Zac Childs

Ask Zac

A Music Commentary , Music and Music History podcast

#40 in Music Commentary · 🇳🇴 #71 in Music Commentary · 🇸🇪

About the show

Zac Childs is a music insider and historian. He is the host of the acclaimed Truetone Lounge interview series and contributed to Vintage Guitar Magazine for 15 years via his Ask Zac column, and numerous featured articles, product reviews, and cover stories. On his ASK ZAC channel, Zac takes a look at players and gear and also answers guitar-related questions in ways that were never possible via print.

Newest episodes

My Nightmare Repair Story (Everything Went Wrong)

Nov 10, 2026 18 min

Have you ever had a home renovation or car repair where literally everything that could go wrong... went wrong? This is the guitar version of that story. In this episode of Ask Zac, I lay out the wild saga of my 1993 Jerry Jones Longhorn 6-String Bass. I fell in love with this copper-burst beauty on Reverb, bought it with overconfident assumptions, and quickly discovered a non-adjustable neck with severe relief. What started as a simple heat-press attempt spiraled into one of the most radical luthier surgeries I've ever seen, involving sawed-off fingerboards, flying sparks, rosewood splines, and neck-shaping help from Brad Paisley. It was a nightmare repair that tested my patience and budget, but at the end of the day, it came out a fantastic, playable studio monster. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro: The Repair Where Everything Went Wrong 1:52 – Sponsor Shoutout & Thanks 2:08 – My History with Jerry Jones Guitars 4:31 – Finding the 1993 Copper Burst Longhorn Bass 5:33 – The Non-Adjustable Truss Rod Problem 7:17 – Attempt #1: Heat Pressing the Neck (Failed) 8:54 – Taking it to a Master Luthier in Detroit 10:06 – Sawing Off the Fingerboard & Epoxy Disaster 11:02 – Planing the Neck Core (Sparks Flying!) 12:04 – Adding Rosewood & Rebuilding the Neck Spine 12:55 – Finishing Touches & Brad Paisley's Neck Shaping 14:09 – Lessons Learned: Buyer Beware of Fixed Truss Rods! 15:57 – Was It Worth It? "Zac's Folly" Reborn www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

Influential Albums - Ain't Living Long Like This - Rodney Crowell

Nov 3, 2026 17 min

In this episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into an absolute masterclass of a record and one of my all-time favorite albums: Rodney Crowell’s 1978 debut, Ain't Livin' Long Like This. While it wasn't a commercial smash upon its release, this album became a goldmine for the rest of Nashville, yielding huge hits for Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, The Oak Ridge Boys, Alan Jackson, and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Beyond the world-class songwriting, the record features an incredible all-star lineup of musicians putting their egos aside to serve the song: James Burton, Albert Lee, Ry Cooder, Dr. John (Mac Rebennack), Willie Nelson, Mickey Raphael, Ricky Skaggs, Hal Blaine, Amos Garrett, and Nicolette Larson, all produced by Brian Ahern. In this video breakdown, I cover: • Rodney Crowell's early days, Guy Clark mentorship, and time with Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band • Why Rodney’s dark, sensual original version of "Elvira" is my fave • James Burton’s legendary Fender Telecaster tone, phase/chorus effects, double-string bends, behind-the-nut bends, and drop-tuning techniques • The friendly Telecaster guitar duel between James Burton and Albert Lee on "Baby Better Start Burning Them Down" • Albert Lee’s unique "guitaristic" approach to playing the mandolin • How tracks like "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight," "Voila, An American Dream," "Song for the Life," and the title track defined 1970s Outlaw Country and Country Rock www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #RodneyCrowell #Telecaster #AskZac #CountryGuitar #JamesBurton #OutlawCountry #GuitarTone #AlbertLee #EmmylouHarris Support the show

Playing with William Shatner, Brad Paisley & Modding a Danelectro Double Neck

Oct 27, 2026 22 min

On today's episode of Ask Zac, we dive into the surreal experience of performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside William Shatner, Brad Paisley, Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), and Gordon Mote. Zac breaks down the backstory, from watching Monday Night Football at Shatner’s house 20 years ago, to recording an album of introspective spoken-word music with him in Nashville, and finally taking those tracks to late-night national television. Plus, a deep dive into the gear used for the performance, including a full walkthrough of the custom makeover on his 1999 reissue Danelectro double-neck (12-string / Bass VI). Timestamps & Chapters 0:00 – Intro: Performing with William Shatner on Jimmy Kimmel Live! 1:33 – Welcome & Episode Overview 2:17 – Channel Thank-Yous & Patreon Support 2:30 – Meeting William Shatner 20 Years Ago with Brad Paisley 3:42 – The Studio Session: Recording an Album with Shatner, Brad Paisley, Taylor Goldsmith & Gordon Mote 6:16 – Getting the Call for Jimmy Kimmel Live! 7:43 – Late-Night TV Fly-Rig: Vox AC30 & Pedalboard Setup 8:34 – Arranging 12-String & Bass VI Guitar Parts for "Masks" 10:12 – Guitar Part Demos: 12-String Ringing Lines, Vibrato & Tic-Tac Bass 12:19 – Behind the Scenes at Jimmy Kimmel Live! (Rehearsals & Taping) 13:34 – Post-Show Dinner with Shatner: Asking About His Heroes (Olivier & Brando) 15:03 – Gear Breakdown: Vox AC30, Mostortion, UA Delverb & Waza Vibrato 15:55 – Modding the 1999 Danelectro Double Neck (12-String / Bass VI Conversion) 16:34 – Curing Neck-Dive: Installing Kluson Tuners & Conversion Bushings 17:12 – The Makeover: Aqua Burst Refinish, Side Tape & Matching Headstocks 19:45 – Reflecting on Star Trek, Mask-Wearing & Final Thoughts Support the show

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 286 episodes

My Nightmare Repair Story (Everything Went Wrong)

Nov 10, 2026 18 min

Influential Albums - Ain't Living Long Like This - Rodney Crowell

Nov 3, 2026 17 min

Playing with William Shatner, Brad Paisley & Modding a Danelectro Double Neck

Oct 27, 2026 22 min

1960 Danelectro 3923 Double Neck: History, Design, and the SRV Mod

Oct 15, 2026 30 min

In this episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into an unusual vintage instrument: the 1960 Danelectro 3923 Double Neck. From the early history of Danelectro to playing demos, modding options, and the famous Stevie Ray Vaughan connection, here is a full breakdown of this unique guitar/bass hybrid. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction & Overview 1:54 – Channel Thanks 2:10 – The History of Danelectro & Nate Daniel 3:35 – The 1956 U2 Model & Innovation 4:16 – Unique Danelectro Specs: Poplar, Masonite & Lipstick Pickups 8:05 – The 6-String & 4-String Basses 9:09 – Introducing the 1959/1960 Danelectro 3923 Double Neck 10:18 – Why a Guitar + Bass Hybrid is So Odd 12:42 – Pop Culture, Props & The Beverly Hillbillies 14:18 – Stevie Ray Vaughan, Steve Soest & The Bass 6 Mod 15:47 – Jimmy Vaughan, The Fabulous T-Birds & "Tuff Enuff" 18:05 – Breakdown of the Mods on This Specific 3923 19:39 – Playing Demo: Guitar Neck (Bridge, Both, Neck Pickups) 22:49 – Playing Demo: Bass Neck (Overdrive & Clean) 26:05 – The Sympathetic Resonance / Natural Reverb Trick 27:10 – Factory Bass 6 Myths & Modular Dano Designs 29:01 – Credits & Final Thoughts 1. Danelectro History & Engineering Innovation Founded by Nate Daniel, Danelectro started by building amplifiers for major department store catalogs like Sears and Montgomery Ward. When Fender and Gibson revolutionized the market with solid-body guitars in the early 1950s, Daniel approached guitar design from an engineer's perspective, launching the iconic U2 model in 1956 for just $60, roughly a third of the cost of a Fender Telecaster at the time. Key construction features included: Necks & Nuts: Poplar necks with Brazilian rosewood fretboards and non-adjustable twin steel rods to prevent warping, topped with a metal nut screwed straight into place. Body Construction: Masonite front and back panels built over a hollowed poplar/pine frame with internal wooden support blocks under the bridges. Lipstick Pickups: Bar magn...

A Look At The Fender Tone Master '59 Twin-Amp (Joe Bonamassa Edition)

Oct 8, 2026 21 min

Why would a legendary tone snob with Dumbles and real '59 Tweed Twins put his name on a digital amp? On today's episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into the new Fender Joe Bonamassa Tone Master '59 High-Powered Tweed Twin, and what happened when I took it out on the road. Fender sent over one of these digital tweed powerhouses to review. As someone who uses digital and solid-state gear on stage (including recent televised Grand Ole Opry performances), I share my honest thoughts on why this amp exists, who it’s actually for, and whether modeling has earned a permanent spot in a vintage purist’s rig. We walk through the amp's features, tone flexibility, studio usability, and real-world gig results, including: Why Joe Bonamassa Went Digital: The real-world realities of touring, component drift, finicky 12AX7 tubes, and why consistency reigns supreme on the road. Tonal Features: Exploring the Normal vs. Bright inputs, the padded #2 inputs, mid-range grit, built-in digital reverb, and the rear-panel power selector (from under 1 watt to 85 watts). Modern Upgrades: The switchable FX loop (ideal for big solo boosts and delays), direct XLR output with IR cab simulations, and custom Celestion Joe Bonamassa Neodymium "blackback-style" speakers. Road-Test Results: How the amp performed on stage during big shows, lightweight transport benefits, dialing in the Vintage vs. Tight switch, selecting IR presets, and how it paired with my Danelectro doubleneck and baritone Telecaster. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro & Welcome to Ask Zac 0:51 - The Fender Joe Bonamassa Tone Master '59 High Powered Tweed Twin 1:53 - Patreon Thanks & Why I'm Doing This Video 2:44 - Why Fender Sent Me This Amp & My Experience with Tone Masters at the Opry 3:11 - Why Would Joe Bonamassa Do a Digital Amp? (The Consistency Factor) 5:33 - XLR Direct Out & Modern Gigging Maintenance Realities 7:08 - Power Attenuator / Output Selector Switch Features 8:01 - Tone & Input Demos (Normal vs. Bright, Padde...

When and Why To Use A Guitar Wireless

Sep 29, 2026 21 min

On today’s episode of Ask Zac, we dive into the world of guitar wireless systems, specifically when and why you should consider ditching your instrument cable. From small casino stages to massive stages with thrusts, we look at how going wireless impacts your stage presence, overall safety, tone, and performance workflow. I also share a few embarrassing lessons I’ve learned the hard way (including a dropout mid-solo on a giant stage) so you can avoid making the same mistakes! Key Topics Covered: Why Go Wireless? The freedom of stage movement, safety from electrical shocks, and eliminating trip hazards/cable management. When to Make the Switch: Why cables work fine on tiny stages, but wireless becomes essential as stage size and performance expectations grow. The "Soundcheck Hack": How wireless lets you step out front into the audience area to hear what your rig actually sounds like through the PA. Tone & Pickup Buffering: Does wireless ruin your tone? We break down capacitance, signal buffering, and do an A/B audio comparison between a cable and a wireless unit. Pedalboard vs. Rack Units: Choosing the right tool for the job, when a pedalboard unit works vs. when you need a professional rackmount setup with external antennas. Video Chapters: 0:00 - Intro: Talking to My Younger Self 1:25 - Do You Need Wireless on Small Stages? 3:00 - Stage Size & Showmanship Expectations 4:25 - Real-World Story: Cabling vs. Stage Movement 6:00 - Entertaining the Audience & Stage Freedom 7:20 - Big Stages, Thrusts, and Cable Nightmares 8:30 - Does Wireless Ruin Your Tone? 11:08 - Stage Safety & Shock Prevention 11:39 - Gear Review: Shure GLXD+ Pedalboard Wireless 14:08 - Bodypack Placement & Guitar Switching Tips 15:57 - Soundcheck Hack: Hearing Yourself Out Front 16:37 - A/B Sound Test: Wireless vs. D'Addario Cable 18:23 - Pickup Buffering & Capacitance Explained 19:15 - What to Avoid: Cheap Units & Big Stage Dropouts 20:50 - Final Thoughts on Showmanship & Wrapping Up Gear F...

My 5 Favorite Delay Pedals (Plus an Honorable Mention)

Sep 17, 2026 29 min

Delay is hands down my favorite guitar effect. It’s the ultimate tool for adding space, fattening up your tone, and creating depth, whether you're playing fast country chicken pickin' or holding out ambient chords. In this episode, I share the delay pedals I’ve relied on for years (including one I've been playing since 1991), complete with my favorite settings, live rig applications, and sound demos. Note: This video is 100% unsponsored. Every pedal featured was purchased with my own money from pawn shops, Reverb, or local gear stores. Pedals Featured in This Episode: Universal Audio UAFX Del-Verb – The ultimate solution for a killer Deluxe Memory Man style delay combined with a top-tier spring reverb. Boss DM-3 Analog Delay – My most-used delay of all time. Quiet, warm, and the absolute king of always-on slapback. Boss DD-2 Digital Delay – The legendary 1980s long-chip digital classic used by John Jorgenson and Brad Paisley for punchy, mix-cutting repeats. Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay – A touch-sensitive digital delay with a dynamic, "ducking" quality that gets out of the way of your pick attack. Line 6 Echo Park – The ultimate compact workhorse with tap tempo, versatile voicings, and rock-solid reliability. Honorable Mention: Strymon El Capistan (V2) – The modern industry standard for multi-head tape echo emulation, complete with a favorite switch for fly dates. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Why Delay is My Favorite Effect 1:28 - Full Disclosure (Unsponsored Content) 1:51 - Support the Channel 2:13 - 1. Universal Audio UAFX Del-Verb 7:54 - 2. Boss DM-3 Analog Delay 12:22 - 3. Boss DD-2 Digital Delay 18:15 - 4. Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay 22:34 - 5. Line 6 Echo Park 25:48 - 6. Honorable Mention: Strymon El Capistan 28:21 - Final Thoughts & Outro www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

Richard Bennett's Genius on Steve Earle's “Guitar Town”

Sep 8, 2026 19 min

On this episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into Steve Earle’s landmark 1986 album Guitar Town and, in particular, the incredible guitar work of Richard Bennett. Bennett’s playing on the title track is a masterclass in taste, melody, and knowing exactly what a song needs. We’ll break down the licks, turnarounds, tic-tac parts, and that fantastic solo, and look at how Richard created so much musical impact with what might seem like a very unusual instrument: a vintage Danelectro six-string bass. I’ll also talk about Richard Bennett’s background, his work with artists including Neil Diamond and Billy Joel, his move from Los Angeles to Nashville, and his growing role in the making of Guitar Town. There’s a great story behind how Richard ended up playing the “guitar solo” on the song, and why the instrument he chose helped create such a distinctive sound. Along the way, I’ll put my own Jerry Jones Longhorn six-string bass through its paces and explain some of the things that make the original Danelectro six-string bass so unique. Richard is one of my favorite guitar players, and I had the pleasure of interviewing him for Vintage Guitar back in 2005. I’ll also point you toward some of the sources I used, including David McGee’s Fearless Heart and my original Richard Bennett interview. So grab your guitar, or just listen closely, and let’s dig into one of the great examples of Nashville guitar playing. And if you haven’t listened to Guitar Town lately, go give the whole record another spin. It’s a classic. My 2005 interview with Richard https://www.askzac.com/post/richard-bennett-interview Steve Earle with Richard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xp4OGarKJo Steve, Richard, and Mike McAdam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yGhm8CviuE www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #SteveEarle #GuitarTown #RichardBennett #CountryGuitar #Nashvi...

My Favorite Seymour Duncan Pickups

Sep 1, 2026 41 min

In honor of Seymour Duncan’s 50th anniversary, I’m taking a look at some of my favorite Seymour Duncan pickups, and the guitars I use them in. I’ll start with a little Seymour Duncan history, including the famous story about Seymour, Robbie Robertson, and the pickup that helped set him on the path toward building his own pickups. I’ll also talk about my own history with Seymour Duncan, from buying my first Alnico II Pro Tele bridge pickup to eventually getting involved with the Lost Paisley pickup set for Fender. Then it’s time for the guitars. I pulled out a bunch of my favorite instruments and talk about why I chose the particular Seymour Duncan pickups in each one, including Antiquity humbuckers, Antiquity Tele pickups, the ’53 Tapped Tele set, Hot Strat Stack pickups, Lipstick Tube Strat pickups, the Twang Banger, Vintage Stack Tele pickups, and more. Along the way, I’ll demonstrate how I use these pickups for everything from classic Tele tones and Nashville/Bakersfield sounds to higher-output Strat sounds, slide, recording, and live work, including some of the guitars I take on the road with Brad Paisley. It’s a tip of the hat to Seymour Duncan, a look at some great pickups. Congratulations to Seymour Duncan on 50 years! www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #SeymourDuncan #AskZac #GuitarPickups #Telecaster #Stratocaster Support the show

Why My Baritone Tele Got a B-Bender

Aug 18, 2026 18 min

Eight months ago, I built a baritone Telecaster with some friends. Since then, it has traveled with me all over the United States and Europe on tours, stages, airplanes, and 18-wheelers. Through all these gigs, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a baritone work in a band setting, and what doesn’t. In this episode of Ask Zac, I’m taking a deeper look at the evolution of this guitar and the biggest change I’ve made to it: installing a Glaser bender. The guitar is tuned B-to-B, and I’ve found that the lower register makes it a fantastic complement to other instruments. I’ll discuss what I discovered while playing and soloing onstage, including how the lower range encouraged me to play more melodically and simply rather than trying to compete with the fastest players. I’ll also share the practical lessons I’ve learned along the way, such as cutting low end, using more dirt, and experimenting with different string sets before settling on a lighter D’Addario set. I’ll explain why my attempt to use an unwound third string failed and how that ultimately led me to add the bender. Additionally, we’ll take a close look at the Glaser bender itself to hear what happens when you put one on a B-to-B baritone. It delivers a bigger, throatier sound than a conventional Telecaster bender, bringing both unique advantages and drawbacks that open up interesting musical possibilities. Finally, I’ll talk about the Music City Bridge saddles, the Ron Ellis Tele pickups that have been in the guitar for the last seven months, and a few other experiments. Think of this as a sequel to my original baritone Telecaster video, updated with everything I've learned from eight months of real-world use on the road. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #AskZac #BaritoneGuitar #Telecaster #GlaserBender #BBender #FenderTelecaster #BaritoneTelecaster #GuitarGear Support t...

Remembering Jerry Jones: The Guitar Builder Who Changed Nashville

Aug 10, 2026 31 min

In this episode of Ask Zac, I’m paying tribute to the late, great Jerry Jones, one of Nashville’s most respected guitar repairmen, builders, and innovators. Before becoming known for his incredible line of instruments, Jerry was the guitar guru for many of Nashville’s top players, including Chet Atkins, Reggie Young, and Sam Bush. He eventually began building his own instruments, creating unique hybrids and, most famously, a whole range of beautifully made guitars inspired by the classic Danelectro designs. We’ll look at Jerry’s incredible Bass 6, baritone, 12-string, sitar, double-neck, and other specialty instruments, and the musicians and records that helped make these unusual guitars essential studio tools. I’ll also talk about Jerry’s work for Merle Haggard, his friendship with Danelectro founder Nat Daniel, the return of the Danelectro name in the 1990s, and the lawsuit that ultimately had a major impact on Jerry’s guitar business. And, of course, I’ll show you one of my favorite Jerry Jones instruments: Brad Paisley’s Bass 6, a guitar Brad bought in the mid-'90s that has appeared on every Brad Paisley record and continues to be an important part of his musical arsenal. Jerry Jones made instruments that were innovative, incredibly useful, and built to survive the road. His guitars became the go-to “niche” instruments for countless players, and his influence can still be heard today. This is a tribute to Jerry Jones, his remarkable instruments, and the lasting mark he left on the world of guitars. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #AskZac #JerryJones #Danelectro #Bass6 #BaritoneGuitar #GuitarHistory #NashvilleGuitars #BradPaisley Support the show

The Danelectro 6-String Bass I Used on the Today Show w/ Brad Paisley | "This Town" Breakdown

Aug 4, 2026 20 min

On today’s Ask Zac, I’m talking about playing in the context of a band, specifically how I used a Danelectro 6-String Bass (Tic-Tac Bass) with Brad Paisley on the Today Show. A lot of players talk about the history of instruments like the Fender Bass VI or Danelectro 6-String Bass, but not enough people talk about how to actually use them in a song. These instruments can be amazing when they complement the arrangement instead of fighting for space. I’ll break down my part on Brad Paisley’s song “This Town” from the Tackle Box album, including: * How I approached the Tic-Tac Bass part * Playing simple parts that support the song * Doubling Telecaster licks for a bigger sound * Using tremolo, overdrive, and EQ to make the instrument fit in a band * Why avoiding full chords and staying out of the bass player’s way matters I’ll also share the story behind playing “This Town” and “Home Sweet Hotel” on the Today Show, including the gear I used, the Danelectro Hodad 6-String Bass, and how I approached the live performance. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Today Show with Brad Paisley "This Town" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMIJe18WeJg #AskZac #Danelectro #BassVI #TicTacBass #BradPaisley #Telecaster #SessionGuitar Support the show

The Album That Changed Eric Clapton Forever - J.J. Cale's Naturally

Jul 30, 2026 20 min

In this episode of Ask Zac, I take a deep dive into Naturally (1971), the landmark debut album that quietly shaped the playing of Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, Tom Petty, John Mayer, and countless others. We'll explore the story behind the album, how "After Midnight" and "Call Me the Breeze" helped launch J.J. Cale's career, and why his understated touch, groove, and phrasing became the foundation of what many call the "Tulsa Sound." I also demonstrate some of Cale's signature guitar licks and explain how his simple, tasteful approach influenced generations of players. Whether you're a longtime J.J. Cale fan or hearing Naturally for the first time, this album deserves a place on every guitarist's essential listening list. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #JJCale #Naturally #EricClapton #MarkKnopfler #JohnMayer #TomPetty #Guitar #GuitarLessons #AskZac #VintageGuitar #TulsaSound #BluesGuitar #ClassicRock Support the show

The Wicked Stepchildren of the Telecaster - The 70s Tele Custom & Telecaster Deluxe

Jul 30, 2026 24 min

Ever wondered why the 1970s Fender Telecaster Custom and Telecaster Deluxe are some of the most misunderstood guitars Fender ever built? In this episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into these "wicked stepchildren" of the Telecaster family and uncover what makes them so unique. We'll explore the fascinating story of Seth Lover's Wide Range Humbucker, why Fender hired the inventor of Gibson's legendary humbucker, and how these guitars were designed to compete directly with Gibson in the 1970s. Along the way, we'll compare the Telecaster Custom and Deluxe to a traditional Telecaster, discuss the CBS-era design changes, demonstrate their unique tones, and look at the famous players who made them part of their sound, including Keith Richards. In this video: • The history of Seth Lover's Wide Range Humbucker • Why Fender created the Telecaster Custom and Deluxe • CBS-era features: Micro-Tilt, bullet truss rod, and three-bolt necks • Gibson-style wiring and why it makes these guitars so versatile • Tone demonstrations and pickup blending • Keith Richards • What makes these once-overlooked guitars collectible today www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Thanks to my Patreon supporters and everyone who helps support the channel! #Telecaster #Fender #VintageGuitars #AskZack #GuitarHistory #WideRangeHumbucker #SethLover #KeithRichards #TelecasterCustom #TelecasterDeluxe #ElectricGuitar Support the show

What It's Like Playing The Grand Ole Opry

Jul 30, 2026 19 min

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to play the Grand Ole Opry? In this episode, I share stories from my most recent appearance with Brad Paisley, including an unexpected guitar solo, the history and traditions of the Opry, and the gear I used on stage. We'll talk about: • What it's like backstage at the Opry • How the Opry has changed from the Ryman Auditorium to today • Why the Opry once banned drums and horns • The incredible Opry staff band • The Fender Tone Master amps provided on stage • The guitars and pedals I used, including my Glaser Telecaster, B-to-B baritone, and custom Fender Electric XII • Breaking down my impromptu solo on "Out Behind the Barn" and the country guitar influences behind it • Stories from touring Europe with Brad Paisley and meeting Ask Zac viewers along the way Playing the Grand Ole Opry is still one of the greatest honors a country musician can experience, and I hope this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes it such a special place. Watch the full Grand Ole Opry performance here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Yyfjf8NPXhs Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, subscribe, and leave a comment letting me know about your own Opry memories, or what you'd like to see on Ask Zac next. #AskZac #GrandOleOpry #BradPaisley #Telecaster #CountryGuitar #Nashville #Guitar #Fender #BaritoneGuitar #GuitarHistory www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

My Frankenstein 12-String & Bass 6 Danelectro Double-Neck

Jul 30, 2026 16 min

When you get the gig playing auxiliary and utility guitar for a world-renowned Telecaster master like Brad Paisley, you run into a unique problem: How do you cover parts that include electric 12-string chime, and 6-string bass parts in a fast-paced live set without swapping guitars every single song? My solution? Build a monster, constructed out of late-90s Danelectro parts. In this video, I’m doing a deep-dive breakdown of my Frankenstein double-neck guitar. It features an electric 12-string on top and a baritone/6-string bass on the bottom. I’ll walk you through how I sourced the late-90s Danelectro components to get that authentic lipstick-pickup chime, the unique challenges of piecing it together, the electronics/switching setup, and exactly how I’m using it out on the road during Brad’s tour to fill out the live sonic landscape. GEAR & SPECS: Custom Double-Neck Specs: Built using late-90s Danelectro parts & lipstick pickups. Strings Used: D'Addario Signal Chain: Mirage Comp, Sawdust Overdrive, Boss TR-2, Strymon El Capistan, 1968 Fender Princeton Reverb. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #DoubleNeckGuitar #Danelectro #BradPaisley #TourGear #GuitarBuild #12String #BaritoneGuitar #SixStringBass #Guitarist #GuitarTone #LiveMusic #GuitarDemo #Luthier Support the show

The Phil Kubicki Story - From Fender To Factor Bass

Jul 30, 2026 19 min

On today's episode of Ask Zac, we are diving deep into the life, career, and brilliant innovations of one of the most important former Fender employees and guitar builders in history: Phil Kubicki. While many modern bass players know him for his radical, headless Factor Bass from the 1985 era, Kubicki’s impact on the guitar world started decades earlier. We track his journey from building classical guitars at age 15 to walking into the Fender factory in January 1964, where he was hand-picked to help launch their new acoustic division. From there, Phil moved into Fender’s R&D department, where he had his hands on some of the company's most iconic historic releases, including the Telecaster Thinline, the Starcaster, the three-bolt neck micro-tilt system, and Fender’s high-end archtops like the LTD and Montego. Most famously, Phil is the man who hand-built the legendary All-Rosewood Telecaster used by George Harrison on the Apple Corps rooftop concert. We’ll also look at his post-Fender years in Santa Barbara, his fascinating early partnership with Seymour Duncan (the short-lived K&D Guitars), and look at some incredibly rare Kubicki instruments and parts up close—including a very unique short-scale travel guitar and my own personal 1982 Kubicki Telecaster body with a great country music pedigree. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction to an Unsung Innovator: Phil Kubicki 1:59 - From Classical Guitars to the 1964 Fender Factory Tour 4:05 - The Fender R&D Era: Thinline, Starcaster, and Archtops 5:27 - Hand-Building George Harrison’s Iconic Rosewood Telecaster 6:02 - Leaving CBS Fender & The Seymour Duncan Connection (K&D Guitars) 7:32 - Gear Deep Dive: My Personal 1982 Custom Kubicki Tele Body 9:06 - High-Stakes Luthiery: Routing Albert Lee’s B-Bender 10:33 - The Rare Kubicki "Vintage Guitars" Tele Prototype 12:02 - Demo: The Early 80s Kubicki "Arrow" Short-Scale Travel Guitar 15:07 - John Fogerty’s Famous "Centerfield" Baseball Bat Guitar 16:26 - The 1985 Factor Bass, Late...

Tracking Brad Paisley's Tackelbox Album & His 2026 European Tour

Jul 30, 2026 24 min

Brad Paisley recently started rolling out tracks for his ongoing project, Tacklebox, and I had the absolute honor of sitting in the studio to track these songs. But the craziest part of this project is the "butterfly effect" story of how it actually came to life. It all started in early 2025 during a random dinner with my buddy Dan Strain (Danocaster Guitars). A college-aged waiter recognized us, and fast forward a few months to the Nashville Vintage Guitar Show, I ran into him again. He was trying to sell his Brad Paisley Silver Sparkle Road Worn Telecaster to buy a much-needed acoustic guitar. I took him over to meet Brad to get it signed, and they ended up in a deep conversation. Turns out, this guy was a Belmont graduate who had interned at SeaGayle (Brad's publishing company). He started rattling off unreleased song titles from Brad’s massive '90s songwriting vault, tunes written back when Brad was a professional songwriter aiming for cuts by Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, and George Strait. That conversation lit a spark, leading Brad to dig those tracks out of the archives, play them for the label, and head straight into the studio. In this video, I’m taking you behind the scenes of those tracking sessions at the historic Castle Recording Studio in Franklin, TN (a former Al Capone party house!). I break down the 1990s country session mindset, show you the handwritten legal-pad charts, and do a mini-guitar lesson on the actual fills, B-Bender licks, volume swells, and chorus-drenched parts I played on tracks like "Without You," "This Town" (where I played 6-string bass), and "Overnight Low." I also talk about tracking a wild harmony bender part with Brad on "High Ho Silverado" featuring David Lee Murphy. Plus, I give you a real-time studio floor tour showing off my rig, Randall Currie's steel setup, Kenny Lewis's bass rig, and Brad's legendary, re-covered red Vox AC30 from the 1960s. By the time you watch this, I’ll be out on the road with Brad across Europe...

Why I Don't Like Overdrive Pedals & The 4 That Make The Cut

Jul 30, 2026 22 min

If you grew up on the pristine, dynamic guitar tones of the 1950s and early 60s, standard overdrive pedals can often sound artificial, overly compressed, and flat-out unnatural. For years, I avoided them entirely because I preferred the sound of a guitar plugging straight into a great, clean tube amplifier. But sometimes, a little grit is totally necessary. Over the years, I’ve had to find overdrive pedals that actually work for a "clean tone purist." In this video, I’m breaking down the 4 overdrive pedals I’ve ever genuinely enjoyed, and exactly why they work where other dirt pedals fail. If you hate the typical "mid-hump" and compression of standard overdrives, this list is for you. Ibanez Mostortion (MT10): The secret weapon. Thanks to its unique CMOS circuit, it clips more like a real tube amp, and the 3-band EQ lets you dial out any artificial boxiness, and has a ton of tone shaping abilities Xotic RC Booster: A wonderful low gain drive/boost, with just a touch of mids Menatone Red Snapper (2004 3-Knob): An incredibly open, uncompressed, and amp-like low-to-mid gain drive with an upper presence that keeps your pick attack perfectly intact. Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive: A Tube Screamer for people who hate Tube Screamers. The magic clean-blend knob lets you layer your pristine clean tone directly over the grit. GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO: Guitar: Fender Vintera rosewood Tele neck with ash body, Dimarzio Muscle T pickups Amp: Vintage Fender 1968 Princeton Reverb with Fat Jimmy C1025 speaker Cables/Power: D'Addario cables, Truetone CS6 power www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #GuitarPedals #OverdrivePedal #ToneChaser #IbanezMostortion #XoticRCBooster #Menatone #SparkleDrive #GuitarTone Support the show

Standel & The Tragic Genius of Bob Crooks - The Man Who Invented the Boutique Amp

May 20, 2026 25 min

The Man Who Invented the Boutique Amp: The Tragic Genius of Bob Crooks Before Dumble was a household name, and before Mesa/Boogie revolutionized the high-gain stack, there was Standel. In today’s video, we’re diving into the legendary twenty-year original run of Bob Crooks, the man who provided the sonic blueprint for the 1950s, yet spent his final years feeling like the industry had robbed him blind. High Fidelity in a Low-Fi World From his early days at Lockheed to his "almost" collaboration with Paul Bigsby, Bob Crooks didn't just build amplifiers; he engineered precision instruments. We explore how Standel became the "must-have" rig for the Mount Rushmore of 1950s legends, providing the pristine, hi-fi clarity demanded by icons like Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Joe Maphis, Speedy West, and Buddy Emmons. The Innovations Leo Fender "Borrowed" According to guitar historian Deke Dickerson, Crooks was a man fueled by deep-seated bitterness in his later years. The reason? Many of the features we now consider "Golden Era" standards were pioneered in the Standel workshop long before they appeared in Fullerton. We're talking about: Separate Treble and Bass controls (at a time when most amps had a single "Tone" knob). Forward-facing controls for ease of use on stage. Tolex covering and Piggyback head/cab designs. The integration of premium JBL speakers as a standard. The Great Pivot: Tubes to Transistors We also examine Crooks’ controversial shift in the early 1960s. As an early adopter of hybrid and eventually full solid-state circuitry, Crooks inadvertently chased "perfect" clean headroom just as the rest of the world was falling in love with the warmth of tube distortion. It was a classic case of a genius being too right for the wrong era. The Rebirth: 1997 to Today Finally, we cover the modern resurrection of the brand. 1997: The initial rebirth with Danny McKinney and Bob Crooks himself back at the helm, focusing on the legendary 25L15. 2023: The new chapter...

Tales From The Tele Town Concert

May 20, 2026 30 min

The lowdown on Fender's concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium to celebrate the Telecaster's 75th Anniversary. What a night at the Mother Church of Country Music. On May 4th, I had the honor of hosting and performing at the Tele Town concert celebrating 75 years of the legendary Fender Telecaster at the historic Ryman Auditorium. This recap captures some of the unforgettable moments from an incredible evening filled with world-class players, iconic tones, deep musical history, and a whole lot of Telecaster magic. From blazing solos to emotional tributes, the night brought together generations of artists who have helped shape the sound of modern guitar music. Featuring performances and appearances from an all-star lineup including Brad Paisley, Brent Mason, Brothers Osborne, James Burton, Ricky Skaggs, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Zach Top, Guthrie Trapp, Trey Hensley, Jack White, Billy Gibbons, and many more. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the instrument that changed music forever. The Telecaster’s story is still being written, and this night was proof that its spirit is alive and well. Support the show

Learn to Feed Yourself Musically (Don't Be Spoon-Fed)

May 20, 2026 21 min

Most players hit a wall the same way, cycling through the same licks, searching for something new, and ending up lost in endless videos. Here’s a better way. In this video, we break out of that loop by using a simple, lifelong skill: take a song you love, learn the melody, and learn how to harmonize it. No tabs. No shortcuts. No spoon-feeding. This is how you build real musical independence, and actually start growing every time you pick up the guitar. Support the show

I Built My Perfect String Sets For My Telecaster & Baritone With D'Addario

Apr 7, 2026 19 min

Most players settle for whatever string set is on the shelf, but I’ve been piecing together custom sets since the early ’90s. In this video, I build my perfect custom string sets using my preferred D'Addario NYXL strings through their Custom String Shop. For my 1957 Fender Esquire, I dialed in a set gauged 10, 12, 16, 24, 34, 44 balanced for feel, tension, and snap. It’s based on their NYXL 9.5–44 set, but with slightly more robust high E and B strings. Then I went further, building a baritone NYXL set that doesn’t normally exist, with gauges 14, 18, 24, 44, 56, 70, including an unwound 3rd string for better bending and overall playability. The best part? D'Addario’s Custom String Shop lets you spec everything exactly how you want, and the sets show up beautifully packaged with your name on them. If you’ve ever thought, “these strings are close… but not quite right,” this is how you fix it. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

A Look At A 1949 Bigsby Guitar - Rarer Than Rare!

Mar 31, 2026 13 min

Before the Telecaster… before the Les Paul & the Strat… there was Bigsby. In this video, we take a deep dive into a 1949 Bigsby electric guitar, one of the earliest solid-body electrics ever made, and a true cornerstone in the evolution of the modern guitar. Built by Paul Bigsby, these instruments weren’t mass-produced, they were individually handcrafted works of art. Bigsby guitars are incredibly rare, as he built around 27 guitars from the mid-1940s through the late 1950s. Each one was custom-made, often for top-tier players, making them some of the most elusive and historically significant electric guitars in existence. Most famously associated with Merle Travis, Bigsby’s designs introduced features that would later define the electric guitar as we know it, including a solid body, a six-on-a-side headstock, and a sleek, functional aesthetic that clearly influenced Leo Fender and the birth of the Fender Telecaster. This particular instrument has its own incredible story. Created on August 7, 1949, this guitar was built by Paul specifically to be photographed for one of his early catalogs. Because of that, collectors have long referred to it as “the catalog guitar.” Even more special, the owner generously allowed me to take the instrument to my studio for a couple of hours so I could film this episode. Getting hands-on time with a guitar like this is a rare opportunity, and I’m excited to share it with you. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

James Pennebaker Interview

Mar 17, 2026 2 hr 7 min

Best known for his longtime work with Delbert McClinton, James Pennebaker has been one of the most tasteful and versatile guitarists in Nashville for decades. Starting his professional career at just 19 years old with McClinton, he went on to become a key part of the band on and off for more than forty years. But Pennebaker is far more than just a sideman. He’s a true multi-instrumentalist—equally comfortable on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, pedal steel, fiddle, mandolin, and more. Over the years he’s recorded and performed with artists like John Fogerty, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Lee Roy Parnell, and many others. Support the show

The Gibson ES-335 - Their Best Design

Mar 10, 2026 24 min

The only Gibson model I’ve ever really connected with is the ES-335. While I’ve always gravitated toward Fender, the 335 is one Gibson that I think absolutely got right. Much like the Fender Telecaster, it’s simply a brilliant piece of guitar design. The magic of the 335 is in how balanced the concept is. The semi-hollow body combined with the center block gives you the warmth and air of a hollowbody while still delivering the sustain, focus, and feedback resistance of a solidbody. The result is a guitar that can cover an incredible amount of musical ground. Blues, jazz, country, rock, a great 335 seems to sit comfortably in all of those spaces. In this video, I spend some time talking about what makes the ES-335 such a successful design and why it continues to be one of the most versatile electric guitars ever built. I’m using a vintage 1964 ES-335 as the reference point, a guitar from Gibson’s golden era that really shows the design at its best. We also compare it to a more recent ’63 reissue built during the Gibson Memphis years to see how modern versions stack up against a true vintage example. And because not everyone is shopping in the vintage market, we also talk about some of the more affordable ES-335-style options out there today that capture a lot of the same spirit and sound without the vintage price tag. Support the show

Don Rich, Buck Owens & the Telecaster That Vanished

Mar 3, 2026 37 min

In this episode, Joe Spann and I dive deep into the legacy of Don Rich and one of the most fascinating lost instruments in Fender history, his 1964 Gold Sparkle Fender Custom Telecaster. Joe breaks down exactly how Fender created the Gold Sparkle finish using crushed mirror material, why it was so visually striking under stage lights, and how unusual the process was for the era. We also discuss the many Buck Owens hits Don Rich recorded while using this Telecaster, and how central it was to his tone, image, and the Bakersfield sound. Finally, we explore the leading theories behind how the guitar disappeared, when it was last seen, why it was likely never recovered, and what makes it one of the great “what if” stories in vintage guitar history. This is a deep-dive into Don Rich’s influence, Fender’s experimental finishes, and one legendary Telecaster that vanished without a trace. Support the show

The Holy Grail Telecasters At Gruhn Guitars with Joe Spann

Feb 17, 2026 33 min

We went behind the scenes at Gruhn Guitars in Nashville for a tour of the 'Tele Vault' with legendary vintage archivist and researcher Joe Spann. We aren't just looking at vintage guitars; we’re looking at the DNA of the Fender company. Joe walks us through the history and technical specs of some of the most significant instruments on the planet, including George Fullerton's personal 1949 prototype, a guitar that predates the Broadcaster and Telecaster as we know it. The Lineup: 1949 Fender Prototype: George Fullerton’s personal guitar. 1951 Nocaster: The bridge between the Broadcaster and the Telecaster. 1963 Custom Esquire: A minimalist masterpiece in rare Custom trim. 1967 Custom Telecaster: Featuring a rare factory-installed Bigsby. 1967 Telecaster: A pristine late-60s classic. Massive thanks to Joe Spann and the team at Gruhn Guitars for opening the vault for us. Support the show

The Octave 12-String Mando-Guitar - The Tool For Jangle Magic! -

Feb 10, 2026 17 min

Ever heard a song that has a shimmering, "angelic" jangle that sits perfectly above a mix? Or how Buddy Miller creates those haunting, rootsy textures on songs like Lucinda Williams' "Car Wheels on a Gravel Road," or Daniel Lanois on Emmylou's Wrecking Ball album? The answer isn't a mandolin, it’s the Octave 12-string guitar (often called a mando-guitar). In this video, we’re diving into the world of these high-tuned wonders, exploring the gear, the tuning, and the legendary players who made them a staple of modern atmospheric production. Support the show

Why Even "Clean" Tones Need Some Hair & Grit

Feb 3, 2026 17 min

Think your clean tone should be 100% pure? Think again. In this video, we’re looking at why "perfectly clean" guitars often sound thin in a mix and why adding a little "hair" or grit is the secret to a professional sound. There is a common "studio secret" that pro mixers have used for decades: subtle harmonic distortion makes everything sound better. Whether it’s a vocal, a drum bus, or a "clean" electric guitar, adding a touch of saturation provides the weight and character that a dry signal lacks. Support the show

50s Guild Aristocrat - A Vintage Sleeper - (It's Not A Tele Vol 1)

Jan 20, 2026 12 min

The 1950s Guild Aristocrat is one of those vintage guitars that somehow slipped through the cracks, and that’s exactly why it remains such a sleeper today. Built during Guild’s early New York era, the Aristocrat was a serious professional instrument: a small, yet fully hollow body, carved spruce top, and the legendary Franz single-coil pickups that deliver clarity, punch, and a voice all their own. This was Guild's attempt at an improved Les Paul, that was lighter, and just enough wider to seem not like a toy. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

Why I Needed a Baritone Telecaster Guitar

Jan 13, 2026 30 min

Baritone electric guitars live in that perfect middle ground between standard guitar and bass, and once you understand what they do best, it’s hard to live without one. In this video, I’m diving into baritone guitars, why a typical 27” scale baritone is very different from a Bass VI (usually 29–30” scale), and how each one functions in a band context. While they can look similar at first glance, they play, feel, and sit in a mix very differently. I also talk about classic effects choices for baritone, especially tremolo and vibrato, and why those sounds pair so perfectly with the baritone’s extended range and piano-like low end. A huge influence for me was Pete Anderson, particularly his baritone work with Dwight Yoakam on tracks like “Little Ways” and "Buenos Noches From a Lonely Room." Seeing Pete on Austin City Limits in 1989, playing a baritone Telecaster, impacted me as a young player, as it was the first time I really understood how powerful a baritone could be in country music. Fast-forward to touring with Brad Paisley, I was using a Bass VI on “Whiskey Lullaby”, but quickly realized it wasn’t quite right. Brad played a baritone on the original recording, and once you hear that, you can’t un-hear it. That experience really cemented the difference for me between the two instruments and when each one truly shines. I also break down my personal baritone guitar, which is a bit of a Frankenstein in the best way possible: Allparts baritone conversion neck Music City Bridge saddles Killer Vintage and Adder pickups Custom Emerson wiring harness, with the tone control only on the bridge pickup MJT pine body A one-of-a-kind blue burst finish and relic paint job done by Brad Paisley himself The final piece of the puzzle was the nut, fretwork, and setup, expertly handled by Aaron, Nick, and Max at Glaser Instruments, who absolutely nailed the feel and playability. If you’ve ever wondered whether a baritone is right for you, how it differs from a Bass VI, or how...

Inside the 1962 Fender 6G3 "Brown" Deluxe Amp

Jan 7, 2026 27 min

The 1962 Brown Deluxe (6G3) sits in one of the most fascinating, and misunderstood, eras of Fender amplification. It’s often lumped in with other brownface amps, or treated as a short stop between tweed and blackface. But the truth is: the Brown Deluxe is its own animal. In this video, we take a deep dive into what really sets the ’62 Brown Deluxe apart, sonically, electrically, and historically. Brown Deluxe vs Tweed Deluxe (5E3) Why the Brown Deluxe is tighter, punchier, and more controlled than the loose, saggy tweed, and how Fender was clearly responding to players wanting more headroom and definition. Brown Deluxe vs Blackface Deluxe (AB763) How the Brown Deluxe’s mid-forward voicing, earlier breakup, and raw edge contrast with the cleaner, scooped, hi-fi nature of the later blackface circuit. Why the Brown Deluxe Does Not Sound Like Other 1962 Brownface Amps The Brown Princeton and Vibrolux from the same year often get mentioned in the same breath, but they’re fundamentally different circuits, power sections, and feel. Same era, totally different results. ’62 Brown Deluxe vs ’65 Blackface Deluxe Reverb A direct tonal comparison between grit and refinement: Brown Deluxe: raw, aggressive, chewy mids BF Deluxe Reverb: cleaner, wider, glassier, more polite Two iconic Fender voices aimed at completely different players. Bias Tremolo vs Photocell (Opto) Tremolo Why the Brown Deluxe’s bias-vary tremolo feels deeper, swampier, and more organic than the photocell tremolo found in blackface amps—and why many players consider it Fender’s best tremolo design. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

Why The Telecaster Bridge Is the Heart & Soul of the Tele

Dec 23, 2025 15 min

If you want to understand why a Telecaster sounds and feels like a Telecaster, you have to start with the bridge. The Tele bridge isn’t just a place where the strings anchor, it’s the heart of the instrument, and the single biggest reason a Tele responds the way it does. Leo Fender’s original design brilliantly combines the bridge, tailpiece, and pickup mounting system into one integrated unit, creating a level of coupling, attack, and clarity that no other electric guitar quite matches. In this video, we explore: -Why the Tele bridge defines the guitar’s tone and feel -How the steel bridge plate acts as both bridge and tailpiece -Why the bridge pickup is mounted directly into the bridge -The often-overlooked pickup elevator plate, and how it allows precise height adjustment Decades later, the Telecaster bridge remains one of the most elegant and effective designs in electric guitar history. Support the show

Lou Toomey Interview (Brooks & Dunn, Keith Whitley, Faith Hill)

Dec 9, 2025 1 hr 29 min

Today we sit down with Lou Toomey, one of the most successful and enduring road guitarists in Country Music. In this conversation, Lou walks us through his unbelievable first pro gig as Keith Whitley’s lead guitarist during the height of Whitley’s all-too-brief but iconic career. From there, we follow his journey through the ’90s as he hit the road with Faith Hill, and into his remarkable three-decade run with Brooks & Dunn, all legendary Country touring acts. We dig into how he landed each of those gigs, the gear that shaped his tones across the years, and the mindset and work ethic that have kept him at the top of his game for nearly 50 years. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

How I Ended Up Playing on Brad Paisley’s Snow Globe Town (and the Tonight Show!)

Nov 25, 2025 17 min

This year has been one for the books. In this video, I’m sharing the unbelievable story of how I ended up performing on Brad Paisley’s new Christmas album, Snow Globe Town, and the fun we had in the studio bringing those tracks to life. I also dive into what it was like hitting the road with Brad on his November–December 2025 Canadian tour, from the gear I brought, to backstage routines, to the moments that made this run unforgettable. And to top it all off… The Tonight Show. I break down how that opportunity came together, what the day-of looked like behind the scenes, and the surreal feeling of stepping onto that stage under the bright lights. NEW MERCH SITE! https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Support the show

Early ’60s Telecasters: What Changed & Who Made Them Famous

Nov 18, 2025 19 min

Early ’60s Fender Telecasters are legendary, but what really changed between 1959 and 1964? From rosewood “slab boards” and “veneers” to pickguard and hardware tweaks, we break down the details that shaped the classic early-’60s Tele look and sound. We’ll also highlight the famous players who made these Teles iconic, from country twang masters to R&B pioneers, and explore why 1961–1964 Telecasters are relatively rare compared to other Pre-CBS years. Support the show

Tele Gumbo: String Stretching, Bridge Covers, Book Review & Gig-Ready Gear

Nov 11, 2025 14 min

In 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: Why I love Headstrong Amps and Danocaster Guitars — no mods, no tweaks, just plug in and play. It’s a hearty serving of tips, tone, and talk — grab a coffee and dig in! #AskZac #TeleGumbo #Telecaster #GuitarTips #HeadstrongAmps #Danocaster #GuitarTalk www.truetone.com NEW MERCH SITE! https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

The Tour From Hell: My First Time on the Road

Nov 4, 2025 33 min

When 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.com To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

Telecaster Bridge Shootout! 3-Saddle vs 6-Saddle on My 1957 Esquire

Oct 21, 2025 19 min

In this episode of Ask Zac, I put my 1957 Fender Esquire through a true bridge showdown, comparing the classic 3-saddle setup that defined early Tele tone with a modern 6-saddle bridge known for better intonation, and for beefing-up the sound. We’ll dig into: The history of Fender bridge designs, and why Leo Fender stuck with 3 saddles The tonal differences between the two setups Direct sound samples recorded on the same guitar for an honest comparison My verdict after playing both Guitar: 1957 Fender Esquire Support the show

Those Infamous Fender F-Tuners (1967 – 1981)

Oct 14, 2025 21 min

From 1967 through 1981, Fender used the now-infamous F-stamped tuners on many Telecasters, Stratocasters, and the majority of their product line. For some players, they’re a charming piece of CBS-era design; for others, they’re a headache. In this episode, I dig into the full story of why Fender switched from Kluson tuners in 1967, who actually made the F-tuners, how they changed through the 1970s, and what their strengths and weaknesses really are. I also cover how the original version 1967-75, have no modern replacement, and the only option is to buy used originals. For the 1975-81 F-style tuners , I look at the modern replacements that fit the original footprint, and which offer better performance. We’ll also look at the modern reissue F-Tuners, which are based on the latter style made by Schaller, yet they were used on reissues that should have had the earlier style. By the end, you’ll know how to identify each version, how to keep them working smoothly, and the best paths for replacement or restoration, whether you’re chasing originality or reliability. Support the show

Everything You Wanted To Know About Bigsby-Equipped Fender Telecasters

Oct 7, 2025 34 min

The Telecaster is known for its twang and simplicity—but add a Bigsby, and it becomes something completely different. In this video, I explore the history of Bigsby-equipped Telecasters, from Paul Bigsby’s development of the B-16 in 1953, to Fender’s first factory-installed B5 models in 1967, and how they’re still used in today’s guitars. Along the way, I’ll share setup tips and tricks to keep your Bigsby Tele in tune, break down how a vibrato changes both tone and feel, and highlight some of the famous players who made the Bigsby Telecaster iconic. Support the show

The Truth About Tough Gigs & The Difference Between "Shows" & "Gigs"

Sep 26, 2025 21 min

Not every gig goes the way you want it to. Technical issues, a rough mix, or even just playing for a crowd that couldn’t care less can be frustrating. In this video, I talk about what it’s like to keep a good attitude when things fall apart on stage, and why sometimes you have to force a smile and keep pushing through. I also get into the difference between “filler gigs” where you’re basically background music, and shows where people are actually there to see you play. Filler gigs can sometimes feel demoralizing, or artistically unfulfilling but usually pays decently. Shows, on the other hand, can be incredibly rewarding even if the paycheck is smaller. Support the show

Fender’s Best Bang-for-Buck Telecaster Yet

Sep 26, 2025 13 min

The Fender Vintera II LE Road Worn ’60s Telecaster might be one of the best bang-for-your-buck guitars Fender has released in years. For the first time, Fender has made a maple-cap neck ’60s style Telecaster available at an accessible price point. The maple-cap neck is a big deal in Telecaster history. Legendary players like Cornell Dupree, Brent Mason, Bobby Womack, Brad Paisley, Don Rich, and Buck Owens all made their mark with maple-cap Teles, and now Fender has finally delivered that vintage vibe in a guitar most players can actually afford. With its blonde finish, road-worn relic treatment, and authentic ’60s specs, this Tele feels and sounds like a much more expensive vintage-style instrument. In this video, I put it through its paces, share tones, and explain why this release is such a milestone for Tele fans. Support the show

Rosewood Fretboard Telecasters: Tone, Feel & History

Sep 9, 2025 20 min

When Fender switched the Telecaster from one-piece maple necks to rosewood fingerboards in 1959, the guitar’s sound and feel changed forever. In this video, I take a close look at the history of rosewood-board Telecasters, why Fender made the switch, and what makes them unique. I’ll also share my theory: it’s not just the rosewood itself, but the stiffness of the rosewood plus maple neck construction that really changes the tone compared to an all-maple neck. That extra rigidity shapes the attack, sustain, and overall resonance of the guitar in a way you can feel as much as hear. I also take a look at the 59-style Custom Esquire that I play throughout the video. Support the show

Albert Lee’s B-Bender Tricks You Can Steal

Aug 26, 2025 21 min

Albert Lee is one of the most inventive B-bender players in history. Today we look at Albert’s gear, his trademark Telecaster tone, and the 4 basic shapes he uses to create many of those flowing, pedal steel–like lines. To bring it to life, I’ll play and break down examples from: 1. C’est La Vie – Emmylou Harris 2. Don’t Cheat in Our Hometown – Ricky Skaggs 3. Pancho & Lefty – Emmylou Harris https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1gIMx3pi0NDsRcpQyLHRVd?si=98903f5149c54997 To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

3 Gigs, 2 Sessions, and a Lightning Strike — D'Addario XS Strings Still Going

Aug 18, 2025 13 min

Three outdoor Georgia/Florida gigs with Brad Paisley in August , 90°+ heat, swampy humidity, and sweat everywhere. Normally, that’s when strings go dead and feel sluggish, but my D’Addario XS coated strings didn’t just survive, they crushed it. After all three gigs, I used the same guitar and same set of strings for two recording sessions, and they still sounded and felt fresh. In this video, I’ll share how the XS strings handled brutal touring conditions, why they feel great even when the air feels like soup, and the wild St. Augustine show where lightning struck nearby, Brad’s rig went down, and we had to keep the show rolling. https://truetone.com/ To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

Guitar Nut Width & Why It Matters

Aug 5, 2025 22 min

Ever picked up a guitar and thought, “This just doesn’t feel right?” It might be the nut width, the measurement that directly impacts string spacing and left-hand comfort. In this video, we break down the most common nut widths found in the wild, and look at how the various widths affects chord shapes, lead playing and string separation. We also take a hard look at the 1.625 nut width used on the vast majority of vintage Fender guitars, and why most boutique copies, and even reissues made by Fender now tend to have a wider1.650 nut width. If you’ve ever wondered why some necks feel cramped and others feel perfect, this deep dive will help you understand what works best for your hands and playing style. To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - https://my-store-be0243.creator-spring.com/ Support the show

How Eric Clapton (and Albert Lee) Got Me Into Country Music – Just One Night

Jul 22, 2025 17 min

In this video, I share how Eric Clapton’s Just One Night album completely shifted my musical direction, and how the real surprise was Albert Lee. Clapton’s fiery playing grabbed my attention, but it was Albert’s Telecaster tone, precision, and country-infused style that opened the door to a whole new world of music for me. In the episode, I forget the names of 1985 tour members Shawn Murphy and Tim Renwick. Support the show

Alnico 2 vs Alnico 5: Telecaster Tone Showdown

Jul 14, 2025 8 min

Alnico 2 and Alnico 5 are the two most common magnet types used in Telecaster pickups, but how much do they really change the tone? In this video, I compare them in the exact same Telecaster, using pickups with identical windings, wire, and build—only the magnet type is different. We’ll listen to tapped and full output, and both clean and dirty tones, of these Seymour Duncan 53 Tapped Custom Shop Pickups. The clips were recorded in a professional recording studio using a Bruno version of a Deluxe Reverb with an EVM 12L, for maximum transparency. https://truetone.com/ Thanks to MJ at Seymour Duncan, for winding these pickups for me. To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for merch - https://my-store-be0243.creator-spring.com/ Support the show

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Podcast details

Created by: Zac Childs
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 10, 2026
Episodes: 286
Release period: Weekly
Avg. episode length: 28 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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