222 avsnitt • Längd: 25 min • Veckovis: Tisdag
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.
The podcast Ask Zac is created by Zac Childs. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
Scott Baxendale sent me a 50s Harmony H-162 that he had done his conversion work on to check out. So we take a look at it, laying out the conversion process, and also looking at my Baxendale mandocello, and my Dan Lambert converted/repaired Buck Owens American. We end with a look at my refinished Waterloo WL-14, that also has a dual pickup system, and under-saddle, and a magnetic sound hole unit.
Today we get introduced to Gabe Tonon, and he shows off his 50s Esquire with a long throw Bender, and his two 60s maple-cap Fender Telecasters with Glaser B-Benders. Gabe is a wonderful player you can see opening for Zach Top in 2025 with Jake Worthington.
Find Gabe here:
https://www.instagram.com/gabe_tone_on/
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https://www.instagram.com/askzac/
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Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
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Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - https://my-store-be0243.creator-spring.com/
Today we look at one of the rarest and coolest members of the Telecaster family, a December 1950 Fender Broadcaster. To give some context, I cover what Fender was up to in late 1949 through the Summer of 1950 with the single and dual pickup Esquire, and how the addition of a truss rod caused the Broadcaster to be born. We also take a look at what makes the Broadcaster different feature wise from the later Telecasters, including the unique blend control that would be phased out in 1952.
Today we look at this cool Glaser B-Bender equipped Strat that I put together using a Glaser made neck from the 80s, and a non-tremolo swamp ash body. We get to hear the Seymour Duncan Hot Strat Stack pickups, and get a bit of history along the way.
Much thanks to Jason Cornelius for the buddy deal on the Glaser neck, and to Brad Paisley for donating and painting the body.
Get a Glaser bender on your Strat or Tele here
https://www.glaserbender.com/scheduling-and-options
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A comparison between flat wound, pure nickel, and ground wound strings on my Tele. I was inspired to do this by the back of a set of D'Addario strings, showing a chart of their string offerings, from mellow to bright. Today, we start at the mellow end of the spectrum with the flat wound, going mid-way through the chart to the all-steel half-round set.
Thanks to Andy Pitcher at D'Addario for supplying the various strings.
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#askzac #daddariostrings
I love honest, beat-up, Telecasters. Today we tell the story of one of the most aged butterscotch Telecasters I have laid eyes on. Besides telling its story, we also compare it to a near mint 53 Telecaster. Thanks to Andy T, for letting me borrow his beautifully aged Tele.
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#askzac #52telecaster
Today I sat down with one of the finest solo-Jazz guitarists of our time, Tim Lerch. We discuss how a non-jazz player might get into solo guitar, his influences, his highly modified Fender Nocaster, and how he approaches tone and touch. Much thanks to Tim for taking the time for this interview while he was in Nashville teaching at a guitar seminar.
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#askzac #timlerch #jazztelecaster
Earlier this year, I did an episode on the Buck Owens "American" guitars made by Harmony from 1969-1971. Mine was in pretty good condition, but missing its headstock overlay, and having survived a neck break. The day after I released that show, the head broke off again on its own. With learning there was a major structural issue, I turned to a Harmony restoration specialist, Dan Lambert, of El Paso, Texas. Dan had to rebuild the neck and extensively repair the headstock. Today we look at all the repairs and upgrades he did to the instrument, including recontouring the original ladder braces.
Dan will be posting videos showing the repair process on this guitar on his YT channel.
Dan Lambert's Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@danlambertguitar6049/videos
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#askzac #buckowens
Gibson has never been known for their amps. Though we may revere certain models, they pale in collectability with those made by Fender of the same era. After years of slow amp sales, Norlin, the owner of Gibson from 1969-1986, decided to start a new amp division under its own name, Lab Series. To design the new line, they turned to another division they owned, Moog, and they were tasked with making a transistor amp that sounded like a tube amp, and looked traditional, yet cutting-edge circuitry. Today, we look at the Lab Series line, and go through the unique features that made this a favorite for B.B. King, Ray Flacke, Ty Tabor, Alan Holdsworth, and Ricky Skaggs.
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We all have a tone obsession, but when is it healthy, and when is it not? I asked Barry O'Neal of Xact Tone Solutions to have a discussion on the "tone suck" of certain pedals, and it quickly morphed into a philosophical discussion on the potential pitfalls in the pursuit of tone.
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#askzac #xacttonesolutions
Luther Dickinson is an acclaimed sideman, solo artist, and producer, noted for his work with the North Mississippi Allstars, Phil Lesh, and the Black Crowes. We begin with a discussion of his legendary producer/musician father, Jim, and how he nurtured his son's playing and his work ethic. We also dive into how Luther became a devotee of open tunings via his dad's obsession with Bo Diddley. Dickinson is currently out playing shows with JD Simo and drummer Adam Abrashoff.
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#lutherdickinson #askzac
Built from 1953-55, the Wide-Panel Princeton was short-lived, yet in that brief time had 5B2, 5C2, and 5D2 iterations with earlier versions using octal preamp tube, and the latter using a 12AX7. Though both the tweed Princeton and the Champ were single-ended (single power tube) amps, the mighty Princeton throughout the 50s in most years had a bigger speaker, larger cabinet, and the addition of a tone control. For fun, we go all the way back to the first year of the amps production, 1946, and take the amp from it's woody birth, up through TV-front, wide-panel, and narrow-panel versions.
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1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and Aging on the Body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
#askzac #princetonamp
In the mid 1980s, Ricky Skaggs and Steve Wariner were frequently seen on television playing eye-catching Tele-looking instruments equipped with B-Benders, in vibrant colors, with beautiful flame maple necks. Though I had no idea what they were, I wanted one. I finally found the answer in the January 1987 issue of Guitar Player magazine, where it was revealed that these were custom instruments built by Nashville luthier, Joe Glaser, equipped with Seymour Duncan pickups, and his patented string bender. When I started gigging in the early 90s, I began saving my money, and once I had a respectable amount saved up, I called Glaser, only to find that he had ceased building guitars, and was instead concentrating on repairs, and his string bender business. I continued to search for one, but they seemingly never came up for sale. Recently, some of Joe's crew raided the shop attic, and they began using some leftover Glaser guitar parts to build out a handful of instruments.
Today, we look at the last Glaser Bender guitar, and how I ended up with it after 35-years of searching. We also do a deep-dive on the Seymour Duncan 53-Tapped Tele set, and the Music City Bridge Wiring, plus clips with the guys that worked on the guitar, and Joe Glaser explaining his preference for single-bound Tele bodies, and figured maple necks.
The pickups
https://customshop.seymourduncan.com/53-tapped-tele/
https://www.seymourduncan.com/single-product/hot-stack-strat
Get on the list for a Glaser Convertible Bender installation
https://www.glaserbender.com/scheduling-and-options
Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2SZpvTAXnsVbdDB6TSrFMv?si=42f8c409f9af4bd7
Follow me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/askzac/
NYXL Strings Amazon Link
https://amzn.to/3Yo5hpr
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#askzac #glaserbender #seymourduncan
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Today I share the story of playing the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special with Brad Paisley. He had a new single, "Truck Still Works," and wanted to fill things out with another guitar player. I lay out what I did to learn the guitar parts he wanted covered, the experience of playing on the show, and the gear that I used.
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#askzac #bradpaisley
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Today we sit down with the incredible father/son guitar team of Stuie and Sonny French, of The French Family Band. They tell their tale of how they moved from Australia to the United States in 2019, and quickly made an impact on the Nashville music scene through their shutdown era livestreams, and their more recent appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. Gear wise, Stuie shows us his modified Jason Isbell Tele and Gretsch, while Sonny shows off his Gibson Les Paul Special, and vintage Fender Coronado.
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#frenchfamilyband
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Ricky Skaggs released Highways & Heartaches in September 1982, and the album quickly moved to the number 1 spot on the Country Album chart, and spawned 3 number 1 singles. Besides being a well polished example of Ricky's Bluegrass/Country hybrid style, it also spearheaded the neo-traditionalist movement that brought an end to the more pop oriented "Urban Cowboy" era. The album featured Ricky's crack road band, and a couple of cuts with studio heavy hitters Lloyd Green and Joe Osborn. Besides the incendiary Telecaster playing of Ray Flacke, Skaggs himself burned on the albums closer, "One Way Rider," using a unique instrument built by Joe Glaser, a 5-string, bender equipped, Mandocaster. Today we look at the impact of the album, and we look at the Glaser built Mandocaster.
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#askzac #rickyskaggs #zacchilds
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
What is the best speaker for my Deluxe Reverb, is one of the most asked questions of all-time. A friend recently asked me about doing an episode on this topic, and added that I should give it some added weightiness by finding out what all the pros I know use. So I queried Brent Mason, John Leventhal, Tom Bukovac, Duke Levine, Luke McQeary, JD Simo, Guthrie Trapp, Redd Volkaert, Steve Wariner, James Pennebaker, Jeff King, Jerry McPherson, Rob McNelley, Jedd Hughes, Stuie French, Ryan Wariner, Andy Reiss, Derek Wells, and Kenny Vaughan to find out what they prefer in their Deluxe Reverb. I thought we would have a huge variety of speakers, but surprisingly, it really came down to 3-types. Today we compare those 3 varieties, and look at their strengths and weaknesses. We also look at the stock speakers that were shipped with vintage (1963-1967) BF Deluxe Reverb amps, and why most players don't use them.
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#askzac #deluxereverb #zacchilds
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
In the 1960s and 70s, the JBL D120/K120 was the top choice for the touring pro who didn't want to worry about blowing a speaker on the road. However, in 1983, Electro-Voice released the EVM-12L, and soon after everyone from Eric Clapton & Stevie Ray Vaughan to Mark Knopfler and Larry Carlton were using EV speakers in their rigs. Today, I lay out some history/context, and compare it with my usual Eminence GA-SC64, as we look at the 200-watt, 20 pound, 12" speaker that changed guitar tones throughout the 80s and 90s, the EVM 12L.
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#askzac #evm12l #zacchilds
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
The hardtail Strat is a different beast from it's tremolo equipped brother, with a tone, and feel of it's own. Today we look at the history, and spotlight the famous players, all with a beautiful 1957 hardtail Stratocaster.
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#askzac #hardtailstrat #stratocaster
Vince Gill is at the top of his game. He recently completed a 4-night run at the Ryman where he played a three-and-a-half hour show each night, still singing & playing the songs in the same keys, or higher. Gill is some kind of superhero, as artists half his age could barely do this. Today we sit down with Vince, as he shares stories about some of his favorite guitars and a life well lived.
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#vincegill #telecaster #askzac
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert, Johnny Hiland, J.D. Simo, and Daniel Donato reunited with Don Kelley on August 5th 2024 for a one-time concert to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Robert's Western World. Besides being a fete for one of the longtime anchors of Broadway's club scene, it was also a celebration of Don Kelley, and the incredible alumni of his band over the last 40-years. Today, we discuss both the concert and Kelley's influence on Nashville guitarists.
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My interview with Don Kelley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vZWFFIxn14
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
1957 Esquire
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
Mirage compressor pedal, Boss DM-3 delay
#askzac #reddvolkaert #donkelleyband
In the Spring of 1956, Leo Fender introduced the greatest little solid body of all-time, the Fender Electric Mandolin. Nicknamed ,Mandocaster, by collectors, they were designed to replicate the sound of Tiny Moore, and Johnny Gimble, the fiery 4-string mandolin playing veterans of Bob Wills Texas Playboys Band. The instrument was not a success as Western Swing's popularity was waning by the time Leo introduced it, but it found new and exciting uses in the ensuing 70 years. Today we look at the instrument, and the inspiration behind it, with a look at the playing and influence of both Tiny Moore and Johnny Gimble.
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Gear Used:
1958 Fender Electric Mandolin
1959 Fender Harvard Amp
Thanks to the following sites
www.guitarhq.com
www.emando.com
Book Mentioned
Fender The Golden Age 1946-1970
https://amzn.to/4duer8P
#fendermandolin #mandocaster #askzac
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
For years I went back and forth between 9s and 10s on my Telecaster, always frustrated with both gauges for different reasons. 9s, although easy to bend, were just not as full sounding, and I had to be careful not to "overplay" them, as they really needed to be played with a light touch. 10s, while certainly fatter sounding, always felt a bit too stiff for my liking. There just seemed to be to much of a difference in tension between the two sets. Finally, a friend clued me into the 9.5-44 D'Addario set, and I found to be the perfect happy-medium between the 9 and 10 gauges.
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Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
2023 Danocaster single cut in Duco red
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
Mirage compressor pedal
#askzac #guitarstrings #daddariostrings
In the summer of 1968, Fender released their most unconventional finishes to date, the Blue Flower & Paisley Red finishes. Available on only the Telecaster and Telecaster Bass, their striking appearance was made possible by a new product line from Borden Chemicals of Columbus, Ohio, "Cling Foil." This new "beautifully embossed" & "beautifully printed" foil was a product designed to go on refrigerators, tv-trays, cabinets, and boxes of all types to make them look more hip and modern. Somehow, Fender decided to take this existing product being sold in hardware stores and paint shops, and glue it to the front and back of their non-contoured Telecaster. Today we take a deep dive with an original 1968 Blue Flower Telecaster, and look at the differences between it and a standard Tele, detail the novel finishing process it required, and theorize as to why these are so much harder to find than their paisley brothers from 1968-69.
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The Blues Brothers movie was a blockbuster in the summer of 1980. Even with a 27.5 Million dollar budget, that's 102 million in 2024 money, it managed to make that back in a couple of weeks. A sequel was even being discussed, but plans were shelved when John Belushi passed away in 1982. Today we take a look at the impact of the movie on both viewers, and the careers of its musical stars, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, and John Lee Hooker. We also take a look at the guitars used in the film by Steve Cropper, and Matt "Guitar" Murphy. We end with a short lesson showing how to play Murphy's intro to "Sweet Home Chicago."
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
1953 replica Telecaster
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
#askzac #bluesbrothers #stevecropper
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Today we look back at Delbert McClinton's 1989 Alligator Records release, Live From Austin. The year it was released, I was 16 and a drummer friend gave me this album on cassette, and I completely wore it out. Having not been exposed to much besides top-40 of the 1980s, and the contemporary gospel music of the day, The Texas Roadhouse music of McClinton was a revelation with its big, sweaty horns, incredibly tight rhythm section, and fine harp work. The band also featured the guitar work of David Millsap and Stephen Bruton, who brilliantly complemented each other with both their tones and parts. In a conversation with another Delbert veteran, James Pennebaker, I was clued into the fact that Bruton was sitting in with the band for the Austin City Limits TV taping that was also used as the audio for the "Live From Austin" album. Besides diving in on this wonderful album, we also take a look at the influence of the late great Stephen Bruton.
Amazon Link to album
https://amzn.to/3Vg7fW2
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/3G0J7CgCqslFZf9XMSimIj?si=zTuTt-_qRKWqIOwfToJ-8Q
Bruton playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6MSreKA4PmWffPtJ1wJoZ3?si=96fc6ab90856495d
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
#askzac #stephenbruton #delbertmcclinton
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Nashville is a "Telecaster-Town," a common phrase bandied about, and many will stress the importance of Tele ownership if one wants to work as a pro guitarist in Music City. Surprisingly, the Tele did not immediately earn this status the day Leo Fender introduced the Broadcaster in 1950. In fact, it took more than a decade after its release before it became an essential for 615-area session men. The trailblazers of the Tele include, Jabo Arrington, Billy Sanford, and Fred Carter Jr, though lesser known names, they made both the sound and the playing techniques associated with it Nashville essentials.
A major sub-plot of this story takes place in Shreveport, LA, where Billy Sanford & Fred Carter Jr, along with James Burton, and Roy Buchanan were all performing and hanging out together in the late 1950s. Together, these players forged a style based around the use of the Telecaster, and utilizing a mix of Delta Blues, Rockabilly, Western Swing, and wild string bending allowed by their shared use of banjo strings.
Jabo Arrington article from VG mag
https://www.vintageguitar.com/40127/jabo-vince-and-broadcaster-0048/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
#askzac #telecaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
To Support the Channel:
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A discussion with my friends, JD Simo, and Dan "Danocaster" Strain about how they set pickup height on Telecaster type guitars. The discussion begins with a look at Simo's 2nd Danocaster, and how he had just changed the pickups to a set of Budz 58s, that then evolves into a discussion on pickups as JD adjusts his new instrument. We also discuss pickups that favor harmonics over fundamental tones, and how JD and I love our Headstrong Lil King amps.
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
Danocaster Guitars
https://danocaster.com/
#askzac #jdsimo #danocaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Tips and tricks to help you unlock a wider array of tones from your Telecaster. We look at a combination of picking hand placement, and some counter-intuitive pickup choices to create a wider array of sounds from the simple 2-pickup Tele.
Rosanne Cash performing "500 Miles" with John Leventhal on guitar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_XgghFZt1o
#askzac
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Today we look at forgotten R&B guitar greats Chips Moman, Tommy Cogbill, Booker T. Jones & Joe South. They each played on huge hits, yet are rarely hailed, and worse yet, many times their parts are credited to other players. We right this wrong by looking at Chip's part on "Respect," Tommy's on Seesaw," Booker's on "I Forgot To Be Your Lover," and Joe's work on "Chain Of Fools."
CORRECTION Estelle, not Mae Axton founded STAX.
Playlist Chips Moman, Tommy Cogbill, Booker T. Jones & Joe South
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6m3jIsJDPv2YsxJaMDfZ23?si=b85ionyPTBekDoX20wYf0w&pi=u-fPRZ8oNKTjCz
1967 Fender Telecaster - stock except for compensated saddles. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments
More on the 1967 Maplecap Tele
https://youtu.be/K62c9ycOTlU
Amp:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
#askzac #r&bguitar #telecaster
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Today's episode features two legends of the Nashville music scene, Joe Glaser and Steve Wariner. Glaser's innovations include a neck plate mounted bender system, 3-pickup Tele-style builds, Plek fret leveling and nut cutting technology, Music City Bridge hardware and tool supply, and running the world-respected Glaser Instruments repair shop in Nashville. Steve Wariner is one of the most acclaimed singer/songwriters & guitarists to ever hit Music City. The 4-time Grammy Winner formed a guitar style using two Glaser Bender-equipped guitars, a Strat-style with beautiful neck inlays, and a red 3-pickup Tele. Both instruments became closely associated with Wariner via the many public appearances, videos, and photos featuring them. Today Joe and Steve discuss the inspiration and creation of these instruments, and how their collaboration helped shape their careers.
We also look at Jeff Senn's painstakingly made copy of Steve's red 3-pickup Tele that was made for Wariner to fly with when he wants to leave the original at home.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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If you play gigs with an electric guitar, you have most likely been told to "turn it down" multiple times in your performing career. To help you address this common problem, we look at a variety of methods for dealing with electric guitar volume, including the pros and cons of each. These include turning the amp around, having the amp behind the stage, using plexiglass shields that reflect sound, and the use of sound-absorbing baffles.
Speight Baffles
https://www.speightbaffle.com/
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Albert Lee shares the background and process of recording Emmylou's seminal Luxury Liner album released in December 1976. From the gear he used, to how the musicians were presented with the tunes before recording. This was taken from an informal discussion backstage with Albert at London's O2 arena.
#askzac #albertlee #emmylouharris
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Nacho Banos, the patron saint of the Telecaster, compares a 1950 Broadcaster and a 1953 Telecaster backstage at a Brad Paisley concert in Zurich, Switzerland. He takes us fully down the rabbit hole comparing electronics, finish, screws, neck shape, and everything else you can think of.
To dive deeper on this subject, check out Nacho's amazing Pinecaster Book.
https://pinecasterbook.com/
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My first memory of seeing a guitar in person was seeing a Buck Owens “American” guitar leaning against a couch at a neighbor’s house while visiting my grandmother in the mid-1970s. Soon after seeing it, I understood its significance by seeing Buck play an identical one on the Hee Haw television show. Later, via the influence of Dwight Yoakam, Emmylou Harris, and the Desert Rose Band in the 1980s, I would dig back and start listening to all of the great albums that Owens made through the 50s and 60s that in turn influenced my heroes. Through the years, I kept looking for one, but one was never up for sale nearby, as I really wanted to see what this Harmony-made mail-order guitar was like. It wasn’t until recently that I was able to test out and acquire one of these red, white, and blue beauties from one of the fine chaps at Glaser Instruments, and I was able to finally join the “Buck Club.” This of course threw me down the rabbit hole of finding out everything that I could online from sites like SilvertoneWorld.Net and even calling up Buckaroo Jim Shaw, who continues to run Buck’s Crystal Palace club in Bakersfield, CA to get the full low-down on the story behind it. And though Owens is certainly the star here, I have to give Pat Smear of Nirvana, and the great Ryan Adams credit for their role in raising the “cool” factor on these crazy 70s creations. To close the episode, I share the story that Jim Shaw shared with me that they sold hundreds of warehoused versions of the Buck models to cover their expenses during the pandemic. It was hard for me not to see this as Owens working things out from beyond the grave.
Special thanks to Buckaroo Jim Shaw, and Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace.
www.BuckOwens.com
Also for the wonderful information gathered from Silvertone World.
https://www.silvertoneworld.net/acoustic/1219buckowens/1219_Buck_Owens_American.html
#askzac #buckowens #buckowensamerican
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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One of my Patreon members offered to send me his PRS NF-53 to check out, as he was curious as to my take on Paul Smith's version of a Tele-Style guitar. Being both a Telecaster fan, and having a great appreciation for Paul's high level of fit and finish, I said yes to his proposition. The NF-53 is quite a well-built, and well-thought-out instrument, and while not truly traditional, it does offer features that would make it incredibly useful for those who are adverse to the vintage-style Telecaster family.
Thank you to Jesse.
2023 Paul Reed Smith NF-53
1965 Deluxe Reverb with a WGS ET65 speaker
#askzac #prsnf53
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Ever wondered how Leo Fender came around to making the G&L Broadcaster after a decade of Music Man guitars, and the early G&L designs with active electronics and too many knobs and switches? The truth is better than fiction here, and you're going to love to hear what motivated Leo to return to his roots, with a twist to save his pride. I also share the story of the early G&L ASAT I use in the video that was formerly owned by John Jorgenson and is now in the possession of Brad Paisley.
Gear used:
1987 G&L ASAT formerly owned by John Jorgenson, now owned by Brad Paisley
Strings:
EB 10-46
Pick:
Pick Boy Small Jazz, Tortoise Shell, 1.00mm
Effects: Boss DM-3
Amp:
1964 Vox AC10.
#askzac #gandlguitars #telecaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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We kick the episode off with a direct comparison using my 2023 Danocaster guitar which is equipped with a bridge that handles both top loading and string thru. We then take a look at the history of Fender's top loader Telecasters, and the possible reasons for changing the construction of them during that era. To reveal Fender's pattern, we analyze the models that featured toploading bridges beforehand, the Musicmaster, Duo Sonic, and the revamped 1957 Precision Bass.
Gear used:
2023 Danocaster Single-Cut with Budz 58 pickups. 6.4 pound, ash body, .91 maple V neck.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
Pick:
Pick Boy Small Jazz, Tortoise Shell, 1.00mm
Effects: Amp reverb
2023 Headstrong Lil King amp with a 12" Alessandro 64 Speaker
#askzac #danocaster #toploader
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
John Leventhal returns to go in-depth on his first solo album, Rumble Strip. We discuss his process of composing, recording, and the gear he used to create the 16 poignant tracks on the album. Leventhal also discusses his signature acoustic guitar tones that utilize both the natural "acoustic" sound, plus an "electric" sound hole pickup run-through effects and a tube amplifier. He also weighs in on the 30th-anniversary re-release of The Wheel, his first collaboration with his wife, noted singer-songwriter, Rosanne Cash.
John is a multi-Grammy Award-winning producer and musician. A short list of Leventhal's collaborators includes Marc Cohn, Shawn Colvin, Rosanne Cash, William Bell, and Sarah Jarosz.
Rumble Strip - Release Date January 26th, 2024
https://music.apple.com/us/album/rumble-strip/1713810040
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#askzac #johnleventhal #rosannecash
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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After rebuilding my board numerous times depending on if the gig was an amp or direct situation, I decided to have a pedalboard built that could easily do one or the other, or both if needed. I started off with my favorite pedals, then added the UA Dream 65 amp modeler, and a Walrus Audio Canvas Line Driver. This would allow me to go direct. To be amp-friendly, we needed a junction box that would bypass the Dream 65 and Canvas. Since we were adding the junction box, and there was space available, we also included insert jacks (before delays, and after overdrives) to allow me to use a volume pedal or other effects in the right position in the signal chain.
Gear used:
Turbo Tuner, Mirage Compressor, Analogman Boss TR-2, Ibanez Mostortion, Boss DM-3 analog delay, Line 6 Echo Park. UA Dream 65, Walrus Audio Canvas Line Driver, Metro 24 board, and a Truetone CS6 power supply.
#askzac #pedalboard #Xacttonesolutions
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Eldon Shamblin was Leo Fender's favorite guitarist, playing in his favorite band, Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys. Fender supplied the Playboys with amps and steel guitars but he wanted badly to get his new Spanish guitar, the Broadcaster, in their guitarist's hands. Unfortunately, Eldon had no interest in the plank with strings and politely passed on the offer. A few short years later, Leo was still bent on converting Shamblin, so he had his crew build a one-of-a-kind gold Stratocaster in the summer of 1954, and gifted it to the Playboy guitarist during one of their regular visits to the Fender factory. Eldon at first refused the golden solid body, but Leo convinced him to take it with him and try it on the bandstand. Shamblin soon dropped his hollow-body Gibson and became a lifelong Stratocaster player, using them until his passing on August 4th, 1998. Today we take a look at Eldon Shamblin's importance as a guitarist and arranger for Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys, and the fantastically rare and beautiful golden 1954 Stratocaster that Leo Fender gave him.
Photos and video on my site
www.askzac.com/post/eldon-shamblins-1954-gold-stratocaster
Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1efYMv1CjoK8jpJp7sqS55?si=77fd65af7a7b4568
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1955 Stratocaster built by my old college buddy, B. Paisley, using a mix of old and new parts. Ron Ellis 50/60 middle and neck, Duncan Twang banger in the bridge.
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Affiliate link
https://amzn.to/494qQ1y
Pick:
Pick Boy Small Jazz, Tortoise Shell, 1.00mm
Effects: Amp reverb
#askzac #eldonshamblin #stratocaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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What started as a walk-thru, became Dan Strain sharing a gold mine worth of tone-tips for Telecaster fans. We talk about tuners, string trees, saddles, bridges, pickups, neck pockets, swapping necks, and the Duco red color that was chosen for this guitar.
#askzac #telecaster #danocaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Duke Levine's resume is filled with a catalog of stellar solo albums, high-profile sideman gigs, and essential session work. We have Tom Bukovac to thank for making this interview happen, as he had requested Duke on a recent session here in Nashville, that gave us a chance to catch up in person with the Boston-area great. To kick off, we begin with a discussion of his latest gig, touring with Bonnie Raitt. Via the new gig, he has had his first experience with using in-ear monitors and having amps off-stage. We also cover his early gigs with Jonatha Brooke & The Story, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and how he got a record deal in the early 90s. Levine also talks about the eternal tone hunt, covering his move away from using compressor pedals to replacing them with low-gain overdrive pedals. We also cover his pedal board where he uses a Radial switcher to keep his tone as pure as possible by removing unused items from his chain.
#askzac #dukelevine #telecaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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For years I have had pedalboard envy. Not for a huge board with tons of effects, but for the super clean and buttoned-up look of the pro-built boards. Xact Tone Solutions has built my favorites, so I finally decided to have a larger board built around a UA Dream 65 amp modeler, yet that could also go to an amp, or both. I also decided to get the XTS treatment on my tried and true grab-go board. This is a walk-through of my board with Barry and Eric, who have no issues with adding their valuable input or giving me a hard time.
Gear used:
Turbo Tuner, Mirage Compressor, Analogman Boss TR-2, Ibanez Mostortion rehoused by XTS, Boss DM-3 analog delay, Line 6 Echo Park. Mono board. Truetone CS6 power supply
#askzac #pedalboard #Xacttonesolutions
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive is one of the best overdrive pedals of all time due to its groundbreaking clean mix control. Released in December of 2000, it could cover the standard TS-type tones, yet also be the finest transparent overdrive due to its ability to mix one's dry signal back in. The ability to mix one's clean signal along with a Tube Screamer circuit allows for in James Santiago's words, "jangly highs, tight lows, and the overdriven midrange from the TS circuit."
Today we revisit this classic effect and also get the full story of its creation from the guys who birthed it, Josh Fiden, Voodoo Lab Founder & CEO, and former Voodoo Lab VP, now UA Senior Product Designer, James Santiago. I also reveal a great setting for using the Sparkle Drive to warm up your tone.
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1955 Stratocaster crafted by my old college buddy, B. Paisley, using a mix of old and new parts. Ron Ellis 50/60 middle and neck, Duncan Twang banger in the bridge.
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
Affiliate link Seymour Duncan Twang Banger
https://amzn.to/3QG4vze
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Affiliate link
https://amzn.to/494qQ1y
Pick:
Pick Boy Small Jazz, Tortoise Shell, 1.00mm
Effects:
Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive, Amp reverb, and Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay
#askzac #voodoolab #sparkledrive
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The story of how JD Simo played the Ryman with Chris Isaak using my Stratocaster built by Brad Paisley. I also go in-depth on the Stratocaster that my old college buddy crafted for me.
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1955 Stratocaster built by my old college buddy, B. Paisley, using a mix of old and new parts. Ron Ellis 50/60 middle and neck, Duncan Twang banger in the bridge.
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Affiliate link
https://amzn.to/494qQ1y
Pick:
Pick Boy Small Jazz, Tortoise Shell, 1.00mm
Effects:
Amp reverb and Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay
#askzac #jdsimo #chrisisaak
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Introduced in 1954, the Fender Stratocaster could have died a quick death if it had not caught on with key players on the music scene of the day. The guitarists who put it on the map, Ike Turner, Otis Rush, Pee Wee Crayton, Buddy Guy, Buddy Holly, Johnny Meeks, Eldon Shamblin, Buddy Merrill, and Neil LeVang, deserve credit for their important role in the success story of the Strat. Bill Carson & Rex Gallion also get special mention as the guys who pushed Leo Fender to create the Stratocaster because of their desire for an instrument with a built-in vibrato, a 6-piece bridge, 3 pickups, and a contoured body.
Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XGaErkuMmb0aa1tYu9jaE?si=cceae943364246dc
Doye O'Dell with Bill Carson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtuBYo3e9lQ
Deke's article on Rex Gallion and Strat 001
https://dekedickerson.com/musings/rex-gallion-and-stratocaster-serial-no-001/
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1955 Stratocaster built by my old college buddy, B. Paisley, using a mix of old and new parts. Ron Ellis 50/60 middle and neck, Duncan Twang banger in the bridge.
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Affiliate link
https://amzn.to/494qQ1y
Pick:
Pick Boy Small Jazz, Tortoise Shell, 1.00mm
Effects: Amp reverb
#askzac #zacchilds #stratocaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Today I look at my 2 favorite options for Strat tremolo setup, fully floating, or deck it and removing the bar. Also, we look at some handy tips for helping you stay in tune when floating the bridge, adjusting the string break angle at the headstock, using low-tension Raw Vintage springs, recommended string gauges, and lubing the nut slots and string tree.
Affiliate link, Raw Vintage Springs
https://amzn.to/46VaG8Y
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1955 Stratocaster built by my old college buddy, B. Paisley, using a mix of old and new parts. Ron Ellis 50/60 middle and neck, Duncan Twang banger in the bridge.
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Affiliate link
https://amzn.to/494qQ1y
Pick:
Pick Boy Small Jazz, Tortoise Shell, 1.00mm
Effects: Amp reverb
#askzac #zacchilds #stratocaster
To Support the Channel:
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
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Today, my old buddy Austin Skinner takes the helm of the show. While we were in Las Vegas doing a 7-night residency, Skinner filmed on the street, on the stage, and backstage during our time there. I hope you enjoy it as we talk about everything from parts guitars, parts coupling, neck pockets, using the UA Dream 65 modeler, pre-gig warm-up, and my recently acquired 53 Tele-style guitar.
Gear used:
Mirage comp, XTS re-housed Mostortion, XTS modified GE-7, Mad Prof Deep Blue Delay, UA Dream 65, and Walrus Audio Canvas interface.
1953 Telecaster built by my old college buddy, B. Paisley, using a mix of old and new parts. Ron Ellis 52T and Standard Plus pickups
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
Pick:
Pick Boy Small Jazz, Tortoise Shell, 1.00mm
#askzac #zacchilds #telecaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
To Support the Channel:
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
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In 1986, Warner/Reprise took an indie-released EP, added 4 newly recorded tunes, and launched Dwight Yoakam into the stratosphere with the revamped version of Guitars Cadillacs Etc, Etc. The album's first single, a cover of Johnny Horton's "Honky Tonk Man," was a clear message that this was a roots-influenced album, yet the energy and production made it also contemporary. Producer/Guitarist Pete Anderson took Dwight's tunes and added a modern take on the Bakersfield sound, that was the perfect nod to the past, but without becoming a pastiche of California Country styles of the 1960s. Although Yoakam had 21 great original tunes in the bag, he and Pete agreed to mix 7 of the backlog of original tunes, along with 3 revved-up covers to fill out the album. This winning formula would also serve as the template for his next two releases, Hillbilly Deluxe, and Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room. Besides a history of the album, we will also look at some of Pete's parts, and the gear he used for the album.
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1953 Telecaster built by my old college buddy, B. Paisley, using a mix of old and new parts. Ron Ellis 52T and Standard Plus pickups
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
Pick:
Pick Boy Small Jazz, Tortoise Shell, 1.00mm
Effects: Amp reverb
#askzac #peteanderson #dwightyoakam
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Adam Levy has an established guitar voice that we first heard on Tracy Chapman's "Give Me One Reason," then on albums and tours with Norah Jones, and sharpened to a fine point on his latest release, Spry. Besides his work as a guitarist, Levy has also devoted himself to being an educator through his Guitar Tips channel, Truefire instructional courses, and time spent as the Guitar Dept. Chair at the Los Angeles College of Music. Additionally, Adam made great contributions to the world of guitar journalism as a staff writer for Guitar Player Magazine in the 90s.
Today Adam shares his musical adventures, expresses his love for his 1964 Gibson ES-335, and his excitement in releasing the "jazz album of his dreams," Spry.
#askzac #adamlevy
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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A deep dive on Luxury Liner, the album that was my gateway drug for both the Telecaster and Country Music. My father bought the album for me on a road trip, and once I got home and placed the album on the turn table, I was hooked as soon as I heard the opening guitar riff from the title track. Luxury Liner is filled with top-notch songs, superb playing/singing, and beautiful production work from Brian Ahern. This album changed my musical direction.
Amazon link
https://amzn.to/46d1UCR
Emmylou Harris - Luxury Liner
Released in 1977, by Warner Bros Records and Produced by Brian Ahern
Featuring:
The Hot Band
Albert Lee, Rodney Crowell, John Ware, Hank DeVito, Emory Gordy Jr, Glen D. Hardin
Guests
Dolly Parton, James Burton, Ricky Skaggs, Herb Pedersen, Mickey Raphael, Rick Cunha, Mike Auldridge, Fayssoux Starling, Dianne Brooks, Nicolette Larson
#askzac #albertlee #emmylouharris
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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A look at the history of the G-Bender. From the Bigsby palm pedal to the modern Glaser convertible B/G Bender. We also discuss the major players to use the G-Bender, Jeff King, Jimmy Olander, and Brad Paisley.
Gear Used:
Crook Custom Paisley - Glaser Convertible Bender, Music City Bridge 3-string tree
Joe Glaser installs a Convertible Bender in the paisley
https://youtu.be/JLBKjRpRA7U
Amp:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Effects: Amp reverb
#askzac #Diamondrio #bradpaisley
Jimmy Olander, Diamond Rio founding member, and lead guitarist, and I sit down along with new drummer Micah Schweinsberg to discuss the backstory of their latest single "The Kick."
To Support the Channel:
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#askzac #Diamondrio #jimmyolander
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Over the last 15 years, I have had numerous requests to assist buyers vette their alleged celebrity-owned instruments. Early on, I would try and help them out, tracking down high-profile guitarists, and sending photos to them of the guitars in question. What I ended up learning was that over 90% of the time, the artist would indicate that they never owned the instrument. Today's episode is a warning to anyone who's considering the purchase of a celebrity-owned instrument. Please buy from reputable dealers, and insist on true letters of authenticity and/or photographic proof.
Thanks to Glaser Bender/Music City Bridge for sponsoring today's episode.
Music City Bridge Guitar Parts:
https://musiccitybridge.com/collections/guitar-parts
Glaser Benders
https://www.glaserbender.com/
To Support the Channel:
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In our book nook segment, I talk about a favorite book on guitar setup and two Merle Haggard books; one to buy, and another to avoid.
Dan Erlewine's Setup Book
https://amzn.to/3PYme5Z
David Cantwell's The Running Kind
https://amzn.to/3NWzsOl
#askzac #zacchilds #telecaster
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I recently got a call from the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society, asking me to speak at their annual event here in Nashville. Without hesitation, I agreed and was pleased to also get asked by Chet's grand-niece, Meagan Taylor Anderson, to perform with her at one of the evening concerts. Today you get the heart of my speech from the event, and a book nook segment on Pete Anderson's new release, "How To Produce A Record: A Players Philosophy For Making A Great Recording."
Pete Anderson's book:
How To Produce A Record: A Players Philosophy For Making A Great Recording
https://amzn.to/46ZJfvq
Chet Society
https://www.chetsociety.com/
The French Family Band on the Grand Ole Opry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCpH_wXWHw4
#askzac #zacchilds #chetatkins
Thanks to Truetone for sponsoring today's episode.
Find your next pedal board power supply at: www.truetone.com
Jeff King was raised in the Smokey Mountains of East Tennessee, where as a young boy, he found a guitar in an attic and was immediately hooked. Though he loved music and played frequent gigs, he did not study it in college, yet post-graduation, he decided to throw in his lot with a friend that moved to Nashville in the early 80s. With luck on his side, he fairly quickly hit the scene in a big way in 1985 by landing the lead guitar spot with the then-new artist, Patty Loveless. Jeff was soon riding the wave of success with Patty who was busy sending singles up the charts and wowing crowds and critics with her soulful Kentucky sound. This led to major screen time, as Loveless guested on the TV shows of the day, including Austin City Limits, The Tonight Show, Letterman, and the various music shows on The Nashville Network. Jeff was also getting to watch Patty make her records with guitarists Reggie Young, Ray Flacke, Albert Lee, Richard Bennett, and Steve Gibson. He soon was putting his watch-time lessons to use by working on demo sessions in-between road dates to the point that he was soon able to bid the road goodbye and focus completely on studio work. After decades of studio work, he was asked by one of his clients, Reba McIntire, to go out on the road with her, which lead to him also performing road dates with Brooks & Dunn. Jeff now tours with two legendary Country Music acts, and because of their less strenuous touring, he is able to keep his studio work thriving.
On the gear front, King tells the backstory of his main guitar, a 1985 G-Bender equipped Glaser Tele-Style that is on its second neck. We also get a look at his Tom Anderson Strat, Gretsch Duo-Jet, studio pedal board, and his 1956 Fender Harvard amp.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Music City Bridge Guitar Parts:
https://musiccitybridge.com/collections/guitar-parts
Glaser Benders
https://www.glaserbender.com/
To Support the Channel:
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A look at my 6 Telecasters:
1. 1982 Kubicki/Danocaster with Musi City Bridge 3-pickup blend wiring, Glaser convertible bender.
More on my Kubicki/Dano
https://youtu.be/F9fjUeQtjUM
2. 1967 Fender Telecaster - stock except for compensated saddles. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments
More on the 1967 Maplecap Tele
https://youtu.be/K62c9ycOTlU
3. Crook Custom Paisley - Glaser Convertible Bender, Music City Bridge 3-string tree
Joe Glaser installs a Convertible Bender in the paisley
https://youtu.be/JLBKjRpRA7U
4. 1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and Aging on the Body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
More on the 57 Esquire
https://youtu.be/VHVlD_Ut0OU
5. 1953 Telecaster - Ron Ellis 52T and Standard plus neck
6. 1967/69 Telecaster with factory Bigsby - Bill Lawrence A400 neck, Ron Ellis 60T bridge pickup. Aging by Dan Strain, and refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments
More on my Bigsby Tele
https://youtu.be/sKNXOCRlaiY
Amp:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Effects: Amp reverb
#askzac #zacchilds #telecaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
To Support the Channel:
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
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video of show
https://youtu.be/IbWSeuLuj6A
I was about to put away all of my gear after a run of shows, and I decided to show my somewhat minimalist approach to what I take to gig with. Here, I show my pedalboard, amp, cables, and spares I take with me, including my direct amp rig I use as a backup to my Headstrong Lil King. In the pursuit of completeness, I even show the gig bag and amp cover I use, and the old Coca-Cola crate I use as an amp stand and transport for cables and gear. Also included are some clips of me playing from this last run of shows with Paul Bogart.
Gear used in the live clips:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and Aging on the Body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
https://danocaster.com/
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Effects: Amp reverb
#askzac #zacchilds #telecaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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When Bill McCumber sent me his 1967 Telecaster, he knew it needed some work, as the high E-string was resting against the bridge pickup, and the action was already set fairly high. I raised the action and did a neck shim to help it, but I knew more work was needed to get it playing right for the long haul. As both Bill Lawrence pickups were non-adjustable, I knew some changes had to be made. I decided to keep the Lawrence neck pickup that I really loved and remove the bridge pickup and modified wiring. This allowed the Tele to have a nod to both eras of its past, by keeping some of the Bill Lawrence mods and installing a standard bridge plate, control plate, and Ron Ellis 60T bridge pickup. Now with at least one pickup height adjustable, the guitar's volume and tone could be set to be much more balanced.
Today's Book Nook is for the Galaxy of Strats by Yashuhiro IWANADE It is on the expensive and hard-to-find side, but can be found on eBay or Amazon in Japan.
Special thanks to Bill McCumber for the fabulous guitar, and for Dan Strain's restoration work and the use of his workbench.
#askzac #bigsbytelecaster #telecaster
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As soon as I got a second guitar amp in High School, I began experimenting with running both of them at the same time. In 1990 this usually meant a stereo chorus splitting the signal. An unwanted side-effect was that I found that my noise floor went way up, and sometimes, with certain pairings of amps, it seemed like my sound got smaller instead of bigger. It was not until almost two decades later, in 2002, I learned about the grounding and phase issues that have to be dealt with when running two amps simultaneously. Here, I show how to overcome these issues with an easy-to-find signal splitter that incorporates phase reversal controls, and safe ground lifting using an isolation transformer.
Full episode on Youtube
https://youtu.be/FZ__DCGIwDI
Amazon link to Lehle P-Split III
https://amzn.to/3MVoVU1
Book Nook Link - The Fender Archives, by Tom Wheeler
https://amzn.to/42fyZfi
The Stratocaster Chronicles, by Tom Wheeler
https://amzn.to/3WANkBE
Gear used:
1982 Kubicki body, 2022 Danocaster Neck, Glaser Convertible Bender, 80s Duncan middle, Ron Ellis 50/60 Tele pickup set.
NYXL 9.5-44 Strings
https://amzn.to/3qbGGpp
1965 Deluxe Reverb with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
Link to 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://amzn.to/427wpYr
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
Effects used:
1981 TC Chorus
Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay
Truetone CS6 power supply https://amzn.to/3WAMd4R
#askzac #princetonreverb #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
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I recently had access to a variety of 1957-1974 Fender guitars, and I wanted to spotlight the change in finishes when Fender started using polyurethane on necks and bodies in mid-1968. That change did not mean the total elimination of lacquer/nitro finishes, it meant that nitro was used less, but at times was still used for topcoats, and it was nearly always used on the headstock after the CBS black logo was applied into the early 1980s.
Special thanks to Dan Strain for making his 1957 Telecaster, and 1972 Stratocaster available, and of course for the use of his workbench.
#askzac #zacchilds #telecaster
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For my 50th birthday, my wonderful wife, Amy, took me on a surprise trip to New Orleans to go to Jazz Fest and see Mavis Staples.
Through a twist of fate, Mavis played 2 nights later in Nashville, and I was able to have breakfast with Rick. At my studio, he showed off the modified Broadcaster/Nocaster blend wiring he was using in his 56-mongrel Tele, and I asked if I could film it. He obliged and also talked a bit about the joy of working with Mavis, and the fun of working in a 3-piece rhythm section with two vocalists.
Wiring info
https://www.askzac.com/post/rick-holm...
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
#askzac #rickholmstrom #mavisstaples
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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My dear friend and mentor, Bill McCumber, contacted me a couple of weeks ago saying he wanted to give me his 1967 factory-equipped Bigsby Telecaster. I was blown away, not just by the gift, but also remembering the many kindnesses Bill had done for me through the years. I share about Bill and the modifications that he had done to the guitar since he bought it from Clawson's Music in Corpus Christi, Texas in the mid-1960s. Through the years, it received an electronics upgrade from Bill Lawrence, who did the modifications himself, and a neck change to a mid-70s model.
I also show how Bill's Tele has aged differently from my 1967 Telecaster, as his 1967 has much less wear, yet is much darker due to the number of gigs he played in the smoke-filled Honky Tonks and Dance Halls of South Texas.
Book Nook Amazon link - Fender The Inside Story by Forrest White
https://amzn.to/3MidRQQ
Gear used:
1967 factory Bigsby-equipped Fender Telecaster with Bill Lawrence pickups, and a mid-70s neck.
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
Effects used:
Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay
#askzac #billlawrence #bigsbytelecaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
To Support the Channel:
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One of my Patreon supporters started playing with a new group, and they wanted to add some Western Swing numbers and he wanted some pointers for playing in that style. I thought this would be the perfect topic for a video. Here, I share some do's and don'ts along with harmonic & tonal concepts for sounding legit when performing Western Swing.
Junior Barnard playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11b...
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and Aging on the Body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
https://danocaster.com/
https://www.ronellispickups.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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 - www.askzac.com
I have been struggling off and on with hand pain since 2019 but had been able to keep things under control until March 2023. Last month, my hand pain hit a new level, and I knew I needed to find out what was going on. Today's episode lays out my journey and my road forward.
FYI, I just played one of my gigs in Tulsa last night. All went well, just a bit sore, and going to ice it down some. Looking forward to the gig tonight, April 21, 2023.
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and Aging on the Body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 95-44
https://amzn.to/41rnl0V
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
#askzac #zacchilds #arthritis
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In 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 Driver
https://musiccitybridge.com/products/...
Book: Fender The Golden Age
https://amzn.to/43FGkXm
#askzac #telecaster #compensatedsaddles
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I have bought and sold at least 10 Princeton Reverb-style amps over the last 30 years. I want to love them, but I hate the way most of them sound really small when dialed in clean with a Telecaster's bridge pickup. And as much as I love my old 1965 Deluxe Reverb amp, there are many times when I wish I had an amp that would hit the sweet spot at a lower volume, and be a bit easier to tote around.
Earlier this year, I was at JD Simo's studio, and he encouraged me to play through his Headstrong Lil' King. I was blown away and ordered one the next day. It arrived a couple of weeks later, handbuilt by Wayne, and it was no less stellar than Simo's amp. I took the amp on a gig 2-days later, and I kept looking back at it during the gig. I played at least half the time on the bridge pickup with a cleaner tone, and the Lil' King produced wonderfully fat tones. After many years of searching, I found my Princeton.
Gear used:
2023 Headstrong Lil' King with 12" Eminence GA-SC64 speaker
https://headstrongamps.com/lil-king-amp
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and Aging on the Body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Refret by Nick at Glaser Instruments. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
Strings:
D'Addarion NYXL 95-44
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
#askzac #princetonreverb #headstrongamps
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The bane of most Telecaster players is getting both the neck and bridge pickups to sound their best. It seems when you get the neck pickup sounding right, the bridge is too bright, or if reversed, the bridge sounds great, and the neck pickup is just too dark to cut through. The bridge pickup needs the amp to be set darker, and the neck pickup requires a brighter amp tone. After struggling with this for years, I decided to try wiring the tone pot to only the bridge pickup on my Telecaster. This was a total game-changer. Now I could set my amp's tone controls for a clear yet fat tone on the neck pickup, then move to the bridge setting and tone down the treble, to get it sounding twangy yet without any icepick-like highs.
Wiring Schematic
https://www.askzac.com/post/no-tone-o...
Note on the Bill Carson book. Unfortunately, this is another title that has drifted out-of-print and is hard to find. Perhaps Willie Moseley, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and Hal Leonard will bring it back in some form.
#askzac #zacchilds #telecastermods
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Many know Merle Travis simply as the name behind "Travis Picking," yet are unaware of his influence as a performer and songwriter. Perhaps even less known, is how in the late 40s he was one of the architects of the solid body guitar. It seems almost a deep dark secret that his Bigsby-made guitar was borrowed by Leo Fender in 1948, and it set the course for the Telecaster and Stratocaster. Today, we seek to spotlight this overlooked contribution by Merle and Paul Bigsby and to spotlight the incredible musical works of the great Merle Travis.
Sixteen Tons: The Merle Travis Story - By Merle Travis & Deke Dickerson
https://amzn.to/3YtybBl
To buy a copy autographed by Deke
https://dekedickerson.com/merch/sixte...
The Merle Travis Guitar Album
https://open.spotify.com/album/6Nq6eD...
#askzac #merletravis #bigsbyguitar
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Mike Eli LoPinto along with Derek Mixon, J.T. Cure, and Paul Franklin make up the stellar backing band for superstar Chris Stapleton. LoPinto stopped by for a hang, and he was kind enough to oblige me with a bit of playing and Q&A.
#askzac #mikelopinto #chrisstapleton
Chris Scruggs is the host of his own WSM radio show that runs on Friday nights after the Grand Ole Opry, fronts his own band, The Stone Fox Five, and is a member of the white-hot group backing Marty Stuart, The Fabulous Superlatives. He is also a busy session man with everyone from up-and-comers to hitmakers Kacey Musgraves & Sierra Ferrell, and more recently, he was the youngest member inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame.
In today's episode, Scruggs tells his own story, and along the way shares plenty of country music lore and spotlights 4 of his favorite guitars, a 1962 Telecaster, a 50s Fender double-neck steel, a 1959 Martin D-18, and a 1938 Gibson L5.
#askzac #chrisscruggs #martystuart
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
The volume pedal was the first effect device created for the guitar. They were introduced in the mid-1930s, being offered by most major electric guitar makers, including Gibson & Rickenbacker, and pickup maker DeArmond. Although it was initially mainly used by steel guitarists from the 1930s-1960s, the 70s brought us 3 musicians that made it an important tool for guitarists, Reggie Young, Larry Carlton, and Mark Knopfler. These players used the volume pedal as an effect on numerous hit recordings, which caused it to finally take its place as a "must have" pedal. We also look at some important factors that one should consider when buying a volume pedal. Issues such as tone suck, buffers, pot taper, and more modern pot-less designs.
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7Am...
Gear Used:
2008 R9 Les Paul
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with a GA-SC64 speaker
Effects used:
Amp reverb, Line 6 Echo Park, Dunlop Volume X
#askzac #volumepedal #zacchilds
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Truefire Link https://prf.hn/l/LbY3nGL
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A visit to JD Simo's House of Grease to get a tweak done on my wah ends up leading him to demo his new fly board, talking about his love for StringJoy Broadway pure nickel strings, and us getting to hear his Headstrong Lil King (Princeton Reverb) amp that he has been relying on recently for shows and sessions. We also cover in-depth his Danocaster's wiring scheme, which features a Gibson humbucker, plus a Telecaster bridge, that has the tone control wired to only the bridge pickup.
No tone on the neck schematic
https://www.askzac.com/post/no-tone-o...
#stringjoy #jdsimo #headstrongamps
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Enter promo code "ASKZAC30" to save 30%
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I have loved the classic wah sound for years, but have never been able to find one I liked. Years of buying various models, and feeling like they had too wide of a tonal variance finally caused me to quit looking. Recently, a friend told me that old wahs had less travel and that 70s models were available for well under $200. I picked up a Thomas Organ Wah for $120 off reverb.com, and I was so pleasantly surprised to find out how much difference the lesser travel made. It was now more vocal sounding and more in the range of useability for me. Besides my wah journey, we also have Bill Keck modify the unit to be true bypass, and we follow up with our book nook segment.
Schematic to true bypass your old wah
https://www.wah-wah.co.uk/bypass.html
The proper switch for True Bypass Wah
https://www.amplifiedparts.com/produc...
Gibson Amp Book, which is unfortunately out of print:
https://amzn.to/3XG165R
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The low down on my 5 nights of gigging with @austinskinner in Las Vegas. Being that the venue had a Boss Katana amp, I decided to leave the Strymon Iridium at home, and try it out. I also took a mid-70s Cry Baby Wah, and my 2008 R9 Les Paul to have more tonal offerings than just my '57 Esquire & my grab-and-go pedalboard. I also had a crazy adventure trying to visit J & E Guitars. I found out they were closed due to a robbery committed during business hours. The assailants used a crowd-control pepper spray device that coated all of the store's stock, rendering everything unsaleable.
#askzac #austinskinner #zacchilds
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Between my work with the Truetone Lounge and Vintage Guitar Magazine, I have interviewed many award-winning musicians with long and storied careers. It struck me recently that every one of them had a pivotal moment in their story where 3 important elements came together to launch their careers. These integral ingredients can be distilled down to hard work, risk-taking, and timing/luck. All 3 of these are incredibly important, and the house quickly falls if any one of these elements is absent. To illustrate, I share anecdotes from my interviews with John Jorgenson, Pete Anderson, and JD Simo showing how the elements of hard work, risk-taking, and luck played out in their careers.
Gear Used:
Baxendale Kay Mandocello
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Amp:
2021 Fender Handwired 64 Princeton Reverb with a Jensen Neo 10-100 speaker.
Effects:
Boss Analogman mod TR-2, MXR Reverb
#askzac #zacchilds
Enter promo code "ASKZAC30" to save 30%
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Today we spotlight Clarence White's former #1 Telecaster, which he used on some of The Byrd's "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" tracks, and likely the "Nashville West" recordings. After Gene Parsons installed the B-Bender on his sunburst backup Tele, it knocked the white Tele to the #2 position, and it was soon traded to his bandmate Bob Warford for a Nobel acoustic guitar. Wanting to also use a B-Bender, Warford & his dad engineered their own system based on Gene's original design, but with a few improvements including the allowance for a slimmer body to fit in a standard guitar case. Once learning the ropes of the mechanism, Bob would feature the B-Bender-equipped Tele with such greats as the Everly Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Herb Pedersen, and Chris Hillman. Today's video drills down on the modifications done to it, and we look at the ingredients to his rig to produce the memorable tones he featured on Ronstadt's "Willin'" and "Dark End Of The Street."
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2kK...
Bender plans and photos
https://www.askzac.com/post/bob-warfo...
Gear Used:
Crook Paisley Tele.
Strings:
Webstrings pure nickel 9-42
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Amp:
2021 Fender Handwired 64 Princeton Reverb with a Jensen Neo 10-100 speaker.
#askzac #clarencewhite #bobwarford
Luke McQueary was Don Kelley's final guitarist in his long line of amazing players. Today we sit down and talk about his beginnings and the importance of Don's tutelage in his progression as a musician and performer. Though Don Kelley is now retired, the tradition lives on with Kelley's Heroes Wednesday through Saturday, 6:30 -10:30 PM at Robert's Western World. Luke also shows off his rig which includes a specially ordered Custom Shop Telecaster Thinline, vintage Deluxe Reverb, and a small pedalboard.
#askzac #donkelley #lukemcqueary
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Enter promo code "ASKZAC30" to save 30%
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In 1969, Burton put his 52 Telecaster into semi-retirement, and would use his 1969 paisley Telecaster all throughout the 70s and 80s playing on countless recordings, and touring with Elvis, Emmylou Harris, John Denver, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Costello. During that time, he made quite a few modifications to the instrument, including changing pickups, bridges, hardware, and even a neck swap or 2. Today's episode spotlight all the changes the guitar went through in the years he used it as his main guitar for both the studio and the road.
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47J...
Gear Used:
Crook Paisley Tele.
Strings:
Webstrings pure nickel 9-42
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Amp:
2021 Fender Handwired 64 Princeton Reverb with a Jensen Neo 10-100 speaker.
#askzac #jamesburton #zacchilds
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The history of James Burton's iconic 1952 Telecaster. From his parent's purchase of it in 1952, through all of the aesthetic variations, it underwent until its current incarnation of a red finish and a white pickguard.
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/29f...
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Amp:
2021 Fender Handwired 64 Princeton Reverb with a Jensen Neo 10-100 speaker.
#askzac #jamesburton #zacchilds
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
To Support the Channel:
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
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Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
The tale of the greatest $200 amp on the planet, the 80s Peavey Special 130.
Amazon link to Peavey book https://amzn.to/3F0YlFl
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis. Pickguard design by Jay & Kristi Smith of Juicebox Designs.
Strings:
D'Addarion NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Amp:
1984 Peavey Special 130
#askzac #peaveyspecial130 #zacchilds
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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 - www.askzac.com
I recently went to the Musicians Hall of Fame with my friend JD Simo and was just gobsmacked the entire time as we walked through it. Today, I champion the Hall and tell a bit about its late founder, Joe Chambers. If you come to Nashville, this is an absolute must-do.
Also, you get a look at JD and I goofing on James Burton's 1952 and 1969 Telecasters.
Book link Memphis Boys https://amzn.to/3XdioY6
#askzac #musicianshalloffame #jamesburton
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Bernie Leadon played guitar, mandolin, banjo, pedal steel, and sang harmony vocals on the greatest-selling album of all time, Eagles Greatest Hits, Volume 1. For many guitarists, he is known as one of the earliest exponents of the B-Bender, a mechanical device that allows the "B" string to be raised a whole step via a system of cranks and levers. His work on "Peaceful Easy Feeling" is an excellent example of the sound the device allows and is by far the most accessible and most often heard example of a guitarist using it. Today we take a look at Leadon's work through the years, spotlight some of his session work, and discuss his original Pull-String equipped Telecaster. We also cover how he ended up on the History of the Eagles tour, and the spartan setup that he used for the 170 dates back out on the road with his old band.
Buddy Emmons book - Amazon Affiliate link https://amzn.to/3zHaqfy
Bernie Leadon Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/72M...
Gear Used:
Crook Paisley with Glaser B-Bender
1959 Harvard amp
Boss CS3 comp, MXR Reverb, MXR Looper
Bass - Danelectro Bass 6
Rhythm - Baxendale Kay Mandocello
#askzac #bernieleadon #eaglesband
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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In 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 Nichols, and I knew that this was the man that was going to bring the Telecaster sound back to the Hag's lead guitar spot. As much as I had loved the 1980s-era Roy and later Clint Strong with their Les Paul and Peavey Session 400 rigs, I had longed to hear the tunes played with a Tele and a JBL-equipped Fender amp. I soon learned that Haggard was playing nearby and I immediately bought a ticket to see Merle and the Strangers for their show on September 4th, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas. For the entire show, Redd was on-fire, as he paid homage to his predecessors, yet put his spin on the guitar parts to Merle's incredible catalog of hits. It was one of the best shows I have ever heard.
Today we look at Redd Volkaert and his huge influence on Telecaster players over the last 30 years. Also, we feature a new segment, Zac's book time.
Book link https://amzn.to/3T0g9DX
Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4DL...
Redd guests quite a bit with the Western Flyers
https://www.thewesternflyers.com/
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original br
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
On October 2nd, 2022, the Desert Rose Band played their final show at the Country Music Hall of Fame as the finale to the opening of the new exhibit, Western Edge: The Roots & Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock. At this final show, Chris Hillman introduced guitarist John Jorgenson as the architect of the Desert Rose Band. This a true statement, as it was John that had the vision to see Hillman's material that was being performed by a small acoustic combo in the early 1980s, as full band California Country Rock, with dashes of Bluegrass, Bakersfield, and Byrds for good measure. But despite John's sizeable contributions, the group was a true sum of its parts; a father of Country Rock, the finest harmony singer on the planet, a wunderkind guitarist/multi-instrumentalist, a legendary steeler, and a veteran bassist and drummer of the highest order. Chris Hillman, Herb Pedersen, John Jorgenson, Jay Dee Maness, Bill Bryson, and Steve Duncan were the finest band to hit both the road and the airwaves since Emmylou's Hot Band, Buck Owen's Buckaroos or Merle Haggard's Strangers. Although their stint with the original lineup only existed from 1985-1991, they made an indelible impact on Country Music. Studio guitarists in Nashville pointed to Jorgenson's tones and began using real amps, electric 12-strings, and six-string basses, and being more adventurous with effects. Songwriters were encouraged to create honest material that focused on sometimes difficult subjects, and road bands everywhere rehearsed more, and still shuddered at the thought of following the Californians, with great songs, amazing harmonies, and top-drawer instrumentalists. The irony of their blowing the doors open in so many avenues was that the Desert Rose Band was soon overtaken in popularity by the "New Country" of the 1990s, which they helped lay the groundwork for.
This is my tribute to a band that has given me innumerable hours of enjoyment, challenged me, and is also the chief reason that I bonded with Brad Paisley during our University years. Later, during my time as Paisley's guitar tech, he would routinely tell me if we could not have a soundcheck to "Just make my guitar sound like "Hello Trouble.""
Thank you, Chris, Herb, John, Jay Dee, Steve, and the late Bill Bryson for the music that meant so much to me.
Jorgenson's gear notes
https://www.askzac.com/post/the-deser...
Their "Greatest Hits"
https://open.spotify.com/album/6HMY1K...
The Deep Dive
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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The Telecaster Thinline story begins with Fender's engineers experimenting with the removal of wood under the pickguard to lighten the weight of heavy ash bodies. They found that the weight loss was insignificant, so Fender's engineers set out to make an entirely new model. The resulting Telecaster Thinline was a standard Telecaster, with a partially hollowed-out body, and a stylized Pearloid pickguard released in 1968. To spruce up the model in late 1971, the model was completely revamped with a new bridge, pickguard, Wide Range humbuckers, Bullet Truss Rod, and Micro-Tilt neck adjustment. In this episode, we will detail the differences between the standard Telecaster, and the version I & II Thinline models. We will also look at the important differences that Seth Lover engineered into his 50s Gibson PAF humbucker model, and the 70s Wide Range he later designed for Fender.
Gear Used:
2022 Vintage II Fender 72 Telecaster Thinline
1967 Fender Telecaster
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with a 60s JBL D120F gray frame speaker with its original cone. Used with AmpRX Brown Box set to 113v
Effects used:
Amp reverb
#askzac #telecasterthinline #zacchilds
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Leo Fender spent a great amount of time and money to create a cover for the bridge and pickup assembly on his Esquire & Broadcaster guitars in 1950. It protected the bridge & pickup assembly from corrosion, it shielded it to help with noise, and it was an ornamental hand rest that made his guitar look more professional. Early players kept them on, but by even the mid-50s, players were taking them off to palm mute for chugga-chugga rhythms or swampy low-string licks. It soon became known as the ashtray, and Leo's functional and decorative cover was used by smokers who set them on their amps and knocked out the contents at the end of the night. Soon, most players retired them permanently to their case or lost them altogether. The lone exception to this was Iceman, Albert Collins, who not only kept his cover in place but decorated it with eye-catching reflective tape. Today we dive deep, into the story of Leo Fender's Telecaster bridge cover.
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
StringJoy Pure Nickel Round Core 10-44 (10,12,16,24,34,44)
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with a 60s JBL D120F gray frame speaker with its original cone. Used with AmpRX Brown Box set to 113v
Effects used:
Amp reverb, MXR Clone Looper
#askzac #stringjoy #zacchilds
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JBL began producing efficient, high-wattage speakers in 1948 with the introduction of the D-130 model 15" speaker. The speaker was mainly used in public address (PA) systems until 1953 when Bob Crooks decided to spare no expense with his new Standel line of guitar amps, and factory install D-130's in them. Standel became the Dumble of the early 50s with their innovative cabinet and circuit designs, and also due to their use of a speaker that could produce a much clearer and louder tone than the less expensive pressed frame speakers being produced by Jensen and others. Stars from Chet Atkins to Speedy West began using Standel models over Fender, and the boys in Fullerton began to take note. Leo Fender, whose goal was always to make a great instrument at a more pocketbook-friendly price, continued to use lower-cost Jensen units until he finally relented in late 1959, producing the Vibrasonic amp, which was his first factory-equipped model with a JBL and the first Fender with Tolex covering and forward facing controls.
In today's episode, we will look at some of the myths about them concerning brightness, the actual weight of the popular alnico magnet D120F & K120 models, and the differences between cast frame and pressed from speakers. Also, we will discuss the polarity issue and the frame thickness of the later D120F and K120 models that can require modifications to be utilized in some amps.
A short list of guitarists that have used JBL speakers during important phases of their careers would include, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Albert Lee, Albert Collins, James Burton, Jerry Garcia, Roy Nichols, Duane Allman, Chet Atkins, Dickie Betts, Vince Gill, Mick Taylor, Keith Richards, Jesse Ed Davis, and Eric Johnson.
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-44 (10,12,16,24,34,44)
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with a 60s JBL D120F gray frame speaker with its original cone. Used with AmpRX Brown Box set to 113v
Effects used:
Amp reverb
#askzac #jbld120f #zacchilds
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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After last week's 2-hour interview with Don Kelley, I decided something shorter was in order.
My old Deluxe Reverb started exhibiting a funky rattle, and I had to fix it. Usually, I play while a friend pushes on the amp's tubes one at a time with a pencil eraser. I show how to use a looper pedal to help you find the rattle.
#askzac #guitartech #tuberattle
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A short list of the veterans of Don Kelley's band includes Brent Mason, Redd Volkaert, Johnny Hiland, Guthrie Trapp, JD Simo, Daniel Donato, Porter McClister, and Luke McQueary. Kelley was bandleader and coach for these giants, helping each of them hone their playing and tone by playing 5-6 days of the week, 4 hours a night, under his watchful eye.
As important as these players and their stories are, today we get to hear Don's story of growing up in Texas, serving in Vietnam, moving to Nashville to play with Joe Stampley, and how he came to lead his band and guide the careers of some of the finest guitarists in the world.
#askzac #donkelleyband #telecaster
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In today's video, Bill Keck and I re-install the 1954 neck pickup that was rewound by Ron Ellis. Bill passes on some important solder skills, and I show my hack for setting pickup height. To boot, you get a ton of under-the-hood shots of my 1957 Esquire.
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with a 1954 neck pickup, and original bridge pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Both pickups were rewound by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with a V30 speaker. Used with AmpRX Brown Box set to 113v
Effects used:
Amp reverb
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
To Support the Channel:
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Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
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Today we take a look at the man who brought the Telecaster sound to Nashville, Fred Carter Jr. Besides being a Tele specialist, he was also one of the great session utility men, playing everything from bass to mandolin on tracks ranging from Muddy Waters to Willie Nelson. Many are only aware of him because of his daughter, Country star Deana Carter, or the footnote of him being Robbie Robertson's mentor in the Hawks. Today we bring Fred Carter's playing outside the shadows.
Johnny Darrell "Why You Been Gone So Long"
• Johnny Darrell "W...
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1cD...
Additional photos of Fred through the years and all the links below are on my website
https://www.askzac.com/post/fred-cart...
Fred Carter Jr - "Voodoo Woman"
• Fred Carter Jr. -...
Fred Carter Jr. - Sitting on Mama's Knee - Nuggett
• Fred Carter Jr. -...
Fred Carter Jr. - River Boy - Nuggett
• Fred Carter Jr. -...
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with "New Tall" Ron Ellis neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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I played a show in Norman, Oklahoma, on a Saturday, and everything sounded fantastic with my 1957 Esquire. I picked her up on Tuesday, and there was no sound when I went to the neck pickup. I checked solder joints and metered it, and sure enough, the Esquire's neck pickup was dead. This episode is about how Tele pickups die, and how to a degree it is a bit inevitable to the gigging Tele player.
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with "New Tall" Ron Ellis neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
2021 Fender Vibro Champ Reverb
Effects used:
amp verb
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To order Ron Ellis Pickups: [email protected]
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Ron Ellis is one of the premier pickup winders, and a great friend to boot. I headed out to San Diego to see his new facility, and to meet the team he has put together to meet the high demand for his pickups. Ron kindly walks us through the pickup-making process and the guys that are responsible for each step of the process.
#askzac #ronellis #ronellispickups
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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Steve Gibson has worked with everyone from Beatle George Harrison to Randy Travis. And if you have enjoyed George Strait's work since the early 90s, then that's Steve and Brent Mason covering all of the guitar work on the Texan's hits over the last 3 decades. In today's episode, we spotlight a guitarist whose style has always been to play precisely what the song needs.
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1EZ...
Our Truetone Lounge interview with Steve
• Truetone Lounge |...
Gear Used:
1982 Kubicki body, 2022 Danocaster Neck, Glaser Convertible Bender, 80s Duncan middle, Ron Ellis 50/60 Tele pickup set.
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
amp verb, Boss DD-2
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
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Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
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Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
Use the code ASKZAC to get $20 off B-Stock. They also have a mailing list signup code for free shipping.
https://www.brownbox.rocks/shop/p/sal...
In 2002, Brad Paisley introduced me to the idea that old tube amps require lower voltages to sound their best. He showed me how to use a Variac and a voltmeter to set the voltage going into his 1962 Vox AC30 at the "sweet spot" of 110 volts. The variac, plus voltmeter, and 4 spot ac plug was a clunky unit, but it did its job. Fast forward to 2015, and Pat Geraghty contacts me to review the AmpRx Brown Box for Vintage Guitar Magazine. It was a brilliant take on Brad's variac rig, that was sleek, elegant, and much easier and safer to use.
Today we look at the Brown Box, and its benefits to tube amp users.
Brown Box's site https://www.brownbox.rocks/
Gear for this video:
2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley - APC Adder (Neck) Peter Florance TE-60 (Bridge)
Glaser B-Bender
http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/
https://www.glaserbender.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
#askzac #brownbox #telecaster
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Baz Luhrmann's Elvis movie stars Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, and Presley's timeless music. The unseen star of the music is guitarist JD Simo, who was tasked by Lurhmann and Dave Cobb to replicate the original parts and tones played by Scotty Moore, James Burton, Hank Garland, Reggie Young, and Tommy Tedesco. In today's special collaboration with Truetone, we sit down with Simo, as he tells the tale of how he was asked to take part, and the gear he used to replicate the legendary guitarist's riffs.
We also take a look at his soon-to-be-released album Songs From The House Of Grease. Recorded with his trio, the album features his recently acquired Danocaster Singel-Cut, along with an ancient Alamo amp and a venerable 1965 Deluxe Reverb. Simo also shows off his new Xact Tone built pedal board.
#askzac #JDSimo #elvis
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The late Andrew Gold was a mere pup when he walked into the studio with Linda Ronstadt to jumpstart her career with the tracks "You're No Good," and "When Will I Be Loved." His arrangement ideas, harmony vocals, and most noticeably his iconic guitar work, placed the "Gold" stamp on what would end up being two of her greatest hits. Today we will look at both tracks, and lay out the gear he used for both tracks. We will also look at Andrew's career, and how his guitar playing influenced the sound of pop guitar in the 80s and 90s.
Early clip of "You're No Good."
• Video
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cn...
Gear Used:
1982 Kubicki body, 2022 Danocaster Neck, Glaser Convertible Bender, 80s Duncan middle, Ron Ellis 50/60 Tele pickup set.
Strings: D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick: D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp: 2021 Fender Vibro Champ Reverb
Effects used: amp verb & Ibanez Mostortion
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
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Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is one of the most well-known songs of the last 50-years. She recorded the tune in the summer of 1973 and it has continued to be a perennial favorite, from one of the world’s favorite singers. Today we get the rare privilege of hearing the two main guitar tracks isolated from the original 16-track master recording. The track spotlights guitarists Chip Young and Wayne Moss, who worked out their intertwining guitar arrangement beforehand.
This track was initially played for me as there was some mystery as to who actually played the gut-string part, as the master had it labeled “Jimmy.” I went down a long rabbit trail to see if Jimmy Colvard, who had played on a number of other cuts off the same album had been the guitarist in question. It ended with the master being mislabeled, as Jimmy Colvard had played on some earlier sessions, but not on the track in question, “Jolene.”
A deep dive into the beautiful guitar tracks on Dolly Parton's "Jolene." From the isolated tracks, we get to hear the intertwining arrangement created by Chip Young & Wayne Moss.
Guitarist Jimmy Colvard's "Caravan."
• Ferlin Husky - Ca...
Gear Used:
1983 Takamine EC132 Classical Guitar
DeAndrea thumbpick
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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I bought a Kubicki Telecaster out of a local Nashville Buy/Sell paper called the Trader’s Post in 1997. The purchase was to replace my 52 reissue Telecaster that had just been stolen. I thought the single-bound body was cool, but the ebony fretboard neck was not my cup of tea. At $350, it was all I could afford at the time, and I knew I could hot-rod it when I had more discretionary funds. Over the last 25-years, the guitar has had 7 different necks, 2 different B-bender systems, set up as everything from an Esquire to having a mini-humbucker in the neck, and had a wide variety of wiring harnesses. In today’s episode, I show its latest incarnation with a new Danocaster neck, based on the one on my 57 Esquire, an 80s Seymour Duncan Hot Strat Stack middle pickup, new Glaser convertible bender, Ron Ellis 50/60 neck and bridge pickups, and Joe Glaser’s new 3-pickup wiring with a middle pickup blend control. The Franken-Tele lives!
Gear Used:
1982 Kubicki body, 2022 Danocaster Neck, Glaser Convertible Bender, 80s Duncan middle, Ron Ellis 50/60 Tele pickup set.
Strings: D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick: D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp: 2021 Fender Vibro Champ Reverb Effects used: amp verb
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
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In life, you are blessed to have great teachers. Sometimes teachers go above and beyond and become mentors. My musical mentor, Pat Grogan, took me on his gigs, watched me play, and then we worked on my shortcomings in our weekly lessons. He was also a former Big D Jamboree staff guitarist, played on Bruce Chanel's huge hit "Hey Baby," and performed in Willie Nelson's band in his pre-outlaw days. We had many great musical adventures together, and I always knew he was looking out for me. Along the way, I tell the tale of us performing a pair of shows with a Country Music Legend, who was too drunk to remember me when I got my photo with him afterward. I learned so much from Pat, and today's episode is a tribute to my friend and teacher who will probably still be gigging at 90.
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with an added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
2021 Fender Vibro Champ Reverb
Effects used:
amp verb
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
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In 1990, Guitar Player Magazine released an amazing series of albums through a partnership with Rhino Records titled The Legends of Guitar. The series covered Blues, Rock, Jazz, Classical, and Country. I picked up vol 1 & 2 of the Country series, and my eyes were opened to the founders of the style. These albums launched me down many rabbit holes, gaining a greater appreciation for cats like Chet Atkins, and Albert Lee, and a new appreciation for lesser-known players such as Junior Barnard, Roy Lanham, and Jimmy Colvard. These 2 albums have been in constant rotation in my car for 30 years, hence an episode to spotlight their importance.
Special thanks to Rich Kienzle, who was very instrumental in these compilation albums, and has been a personal music journalism hero of mine.
Spotify playlist with most of the songs of both volumes
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2t7...
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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While there have been many great Western Swing guitarists, Junior Barnard was one of the most exciting players of the genre with his ear-catching style and aggressive tone. Today, we look at how of all the swing guitarists, Barnard is the most accessible to modern players, and how you can steal from him to add some spice to your playing.
Spotify playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/11b...
Links to more on Junior:
https://www.adioslounge.com/get-it-lo...
https://www.fretboardjournal.com/colu...
https://mentmorris.podia.com/lead-gui...
Damien Bacci
• Fat Boy Rag - Jun...
Tommy Harkenrider Lesson
• Tiny Grimes compi...
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with an added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link
To Support the Channel:
https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
My 1981 Martin HD-28 has been by my side for close to 30-years. It's seen time in bars, churches, studios, and even a time or two on the Grand Ole Opry. Today, I look a bit at the history of the D-28/HD-28 Martins and then tell the story of how I bought my HD-28, and some of the gigs I have used it on, including one with JD Simo that included an interesting clothing accessory. I end with a tonal comparison between the HD-28, a mid-30s Gibson L-OO, and a Waterloo WL-14.
Gear Used:
1981 Martin HD-28, 1935 Gibson L-OO, Waterloo WL-14 (ladder braced)
#askzac #guitartech #HD28
To Support the Channel:
https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
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Guitarists have been personalizing or branding their guitars for many years. Some simply used their guitars as portable billboards, like a young BB King, who had his name along with the radio station he played at emblazoned on the top of his guitar. Others just wanted to make sure the audience knew who the hot cat was on guitar. While this has come and gone as far as being the in-style thing to do for the average player, it has always been a part of the showmanship of guitarists. Look at guitar heroes, Stevie Ray Vaughan or Eddie Van Halen. We rarely saw either of them without a guitar branded with "SRV" or "5150" in plain view. In this episode, I give the inspiration behind my personalized pickguard, and how I got help from some artist friends in creating it. The wonderful thing about doing this is that it is fun, and if you grow tired of it, you can easily remove it, and go back to the plain old plastic pickguard you had before.
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with an added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
2021 Fender Vibro Champ Reverb
Effects used:
amp verb
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
Spotlight on the greatest unknown Memphis guitarist, Clarence Nelson. He was a major influence in both style and tone on Steve Cropper, Reggie Young, and Chips Moman. Clarence was an African-American guitarist who worked with bandleader, Ben Branch, and from there influenced the younger players that saw him live, or watched him in the studio on early Stax, American, and Hi/Royal sessions. Nelson also toured with both James Carr and William Bell in the 60s and 70s. He should be credited as an early adopter of the Telecaster in Memphis, and how he paved the way for others with his funky low string licks, and stuttering bends.
Much thanks to Red Kelly's excellent detective work on Clarence which can be found here.
http://souldetective.com/case8part1.html
Also, check out my interview with Reggie Young where we discuss Clarence Nelson later in the video
• Reggie Young | Tr...
Michael Ross mentioned Clarence in his piece on Reggie
https://www.premierguitar.com/artists...
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with an added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
2021 Fender Vibro Champ Reverb
Effects used:
amp verb
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
The pick is how many of us strike the string and create a sound with the guitar. Like most of you, I have been on a pick journey for many years, and I must say an enjoyable one, as most picks cost a dollar or less. The pick we choose makes a huge difference in our tone, and also changes the way we feel and experience the guitar. Today I walk through the various picks that I have used over my 37-years of playing the guitar. What made each one good, but also why I moved on. I end on my favorite pick, a celluloid Medium-Heavy pick made by one of the original pick makers, D'Andrea.
These guys have some of the D'Andrea MH .84 picks
https://www.stringsbymail.com/dandrea...
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with an added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1964 Vox AC10
Effects used:
MXR M300 Reverb on the Spring setting
#askzac #guitartech #guitarpicks
To Support the Channel:
https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
I 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.
Here is a link to the tab
https://www.askzac.com/post/ask-zac-t...
Gear Used:
1957 Fender Esquire with an added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
2021 Fender Vibro Champ Reverb
Effects used:
amp verb
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster #guthrietrapp
To Support the Channel:
https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
Anyone playing Delta-Blues with deep tremolo, whether on an album or as frequently used in soundtrack work, owes much to Pops Staples's groundbreaking guitar style. His spooky and tremolo-soaked guitar set the mood for the Staple Singers brand of Gospel and Protest tunes that put them on the map in the 50s and 60s. In this episode, we take a look at his upbringing in the Jim Crow south, and how he moved to Chicago to find better opportunities for his family. In this episode, we look at both the incredible musical influence that Pops had and also how his guitar work was sadly hidden away to pave the way for their Stax R&B hits.
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4dX...
More great info on Pops from my friend Michael Ross
https://www.premierguitar.com/artists...
Amazon link to Greg Kot's book on Mavis and the Staples https://amzn.to/3is2HJz
1957 Fender Esquire with an added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
2021 Fender Vibro Champ Reverb
Effects used:
amp verb and tremolo
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
In a recent Livestream, I was asked if there was any certain piece of gear I was looking for, and I responded that I would love to find a good old (1930s-50s) acoustic guitar. I then followed with that I was not in a position to afford something like that, and someone mentioned Baxendale Conversions. I found that Scott Baxendale takes old Kay, Harmony, Silvertone, and Regal acoustics from the 1940s-1960s, and converts them into instruments that are scarily similar to same era Gibson and Martins. In today's video, I lay out what Scott Baxendale does to these vintage budget instruments to make them take flight with much greater volume, tonal range, and much better playability. In the video, I am playing a 1950s Kay, that has been converted into an 8-string mandocello, but I hope to find a 6-string conversion soon.
Gear used in this video:
2021 Baxendale Mandocello conversion of a 1950s Kay acoustic.
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
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When LEGO released their Fender Stratocaster and Princeton Reverb amp set, my childhood and adult obsessions collided. As a child, I was given LEGO sets for Christmas and birthdays throughout the late 70s and early 80s. By 1985, I was 13 years old and had switched gears from LEGO to the guitar, so the little bricks went into the attic for close to 20 years. When my children were born, the LEGOs came out of hiding, and I began to enjoy building with my kids, and recently began getting sets of my own like the UCS Snowspeeder, and Slave I. With the release of this LEGO/Fender collaboration, my obsession with building bricks and electric guitars collided head-on.
Amazon affiliate link to the Fender Stratocaster LEGO® Ideas Fender® Stratocaster™
https://amzn.to/3s64Ksp
#askzac #lego #fender #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
In 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 winding as little string as possible on the tuner shafts.
2. How to lock unwound strings in place on vintage split-shaft tuners.
3. How to fix a saddle with a burr, causing the "sitar' effect.
4. Why you should be conservative with nut lubricant.
5. How to stretch the strings to promote tuning stability.
Amazon affiliate link for D'Addario NYXL 10-46 strings
https://amzn.to/3uD1WnZ
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
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Being a huge Bass 6 fan, there are 2 major types, the Danelectro and the Fender. And of course, being fully immersed into the "sickness" I had to finally have one of each. In today's episode, I look at the strengths and weaknesses of both designs. Not really a shootout, but more of a look at which might be more suited to you, unless of course you are like me and need both types.
Gear for this video:
2000 Danelectro Hodad Bass 6 Baritone six-string bass
2018 Squier Bass VI
Strings:
La'Bella flat wound BassVI - Amazon affiliate link - https://amzn.to/3rvJY57
Ernie Ball Bass 6 strings round wound - https://amzn.to/34z5exR
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Boss RV-2
Analog Man Sunface 2N Fuzz
Amp tremolo
six-string bass baritone guitar tic tac
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
One of the biggest questions you should ask yourself when setting up in a room is "How should I position my amp for the best tone?" This is the struggle of every guitarist, as they strive to get a good tone to inspire themselves, and hopefully put on a better show. In this video, I explain a number of key positioning and baffling concepts that will help you get great sounds, and will hopefully keep the soundman happy too.
Here are some of the issues addressed:
1. Multiple ways to baffle your amp depending on how much reduction is required
2. Pros and cons of the amp on the floor.
3. leaning back the amp.
4. Turning the amp around.
5. Amp on a chair to hear yourself better, and reduce low-end rumble
6. What to do in an overly reverberant room
1957 Fender Esquire with added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
amp verb and tremolo
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Duane Allman wasn't always a Gibson/Marshall guy. In today's episode, we cover the era while he was with the Allman Joys, The Hourglass, and his much-celebrated session career in Muscle Shoals. During this era, he mainly played a Telecaster with a homemade fuzz unit attached to the instrument, or a Strat with a Fuzz Face through Fender amps. It is also during this time period that he saw Jesse Ed Davis playing slide with Taj Mahal, causing him to pursue slide with a vengeance.
Gear for this video:
1957 Fender Esquire with added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
amp verb
Analogman Sun Face 2N Fuzz
#askzac #duaneallman #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
I did another run of shows with the Paul Bogart Band, including a New Year's Eve show in Wichita, Kansas. This run had me playing with Paul's regular guitarist, Nick Palmer, instead of filling in for him, which necessitated me taking a different approach to the set. In this video, I show how I learned different guitar parts and used my Mandolin, and Danelectro Bass 6 to come up with complementary parts. To give a concrete example, I play the parts and solos I played on "All That Cowboy Jazz" on my Breedlove Mandolin. There is also a bit of live footage of me playing at the end of the video.
Paul's original recording of "All That Cowboy Jazz" • Paul Bogart I All...
His latest single, "While She's Mine." • Paul Bogart • Whi...
Gear for this video:
2000 Danelectro Hodad Bass 6 Baritone six-string bass
Late 90s Breedlove K5 Mandolin
Strings:
D'Addario Mandolin
Ernie Ball Bass 6 strings
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Turbo Tuner
XTS mod Boss GE7
Karma MTN-10 Mostortion
AnalogMan Boss TR-2
Boss VB-2W
Boss DD-2
Boss RV-2
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
As I was contemplating my last AZ episode of 2021, I realized that 4 out of 5 of my top videos of the year were all focused on amps. So this episode both looks at the importance of amps and lends some additional insight into those amp videos. I take a look at my videos featuring the Deluxe Reverb, Tone Master Deluxe, Vibro Champ Reverb, and the episode on how small amps got big.
Gear for this video:
1957 Fender Esquire with added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium-Heavy
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
amp verb
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
You don't change until you have to.....
I have always been an amp guy, and have always had a preference for tube amps. With a recent fly date I did with Paul Bogart, I ran into a situation that caused me to finally make the jump to using a direct setup. In the video, I cover how I began to see more and more of my friends and heroes go direct when the situation called for it. My solution was the Strymon Iridium with a Tone Junkie Celestion Vintage 30 IR pack. With it, I could get a nice BF Deluxe Reverb sound, along with the V30 IR to give me a sound I was comfortable with. Though others I spoke with used the Kemper or Line 6 HX, I chose the Strymon as it had actual knobs, and was much easier for me to use on the gig.
This is my beginner's guide to going direct.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea MH 351
Pedalboard
Turbo Tuner
Mirage Compressor
Karma MTN-10 Mostortion
Boss DM-3
Strymon Flint
Line 6 Echo Park
Strymon Iridium
9v power via Truetone CS6
JBL powered speakers for this video #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Robbie Robertson and The Band turned the music world on its collective ear with the release of Music From Big Pink. Extended guitar solos, fuzz, psychedelic references, and screaming vocals were nowhere to be found. Instead, the listener found the understated guitar, storytelling songs, thoughtful arrangements, and brother-like vocal harmonies. In today's player spotlight, we take a look at Robertson's early days with the Hawk, through the mid-era of The Band, mainly focusing on the period of time that Robertson played a Telecaster. We also take a look at the black Tele he was gifted by Dylan, which was modified through the years and was his main guitar through much of the Band era.
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/65w...
Gear used:
1959 Fender Harvard with stock Jensen P10R
1957 Fender Esquire with added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Medium-Heavy
#askzac #robbierobertson #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Ever wondered why the amp world shifted from 100-watt amps to 25-watts or less? The short answer is the advancement of P.A. systems. In the not-so-distant past, the typical P.A. was only capable of handling 2-3 vocal mics. Because of this, the guitar amp, and it alone, had to make the guitarist heard in whatever venue or situation they were in. This "amp dependency" was most often the case all the way up until the 1980s when it began to become more common for instrument amps to be reinforced through the more advanced P.A. systems that could handle the additional work. Thus the shift to smaller amps allowed the stage volume to be lowered and gave the vocalists a much-needed break.
A Celestion Blue Alnico speaker is in the amp for the entire video
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea MH 351
Amp:
Fender '62 Princeton Amp - Chris Stapleton Edition #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
I couldn't help myself, I had to mess with the amp that really did not to be messed with. In this video, I tell how using different tubes and speakers in the Chris Stapleton Princeton changed the sound. Just to be clear, I thought it was great out of the box, I just wanted to hear how the amp could be steered differently both in its gain, and tone.
An Eminence GB128 speaker is in the amp for the entire video
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea MH 351
Amp:
Fender '62 Princeton Amp - Chris Stapleton Edition #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Owning and loving both a 1965 Deluxe Reverb and a 1959 Harvard has caused me to become more and more curious about revisiting the brownface amps of 1960-1963. The last time I owned a brown amp, I was in High School. I looked around and realized that Fender had recently released a hand-wired 62 Princeton. Kindly, they sent me one to check out. In this video, I take a look at the history of the Princeton from the tweeds through the BF model, and of course, put Fender's new Chris Stapleton Edition amp through its paces.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea MH 351
Amp:
Fender '62 Princeton Amp - Chris Stapleton Edition
Effects used:
Boss DM-2 Delay
Boss RV-2 Reverb on PLATE setting
#askzac #chrisstapletonprinceton #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
NRBQ was one of the most talented, versatile, and wacky groups to ever play together. From 1971-1994, Big Al Anderson held the guitar seat, usually with a Telecaster in hand. Al's singing, writing, and playing helped define the group during his 23-year stay, yet he was to go on to even greater heights as a hit songwriter in Nashville, TN. In today's spotlight, we cover his story, some bits of his playing, and the gear he has used through the years.
Tom Bukovac demonstrating Al's rhythm guitar style
• Homeskoolin’ Volu...
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2p6...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea MH 351
Amp:
Fender '62 Princeton Amp - Chris Stapleton Edition
Effects used:
Boss DM-2 Delay
Boss VB-2W Vibrato #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
The Fender tweeds from1947 thru 1960 are some of the finest guitar amps ever made. They are simple and raw sounding, and their job was mainly to make the guitar louder, not to do much tone sculpting. My favorites are the narrow panel 1955-1960 models, and today we are going to take a look at the best of the mid-sized (30-40 watt) tweeds, the 5F4 (2-10) Super amp. Besides its lineage, we will also look at how to get the most out of these amps by knowing how to use the Bass control, and jumpering the instrument and mic channels.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
D'Andrea MH 351
Amp:
1959 Fender Super with Mather cab and Vintone alnico speakers. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
Here is the tale of my trip to Tulsa, to play some shows with my good friend, Paul Bogart. Besides the road story, I also talk about the gear I took with me, and how I used my 1964 Vox AC10 and the new Fender Tone Master Blonde Deluxe amp in a stereo setup. To do this, and to do it quietly, I used a buffered splitter box with a phase reversal switch and an isolation transformer. This allowed me to have my amps in phase, and to be a quiet as possible, and to not use a 3-to-2 prong adaptor, which is frankly dangerous.
Here is the full side-stage footage from Tulsa:
• Live in Tulsa! (r...
Amps in the video:
Fender Tone Master Deluxe https://amzn.to/3eDEEX0.
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Pedalboard
Turbo Tuner
Mirage Compressor
Analog Man Boss TR-2
XTS rehoused Mostortion
Boss FV30H Volume pedal
Boss DD-2 Delay
Line 6 Echo Park
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
Shots of Jerry Jones early builds, including the original Tuff Dog Tele for Merle Haggard.
https://www.askzac.com/post/the-histo...
In 2010, Jerry Jones auctioned the entire contents of his Nashville factory. Drill presses, unused custom fabricated parts, prototype instruments, and everything that was not part of the building itself were sold to the highest bidder. For a handful of years, his website was kept up, but finally, it too came down. Now the only information that can be found is from the descriptions on completed sales of used instruments. A recent email asked me for info on Jones, as the viewer had just bought one of his guitars and there was next to nothing about the guitars on the web. My own search ended up with the same results. So I reached out to Jerry Jones through a friend of his, and I was politely told "Jerry does not want to be interviewed, as he is retired, and to talk about this would be to come out of retirement, and he has no interest in doing so." With that dead-end, I pieced together my own past interactions with Jerry and tracked down some of his friends and two of his former employees to put together this story. I also had the help of friends that let me borrow a bevy of wonderful Jones guitars, including the original factory prototype that was used to test pickups. So to the best of my ability, here is the history of Jerry Jones Guitars.
Jerry Jones:
12-String (Black)
Longhorn Bass 6 (SilverJones)
Baritone
12-String (Bronze)
Baby Sitar
Prototype Guitar
Silvertone Danelectro 1958 U2
Amp:
Fender Blonde Tone Master Deluxe Reverb https://amzn.to/3eDEEX0.
Pick:
D'Andrea MH 351
Effects used:
Mirage compressor
Line 6 Echo Park Delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
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How 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 video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario Pure Nickel 10-45
Pick:
D'Andrea MH 351
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Boss DD-2
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
When 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 moonlight as the sound man for the popular Cliffie Stone's Hometown Jamboree show. On a break, Leo anxiously handed his new Broadcaster to Hometown guitarist, Jimmy Bryant, who was by all accounts the hottest picker in L.A. at the time. To his great delight, Bryant loved the fast action, clear tone, lack of unwanted feedback, and the comfort of Leo's new guitar. Soon Jimmy and his sparring partner, Speedy West, had their own recording contract with Capitol Records, and their first LP, with Jimmy proudly holding his Broadcaster, acted as a huge Fender ad in record stores across the United States. The new Fender guitar now was seen as the one to have.
Jimmy was one of the finest guitarists in the history of American Music, and although he is not forgotten, he is often underappreciated. With this episode, I will do my best to rectify that with a healthy dose of his story, and a look at the gear he used to create his decidedly "Fender" tone.
In the video, I spotlight how his use of the Broadcaster, 12-52 pure nickel strings, jazz picks, and an early "woody" Fender Pro influenced his sound. Also, I discuss the blend control, and how Broadcaster wiring was different than what was later used on the Telecaster.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario Pure Nickle 10-45
Pick:
D'Andrea Medium Heavy
Amp:
1959 Fender Super
No effects
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
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I 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!!
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Fender Medium
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Boss RV-2 on plate setting
Amp tremolo
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
Today 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 video
1957 Fender Esquire with an added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge pickup re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Fender Medium
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Boss RV-2 on plate setting
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac
Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
Fender 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 Deluxe having cathode versus the fixed power tube bias of the Harvard. From clean to cranked, you hear it all paired with my 1957 Esquire.
Vintage Amp comparison - Tweed Shootout
Gear used:
1959 Fender Harvard with stock Jensen P10R
1960 Fender Deluxe with Jensen P12Q
1957 Fender Esquire with added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16,24,34,44
Pick:
Medium
Effects:
None - though a Live Wire ABC switch was used to select each amp. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Check out the opening Squier Bass VI lick played with Fuzz!
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Did 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 1962. Unfortunately for Gibson, the pedal was not a hit right away. They had to wait till Keith Richards used one on "Satisfaction" in 1965, which led to them quickly reissuing the product. To boot, Keith had used the device only to mimic a horn, as he thought his fuzz guitar part was just a guide for the horn part to be overdubbed later. The horns were never added, the fuzz part was kept, and the fuzz craze was born.
Marty Robbins "Don't Worry About Me."
• Marty Robbins - D...
Grady Martin on "The Fuzz"
• 1961 Grady Martin...
James Burton on Bass VI with fuzz
• Jimmy Burton - Ji...
More of what Keith envisioned for "Satisfaction."
• [I Can't Get No] ...
Gear Used:
2018 Fender Squier Vintage Modified Bass VI
Strings: La Bella Flatwound 767-6F https://amzn.to/2Wio3iu
1957 Fender Esquire with added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Bridge re-wind by Ron Ellis
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16,24,34,44
Pick:
Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Analog Man Sunface 2N
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Fender 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 finish the video with head-to-head tone examples. To finish the video, I give a quick lesson on the playing examples I used for both instruments.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added vintage neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain. Rewind of bridge pickup by Ron Ellis.
1967 Telecaster - stock except for steel compensated saddles, and the tone control is wired to the bridge pickup only.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16,24,34,44
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
amp verb #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
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Learning 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 playing. I lost interest in fuzz until my good buddy Austin showed me his Analog Man Sun Face Fuzz, and I immediately ordered one from Mike. Besides fuzz, I also hit on some pointers on using capos with electric guitar after pushing them in my John Leventhal episode.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
Gabriel Tenorio NíquelPuro Pure Nickel Strings 10-46
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Analog Man Sunface 2N #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo - AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
John 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 JL
https://www.askzac.com/post/john-leve...
Truetone Lounge video interview with JL
• John Leventhal | ...
JL Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/68D...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
Gabriel Tenorio NíquelPuro Pure Nickel Strings 10-46
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Line 6 Echo Park
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW
Amp Tremolo #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
An 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 years. Besides the fun story, I also go into the gear I used, including my Waterloo WL-14 acoustic guitar, and the things I did right, and how I should have brought a better tuner pedal.
Gear used:
Waterloo WL-14 Ladder Braced guitar
D'Addario EJ26 Phosphor Bronze Custom Light Acoustic Strings
Medium Gauge pick #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
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My 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 "Highlander Boogie."
9. Luther Perkins "Folsom Prison Blues."
10. James Honeyman-Scott "Kid."
Bonus lick
11. Jimmy Olander "Meet In The Middle."
Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1au...
Gear for this video:
1957 Fender Esquire with added neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
Gabriel Tenorio NíquelPuro Pure Nickel Strings 10-46
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Amp Verb. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
After 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-Bender
http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/
https://www.glaserbender.com/
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16,24,34,44
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Mirage Comp
Boss DM-3 Delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Spotlight 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 player, gear used through the years, and have a mini-lesson covering the wonderful intro to his signature tune with Emmylou, "Restless."
Thank you to Dan Forte for his GP article on Frank from 1984.
Spotify Playlist for Reckard
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4w9...
Gear Used:
2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley - APC Adder (Neck) Peter Florance TE-60 (Bridge)
Glaser B-Bender
http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16,24,34,44
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Mirage Comp
Boss DM-3 Delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
After 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 process from beginning to end. I hope through watching this you can see what would be involved in having one installed in your guitar, but more than that, I hope you can see both the brilliance of Glaser's design and how ingenious his installation procedure is. The reason for the new bender mechanism being so streamlined was that Joe had to develop a bender mechanism and installation procedures that could be used by large guitar manufacturers. This is the same mechanism that is installed by Fender USA into the Brent Mason Signature model, and by Fender's Custom Shop into some of their high-end models.
Joe also shows how he strings vintage-style tuners and locks the plain strings for greater tuning stability.
Gear Used:
2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley APC Adder (Neck) Peter Florance TE-60 (Bridge)
http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Mirage Comp
Boss DM-3 Delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW
#askzac #glaserbender #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
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Joe 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 control for 3-pickup Telecasters.
Find out more about Glaser's bender, and set up a time for an install.
https://www.glaserbender.com/
Gear for this video:
Will Barton's Birthday Caster
Brian Poe 1-piece swamp ash body, MJT finish, Marc Rutter's saddles, bridge, and hardware. Ron Ellis 50B, Tall Neck, and Duncan 80s Hot Strat Stack. Clive Brown neck re-shaped by Redd Volkaert.
https://ruttersguitars.com/
Pick: Fender Medium
Amp: 1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Amp Verb. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
I 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 because of the way they interact with your guitar.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 https://amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Boss RV-2 Reverb on the "Plate" setting with Vox only.
Live Wire passive ABY box
Axcess electronics Buffer with isolation transformer - with Deluxe only
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Fender 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 blown away by its big clean tones, fantastic tube tremolo, and sweet reverb. Fender got rid of that "little amp" sound by installing a well-voiced 10" Celestion, and further enhanced it by adding a digital reverb circuit that makes this Champ a killer grab-and-go amp.
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
2021 Fender '68 Custom Vibro Champ Reverb
Effects used:
Amp tremolo and reverb
#askzac #vibrochampreverb #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Fred 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 tours with Waylon Jennings. I also take a look at his iconic red-neck Tele that was silkscreened with the TNN logo and heavily featured during the run of the show from 1983-1993.
Detailed shots of the TNN guitar are on my site
https://www.askzac.com/post/fred-newe...
Gear for this video
1983 TNN Telecaster - Detailed photos here:
https://www.askzac.com/post/fred-newe...
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Boss RV-2 Reverb on the "Plate" setting.
Boss DD-2 Delay
Amp tremolo
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
The 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 Joe Glaser. But what started as a fun musical diversion for me and my "cabin fever" afflicted wife, ended with us being thankful to make it home unscathed after hours of being trapped in Leiper's Fork, and then a very long and scary trip home.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 https://amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Boss RV-2 Reverb on the "Plate" setting.
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Since 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 Lounge, and then he kept being mentioned in my "Ask Zac" show, so I finally decided to dedicate a show to his huge influence in making Vox amps, 6-string basses, electric 12-string guitars, and bold effects popular in Country Music. He is also is a huge reason that Matchless amps ever got off the ground.
Special thanks to Willem van der Wagen, who runs the Desert Rose Band fan website, and YouTube page.
Jorgenson playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6iR...
Additional photos of John, including some with a prototype Matchless amp
https://www.askzac.com/post/john-jorg...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 https://amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Boss RV-2 Reverb on the "Plate" setting.
Boss DD-2
Boss DC-2 Dimension, the second mode
Boss VB-2w
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/3gnJQPW #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
The 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 maple necks, the aforementioned middle pickup, and his patented string benders. These were the very first Super Tele's, made to cover a wide variety of tones and get you noticed. Today, we have the rare opportunity to look at a pair of these extremely rare Glaser-built birds and see and hear what makes them so special that they almost never come up for sale.
Special thanks to Joe Glaser for his valuable input, and to John Thompson and John Stokes for the use of their Glaser guitars.
Gear for this video:
1986 Glaser Bender guitar. Fiesta red. Duncan vintage neck, hot strat stack, and Lollar 52 bridge
1986 Glaser Bender guitar. Purple. Duncan vintage neck, hot strat stack, and Duncan Alnico II bridge.
Pick: Fender Medium
Amp: 1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Amp Verb. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Roy 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 history, playing style, gear, and how he has in one way or another influenced legions of players. Also, we look at motifs of his tune "Cajun," including how to play the snaky intro lick.
Spotify Playlist for Buchanan
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Ee...
1960 version of "After Hours," one of his first recordings using a Tele. His style is solidifying here.
• Roy Buchanan - Af...
"Potato Peeler" First use of pinch harmonics by Roy
• Bobby Gregg and h...
Gear for this video:
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings: D'Addario NYXL 10-46 https://amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick: Fender Heavy Jazz Pick 358
Amp: 1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Amp Verb. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
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With 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 depression, going through his time with The Maddox Brothers and Rose, Lefty Frizzell, Wynn Stewart, Johnny Cash, and his seminal work with the Hag. Of course, we take a look at his gear, and specifically what he used on the Merle live records that are to many the "Nichols Bible" of licks and tone.
More information and photos of Roy through the years, including shots of him playing his main Tele, are at my site.
https://www.askzac.com/post/roy-nicho...
Spotify Playlist for Roy
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Tb...
Gear for this video:
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 https://amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Amp Verb. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Buck 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 Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/22q...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 https://amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Amp Verb. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
In 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 opinion, this is a much better amp, and much more fun to play through than the former model. I showcase the verb and tremolo and take the amp through some clean and overdriven sounds using the power attenuation that is built into the amp.
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Some Amazon links below:
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 https://amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
Fender Blonde Tone Master Deluxe Reverb https://amzn.to/3eDEEX0.
Celestion Neo Creamback (To upgrade the black Tolex version) https://amzn.to/3qAuAQZ
Effects used:
Amp's reverb and tremolo
#askzac #tonemasterdeluxe #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
I 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 JMI era amps, going through its specs and tube layout, and why in many ways it is the perfect Vox design.
The making of the Vox cab video by Kyle Bollendorf of Vintage Wood Workshop.
• Building a Custom...
Amazon link
Vox The JMI Years (The Ultimate Vox Book) https://amzn.to/3qo9lSs
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 https://amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1964 Vox JMI AC10 with 12" Celestion Blue Alnico Speaker in a custom cab built by Kyle Bollendorf.
Effects used:
Boss RV-2 Reverb on the "Plate" setting. #askzac #voxac10 #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
The 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/3bPkJl6
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46 https://amzn.to/3bWYb1M
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
1975 Script Logo MXR Dyna Comp powered by a 9v battery. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
In 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 video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Amp Reverb #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Today 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/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Pictures of the settings I used can be found on my site
https://www.askzac.com
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Boss DM-2
Boss DD-2 Delay
Boss DM-3 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
When 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/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Some Gear Shots I took back in 2003, including his 53 Tele, and the settings he uses on his CS-3 compressor.
https://www.askzac.com/post/vince-gil...
Vince Gill Spotify Playlist of his best Tele-work
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60h...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Boss CS-3 Compressor
Boss DD-2 Delay #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
I 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 spotlight what I see as its strengths, and how I was quite uninformed when it came to my former opinion on them. As a bonus, I take a quick look at a 1967 Guild Starfire V that was modified with a Lollar Firebird pickup in the neck.
Some great additional info on Jazzmasters:
Guitar Moderne's (Michael Ross) excellent overview with helpful clips
https://www.guitarmoderne.com/gear-2/...
Five Watt World's short history
• The Fender Jazzma...
Gear for this video
1965 Fender Jazzmaster with Mastery Bridge. Restoration and aging on the body and neck by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
AnalogMan Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Ibanez Mostortion Overdrive
Boss DM-3 Delay
Line 6 Echo Park Delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 (Amazon Aff link) https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
#askzac #guitartech #jazzmaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Rhythm 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 video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Amp Reverb and tremolo #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Ray 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/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Ray Flacke's Country Telecaster Virtuosity video from Homespun. Use this code to get 20% off askzac2021
https://www.homespun.com/shop/product...
Spotify Playlist for Ray Flacke
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/683...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss DM-3
9v power via Truetone CS6 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Sometimes 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/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Link to the digital version of A.R. Duchossoir's amazing Telecaster book
https://amzn.to/3nuemr0
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Refin by Danocaster.
Strings:
D'Addario 10-46
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects:
Amp tremolo and reverb #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Jesse 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 his history, gear, and a key part of his solo on Jackson Browne's "Doctor My Eyes."
Spotify Playlist for Jesse Ed Davis
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/17C...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Refin by Danocaster.
Strings:
D'Addario 10-46
Pick:
Fender Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
The 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 #telecaster
The 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/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Here are the before shots, so you can see what we started with.
https://www.askzac.com/post/my-1957-f...
More restoration info including videos of the refinishing process by Danocaster.
https://www.askzac.com/post/the-resto...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire
Strings:
D'Addario 10-46
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1959 Fender Harvard with original Jensen P10R #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
The 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 video
1957 Fender Esquire
Strings:
D'Addario 10-46
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1959 Fender Harvard with original Jensen P10R #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Danny 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/376svEJ
Spotify Playlist for Gatton
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ok...
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster - stock except for steel compensated saddles, and the tone control is wired to the bridge pickup only.
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,15,24,32,42
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss DM-3
9v power via Truetone CS6 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
This 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 video
1967 Telecaster - stock except for steel compensated saddles, and the tone control is wired to the bridge pickup only.
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,15,24,32,42
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss TR-2 Trem with AM mod
Boss DM-3
9v power via Truetone CS6 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
CORRECTION - 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 Crowell's Cherry Bombs, and later performed with the Everly Brothers. As a songwriter, Hank wrote or co-wrote many well-known tunes including "Queen of Hearts," "Sweet Little Lisa," and "Small Town Saturday Night." His photography graces the cover of a number of albums, including Rosanne Cash's King's Record Shop.
Also, "You're Still On My Mind" was written by Luke/Jeff Daniels in 1959
You asked for it, so here is my look at a smattering of electric country rhythm guitar styles. Here I cover some fun rhythm techniques I stole from James Burton, Albert Lee, Ray Flacke, Brad Paisley, and Pete Anderson.
Spotify Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/069...
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster - stock except for steel compensated saddles, and the tone control is wired to the bridge pickup only.
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,15,24,32,42
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss TR-2 Trem with AM mod
Boss DM-3
9v power via Truetone CS6 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
Albert 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 for Albert Lee
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Vk...
Gear used in Video:
1982 Kubicki Tele body with Danocaster soft V maple neck
Glaser B-Bender circa 1996
APC Adder (Neck) Ron Ellis 60T (Bridge)
Strings:
D'Addario 9.5-44 XL120+
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss DM-3
9v power via Truetone CS6 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
This 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 this video
1967 Telecaster - stock except for steel compensated saddles, and the tone control is wired to the bridge pickup only.
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,15,24,32,42
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Today 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 Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5HO...
Gear used in Video:
1982 Kubicki Tele body with Danocaster soft V maple neck
Glaser B-Bender circa 1996
APC Adder (Neck) Ron Ellis 60T (Bridge)
Strings:
D'Addario 9.5-44 XL120+
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss DD-2 Delay
TC Chorus circa 1980
9v power via Truetone CS6 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
For 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. The Fender Telecaster by A.R. Duchossoir
3. Fender: The Sound Heard Round The World by Richard Smith
4. The Beauty of the Burst
5. The Blackguard Book: Nacho still has a few copies, but the prices are even higher than I stated in the video. Since my purchase of one a couple years ago, they have risen to $250. You can reach Nacho here: info(at)nachoguitars.com
Honorary mention: Arlen Roth's Complete Electric Guitar
Gear Used:
2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley with Adder Neck, and underwound Florance TE60
http://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 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
Line 6 Echo Park
9v power via Truetone CS6 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Today 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 obsessed about owning instruments that were made before many of us were born. Being that I also own, and feature in my show, guitars built by current builders, I look at what amazing instruments we have to choose from in modern built instruments. Without getting too edgy, I try to expose how the vintage guitar market is firmly in the "collectibles" category, and how volatile values can be, and how pricing is actively manipulated so the values of them will continue to rise. As a bonus to those that make it to the end, I am ending each episode by showing a lick or playing concept.
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster - stock except for steel compensated saddles, and the tone control is wired to the bridge pickup only.
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,15,24,32,42
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss DM-3 delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
In 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 #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
I 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 Nashville, TN. Today we take a look at the new Fender Brent Mason Telecaster, walk through some of its cool features, and talk a bit about Brent too.
Spotify Playlist for Brent Mason
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Ub...
https://www.askzac.com/post/brent-mas...
Gear used in Video:
2020 Fender Brent Mason Telecaster
https://shop.fender.com/en-US/electri...
Strings:
D'Addario 9.5-44 XL120+
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss Volume pedal
Boss DD-2 Delay
TC Chorus circa 1980
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
#askzac #brentmason #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
I 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 guitars to Keith Richards, and he indicated "Go beat them up, they look too new." It never happened according to the former head of the Fender Custom Shop, John Page, Master Builder J. Black, and Vince Cunetto. I end the episode showing an old-school hot lick, that is guaranteed to turn heads.
Gear used in Video:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16, 24, 34, 44.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Back 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 Band after Robertson, and made a video that influenced me a ton, "Get That Classic Fender Sound."
Spotify Playlist for Jim Weider's solo work, and with The Band
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1qN...
Get That Classic Fender Sound
https://www.homespun.com/shop/product...
Gear Used:
1983 JV TL-62 Telecaster
Strings: Ernie Ball 10,13,15,24,32,42
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1959 Fender Harvard #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
How 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 was reminded of him recently after watching Fender's release video for the Brent Mason Telecaster, where Joe Glaser refers to Hullett as "Mr. Telecaster." I also begin the show by playing Bill's fantastic intro to Radney Foster's "Just Call Me Lonesome."
Link to the AskZac website with more info on Bill Hullett.
https://www.askzac.com/post/how-hardw...
Gear used in Video:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,15,24,32,42
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss DM-3
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
In 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 plastic Boss BCB6 pedalboard that I used back then. I go through the board, giving a demo, and a bit of history including what they cost new, and what that would be adjusted for inflation now. You won't believe how much a Boss DD-2 would cost in today's dollars new!
Gear Used:
1982 Kubicki Tele body with Danocaster soft V maple neck
Glaser B-Bender circa 1996
APC Adder (Neck) Ron Ellis 60T (Bridge)
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 speaker
Effects used:
Boss PSM-5 Master Switch
Boss TU-12H Tuner
Boss CS-2 Compressor
Ibanez reissue TS808
Demeter Tremulator "Early Red Knob" Tremolo
Boss DM-2 delay
Boss DD-2 digital delay
Boss BCB-6 pedalboard with original daisy chain and Mogami patch cables
Power via 1990's Boss PSA 120 - 9v dc old style transformer 120v #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
The 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 with Adder Neck, and underwound Florance TE60
http://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 speaker
Effects used:
Gold Horsie Klon with 1990's Boss PSA 120 - old style transformer 120v unit. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
People 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 TE60
http://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 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
Ibanez Mostortion
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Line 6 Echo Park delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
This 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 guitar for the Hellecaster's first album, The Return of the Hellecasters, on "Highlander Boogie" and "Back On Terra Firma." After John piqued my interest, I was surprised how hard it was to find info on the JV Telecasters, especially the TL62 models like he used. The best information I could find was from the website 21Frets, older sales listings, and original Japanese catalogs from the early 80s. Here I lay out the beginnings of Fender Japan, the short-lived JV series (1982-1984), John's use of the guitar, and the story of finding my own 1983 TL62 JV Fender Telecaster.
link to photos & video clips of John Jorgenson and his JV Telecaster
https://www.askzac.com/post/john-jorg...
My Spotify Playlist featuring Jorgenson on a 1982 Fender JV Telecaster
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/48f...
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10-46
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1959 Fender Harvard
Effects used:
Turbo Tuner
Boss DD-2
Boss RV-2 - Plate setting
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
#askzac #guitartech #jvtelecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Even 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 pickups I landed with after a long search.
Gear used in Video:
2008 Gibson R9 1959 Reissue - Underwound Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups
Strings:
D'Addario XL120+ 9.5-44
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Ibanez Mostortion
Line 6 Echo Park
MXR Clone Looper https://amzn.to/2AwoM7o
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
#askzac #guitartech #lespaul
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 - www.askzac.com
With 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 Video:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16, 24, 34, 44.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1967 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Tone Master Deluxe Reverb https://amzn.to/2ZppSLG
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Ibanez Mostortion
Line 6 Echo Park
Live Wire ABY switcher
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
#askzac #tonemasterdeluxe #telecaster
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
The 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 store
Gear 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 Springs
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,16, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
Sonic Research Turbo Tuner
Mirage compressor pedal
Karma MTN-10 Mostortion Clone
Arion SCH-1 Chorus
Boss DD-2 Delay
TC Chorus/Flanger SCF from the early 80s
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
All 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 store
Gear 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 Springs
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,16, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
Sonic Research Turbo Tuner
Mirage compressor pedal
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
CORRECTION: 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 his work ethic and street smarts paid off for him.
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com
Spotify Playlist for Pete:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Oz...
Gear used in Video:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16, 24, 34, 44.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
In 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/2AwoM7o
2. Singing a solo over the changes
3. Finding Rhythmic and Melodic Motifs
4. Limiting Myself - Play like a hero, or with a different sound
5. Become a guitar tinkerer. Make what I steal my own.
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com
Gear used in Video:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10,12,16, 24, 34, 44.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Line 6 Echo Park delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Although 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.
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster - stock except for steel compensated saddles, and the tone control is wired to the bridge pickup only.
Pyramid "Jimi Hendrix" pure nickel round-core string set
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
After 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.com
Gear used in Video:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,15, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Here 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 pickups
http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,11,15, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel.
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Most 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
Gear used in Video:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,15, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
Line 6 Echo Park Delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
As 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 steel guitar bends. In this video, I talk about what I think are essential mods, and what I use a Strat for.
Gear 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 Springs
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,16, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel. A non-pure nickel variation of the famous Rock-N-Roll set.
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
AnalogMan Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Boss DM-3 Delay
Line 6 Echo Park Delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
For 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 pedalboards. The two minimalistic cats that stuck out were Guthrie Trapp and John Leventhal. Both had small boards and both created a variety of wonderful tones with simple rigs. It was then that I decided to make my own, minimalistic grab & go board.
My Pedalboard essentials:
EBS Low-Profile patch cables https://amzn.to/2yEWc2D
Mono Lite Plus Board https://amzn.to/2SHNiby
Truetone CS6 Power Supply https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
Gear used in Video:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings:
Ernie Ball 10,13,15, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel. A non-pure nickel variation of the famous Rock-N-Roll set.
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
AnalogMan Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Ibanez Mostortion Overdrive
Boss DM-3 Delay
Line 6 Echo Park Delay
9v power via Truetone CS6
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Sometimes 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 reviews I had written. It was a wonderful process for me, both to look back and appreciate the wonderful opportunities that have come my way through working with VG Magazine, and the fact that I cleared out a bunch of space on my bookshelves. During this time, I also was asked, "How did you start writing for Vintage?" Well here is that story, and also how that eventually begat this Ask Zac Channel.
Also, please check out my new website, www.askzac.com #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Pick 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.
GEAR USED:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings: Ernie Ball 10,13,16, 24, 32, 42. Made from singles I had. Nickel-Plated Steel. A non-pure nickel variation of the Rock-N-Roll set.
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss DM-3 Delay
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
I 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 began a long and fruitful journey that I hope you too will consider going on. In this Ask Zac, I cover a few essential techniques for the guitarist to know when they begin playing mandolin, and some mandolin features to look for that make a huge difference in their playability for guitar players.
My Spotify Playlist for great Mandolin tracks
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39b... #askzac #guitartech #mandolin
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Like 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 5
Merle Travis - The Merle Travis Guitar
Speedy West & Jimmy Bryant - 2 Guitars Country Style
Elvis - The Sun Sessions
Chet Atkins - Mister Guitar
Buck Owens - I've Got A Tiger By The Tail
Merle Haggard - I'm A Lonesome Fugitive
Albert King - Born Under A Bad Sign
Emmylou Harris - Luxury Liner
Delbert McClinton - Live From Austin
Honorable additions
Lester "The Road Hog" Moran - Alive at the Johnny Mack Brown High School
Fabulous Thunderbirds - First Album
JJ Cale - Naturally
Willie Nelson - Stardust
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/18C... #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
It 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 doing what everyone else does. Along the way, I talk a bit about Pops Staples, and I also compare my 1965 Deluxe Reverb amp's tremolo with the Analogman modified Boss TR-2 on my board.
GEAR USED:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings: Ernie Ball 10,13,16, 24, 32, 42. Made from singles I had. Nickel-Plated Steel. A non-pure nickel variation of the Rock-N-Roll set.
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Ibanez Mostortion
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
If you want to get more into Pops Staples, read the Michael Ross "Forgotten Heroes" article devoted to him here: https://www.premierguitar.com/article... #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel, go to my store at - www.askzac.com
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
After 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 (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings: Ernie Ball 10,13,16, 24, 32, 42. Made from singles I had. Nickel-Plated Steel. A non-pure nickel variation of the Rock-N-Roll set.
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
1959 Harvard with Jensen P10R
Axcess Electronics BS2 Buffer with isolation transformer (to deal with ground loop)
Live Wire (Guitar Center In-House Brand) ABY Switch (Copy of the Morley ABY) https://amzn.to/3b4fZXi #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Ever 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 Playlist for Mr. Dupree:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/39w...
Lesson book with some history by Cornell Dupree and Dave Rubin
https://amzn.to/2xSPzZT
Great article by my friend, Michael Ross, on Cornell
https://www.premierguitar.com/article...
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
For 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 modern standards (10,13,15,26,32,38) and that they were of different construction, having pure nickel wound strings, with round cores. Most modern wound strings are nickel-plated steel and on a hexagonal core. Fender stopped regular production of the set years ago, but I found that Pyramid made a "Jimi Hendrix" inspired set, that is to the exact specs of the old Fender set, and decided to try them. In the video, I start off with my regular D'Addario 9.5-44 set with nickel-plated steel/hex core wound strings, and then change strings on my 1967 Telecaster, and let you hear the difference.
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster -
D'Addario XL120+ 9.5-44 strings https://amzn.to/3a5qxVi
Then switch to the Pyramid set mentioned above
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker
Correction: There were 2 string factories in Battle Creek, MI. GHS, and VC Squier. Fender was supplied strings by VC, and then Fender bought them out in the early 1960s. The Fender String factory in Battle Creek was shuttered in 1981. Fender owned the Squier name and used this for a line of guitars starting in the early 1980s.
Pyramid "Jimi Hendrix" set
https://www.stringsbymail.com/pyramid...
#askzac #purenickelstrings #telecaster
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Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
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At 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 Fender Harvard. Fast forward to 2016, when I finally found and purchased a 1959 Harvard, and it became part of my small stable of favorite amps. In this episode, I give some history on both Cropper and the Harvard and demonstrate the unique sound that makes it, in my opinion, the best small tweed amp Fender ever made.
References:
Steve Cropper lesson book https://amzn.to/39u0Dd3
The best history of Stax - Soulsville - https://amzn.to/3aAEATd
My Spotify playlist highlighting Cropper tracks where he used the Harvard amp
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Ar...
Dave Hunter's Harvard amp article for Vintage Guitar Magazine:
https://www.vintageguitar.com/15163/f...
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster -
D'Addario XL120+ 9.5-44 strings
1959 Fender Harvard amp
#askzac #stevecropper #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
I 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 separate maple fretboard. These "maple cap" necked Telecasters lack a skunk stripe on the back of the neck, or the walnut plug on the headstock. The earliest versions are from around 1962 and 1963. By 1966 they are standard issue, and are being produced in large quantities. In early 1969, Fender reverts to 1 piece maple necks with the skunk stripe, and the maple cap neck era is over.
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster -
D'Addario XL120+ 9.5-44 strings
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
I 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 Deluxe Reverb, and also give some nitty-gritty info on how I set my amps, which tubes I use, and what type of speaker I prefer.
RESOURCE:
Here is a good description of important vs less important tube slots on Fender amps
https://www.kcanostubes.com/content/f...
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
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Or check out my store for merch - www.askzac.com
Here is my take on the new La Brea Brad Paisley pickup set.
Gear Used:
2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley
http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/
Strings: D'Addario 9.5-44 strings EXL120+
https://amzn.to/3a5qxVi
Amp: 1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion V30 speaker
Cables: George L's. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Today 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 playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XQ...
Gear Used:
1982 Kubicki Tele body with Danocaster soft V maple neck
Glaser B-Bender circa 1996
APC Adder (Neck) Ron Ellis 60T (Bridge)
Strings: D'Addario 9.5-44 strings EXL120+
Amp: 1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion V30 speaker
Cables: George L's.
Effects:
Mirage Compressor
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Power: Truetone CS6 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
In 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'd
https://amzn.to/2Qimg9b
GEAR USED:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings: D'Addario 9.5-44 strings EXL120+
https://amzn.to/3a5qxVi
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
A 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, effect, and playing tricks for 6-string bass guitars.
Here is my Spotify Playlist for this episode:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6St...
James Burton on Bass VI with fuzz
• Jimmy Burton - Ji...
Gear Used:
2018 Fender Squier Vintage Modified Bass VI
Strings: La Bella Flatwound 767-6F https://amzn.to/2Wio3iu
Amp: 1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion V30 speaker
Cables: George L's.
Effects:
Mirage Compressor
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Boss DM-3 Delay
Line 6 Echo Park
Boss VB-2W https://amzn.to/39T5CVJ
Power: Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
#askzac #guitartech #bassvi
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
I 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 Finn with Crowded House, Prince, and Buddy Miller.
GEAR USED:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard (1953 Telecaster Style) with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings: Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 10-46
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
effects used:
Boss VB-2W https://amzn.to/39T5CVJ
Power by battery #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
The 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)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings: Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 10-46 https://amzn.to/2TTnXfK
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Ibanez Mostortion
Line 6 Echo Park
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
Clips from the Truetone Lounge with guests using Mostortion pedals
Derek Wells
• Derek Wells Truet...
Bob Britt
• Bob Britt | Truet...
Jeff Senn
• Truetone Lounge ... #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Everyone 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 also share how the large brass 6-saddle bridge changed the tone of it.
Gear Used:
1982 Kubicki Tele body with Danocaster soft V maple neck
APC Adder (Neck) Ron Ellis 60T (Bridge)
Strings: D'Addario 9.5-44 strings EXL120+
Amp: 1967 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion V30 speaker
Cables: George L's.
Effects:
Mirage Compressor
Boss DM-3 Delay
Power: Truetone CS6
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
In 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 chickn' pickin' on the "Workin' Girl" clip I mention. Thanks to Jeff McLeod for catching that.
Gear Used:
2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley APC Adder (Neck) Peter Florance TE-60 (Bridge)
http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/
Strings: D'Addario 9.5-44 strings EXL120+
https://amzn.to/3a5qxVi
Amp: 1967 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion V30 speaker
Cables: George L's.
Effects:
Mirage Compressor
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Boss DM-3 Delay
Power: Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Tom'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 episode, I show how Tom evangelized the Nobels to players all over Nashville and beyond and made it one of the most prized overdrive pedals to own.
Gear Used:
Guitars:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
Strings: D'Addario 9.5-44 strings EXL120+ https://amzn.to/3a5qxVi
Amp: 1967 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion V30 speaker
Cables: George L's.
Effects: Nobels ODR-1
Power: Battery
#askzac #guitartech #nobelsodr1
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 - www.askzac.com
Bobby 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 first solo records cut in Memphis at American Studios. He was also one of the cats that helped make the Telecaster the de facto R&B guitar.
Please check out my Spotify playlist for Bobby here:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0MM...
Zac's gear for this video
1967 Telecaster - D'Addario XL120+ 95-44 strings https://amzn.to/3a5qxVi
1967 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker
Pedalboard:
Vintage MXR Script logo Dyna Comp
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Boss Volume Pedal
Boss DD-2 Delay
Boss TU-12H Tuner
Truetone CS6 for power https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
George L's cables
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
James 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 Elvis and others.
Note: I relate a story Burton told me of Forrest White visiting an Elvis show in 1969 representing Fender. Forrest left Fender in 1966. It was probably someone else high up with Fender, not Forrest. I mention Rock-n-Roll Circus, and I meant Carnival Rock as the movie that Burton appears in with Bob Luman. Also special thanks to Steve Fishell for writing the June 1984 Guitar Player magazine feature on James Burton that made me a fan of James years ago.
My Spotify playlist of great Burton tracks
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/149...
Gear used in this video:
Crook Custom T-style with Vintage Paisley finish
Florance TE-60 Bridge, Adder APC Neck
Ernie Ball strings gauged 9,10,12,24,32,42
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
effects used: amp reverb and Mirage compressor pedal
9v power via Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
In 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 what I wished I had practiced when I was younger. I then get a bit preachy about bringing new, untested gear to rehearsals.
Gear Used:
Guitars:
2019 Danocaster Blackguard with Ron Ellis 52T (Bridge) and Julian Lage (Neck)
https://danocaster.com/
2014 Crook Custom Vintage Paisley APC Adder (Neck) Peter Florance TE-60 (Bridge)
http://www.crookcustomguitars.com/
1967 Fender Telecaster - stock pickups
Strings: All guitars strung with D'Addario 9.5-44 strings EXL120+ https://amzn.to/3a5qxVi
Amp: 1967 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion V30 speaker
Cables: George L's.
Effects: Mirage Compressor
Power: Truetone CS6 https://amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
To Support the Channel:
Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac
Or check out my store at - www.askzac.com
In 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 DI box, and a soundhole pickup through effects into a guitar amp. In this episode of Ask Zac, I talk about how to use the "Leventhal" dual-pickup setup, and what it has to offer.
My June 2017 Vintage Guitar Magazine print interview with John Leventhal
https://www.vintageguitar.com/32017/j...
My Truetone Lounge Video interview with Leventhal
• John Leventhal | ...
Clip of JL using the dual-pickup system with R&B great, William Bell
• William Bell - "T...
Gear used:
Waterloo WL-14 Ladder Braced guitar
D'Addario EJ26 Phosphor Bronze Custom Light Acoustic Strings
80's Bill Lawrence soundhole pickup
Medium Gauge pick
Effects:
Boss Volume Pedal
Mirage Compressor
Boss TR-2 Tremolo
Line 6 Echo Park
Truetone CS6 power supply https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 Speaker #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
I 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 are interested in a Danocaster guitar, follow him on Instagram. There he lists instruments that he builds. He is not currently doing custom builds, only what he posts on Instagram is available for sale.
https://www.instagram.com/danocaster_...
Find more info at:
https://danocaster.com/
Reach out to Ron Ellis via t2ellis(at)pacbell.net
Strings - D'Addario 9.5-44 https://amzn.to/3a5qxVi #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
On 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 pedalboard for much of his career.
Zac's Spotify Playlist for Reggie Young
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2kk...
Zac interviewing Reggie for the Truetone Lounge:
• Reggie Young | Tr...
Ace Records excellent career overview, Reggie Young Session Guitar Star
https://amzn.to/39TJj25
Also check out Reggie's Forever Young, his album of instrumentals
https://amzn.to/2TQ6a98
Zac's gear for this video
1967 Telecaster -
D'Addario XL120+ 95-44 strings https://amzn.to/3a5qxVi
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker
Reggie inspired Board:
Vintage MXR Script logo Dyna Comp
Boss Volume Pedal
Boss DD-2 Delay
1980 TC Electronic Chorus pedal, modified by XTS to use 18v DC
Boss TU-12H
Truetone CS6 for power https://amzn.to/38S9rZK
Also on board, but not used:
Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive
Demeter Tremulator
#askzac #guitartech #telecaster
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 - www.askzac.com
Zac 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 issue
https://cloud.3dissue.com/196659/1970...
Playlist of Steuart Smith on Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4bC...
Great clip of Steuart in 1989 with Crowell
• Steuart Smith.......
YT Thumb photo by Charley Cohen. #askzac #guitartech #telecaster
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.