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 first tour experience with the long drives, bad gigs, and all the hard lessons that came with it. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me things I still carry with me every time I step onstage.NEW MERCH SITE!https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.comTo Support the Channel:Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AskZachttps://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.comTip jar: https://paypal.me/AskZacVenmo @AskZacSupport the show
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33:35
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33:35
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 a modern 6-saddle bridge known for better intonation, and for beefing-up the sound.We’ll dig into:The history of Fender bridge designs, and why Leo Fender stuck with 3 saddlesThe tonal differences between the two setupsDirect sound samples recorded on the same guitar for an honest comparisonMy verdict after playing bothGuitar: 1957 Fender EsquireSupport the show
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19:10
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19:10
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 players, they’re a charming piece of CBS-era design; for others, they’re a headache.In this episode, I dig into the full story of why Fender switched from Kluson tuners in 1967, who actually made the F-tuners, how they changed through the 1970s, and what their strengths and weaknesses really are.I also cover how the original version 1967-75, have no modern replacement, and the only option is to buy used originals. For the 1975-81 F-style tuners , I look at the modern replacements that fit the original footprint, and which offer better performance. We’ll also look at the modern reissue F-Tuners, which are based on the latter style made by Schaller, yet they were used on reissues that should have had the earlier style.By the end, you’ll know how to identify each version, how to keep them working smoothly, and the best paths for replacement or restoration, whether you’re chasing originality or reliability.Support the show
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21:27
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21:27
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 Bigsby-equipped Telecasters, from Paul Bigsby’s development of the B-16 in 1953, to Fender’s first factory-installed B5 models in 1967, and how they’re still used in today’s guitars.Along the way, I’ll share setup tips and tricks to keep your Bigsby Tele in tune, break down how a vibrato changes both tone and feel, and highlight some of the famous players who made the Bigsby Telecaster iconic.Support the show
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34:47
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34:47
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 has made a maple-cap neck ’60s style Telecaster available at an accessible price point.The maple-cap neck is a big deal in Telecaster history. Legendary players like Cornell Dupree, Brent Mason, Bobby Womack, Brad Paisley, Don Rich, and Buck Owens all made their mark with maple-cap Teles, and now Fender has finally delivered that vintage vibe in a guitar most players can actually afford.With its blonde finish, road-worn relic treatment, and authentic ’60s specs, this Tele feels and sounds like a much more expensive vintage-style instrument. In this video, I put it through its paces, share tones, and explain why this release is such a milestone for Tele fans.Support the show
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.