If there’s one thing I’ve never understood, it’s people talking about how the neck pickup on a Tele is useless. I keep mine on the neck like 80% of the time. Love that sound!
Uncomplicated your rig and learn it. Remember the old saying; “ Beware of the man who has only one gun. He will surely know how to use it”. Surf guitarist Dick Dale was my friend for many years. He played his original 61 Strat until the day he died. It was his only Strat until Fender gave him a gold hardware , mother of pearl blinged out custom shop Strat, which he would not play as he was afraid he would “Tear it up”.
He is right about singing vastly increasing gigging opportunities...especially at the local level. You CAN gig without fancy guitar skills, but for most genres of music you cannot gig without solid vocals. So if you want to make money through musical performance, do what you can to develop your vocals as well as your guitar skills.
I’m one of those people who LOVES a Tele neck pickup, and loves a Tele neck pickup when it sounds like one. It is one of the reasons why a Telecaster is often an “any gig” guitar for me, because of the twang of the bridge pickup and the warmth of the neck pickup that allows me to use it for Jazz and moments in music that require a warmer tone, in a way that a Strat doesn’t quite manage as well, due to its own physically and sonically different neck pickup design.
That's one thing I just don't hear in my new T. It doesn't twang like people say Teles should. Not sure if it's the Wilkinson M-series pickups or what. It has no twang, though. Only time it does is when I pick below the bridge pickup, between the pickup & saddles.
Danocaster, to my ears, sounds incredible. The clear winner, for me. But it’s all subjective when the instruments being compared are all such amazing things.
On the subject of gear futzing, I think it's important to note that the room is a significant factor affecting tone. It is actually good to take a moment before rehearsal starts to tune your gear to the room. If you know your rig well enough and have experience going from super dead/dry rooms to super reflective/bright rooms, it won't take you long at all to make the necessary adjustments. I have yet to find a rig that excels in both environments on the same settings. My 2 cents anyway.
I love this stuff. Imagine back in the day having one guitar and maaaybe two amps with no pedals and having to "dial in" all of this stuff. I love music :)
Heck - in 1964, my “rig” consisted of a single pick up Gibson Melody Maker (in a cardboard case), a small, 15-watt nondescript off brand amp, one guitar chord, one or two picks, and a spare ‘B’ and high ‘E’ string😂. Obviously no such thing as a pedal. Those were the days, life was simple (and a lot more fun too😉!)
I was always against the telecaster. So I never bothered learning much about them. But a wise man can admit his wrongs, and here I am nerding down on tele info. There's something amazing that happens with that big maple neck, oversized bridge, bolt on neck and (my preference) the lower output bridge pickup that makes your amp and effects sound like they are trying, but not quite driving all the way I've fallen in love with.
I’m not even a Tele guy. But your tone is always amazing. And as not even a tele guy, I don’t favor tele neck pickups. But that Julian Lage neck Pickup was kind of amazing.
I put an Ellis 50B in the bridge of my CS Telecaster a couple weeks ago and today I put a JL in the neck, largely thanks to your videos. Thanks for helping with my obsession! 😀
So I was waiting for the Lindy Frailn pickups to come in and I have set of forty dollar pickups from Korea laying around and I installed them on my guitar. Oddly enough the Korean pickups for forty dollars sounded and played really nice! Good sound is good sound forty dollars to four hundred dollars and you can’t argue with it ! 😂
The singing the solo part is something Mayer has repeatedly emphasized. And in general, being and to sing can carry you pretty far because most people don't know diddly when listening to guitar solos, BUT THEY KNOW THE SONG MELODIES. also live looping will force you to develop good time and consistency as well 👍
Great video. Love the tips at the end! My students always say that about click tracks and the metronome. They hate to admit it is their timing that sucks and not the metronome.
I found the APC Adder most pleasing of the bunch, with the 1967 coming in second. The could have been other factors as you mentioned that may have played a role in by observation, but to my ear, this is were my preferences reside.
Great advice about singing, too. Especially harmony if you want to be a great sideman. Singing licks before you play them could very well be the best guitar advice of all time. If you’ve never tried it, give it a shot and get ready for a humbling experience.
I have to say Zac that your channel is the best find on RUclips this year so far. My playing (and understanding of the tele and it’s classic players) has improved 100 fold! Oh-and I have a Nobles Overdrive on my must have list for 2020! Thanks so much for your insight and inspiration and I look forward to more awesome videos! 🎸🎸🎸
Couldn’t agree more about singing. It is such an asset. I have gotten gigs because I sing and the other person didn’t. When I was younger I lost out on a signed band gig because my vocals weren’t strong enough. Great advice about the metronome too. I was primarily a bass player for years and got schooled by a session drummer early on who advised to do just what you said. Practice playing behind and on top of the beat with a drum machine so you can control your portion of the groove. Awesome as always Zac!
Man, you couldn’t be more spot on with that changing gear or bringing new gear to a practice. As drummer it’s sooo frustrating to see guitar player fiddling with something the whole time. It’s literally saying I’m not here musically and that what everyone else in the band is doing doesn’t interest me.
Zac, the nicest channel I’ve come across in a long time. I’ve got 6 or 7? Teles. Just listening to you Noodle is Very Inspiring. Maybe it’ll make me work on my Hybrid Picking . Keep up the Clips & Thank You!
The most astute and direct advice for being ready at a gig. As for pickups, it's the Ron Ellis /Julian Lage for me! I'm building 2 Teles right now and at least one set will be installed.
I love that guitar. It has been a friend, and means so much that it came from you. The APC Adder is very assertive, and clear. Not very vintage, but so usable.
Zac you’re exactly right that almost impossible to test pickups in different guitars...wood saddles age of wood. I’d pick 67 fender then Ron Ellis. Singing to playing parts makes leafs more musical and less acrobatic. Another cool video. Thanks!
When I choose my Tele for a particular song, it's most always for the bridge pickup (or the neck/bridge combo for playing slide). I grab my Strat if I need the sound of the neck pickup. Tele neck pickup does deliver a similar vibe though.
Man, I just love your content Zac! Really glad I stumbled onto your channel and am looking forward to watching more and practicing with more determination. Keep up the good work and thanks!
Fantastic point at the end. The last band I played in I reverted to playing the first guitar I ever bought and beloved Marshall shredmaster pedal. It was the most in the moment and musically productive I'd ever been in rehearsal and jam sessions.
Great sounds from all of them but for me the Adder and vintage 67 were my preferred tones. Great tips regarding practice - I wish I had known that stuff when starting out too. Especially singing, I really regret not spending more time practicing singing.
Well , I have to say that the stock pickup in the 67' sounds the best to my ears ! I know that tone is subjective , and I have used several brands of pickups . I have a set of Rio Grande Vintage Tall Boys in my 99'American standard . They have a Great sound , but they do not sound like vintage pickups . I installed the stock pickups out of that guitar into me 99 ' ,50's reissue . That guitar sounds exactly like a vintage Tele to my ears . Anyway , I love Teles , Strats , and Fender tube amps . Thanks for a great video .
@@AskZac Nice one mate, welcome to the Southern Hemisphere of Auckland New Zealand. You might as well show me what you mean about "Wiring the Tone to the bridge Pup" a quick diagram or vid should do it---- regards gib
I appreciated the different shades of tones of the pickups - but its interesting, all three were unmistakably a tele neck sound and similar enough that I would personally be very happy with any of them. For the player that is focused on just one genre however those shades could be alot more important
Zac, found you from your excellent interview videos for Trutone Lounge. Love that you’re sharing all of your knowledge and experience in such a relaxed, comfortable way! Keep it up my friend! -Kyle
Ask Zac I built my own Tele out of some 150 year old spruce from an old building my brother in law tore down. Always being more of a humbucker player, this guitar has really made me appreciate the telecaster! Your videos and experience playing all of the Tele-centric stuff like Bakersfield to Western swing is really helped me hear what good a good basic Tele tone should sound like. I plan on making some more videos soon showing my Tele through an original early 68 black line drip edge DR. I have the Sullivan TL51 pickups in it. Anyway thought I’d share, thanks for reading man
Ask Zac cool, thanks! I ended up rebuilding the cabinet for the 68’ and it turned out really nice! Detailed videos on the cab build and on the Tele build maybe finished this weekend
Fine picking the both sound really good ...I know my friend Anson Funderburgh loves Ron Ellis pickups ....the APC sounds almost strat like to my ears !
Awesome videos! Loving this channel. I’m somewhat new to Telecasters. I recently purchased a S/S Fender American Performer. Plays great. Kind of a no frills Tele. I really love it. My biggest issue is a big drop off in output from bridge to neck. When I switch to the lipstick pickup the volume is much lower than the bridge. Is this normal in a Tele?
Hey Zac, love the channel. Correct me if I’m wrong. You teched for Brad right? I ask because I’d love to hear more about the tech work that you did as far as day today and also if Brad had any particular practice routines when on the road?
Neve so many long lists that I’ve balked at because...I’m impatient. I wish I would’ve gotten on most those lists by now...I’d have that gear now. Ron Ellis and Danocaster both comes to mind.
All nice! But - Ash body + maple cap really sounds AMAZING even thru an Ipad speaker. Maybe because I’m use to that. I added Glendale brass saddles to mine. The Crook Tele and Danocaster really sound nice though. I bet the Danocaster has a great chord melody tone for solo guitar with tone rolled off.
I think you were getting great tones out all...they were just different flavors. Possibly the only only way to truly compare would be to use one guitar, and record it with each of the pickups in it. Pretty invasive way to experiment!
I like the advice especially the metronome and knowing your gear. I have a big pedal board with multi-function pedals, and while it is great and fun for playing at home and creating, it can be challenging in the moment of playing with other musicians, adapting to the room, the mix and finding the right sound and levels.
Ron Ellis brought here result that kills even my expectations. And that from a guy who tryied 14 different handwound pickups in a real 52 blackguard. Next close would be mojo pickup from UK and Peter Florance TE 50.
Can I make a suggestion? Love the videos and commentary. In fact, I love commentary way better than a guy shredding the entire video, but my humble request is for you to show a LITTLE more guitar playing when commenting on all of these great stories, you are a great player and would like to see a bit more. Much thanks.
Re: singing - my folky background helped here because I could sing and deliver a vocal. Tip: as a struggling young musician, I bought a PA. I got gigs because I could sing and had a PA.
Thank you for that wonderful advice about playing phrases like they are sung. That has made me dig and discover new sounds. Adding harmony notes like 2 parts is awesome. I'm going work on the Skaggs and Rice album and see what new discoveries lye there..
I love all your content and how you share your fast that our knowledge. I have a request could you periodically change your intro music? by doing this you could show your different styles.
Hey Zac I have a question. By the way I’m really enjoying your channel thanks so much for all you do brother. Here’s the question, when a person doesn’t have the ear to sing accurately I’ve always heard this problem referred to as “tone deaf”. This has never seemed right to me because it’s more of a pitch thing than a tone thing isn’t it? I’ve heard people with beAutiful vocal tone but could not hit the right pitch, they were either flat or sharp. And I’ve also heard people with less desirable sounding tone who could sing perfectly in pitch. To me there is definitely a difference between tone and pitch, but I have found that many people seem to get them confused. I have a very sharp ear for pitch but not so much for tone. I couldn’t tell much difference between the tele’s you played in this video. Maybe I’m the one who is confused? Ha ha God bless you bro
It's just a turn of phrase born out of ignorance of the difference between tone and pitch. It's very similar to how people refer to a Stratocaster vibrato bridge as a tremolo. Of course Leo had a lot to do with that using the synchronized tremolo trademark on the headstock. And at the expense of sounding technically pedantic, such people aren't actually tone (or pitch) "deaf" - they most certainly can hear the variation in pitch, they're just not able to accurately reproduce it vocally.
Beau, Great to hear from you. I think Dan has hit the nail on the head. They are really talking about pitch deaf. As far as the differences between the Telecasters, they are subtle, and that is kind of the point. Also, if you played my Tele's, they would sound different. Our buddy, Chip Thomas, said no matter which guitar I play, I always sound like me.
I've always had a problem with Tele neck pickups. I think it might be the metal cover that makes them sound dark to me. I love the Tele bridge pickup though. This was kind of insightful. Thanks for the video.
Louder more good! They all have a little bit different character, and sound great! Liked the Paisley guitar the best? Know your gear - great advice. Good enough sound...obviously, right tool for the job, but any of those Telecasters would work if you needed a Telecaster - dig it?
Great points no doubt . The metronome is a great help tool. I’m waiting on on my Crook paisley , the more I see yours the More I want that look. Lol. I’m driving Bill crazy. Yours is Alder mines gonna be swamp ash. Budz Crook pups 10k. Thanks for another kool post Mate.
Very revealing, thanks for sharing. Did the DanOcaster have newer strings compared to the others? It is an amazing pickup; Justin Lage or Ron Ellis the constructor? Where can I get one, please? I totally agree with the singing approach to playing melodies - it's also good fun in the car! All best, thanks so much!
Electronics are all 250k pots. The caps used are slightly different. I had the tone and volume full up during the comparisons. But, the 67 and Crook are not connected to the tone pot, while the Danocaster is. Forgot about that. Thanks for asking
Wow, looking forward to see this episode Zac. Maybe you can invite A close friend to chat with you , who also seems to play on this model tele. Forgot his name though. 😉
Zac another great video, but just a suggestion, I’ve been watching your videos and man I can’t hear anything you’re saying. Of course I can turn it up, but then the guitar is deafening. Do you think you could turn up your mic? Keen em comin brudda
This is a very early episode. I, later on, got a mic that I either put on my collar or taped to my chest for my voice. Later episodes should be better. Thanks!
how would you say the Ron Ellis JL compares to a Lollar Charlie Christian neck pickup? Just wondering how they compare as both are very Jazz orientated.
I do like the Ron Ellis, and the stock '67 pickups. I guess I don't care as much about the extra punch of the Adder APC. Odd of me to make those choices.
Hola from the North Of England! I recently got my first Deluxe Reverb and noticed that you use the vibrato channel, but with only reverb in the main. On my DR, this channel sounds the best too...; My amp has the 5751 in V1 position. Do you find this channel is tonally better?
I actually find it EASIER to record with a click now. I think a lot of people are resistant to the click because they don't approach it the right way. Playing or recording to the click doesn't mean everything is strictly on the grid. You can still play with feel and dynamics and have the song be in time.
My NOCASTER (yes real one refin and new frets) has the WORST neck pickup. It's been re wired to the 53-54 Tele wiring. The output is low and it sounds muddy, So I only use the HEAVENLY bridge pickup. I have talked to other 50 and 51 Tele/No Caster owners and many of them have sucky neck pickups too.
Want a B bender Tele but don’t want to drop 3 grand or more on one. Was thinking about getting something decent like maybe a player series Mexican Tele used and having the bender installed like maybe a Matney. Thoughts, recommendations?
..Zac I read , a couple of years ago...that Pete Anderson said he went from using two Deluxe Reverbs ...to a Line 6 Pod ...as someone who's tech'd .....your thoughts ?
@@AskZac to me as good as a 1000 dollar American tele, im thinking of finding those brad paisley pickups from Seymour Duncan and dropping them in.....i play alot of brad songs and learning his chicken pickin......
![Let's Talk About Fender Telecasters [And T-Shaped Objects £139 - £Thousands] - That Pedal Show](/img/1.gif)
If there’s one thing I’ve never understood, it’s people talking about how the neck pickup on a Tele is useless. I keep mine on the neck like 80% of the time. Love that sound!
Absolutely.
I rarely use the bridge - sometimes it just pushes too hard.
Aye me too👍
Drop a Lindy Fralin Blues Special or better yet, a Lollar's Special T...AND disconnect tone pot and the neck will SING!
"knowing your gear is much better than having new gear" _ Trey Anastasio. Nailed it, Zac!
Trey nailed it!!!!!
Uncomplicated your rig and learn it.
Remember the old saying; “ Beware of the man who has only one gun. He will surely know how to use it”.
Surf guitarist Dick Dale was my friend for many years. He played his original 61 Strat until the day he died. It was his only Strat until Fender gave him a gold hardware , mother of pearl blinged out custom shop Strat, which he would not play as he was afraid he would “Tear it up”.
He is right about singing vastly increasing gigging opportunities...especially at the local level. You CAN gig without fancy guitar skills, but for most genres of music you cannot gig without solid vocals. So if you want to make money through musical performance, do what you can to develop your vocals as well as your guitar skills.
Absolutely - the voice is an instrument
I’m one of those people who LOVES a Tele neck pickup, and loves a Tele neck pickup when it sounds like one. It is one of the reasons why a Telecaster is often an “any gig” guitar for me, because of the twang of the bridge pickup and the warmth of the neck pickup that allows me to use it for Jazz and moments in music that require a warmer tone, in a way that a Strat doesn’t quite manage as well, due to its own physically and sonically different neck pickup design.
That's one thing I just don't hear in my new T. It doesn't twang like people say Teles should. Not sure if it's the Wilkinson M-series pickups or what. It has no twang, though. Only time it does is when I pick below the bridge pickup, between the pickup & saddles.
Danocaster, to my ears, sounds incredible. The clear winner, for me. But it’s all subjective when the instruments being compared are all such amazing things.
On the subject of gear futzing, I think it's important to note that the room is a significant factor affecting tone. It is actually good to take a moment before rehearsal starts to tune your gear to the room. If you know your rig well enough and have experience going from super dead/dry rooms to super reflective/bright rooms, it won't take you long at all to make the necessary adjustments. I have yet to find a rig that excels in both environments on the same settings. My 2 cents anyway.
I agree 100% with that. And if you know your gear, you know how to compensate for different environments.
I love this stuff. Imagine back in the day having one guitar and maaaybe two amps with no pedals and having to "dial in" all of this stuff. I love music :)
Heck - in 1964, my “rig” consisted of a single pick up Gibson Melody Maker (in a cardboard case), a small, 15-watt nondescript off brand amp, one guitar chord, one or two picks, and a spare ‘B’ and high ‘E’ string😂. Obviously no such thing as a pedal. Those were the days, life was simple (and a lot more fun too😉!)
Great episode. Going to go play it again on the studio monitors and play my Fralin/Callaham neck pickup to compare. :)
Also I’ll sing along!
You better sing!
I was always against the telecaster. So I never bothered learning much about them. But a wise man can admit his wrongs, and here I am nerding down on tele info. There's something amazing that happens with that big maple neck, oversized bridge, bolt on neck and (my preference) the lower output bridge pickup that makes your amp and effects sound like they are trying, but not quite driving all the way I've fallen in love with.
Same here. About 4 years ago I got my first tele. Now I own 5 of them. The only guitar I want to play these days.
I really dig that chirp on top in the Ron Ellis. I like em all, in this context, but that one _does_ _it_ for me.
Thanks. It is a favorite
Your Crook tele looks and sounds so good. I love the paisley look.
I have Joe Bardens in my tele.
I’m not even a Tele guy. But your tone is always amazing. And as not even a tele guy, I don’t favor tele neck pickups. But that Julian Lage neck Pickup was kind of amazing.
I put an Ellis 50B in the bridge of my CS Telecaster a couple weeks ago and today I put a JL in the neck, largely thanks to your videos. Thanks for helping with my obsession! 😀
So I was waiting for the Lindy Frailn pickups to come in and I have set of forty dollar pickups from Korea laying around and I installed them on my guitar. Oddly enough the Korean pickups for forty dollars sounded and played really nice!
Good sound is good sound forty dollars to four hundred dollars and you can’t argue with it ! 😂
Rock on!
The singing the solo part is something Mayer has repeatedly emphasized. And in general, being and to sing can carry you pretty far because most people don't know diddly when listening to guitar solos, BUT THEY KNOW THE SONG MELODIES. also live looping will force you to develop good time and consistency as well 👍
Great video. Love the tips at the end! My students always say that about click tracks and the metronome. They hate to admit it is their timing that sucks and not the metronome.
We all need help here.
I found the APC Adder most pleasing of the bunch, with the 1967 coming in second. The could have been other factors as you mentioned that may have played a role in by observation, but to my ear, this is were my preferences reside.
I think I like the Danocaster 1st, and the Paisley 2nd from what I hear over youtube. All sound great though.!! Thank you.
Great advice about singing, too. Especially harmony if you want to be a great sideman. Singing licks before you play them could very well be the best guitar advice of all time. If you’ve never tried it, give it a shot and get ready for a humbling experience.
You are dead on. Humbling
I have to say Zac that your channel is the best find on RUclips this year so far. My playing (and understanding of the tele and it’s classic players) has improved 100 fold! Oh-and I have a Nobles Overdrive on my must have list for 2020! Thanks so much for your insight and inspiration and I look forward to more awesome videos! 🎸🎸🎸
Thanks Joe!!!!!!
Got a Nobels OD-1 Mini on my pedal wish list.
The metronome is everything!
I enjoyed this one as always Zac. Not a bad sounding pickup in the bunch. I believe I would have to lean towards the APC Adder. Fine job!
They all have their strengths. The APC is hot and clear
Couldn’t agree more about singing. It is such an asset. I have gotten gigs because I sing and the other person didn’t. When I was younger I lost out on a signed band gig because my vocals weren’t strong enough. Great advice about the metronome too. I was primarily a bass player for years and got schooled by a session drummer early on who advised to do just what you said. Practice playing behind and on top of the beat with a drum machine so you can control your portion of the groove. Awesome as always Zac!
Thank you so much for watching, and the comment, Chris.
Man, you couldn’t be more spot on with that changing gear or bringing new gear to a practice. As drummer it’s sooo frustrating to see guitar player fiddling with something the whole time. It’s literally saying I’m not here musically and that what everyone else in the band is doing doesn’t interest me.
Zac, the nicest channel I’ve come across in a long time. I’ve got 6 or 7? Teles. Just listening to you Noodle is Very Inspiring.
Maybe it’ll make me work on my Hybrid Picking . Keep up the Clips & Thank You!
Thank you verticaldude!
The most astute and direct advice for being ready at a gig. As for pickups, it's the Ron Ellis /Julian Lage for me! I'm building 2 Teles right now and at least one set will be installed.
Nice job Zac. The pink paisley still looks good. Still like the APC I have never found another neck pickup quite like it. Such a shame they closed up.
I love that guitar. It has been a friend, and means so much that it came from you. The APC Adder is very assertive, and clear. Not very vintage, but so usable.
Subbed. This is my favorite "new" guitar channel. Sublime playing, unassuming presentation. Thanks, Zac!
Welcome aboard!
Zac you’re exactly right that almost impossible to test pickups in different guitars...wood saddles age of wood. I’d pick 67 fender then Ron Ellis.
Singing to playing parts makes leafs more musical and less acrobatic.
Another cool video. Thanks!
You are so welcome!
Each has its own voice. All good. ✌️
Yes
When I choose my Tele for a particular song, it's most always for the bridge pickup (or the neck/bridge combo for playing slide). I grab my Strat if I need the sound of the neck pickup. Tele neck pickup does deliver a similar vibe though.
Man, I just love your content Zac! Really glad I stumbled onto your channel and am looking forward to watching more and practicing with more determination. Keep up the good work and thanks!
Stock 67' pickup is twice as nice ! Love the meaty , yet mellow tone !
Agreed!
Julian pickup is awesome
Yes, it is. Thanks!
Fantastic point at the end. The last band I played in I reverted to playing the first guitar I ever bought and beloved Marshall shredmaster pedal. It was the most in the moment and musically productive I'd ever been in rehearsal and jam sessions.
I enjoy the sound of your '67 Telecaster's neck pickup. I like a pickup with more midrange.
Great sounds from all of them but for me the Adder and vintage 67 were my preferred tones. Great tips regarding practice - I wish I had known that stuff when starting out too. Especially singing, I really regret not spending more time practicing singing.
Wow the alder bodied tele sounded good!
They all sound good.
Thanks!
Well , I have to say that the stock pickup in the 67' sounds the best to my ears ! I know that tone is subjective , and I have used several brands of pickups . I have a set of Rio Grande Vintage Tall Boys in my 99'American standard . They have a Great sound , but they do not sound like vintage pickups . I installed the stock pickups out of that guitar into me 99 ' ,50's reissue . That guitar sounds exactly like a vintage Tele to my ears . Anyway , I love Teles , Strats , and Fender tube amps . Thanks for a great video .
I have found that wiring the tone only to the bridge really helps any neck pickup. The neck gets louder and brighter
@@AskZac Nice one mate, welcome to the Southern Hemisphere of Auckland New Zealand. You might as well show me what you mean about "Wiring the Tone to the bridge Pup" a quick diagram or vid should do it---- regards gib
Ok. Will do
I appreciated the different shades of tones of the pickups - but its interesting, all three were unmistakably a tele neck sound and similar enough that I would personally be very happy with any of them. For the player that is focused on just one genre however those shades could be alot more important
Zac, found you from your excellent interview videos for Trutone Lounge. Love that you’re sharing all of your knowledge and experience in such a relaxed, comfortable way! Keep it up my friend! -Kyle
Thank you so much, Kyle. I will do my best
Ask Zac I built my own Tele out of some 150 year old spruce from an old building my brother in law tore down. Always being more of a humbucker player, this guitar has really made me appreciate the telecaster! Your videos and experience playing all of the Tele-centric stuff like Bakersfield to Western swing is really helped me hear what good a good basic Tele tone should sound like. I plan on making some more videos soon showing my Tele through an original early 68 black line drip edge DR. I have the Sullivan TL51 pickups in it. Anyway thought I’d share, thanks for reading man
I watched the video on the Tele and the 68 Deluxe
Ask Zac cool, thanks! I ended up rebuilding the cabinet for the 68’ and it turned out really nice! Detailed videos on the cab build and on the Tele build maybe finished this weekend
@@kylebollendorf4856 I'll be watching!
Fine picking the both sound really good ...I know my friend Anson Funderburgh loves Ron Ellis pickups ....the APC sounds almost strat like to my ears !
Thanks for commenting, Greg! Love your shop, Atlanta Vintage Guitars.
APC Adder pickup sounds great!
I have one that I've yet to put in a telecaster, just waiting on the right project & guitar.
Awesome videos! Loving this channel. I’m somewhat new to Telecasters. I recently purchased a S/S Fender American Performer. Plays great. Kind of a no frills Tele. I really love it. My biggest issue is a big drop off in output from bridge to neck. When I switch to the lipstick pickup the volume is much lower than the bridge. Is this normal in a Tele?
Yes, the bridge pickup in tele it's hot as hell (even a lot more than a strat)
Hey Zac, love the channel. Correct me if I’m wrong. You teched for Brad right? I ask because I’d love to hear more about the tech work that you did as far as day today and also if Brad had any particular practice routines when on the road?
Next Viewer Mailbag, I will answer this.
The danocaster came alive, is that also new strings or the pickup, so sweet and 3dimensuonal.
They all sound great to me.
That Ron Ellis Pups sound so articulate and clear...
Oh man ...that waiting list kills
But worth it!
Neve so many long lists that I’ve balked at because...I’m impatient. I wish I would’ve gotten on most those lists by now...I’d have that gear now. Ron Ellis and Danocaster both comes to mind.
You just got to do it
@@AskZac i did...xD
@@3GCMusic Just do it! You will come around to the top
Cool vid. I know its not a competition, but that Danocaster sounds soulful and chewy. I dig it the most I think.
All nice! But - Ash body + maple cap really sounds AMAZING even thru an Ipad speaker. Maybe because I’m use to that. I added Glendale brass saddles to mine. The Crook Tele and Danocaster really sound nice though. I bet the Danocaster has a great chord melody tone for solo guitar with tone rolled off.
I think you were getting great tones out all...they were just different flavors. Possibly the only only way to truly compare would be to use one guitar, and record it with each of the pickups in it. Pretty invasive way to experiment!
I thought they all sounded great too, just different. Yes, to do it right would be very invasive
That was great advice at the end. Thanks for sharing it.
Loved the Crook's tone, and your playing, of course.
Thank you kindly!
I like the advice especially the metronome and knowing your gear. I have a big pedal board with multi-function pedals, and while it is great and fun for playing at home and creating, it can be challenging in the moment of playing with other musicians, adapting to the room, the mix and finding the right sound and levels.
Cool playing...nice tones whatever you used..
Thanks a lot!
Ron Ellis brought here result that kills even my expectations. And that from a guy who tryied 14 different handwound pickups in a real 52 blackguard. Next close would be mojo pickup from UK and Peter Florance TE 50.
Great choices!
How can i contact Ron for real 52 replica pickups for my blackguard? Mine is 6 p. Light and needs special treatment😁
@@Ivayloi123 Reach out to Ron Ellis via t2ellis(at)pacbell.net
Thank you for your allways kindness. Your channel allways brings joy to me.
New subscriber and love these videos. Keep them going please! Thanks.
Thank you for subscribing! I will keep them coming
4:23 kills me every time 😂
It was killing me!!
absolutely, about the singing!!
Can I make a suggestion? Love the videos and commentary. In fact, I love commentary way better than a guy shredding the entire video, but my humble request is for you to show a LITTLE more guitar playing when commenting on all of these great stories, you are a great player and would like to see a bit more. Much thanks.
I will do my best. No, I am not a shredder.
Re: singing - my folky background helped here because I could sing and deliver a vocal. Tip: as a struggling young musician, I bought a PA. I got gigs because I could sing and had a PA.
Great advice on gear and set-up!
Thank you for that wonderful advice about playing phrases like they are sung. That has made me dig and discover new sounds. Adding harmony notes like 2 parts is awesome. I'm going work on the Skaggs and Rice album and see what new discoveries lye there..
You're so welcome!
Nice Bass VI in the background!
I can't make my mind up on those Teles but I kinda like the Danocaster.
I love all your content and how you share your fast that our knowledge. I have a request could you periodically change your intro music? by doing this you could show your different styles.
I play different pieces after the intro. The intro is my signature.
Interesting. It does sound a little like winding the tone control back with each of the three demos.
Hey Zac I have a question. By the way I’m really enjoying your channel thanks so much for all you do brother. Here’s the question, when a person doesn’t have the ear to sing accurately I’ve always heard this problem referred to as “tone deaf”. This has never seemed right to me because it’s more of a pitch thing than a tone thing isn’t it? I’ve heard people with beAutiful vocal tone but could not hit the right pitch, they were either flat or sharp. And I’ve also heard people with less desirable sounding tone who could sing perfectly in pitch. To me there is definitely a difference between tone and pitch, but I have found that many people seem to get them confused. I have a very sharp ear for pitch but not so much for tone. I couldn’t tell much difference between the tele’s you played in this video. Maybe I’m the one who is confused? Ha ha God bless you bro
It's just a turn of phrase born out of ignorance of the difference between tone and pitch. It's very similar to how people refer to a Stratocaster vibrato bridge as a tremolo. Of course Leo had a lot to do with that using the synchronized tremolo trademark on the headstock.
And at the expense of sounding technically pedantic, such people aren't actually tone (or pitch) "deaf" - they most certainly can hear the variation in pitch, they're just not able to accurately reproduce it vocally.
Beau, Great to hear from you. I think Dan has hit the nail on the head. They are really talking about pitch deaf. As far as the differences between the Telecasters, they are subtle, and that is kind of the point. Also, if you played my Tele's, they would sound different. Our buddy, Chip Thomas, said no matter which guitar I play, I always sound like me.
67 forever!
All sound Great! I want that amp! Everything Sounds Good Through That Thing!!!
It is a good one
Keep up the show! I am learning so much.
Thanks, will do!
I liked the Paisley sound the most, and it seems like you played it better. Thanks.
I just put those pickups back in the paisley. It had some Duncan La Brea's in there for a bit.
I've always had a problem with Tele neck pickups. I think it might be the metal cover that makes them sound dark to me. I love the Tele bridge pickup though. This was kind of insightful. Thanks for the video.
Zachary Drummond have you tried an uncovered or open Tele neck? Some say it takes the darkness/mud out, n opens the neck pup to a more Strat vibe
Louder more good! They all have a little bit different character, and sound great! Liked the Paisley guitar the best? Know your gear - great advice. Good enough sound...obviously, right tool for the job, but any of those Telecasters would work if you needed a Telecaster - dig it?
Thanks!
Great points no doubt . The metronome is a great help tool. I’m waiting on on my Crook paisley , the more I see yours the More I want that look. Lol. I’m driving Bill crazy. Yours is Alder mines gonna be swamp ash. Budz Crook pups 10k. Thanks for another kool post Mate.
You will love it!
I would love to see you share some of those chat Atkins Alex with us, slow down. That would be fantastic.
Slow down those Atkins licks?
Ask Zac I can’t type today. Yes! Loved those likes, would love to see them slowed down.
My ear definitely likes the danocaster
Julian Lange was my favorite
The Julian pickup sounds really great.
Thank you
All amazing, but loooved the 67!!!
The ‘67 is the clear winner for me. Reminds me of my ‘71 that I stupidly sold a while back.
Very revealing, thanks for sharing. Did the DanOcaster have newer strings compared to the others? It is an amazing pickup; Justin Lage or Ron Ellis the constructor? Where can I get one, please? I totally agree with the singing approach to playing melodies - it's also good fun in the car! All best, thanks so much!
Strings were all new. Ron Ellis pickups, Julian Lage model neck pickup
Very nice demo. What if any, are the differences in the pickups/tone controls on each of these guitars?
Electronics are all 250k pots. The caps used are slightly different. I had the tone and volume full up during the comparisons. But, the 67 and Crook are not connected to the tone pot, while the Danocaster is. Forgot about that. Thanks for asking
Zac - thanks for the tips ad advice. I am curious as to how you are miking your amp. Don't see one in the video. DaveJ
iphone built in mic
@@AskZac SERIOUSLY!!! It sounds like a more complex arrangement. I'm impressed! Just for that I'm gonna visit the tip jar. Keep it up.
That's one hot pup on the paisley. Love it.
Wow, looking forward to see this episode Zac. Maybe you can invite A close friend to chat with you , who also seems to play on this model tele. Forgot his name though. 😉
Thanks! The Truetone Lounge is where I do interviews. I may talk about Brad in a future episode of Ask Zac.
Zac Childs I know Zac . Just ‘ tickling’ and teasing you a bit.Willem
Thanks
That adder pickup sounds amazing, so loud and clear! What other pickups would you compare that too?
It is its own thing. I guess a Stratty neck pickup.
Good stuff, Zac...thank you for posting this.
You are so welcome
Zac another great video, but just a suggestion, I’ve been watching your videos and man I can’t hear anything you’re saying. Of course I can turn it up, but then the guitar is deafening. Do you think you could turn up your mic?
Keen em comin brudda
This is a very early episode. I, later on, got a mic that I either put on my collar or taped to my chest for my voice. Later episodes should be better. Thanks!
how would you say the Ron Ellis JL compares to a Lollar Charlie Christian neck pickup? Just wondering how they compare as both are very Jazz orientated.
Very different pickups. I would watch some Tim Lerch videos to learn about the CC on a Tele.
I do like the Ron Ellis, and the stock '67 pickups. I guess I don't care as much about the extra punch of the Adder APC. Odd of me to make those choices.
Hola from the North Of England! I recently got my first Deluxe Reverb and noticed that you use the vibrato channel, but with only reverb in the main. On my DR, this channel sounds the best too...; My amp has the 5751 in V1 position. Do you find this channel is tonally better?
V1 is actually for the non verb side. You have to put it in v2 to hear that 5751 on the vibrato channel
Have you played the single coil v-mod pickups on the American pro telecaster?
I have not
I actually find it EASIER to record with a click now.
I think a lot of people are resistant to the click because they don't approach it the right way. Playing or recording to the click doesn't mean everything is strictly on the grid. You can still play with feel and dynamics and have the song be in time.
Agreed
Works wonders for editing, adding drummer in garageband, keeping rhythm/tempo, etc.
My NOCASTER (yes real one refin and new frets) has the WORST neck pickup. It's been re wired to the 53-54 Tele wiring. The output is low and it sounds muddy, So I only use the HEAVENLY bridge pickup. I have talked to other 50 and 51 Tele/No Caster owners and many of them have sucky neck pickups too.
Want a B bender Tele but don’t want to drop 3 grand or more on one. Was thinking about getting something decent like maybe a player series Mexican Tele used and having the bender installed like maybe a Matney. Thoughts, recommendations?
Get a Tele, and send it to Joe Glaser for an install. Get a Mexican Roadworn!
..Zac I read , a couple of years ago...that Pete Anderson said he went from using two Deluxe Reverbs ...to a Line 6 Pod ...as someone who's tech'd .....your thoughts ?
He still uses amps too. I don't love using modelers, but sometimes you have too.
67.... I was born in Dec 66..
That should be might Telly since we're the same age..
Ever play a squier classic vibe tele??
They are great!
@@AskZac to me as good as a 1000 dollar American tele, im thinking of finding those brad paisley pickups from Seymour Duncan and dropping them in.....i play alot of brad songs and learning his chicken pickin......
@@truckercowboyed2638 I am getting a set of those pickups to do a demo.