Ask Zac
UnderholdningZac 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.
Siste episoder av Ask Zac podcast
- 3 Gigs, 2 Sessions, and a Lightning Strike — D'Addario XS Strings Still Going (00:13:22)
Three outdoor Georgia/Florida gigs with Brad Paisley in August , 90°+ heat, swampy humidity, and sweat everywhere. Normally, that’s when strings go dead and feel sluggish, but my D’Addario XS coated strings didn’t just survive, they crushed it. After all three gigs, I used the same guitar and same set of strings for two recording sessions, and they still sounded and felt fresh. In this video, I’ll share how the XS strings handled brutal touring conditions, why they feel great even when the ...
- Guitar Nut Width & Why It Matters (00:22:03)
Ever picked up a guitar and thought, “This just doesn’t feel right?” It might be the nut width, the measurement that directly impacts string spacing and left-hand comfort. In this video, we break down the most common nut widths found in the wild, and look at how the various widths affects chord shapes, lead playing and string separation. We also take a hard look at the 1.625 nut width used on the vast majority of vintage Fender guitars, and why most boutique copies, and even reissues made by ...
- How Eric Clapton (and Albert Lee) Got Me Into Country Music – Just One Night (00:17:42)
In this video, I share how Eric Clapton’s Just One Night album completely shifted my musical direction, and how the real surprise was Albert Lee. Clapton’s fiery playing grabbed my attention, but it was Albert’s Telecaster tone, precision, and country-infused style that opened the door to a whole new world of music for me. In the episode, I forget the names of 1985 tour members Shawn Murphy and Tim Renwick. Support the show
- Alnico 2 vs Alnico 5: Telecaster Tone Showdown (00:08:57)
Alnico 2 and Alnico 5 are the two most common magnet types used in Telecaster pickups, but how much do they really change the tone? In this video, I compare them in the exact same Telecaster, using pickups with identical windings, wire, and build—only the magnet type is different. We’ll listen to tapped and full output, and both clean and dirty tones, of these Seymour Duncan 53 Tapped Custom Shop Pickups. The clips were recorded in a professional recording studio using a Bruno version of a De...
- Ricky Skaggs’ Telecaster Masterclass on "I’m Tired." - Lesson (00:23:37)
Ricky Skaggs is mostly known for his mandolin and bluegrass chops, but on “I’m Tired,” he rips a Telecaster solo that deserves a spot in the Tele Hall of Fame. In this video, we break down the legendary Tele/B-Bender solo from his 1987 tune “I’m Tired,” a Ray Price/Mell Tillis shuffle, that blends Bluegrass, Honky Tonk, and hardcore twang. I breakdown the solo, and show you why it works so well, the phrasing, the pedal steel illusions, and how Skaggs used the B-bender as an essential part of ...
- How Reggie Young Reshaped Merle Haggard’s Sound with a Strat (00:17:22)
Reggie Young may be one of the most recorded guitarists in history—but did you know he played a 1957 Stratocaster on Merle Haggard’s Back to the Barrooms album? In this video, we dig into Reggie's tasteful, understated Strat work that helped shape the tone and feel of one of Haggard’s most emotional and booze-soaked records. We'll talk about: The tone Reggie got from his Strat How his playing elevated tracks like “Makeup & Faded Blue Jeans” “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here and Drink,” ...
- The TC Electronic Chorus Pedal Makes a Comeback (00:21:10)
I didn’t think I’d be adding a chorus pedal back to my board… until a recent session totally changed my mind. In this video, I talk about the TC Electronic Stereo Chorus Flanger — a pedal that quietly shaped the Nashville sound in the '80s and '90s. It was originally built in Denmark back in 1976 as a studio-friendly chorus with super low noise and a clean, transparent sound. Turns out, that clarity is exactly what made it a favorite for tons of session players — and even guys like Eric John...
- Which Pickups Should I Put in My Telecaster? (00:19:14)
The #1 Question I Get: “What Pickups Should I Put in My Telecaster?” In this video, I break down the key questions you should ask yourself before buying pickups — whether you're upgrading or starting from scratch. This guide will help you make smarter choices and communicate more effectively with pickup winders. I also cover: The differences between flat pole ’50s-style and staggered pole ’60s-style pickups Recommendations at various price points How much saddles and the tone control really ...
- Reviving My 1981 Martin HD-28 with New Frets, Waverly Tuners, K&K Pickup & More! (00:17:15)
My favorite acoustic guitar—a 1981 Martin HD-28—just received a full upgrade while also bringing it a little closer to the timeless tone and vintage character of a true 1940s Martin. In this video, I walk you through the complete restoration and customization process, including: • Fresh frets for smoother playability, improved tone, and better intonation. .085X.050 Fretwire • Waverly open-back tuners for a vintage-correct look, lighter weight, and improved break angle at the nut • Remov...
- Meet Nashville Guitar Great: Matthew Lee (00:27:50)
Meet Nashville Guitar Great: Matthew Lee If you’ve strolled down Broadway in Nashville, chances are you have heard the unmistakable sound of Matthew Lee—an exceptional guitarist whose chops are as sharp as his tone. Matthew shares the story of how music first grabbed hold of him, what led him to Music City, and the major influences that shaped his sound. He also gives us a look at some of his favorite gear, including his go-to axes from Lucky Dog and Crook Custom Guitars. Want to dive deepe...
- Personalized by Fender: 1969 Telecasters with Factory Neck Inlays! (00:18:08)
In 1969, Fender offered a little-known custom option: factory-personalized neck inlays. In this video, we dive into the rare story of a father and son who took Fender up on that offer—ordering two Telecasters inlaid with their names: "Bubba" and "Bob Clawson." These guitars were custom-made at the Fender factory and delivered to Clawson's Music in Corpus Christi, Texas, a Fender dealer since 1964. Join us as we explore the history of Fender’s neck personalization option, examine these two st...
- Behind the Scenes of Brad Paisley’s ‘Lost Paisley’ Telecaster (00:16:16)
I’m excited to finally share the story behind the Fender Limited Edition 1967 Lost Paisley Telecaster—Brad Paisley’s stunning new signature model—and my journey helping bring it to life. This project has been a true labor of love. From digging into vintage inspiration to fine-tuning the smallest details, The Lost Paisley Telecaster blends history, tone, and style in a way that truly honors Brad’s legacy and Fender’s craftsmanship. Stick around until the end of the video for a clip of me pla...
- A Tele-Guy Discovers The PRS DGT SE (00:21:31)
Since the DGT was released by PRS in 2007, I have been a fan. I didn't buy one then because I foolishly decided to get a more vintage-flavored reissue 1959 Les Paul, but have regretted that purchase ever since. With the new SE PRS DGT, I was able to scratch that humbucker with trem itch, but at an incredibly affordable price. The PRS DGT SE is a fantastic instrument that can really fill out your guitar arsenal at a great price. To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/As...
- A Look At Mike Campbell's Heartbreaker Memoir & His Incredible Musical Legacy (00:20:41)
Mike Campbell is one of the most significant guitarists of our time as a result of his 40-year stint with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and guesting with everyone from Don Henley, to George Harrison. He recently released his memoir, Heartbreaker, a lovingly honest telling of his life with the help of author Ari Surdoval. We take a look at the compelling story it tells, and the incredible legacy and influence of Mike Campbell. Amazon Affiliate link to Heartbreaker https://amzn.to/4lk9NyX...
- Joe Fick of Kelley's Heroes & The Don Kelley Band (01:12:31)
Joe Fick, leader of Kelley's Heroes and alumnus of the Don Kelley Band, joins us today. He shares of his time with the Dempsey's, The Don Kelley Band, working movies Walk The Line, and Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, to currently leading Kelley's Heroes. We also discuss the history of the upright slap style, challenges of transitioning from electric to upright bass, and a variety of upright bass playing styles. If you visit Nashville, you must see Joe and the band, Wednesday thru Saturday, at Nashville...
- Why Leo Fender Never Acknowledged The Influence of Paul Bigsby (00:25:26)
Leo Fender was heavily influenced by the work of Paul Bigsby in the late 1940s, yet in all of the interviews he did, he never acknowledged it. Today we look at both the influences, and the reasons why Leo did not give the credit that Paul Bigsby deserved for his innovations that filtered into every Fender guitar. To help us, we have an amazing copy of the 1948 Bigsby "Merle Travis" guitar, that clearly spotlights the influence on the Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster, and just about ever...
- My Favorite Backup Amp - The 1985 Peavey Studio Pro 40 (00:13:10)
I love Peavey amps from the early-to-mid 1980s, because I grew up with them in my favorite music shop, Clawson's Music in Corpus Christi, TX. In my last 80s Peavey episode, I looked at the Special 130, that is a killer amp, but is heavy, way too loud for most gigs, and at times a bit non-intuitive due to the mid-shift and multiple gain controls. My buddy, Mike LoPinto, who plays with Chris Stapleton, clued me into the Studio Pro 40. It checks all of the boxes, as it is easy to carry, has plen...
- The Modified Broadcaster/Telecaster Blend Control & 2 YT Channels I love (00:16:10)
With the recent visit with a real-deal 1950 Broadcaster, I had the chance to experience the unique tonal options that Leo Fender's original blend control offered over your run-off-the-mill tone control. The only problem, was that awful #1 position, that put a suffocating blanket over the neck pickup. I started searching for a modified wiring scheme, and I found my episode from a couple of years ago with Rick Holmstrom, Mavis Staples' guitarist and bandleader. In it, he described his mod...
- Baxendale Harmony Conversion Guitars (00:21:23)
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. Support the show
- Meet Nashville Tele Slinger - Gabe Tonon (00:19:32)
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/ Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askzac/ To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @As...
- The Fender Broadcaster Story (00:31:01)
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. ...
- A Glaser Strat With A B-Bender? (00:22:22)
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 Follow me on ...
- Flat-Wound, Pure Nickel, and Ground-Wound Strings on my Telecaster (00:25:30)
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. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askzac/ To Sup...
- A Real Road Worn 1952 Telecaster (00:20:14)
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. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askzac/ To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Or check out my store for mer...
- The Tim Lerch Interview (01:01:05)
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. Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askzac/ To Support the Channel: Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZac Tip jar: htt...