge. After reading, I was reminded of an interview I did with John Leventhal for Vintage Guitar Magazine back in 2017. When interviewing John, he spoke of his live electric setup, and that of his acoustic, that was a bit more complex than most as he used both an internal transducer going to a...
2023-03-2612 minAsk ZacDanocaster (Ron Ellis Equipped) Blackguard Demo - ASK ZAC 3To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comI have a deep love of Telecasters and Telecaster-style guitars. In late 2019, I received my special ordered Danocaster Blackguard with a Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and a Julian Lage (Neck) pickup. I demonstrate the Danocaster and also share my long friendships with both Dan Strain and Ron Ellis, and share what makes them both such in-demand creators of fantastic musical tools.If you...
2023-03-2510 minAsk ZacRemembering Reggie Young - ASK ZAC EP 2On the anniversary of Reggie Young's passing, January 17, 2019, Zac Childs pays tribute to him in this episode of Ask Zac. Reggie was more than a great guitarist, he was a great person. Through personal anecdotes, and sharing those of others that Zac has collected, we get a look at Reggie the man. Also in this episode, Zac dissects the intro, verse, and chorus guitar parts of "Drift Away." He also covers Young's gear through the years, and how at heart, Reggie was a bit of a gear minimalist, relying on a 1957 Strat, 1969 Telecaster, BF Deluxe Reverb, and a small...
2023-03-2419 min
Ask ZacSteuart Smith of the Eagles - ASK ZAC EP 1To Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZacTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.comZac talks about Steuart Smith's long and fruitful career as a session man and touring guitarist. His beginnings with Rodney Crowell through his current work with the Eagles is covered along with his session highlights and what gear he has used through the years. My Vintage Guitar Magazine interview with Steuart in the Feb 2020 issuehttps://cloud.3dissue.com/196659/1970...Playl...
2023-03-2313 min