Ask Zac

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 strings anchor, it’s the heart of the instrument, and the single biggest reason a Tele responds the way it does. Leo Fender’s original design brilliantly combines the bridge, tailpiece, and pickup mounting system into one integrated unit, creating a level of coupling, attack, and clarity that no other electric guitar quite matches. In...

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 unbelievable first pro gig as Keith Whitley’s lead guitarist during the height of Whitley’s all-too-brief but iconic career. From there, we follow his journey through the ’90s as he hit the road with Faith Hill, and into his remarkable three-decade run with Brooks & Dunn, all legendary Country touring acts. We dig into how he landed ...

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, Snow Globe Town, and the fun we had in the studio bringing those tracks to life. I also dive into what it was like hitting the road with Brad on his November–December 2025 Canadian tour, from the gear I brought, to backstage routines, to the moments that made this run unforgettable. And to top it all off… The Tonight Show. I break down h...

Early ’60s Fender Telecasters are legendary, but what really changed between 1959 and 1964? From rosewood “slab boards” and “veneers” to pickguard and hardware tweaks, we break down the details that shaped the classic early-’60s Tele look and sound. We’ll also highlight the famous players who made these Teles iconic, from country twang masters to R&B pioneers, and explore why 1961–1964 Telecasters are relatively rare compared to other Pre-CBS years. Support the show

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 your strings, one that keeps your tuning stable and won’t damage your nut. Why Tele bridge covers (ashtrays) are actually useful — especially for protecting your strings and saddles when your guitar’s in a gig bag. Book Review: In-Law Country by Geoffrey Himes — a must-read for fans of Emmylou Harris and her circle of musical friends. ...