Episodes

  • How Reggie Young Reshaped Merle Haggard’s Sound with a Strat
    Jun 27 2025

    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 “Leonard.”

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    17 mins
  • The TC Electronic Chorus Pedal Makes a Comeback
    Jun 17 2025

    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 for his legendary clean tone.

    After dusting one off in the studio recently, I remembered why this thing was so loved — and now it’s officially earned its spot back on my board.

    If you’re into that classic shimmer or just curious why chorus is cool again, stick around.

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    21 mins
  • Which Pickups Should I Put in My Telecaster?
    Jun 9 2025

    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 matter to your final sound

    Whether you're chasing vintage twang or modern bite, this will help you get closer to your Tele tone.

    To Support the Channel:
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    19 mins
  • Reviving My 1981 Martin HD-28 with New Frets, Waverly Tuners, K&K Pickup & More!
    Jun 9 2025

    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 1990s Fishman Matrix under saddle pickup and installation of the more transparent, passive K&K Pure Mini
    • A new bone nut and saddle for increased tonal clarity and responsiveness
    • A vintage-style Holter tortoiseshell pickguard to restore the classic herringbone-era aesthetic

    https://holterpickguards.com/

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    17 mins
  • Meet Nashville Guitar Great: Matthew Lee
    Jun 9 2025

    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? Check out his instructional book from Hal Leonard and explore his top-tier lessons over on TrueFire. Whether you’re a player or a fan , Matthew’s insights are pure gold.


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    To Support the Channel:
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    #MatthewLee #NashvilleGuitarist #BroadwayNashville #LuckyDogGuitars #CrookCustomGuitars #GuitarGear #HalLeonard #TrueFire #CountryGuitar #GuitarLife



    https://www.matthewleeguitar.com/

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    28 mins
  • Personalized by Fender: 1969 Telecasters with Factory Neck Inlays!
    Jun 9 2025

    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 stunning custom Telecasters, and uncover how this one-of-a-kind order came to be. Whether you're a vintage guitar lover, Fender historian, or just into cool guitar stories, you won’t want to miss this rare glimpse into a forgotten piece of Fender’s past.

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    To Support the Channel:
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    #FenderTelecaster #VintageFender #CustomFender #Telecaster1969 #ClawsonsMusic #GuitarHistory #FenderCustomInlay

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    18 mins
  • Behind the Scenes of Brad Paisley’s ‘Lost Paisley’ Telecaster
    Jun 9 2025

    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 with Brad Paisley, his amazing band, and the legendary Steve Wariner.

    #LostPaisley #FenderGuitars #BradPaisley #Telecaster #GuitarDesign #BehindTheScenes #SteveWariner #CountryMusic #GearHeadsUnite #SignatureModel

    Link to fender's video:

    https://youtu.be/Blf3wYQTVkI?si=7j2AwBmRBr1d2hcq

    Subscribe for more vintage gear stories and rare finds!
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    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 - https://my-store-be0243.creator-spring.com/

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    16 mins
  • A Tele-Guy Discovers The PRS DGT SE
    Apr 15 2025

    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:
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    22 mins