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 his...
Jul 08, 2025•24 min•Ep. 240
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,” and “Leona...
Jun 27, 2025•17 min•Ep. 239
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 Johnson ...
Jun 17, 2025•21 min•Ep. 238
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 matt...
Jun 09, 2025•19 min•Ep. 237
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 • Removal of the...
Jun 09, 2025•17 min•Ep. 236
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 deeper? Ch...
Jun 09, 2025•28 min•Ep. 235
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 stunni...
Jun 09, 2025•18 min•Ep. 234
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 playing ...
Jun 09, 2025•16 min•Ep. 233
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/AskZac Tip j...
Apr 15, 2025•22 min•Ep. 232
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 Sig...
Apr 10, 2025•21 min•Ep. 231
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's ...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 230
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 every instrume...
Mar 28, 2025•25 min•Ep. 229
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 plenty ...
Mar 11, 2025•13 min•Ep. 228
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 modified Bro...
Mar 04, 2025•16 min•Ep. 227
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
Feb 17, 2025•21 min•Ep. 226
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 @AskZac Or check out my sto...
Feb 11, 2025•20 min•Ep. 225
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. Support t...
Feb 04, 2025•31 min•Ep. 224
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 Instagram ht...
Jan 21, 2025•22 min•Ep. 223
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 Support the Cha...
Jan 14, 2025•26 min•Ep. 222
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 merch - https://my-store-be0243....
Jan 07, 2025•20 min•Ep. 221
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: https://paypal.me/As...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 220
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...
Dec 17, 2024•19 min•Ep. 219
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....
Dec 10, 2024•30 min•Ep. 218
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. 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 merch - https://my-store...
Nov 26, 2024•50 min•Ep. 217
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. Follow me on Instagram h...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 216
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 tak...
Nov 05, 2024•18 min•Ep. 215
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 be...
Oct 29, 2024•46 min•Ep. 214
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. 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 @Ask...
Oct 15, 2024•25 min•Ep. 213
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...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 212
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...
Oct 02, 2024•25 min•Ep. 211
