Ask Zac

Zac Childs
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Music Commentary
  • Updated Daily

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. 

  1. 10h ago

    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 country chicken pickin' or holding out ambient chords. In this episode, I share the delay pedals I’ve relied on for years (including one I've been playing since 1991), complete with my favorite settings, live rig applications, and sound demos. Note: This video is 100% unsponsored. Every pedal featured was purchased with my own money from pawn shops, Reverb, or local gear stores. Pedals Featured in This Episode: Universal Audio UAFX Del-Verb – The ultimate solution for a killer Deluxe Memory Man style delay combined with a top-tier spring reverb. Boss DM-3 Analog Delay – My most-used delay of all time. Quiet, warm, and the absolute king of always-on slapback. Boss DD-2 Digital Delay – The legendary 1980s long-chip digital classic used by John Jorgenson and Brad Paisley for punchy, mix-cutting repeats. Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay – A touch-sensitive digital delay with a dynamic, "ducking" quality that gets out of the way of your pick attack. Line 6 Echo Park – The ultimate compact workhorse with tap tempo, versatile voicings, and rock-solid reliability. Honorable Mention: Strymon El Capistan (V2) – The modern industry standard for multi-head tape echo emulation, complete with a favorite switch for fly dates. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro & Why Delay is My Favorite Effect 1:28 - Full Disclosure (Unsponsored Content) 1:51 - Support the Channel 2:13 - 1. Universal Audio UAFX Del-Verb 7:54 - 2. Boss DM-3 Analog Delay 12:22 - 3. Boss DD-2 Digital Delay 18:15 - 4. Mad Professor Deep Blue Delay 22:34 - 5. Line 6 Echo Park 25:48 - 6. Honorable Mention: Strymon El Capistan 28:21 - Final Thoughts & Outro www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Support the show

  2. Sep 8

    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 Bennett. Bennett’s playing on the title track is a masterclass in taste, melody, and knowing exactly what a song needs. We’ll break down the licks, turnarounds, tic-tac parts, and that fantastic solo, and look at how Richard created so much musical impact with what might seem like a very unusual instrument: a vintage Danelectro six-string bass. I’ll also talk about Richard Bennett’s background, his work with artists including Neil Diamond and Billy Joel, his move from Los Angeles to Nashville, and his growing role in the making of Guitar Town. There’s a great story behind how Richard ended up playing the “guitar solo” on the song, and why the instrument he chose helped create such a distinctive sound. Along the way, I’ll put my own Jerry Jones Longhorn six-string bass through its paces and explain some of the things that make the original Danelectro six-string bass so unique. Richard is one of my favorite guitar players, and I had the pleasure of interviewing him for Vintage Guitar back in 2005. I’ll also point you toward some of the sources I used, including David McGee’s Fearless Heart and my original Richard Bennett interview. So grab your guitar, or just listen closely, and let’s dig into one of the great examples of Nashville guitar playing. And if you haven’t listened to Guitar Town lately, go give the whole record another spin. It’s a classic. My 2005 interview with Richard https://www.askzac.com/post/richard-bennett-interview Steve Earle with Richard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Xp4OGarKJo Steve, Richard, and Mike McAdam https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yGhm8CviuE www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #SteveEarle #GuitarTown #RichardBennett #CountryGuitar #NashvilleGuitar #Danelectro #AskZac #GuitarSolo Support the show

  3. Sep 1

    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 a little Seymour Duncan history, including the famous story about Seymour, Robbie Robertson, and the pickup that helped set him on the path toward building his own pickups. I’ll also talk about my own history with Seymour Duncan, from buying my first Alnico II Pro Tele bridge pickup to eventually getting involved with the Lost Paisley pickup set for Fender. Then it’s time for the guitars. I pulled out a bunch of my favorite instruments and talk about why I chose the particular Seymour Duncan pickups in each one, including Antiquity humbuckers, Antiquity Tele pickups, the ’53 Tapped Tele set, Hot Strat Stack pickups, Lipstick Tube Strat pickups, the Twang Banger, Vintage Stack Tele pickups, and more. Along the way, I’ll demonstrate how I use these pickups for everything from classic Tele tones and Nashville/Bakersfield sounds to higher-output Strat sounds, slide, recording, and live work, including some of the guitars I take on the road with Brad Paisley. It’s a tip of the hat to Seymour Duncan, a look at some great pickups. Congratulations to Seymour Duncan on 50 years! www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #SeymourDuncan #AskZac #GuitarPickups #Telecaster #Stratocaster Support the show

  4. Aug 18

    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, airplanes, and 18-wheelers. Through all these gigs, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a baritone work in a band setting, and what doesn’t. In this episode of Ask Zac, I’m taking a deeper look at the evolution of this guitar and the biggest change I’ve made to it: installing a Glaser bender. The guitar is tuned B-to-B, and I’ve found that the lower register makes it a fantastic complement to other instruments. I’ll discuss what I discovered while playing and soloing onstage, including how the lower range encouraged me to play more melodically and simply rather than trying to compete with the fastest players. I’ll also share the practical lessons I’ve learned along the way, such as cutting low end, using more dirt, and experimenting with different string sets before settling on a lighter D’Addario set. I’ll explain why my attempt to use an unwound third string failed and how that ultimately led me to add the bender. Additionally, we’ll take a close look at the Glaser bender itself to hear what happens when you put one on a B-to-B baritone. It delivers a bigger, throatier sound than a conventional Telecaster bender, bringing both unique advantages and drawbacks that open up interesting musical possibilities. Finally, I’ll talk about the Music City Bridge saddles, the Ron Ellis Tele pickups that have been in the guitar for the last seven months, and a few other experiments. Think of this as a sequel to my original baritone Telecaster video, updated with everything I've learned from eight months of real-world use on the road. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #AskZac #BaritoneGuitar #Telecaster #GlaserBender #BBender #FenderTelecaster #BaritoneTelecaster #GuitarGear Support the show

  5. Aug 10

    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. Before becoming known for his incredible line of instruments, Jerry was the guitar guru for many of Nashville’s top players, including Chet Atkins, Reggie Young, and Sam Bush. He eventually began building his own instruments, creating unique hybrids and, most famously, a whole range of beautifully made guitars inspired by the classic Danelectro designs. We’ll look at Jerry’s incredible Bass 6, baritone, 12-string, sitar, double-neck, and other specialty instruments, and the musicians and records that helped make these unusual guitars essential studio tools.  I’ll also talk about Jerry’s work for Merle Haggard, his friendship with Danelectro founder Nat Daniel, the return of the Danelectro name in the 1990s, and the lawsuit that ultimately had a major impact on Jerry’s guitar business. And, of course, I’ll show you one of my favorite Jerry Jones instruments: Brad Paisley’s Bass 6, a guitar Brad bought in the mid-'90s that has appeared on every Brad Paisley record and continues to be an important part of his musical arsenal. Jerry Jones made instruments that were innovative, incredibly useful, and built to survive the road. His guitars became the go-to “niche” instruments for countless players, and his influence can still be heard today. This is a tribute to Jerry Jones, his remarkable instruments, and the lasting mark he left on the world of guitars. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #AskZac #JerryJones #Danelectro #Bass6 #BaritoneGuitar #GuitarHistory #NashvilleGuitars #BradPaisley Support the show

  6. Aug 4

    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 the Today Show. A lot of players talk about the history of instruments like the Fender Bass VI or Danelectro 6-String Bass, but not enough people talk about how to actually use them in a song. These instruments can be amazing when they complement the arrangement instead of fighting for space. I’ll break down my part on Brad Paisley’s song “This Town” from the Tackle Box album, including: * How I approached the Tic-Tac Bass part * Playing simple parts that support the song * Doubling Telecaster licks for a bigger sound * Using tremolo, overdrive, and EQ to make the instrument fit in a band * Why avoiding full chords and staying out of the bass player’s way matters I’ll also share the story behind playing “This Town” and “Home Sweet Hotel” on the Today Show, including the gear I used, the Danelectro Hodad 6-String Bass, and how I approached the live performance. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Today Show with Brad Paisley "This Town" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMIJe18WeJg #AskZac #Danelectro #BassVI #TicTacBass #BradPaisley #Telecaster #SessionGuitar Support the show

  7. Jul 30

    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, Tom Petty, John Mayer, and countless others. We'll explore the story behind the album, how "After Midnight" and "Call Me the Breeze" helped launch J.J. Cale's career, and why his understated touch, groove, and phrasing became the foundation of what many call the "Tulsa Sound." I also demonstrate some of Cale's signature guitar licks and explain how his simple, tasteful approach influenced generations of players. Whether you're a longtime J.J. Cale fan or hearing Naturally for the first time, this album deserves a place on every guitarist's essential listening list. www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac #JJCale #Naturally #EricClapton #MarkKnopfler #JohnMayer #TomPetty #Guitar #GuitarLessons #AskZac #VintageGuitar #TulsaSound #BluesGuitar #ClassicRock Support the show

  8. Jul 30

    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 Zac, we take a deep dive into these "wicked stepchildren" of the Telecaster family and uncover what makes them so unique. We'll explore the fascinating story of Seth Lover's Wide Range Humbucker, why Fender hired the inventor of Gibson's legendary humbucker, and how these guitars were designed to compete directly with Gibson in the 1970s. Along the way, we'll compare the Telecaster Custom and Deluxe to a traditional Telecaster, discuss the CBS-era design changes, demonstrate their unique tones, and look at the famous players who made them part of their sound, including Keith Richards. In this video: • The history of Seth Lover's Wide Range Humbucker • Why Fender created the Telecaster Custom and Deluxe • CBS-era features: Micro-Tilt, bullet truss rod, and three-bolt necks • Gibson-style wiring and why it makes these guitars so versatile • Tone demonstrations and pickup blending • Keith Richards • What makes these once-overlooked guitars collectible today www.truetone.com To Support the Channel: Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZac https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZac Venmo @AskZac Thanks to my Patreon supporters and everyone who helps support the channel! #Telecaster #Fender #VintageGuitars #AskZack #GuitarHistory #WideRangeHumbucker #SethLover #KeithRichards #TelecasterCustom #TelecasterDeluxe #ElectricGuitar Support the show

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Zac Childs
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    280
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Ask Zac
  • Show Website
    Ask Zac

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