Shows / Ask Zac
Ask Zac
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.
Episodes
- Ask Zac
My Nightmare Repair Story (Everything Went Wrong)
Have you ever had a home renovation or car repair where literally everything that could go wrong... went wrong? This is the guitar version of that story. In…
- Ask Zac
Influential Albums - Ain't Living Long Like This - Rodney Crowell
In this episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into an absolute masterclass of a record and one of my all-time favorite albums: Rodney Crowell’s 1978 debut…
- Ask Zac
Playing with William Shatner, Brad Paisley & Modding a Danelectro Double Neck
On today's episode of Ask Zac, we dive into the surreal experience of performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside William Shatner, Brad Paisley, Taylor…
- Ask Zac
1960 Danelectro 3923 Double Neck: History, Design, and the SRV Mod
In this episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into an unusual vintage instrument: the 1960 Danelectro 3923 Double Neck. From the early history of Danelectro…
- Ask Zac
A Look At The Fender Tone Master '59 Twin-Amp (Joe Bonamassa Edition)
Why would a legendary tone snob with Dumbles and real '59 Tweed Twins put his name on a digital amp? On today's episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into…
- Ask Zac
When and Why To Use A Guitar Wireless
On today’s episode of Ask Zac, we dive into the world of guitar wireless systems, specifically when and why you should consider ditching your instrument cable…
- Ask Zac
My 5 Favorite Delay Pedals (Plus an Honorable Mention)
Delay is hands down my favorite guitar effect. It’s the ultimate tool for adding space, fattening up your tone, and creating depth, whether you're playing fast…
- Ask Zac
Richard Bennett's Genius on Steve Earle's “Guitar Town”
On this episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into Steve Earle’s landmark 1986 album Guitar Town and, in particular, the incredible guitar work of Richard…
- Ask Zac
My Favorite Seymour Duncan Pickups
In honor of Seymour Duncan’s 50th anniversary, I’m taking a look at some of my favorite Seymour Duncan pickups, and the guitars I use them in. I’ll start with…
- Ask Zac
Why My Baritone Tele Got a B-Bender
Eight months ago, I built a baritone Telecaster with some friends. Since then, it has traveled with me all over the United States and Europe on tours, stages…
- Ask Zac
Remembering Jerry Jones: The Guitar Builder Who Changed Nashville
In this episode of Ask Zac, I’m paying tribute to the late, great Jerry Jones, one of Nashville’s most respected guitar repairmen, builders, and innovators…
- Ask Zac
The Danelectro 6-String Bass I Used on the Today Show w/ Brad Paisley | "This Town" Breakdown
On today’s Ask Zac, I’m talking about playing in the context of a band, specifically how I used a Danelectro 6-String Bass (Tic-Tac Bass) with Brad Paisley on…
- Ask Zac
My Frankenstein 12-String & Bass 6 Danelectro Double-Neck
When you get the gig playing auxiliary and utility guitar for a world-renowned Telecaster master like Brad Paisley, you run into a unique problem: How do you…
- Ask Zac
The Album That Changed Eric Clapton Forever - J.J. Cale's Naturally
In this episode of Ask Zac, I take a deep dive into Naturally (1971), the landmark debut album that quietly shaped the playing of Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler…
- Ask Zac
The Phil Kubicki Story - From Fender To Factor Bass
On today's episode of Ask Zac, we are diving deep into the life, career, and brilliant innovations of one of the most important former Fender employees and…
- Ask Zac
The Wicked Stepchildren of the Telecaster - The 70s Tele Custom & Telecaster Deluxe
Ever wondered why the 1970s Fender Telecaster Custom and Telecaster Deluxe are some of the most misunderstood guitars Fender ever built? In this episode of Ask…
- Ask Zac
Tracking Brad Paisley's Tackelbox Album & His 2026 European Tour
Brad Paisley recently started rolling out tracks for his ongoing project, Tacklebox, and I had the absolute honor of sitting in the studio to track these…
- Ask Zac
What It's Like Playing The Grand Ole Opry
Have you ever wondered what it's really like to play the Grand Ole Opry? In this episode, I share stories from my most recent appearance with Brad Paisley…
- Ask Zac
Why I Don't Like Overdrive Pedals & The 4 That Make The Cut
If you grew up on the pristine, dynamic guitar tones of the 1950s and early 60s, standard overdrive pedals can often sound artificial, overly compressed, and…
- Ask Zac
Learn to Feed Yourself Musically (Don't Be Spoon-Fed)
Most players hit a wall the same way, cycling through the same licks, searching for something new, and ending up lost in endless videos. Here’s a better way…
- Ask Zac
Standel & The Tragic Genius of Bob Crooks - The Man Who Invented the Boutique Amp
The Man Who Invented the Boutique Amp: The Tragic Genius of Bob Crooks Before Dumble was a household name, and before Mesa/Boogie revolutionized the high-gain…
- Ask Zac
Tales From The Tele Town Concert
The lowdown on Fender's concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium to celebrate the Telecaster's 75th Anniversary. What a night at the Mother Church of Country…
- Ask Zac
I Built My Perfect String Sets For My Telecaster & Baritone With D'Addario
Most players settle for whatever string set is on the shelf, but I’ve been piecing together custom sets since the early ’90s. In this video, I build my perfect…
- Ask Zac
A Look At A 1949 Bigsby Guitar - Rarer Than Rare!
Before the Telecaster… before the Les Paul & the Strat… there was Bigsby. In this video, we take a deep dive into a 1949 Bigsby electric guitar, one of the…
- Ask Zac
James Pennebaker Interview
Best known for his longtime work with Delbert McClinton, James Pennebaker has been one of the most tasteful and versatile guitarists in Nashville for decades…
- Ask Zac
The Gibson ES-335 - Their Best Design
The only Gibson model I’ve ever really connected with is the ES-335. While I’ve always gravitated toward Fender, the 335 is one Gibson that I think absolutely…
- Ask Zac
Don Rich, Buck Owens & the Telecaster That Vanished
In this episode, Joe Spann and I dive deep into the legacy of Don Rich and one of the most fascinating lost instruments in Fender history, his 1964 Gold…
- Ask Zac
The Holy Grail Telecasters At Gruhn Guitars with Joe Spann
We went behind the scenes at Gruhn Guitars in Nashville for a tour of the 'Tele Vault' with legendary vintage archivist and researcher Joe Spann. We aren't…
- Ask Zac
The Octave 12-String Mando-Guitar - The Tool For Jangle Magic! -
Ever heard a song that has a shimmering, "angelic" jangle that sits perfectly above a mix? Or how Buddy Miller creates those haunting, rootsy textures on songs…
- Ask Zac
Why Even "Clean" Tones Need Some Hair & Grit
Think your clean tone should be 100% pure? Think again. In this video, we’re looking at why "perfectly clean" guitars often sound thin in a mix and why adding…
- Ask Zac
50s Guild Aristocrat - A Vintage Sleeper - (It's Not A Tele Vol 1)
The 1950s Guild Aristocrat is one of those vintage guitars that somehow slipped through the cracks, and that’s exactly why it remains such a sleeper today…
- Ask Zac
Why I Needed a Baritone Telecaster Guitar
Baritone electric guitars live in that perfect middle ground between standard guitar and bass, and once you understand what they do best, it’s hard to live…
- Ask Zac
Inside the 1962 Fender 6G3 "Brown" Deluxe Amp
The 1962 Brown Deluxe (6G3) sits in one of the most fascinating, and misunderstood, eras of Fender amplification. It’s often lumped in with other brownface…
- Ask Zac
Why The Telecaster Bridge Is the Heart & Soul of the Tele
If you want to understand why a Telecaster sounds and feels like a Telecaster, you have to start with the bridge. The Tele bridge isn’t just a place where the…
- Ask Zac
Lou Toomey Interview (Brooks & Dunn, Keith Whitley, Faith Hill)
Today we sit down with Lou Toomey, one of the most successful and enduring road guitarists in Country Music. In this conversation, Lou walks us through his…
- Ask Zac
How I Ended Up Playing on Brad Paisley’s Snow Globe Town (and the Tonight Show!)
This year has been one for the books. In this video, I’m sharing the unbelievable story of how I ended up performing on Brad Paisley’s new Christmas album…
- Ask Zac
Early ’60s Telecasters: What Changed & Who Made Them Famous
Early ’60s Fender Telecasters are legendary, but what really changed between 1959 and 1964? From rosewood “slab boards” and “veneers” to pickguard and hardware…
- Ask Zac
Tele Gumbo: String Stretching, Bridge Covers, Book Review & Gig-Ready Gear
In this week’s Ask Zac, I’m cooking up a little Tele Gumbo, as today’s show is a mix of guitar talk, gear love, and practical tips: A better way to stretch…
- Ask Zac
The Tour From Hell: My First Time on the Road
When you’re young and dreaming about hitting the road, touring sounds like the ultimate adventure, until you actually do it. In this episode, I look back on my…
- Ask Zac
Telecaster Bridge Shootout! 3-Saddle vs 6-Saddle on My 1957 Esquire
In this episode of Ask Zac, I put my 1957 Fender Esquire through a true bridge showdown, comparing the classic 3-saddle setup that defined early Tele tone with…
- Ask Zac
Those Infamous Fender F-Tuners (1967 – 1981)
From 1967 through 1981, Fender used the now-infamous F-stamped tuners on many Telecasters, Stratocasters, and the majority of their product line. For some…
- Ask Zac
Everything You Wanted To Know About Bigsby-Equipped Fender Telecasters
The Telecaster is known for its twang and simplicity—but add a Bigsby, and it becomes something completely different. In this video, I explore the history of…
- Ask Zac
Fender’s Best Bang-for-Buck Telecaster Yet
The Fender Vintera II LE Road Worn ’60s Telecaster might be one of the best bang-for-your-buck guitars Fender has released in years. For the first time, Fender…
- Ask Zac
The Truth About Tough Gigs & The Difference Between "Shows" & "Gigs"
Not every gig goes the way you want it to. Technical issues, a rough mix, or even just playing for a crowd that couldn’t care less can be frustrating. In this…
- Ask Zac
Rosewood Fretboard Telecasters: Tone, Feel & History
When Fender switched the Telecaster from one-piece maple necks to rosewood fingerboards in 1959, the guitar’s sound and feel changed forever. In this video, I…
- Ask Zac
Albert Lee’s B-Bender Tricks You Can Steal
Albert Lee is one of the most inventive B-bender players in history. Today we look at Albert’s gear, his trademark Telecaster tone, and the 4 basic shapes he…
- Ask Zac
3 Gigs, 2 Sessions, and a Lightning Strike — D'Addario XS Strings Still Going
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…
- Ask Zac
Guitar Nut Width & Why It Matters
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…
- Ask Zac
How Eric Clapton (and Albert Lee) Got Me Into Country Music – Just One Night
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…
- Ask Zac
Alnico 2 vs Alnico 5: Telecaster Tone Showdown
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…
- Ask Zac
Ricky Skaggs’ Telecaster Masterclass on "I’m Tired." - Lesson
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…
- Ask Zac
How Reggie Young Reshaped Merle Haggard’s Sound with a Strat
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…
- Ask Zac
The TC Electronic Chorus Pedal Makes a Comeback
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…
- Ask Zac
Behind the Scenes of Brad Paisley’s ‘Lost Paisley’ Telecaster
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…
- Ask Zac
Meet Nashville Guitar Great: Matthew Lee
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…
- Ask Zac
Personalized by Fender: 1969 Telecasters with Factory Neck Inlays!
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…
- Ask Zac
Reviving My 1981 Martin HD-28 with New Frets, Waverly Tuners, K&K Pickup & More!
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…
- Ask Zac
Which Pickups Should I Put in My Telecaster?
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…
- Ask Zac
A Tele-Guy Discovers The PRS DGT SE
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…
- Ask Zac
A Look At Mike Campbell's Heartbreaker Memoir & His Incredible Musical Legacy
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…