Telecaster Neck Pickups and Practice Tips - ASK ZAC EP 5

[@cj.sabella]

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!

[@coaldoubt2879]

Absolutely. I rarely use the bridge - sometimes it just pushes too hard.

[@Man_fay_the_Bru]

Aye me too👍

[@lazvt8469]

Drop a Lindy Fralin Blues Special or better yet, a Lollar's Special T...AND disconnect tone pot and the neck will SING!

[@gdasilva]

"knowing your gear is much better than having new gear" _ Trey Anastasio. Nailed it, Zac!

[@AskZac]

Trey nailed it!!!!!

[@mhillaxeman]

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.

[@davidrice3337]

Absolutely - the voice is an instrument

[@calsurflance5598]

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”.

[@braddietzmusic2429]

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.

[@J.C...]

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.

[@fivewattworld]

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!

[@AskZac]

You better sing!

[@JiminTennessee]

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 :)

[@Leslie-m9p]

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😉!)

[@bleeknoir]

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.

[@IDriveAnAudi]

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! 😀

[@yargnad]

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.

[@AskZac]

Thanks. It is a favorite

[@jbert7289]

Your Crook tele looks and sounds so good. I love the paisley look. I have Joe Bardens in my tele.

[@boseefusmacmurphy1156]

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.

[@smokepeddler]

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.

[@ebeep]

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.

[@AskZac]

I agree 100% with that. And if you know your gear, you know how to compensate for different environments.

[@chrislestermusic]

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!

[@AskZac]

Thank you so much for watching, and the comment, Chris.

[@gregnewberry4813]

I think I like the Danocaster 1st, and the Paisley 2nd from what I hear over youtube. All sound great though.!! Thank you.

[@davetoepfer]

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.

[@rickhuff9030]

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.

[@beardnyethedrumguy]

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.

[@joerobinson2538]

I have to say Zac that your channel is the best find on KZbin 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! 🎸🎸🎸

[@AskZac]

Thanks Joe!!!!!!

[@richardellis8808]

Got a Nobels OD-1 Mini on my pedal wish list.

[@curtevans838]

The metronome is everything!

[@Scratch_Monsters_Golf]

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.

[@AskZac]

You are dead on. Humbling

[@schrammguitars]

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.

[@AskZac]

We all need help here.

[@Dlogreen]

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 👍

[@herringbone72]

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!

[@AskZac]

They all have their strengths. The APC is hot and clear

[@kjatexas3679]

They all sound good.

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@verticaldude]

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!

[@AskZac]

Thank you verticaldude!

[@afterstars]

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?

[@betray32]

Yes, the bridge pickup in tele it's hot as hell (even a lot more than a strat)

[@joeb564]

Each has its own voice. All good. ✌️

[@AskZac]

Yes

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

Stock 67' pickup is twice as nice ! Love the meaty , yet mellow tone !

[@AskZac]

Agreed!

[@newenglandrockabilly]

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.

[@kylebollendorf4856]

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

[@AskZac]

Thank you so much, Kyle. I will do my best

[@kylebollendorf4856]

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

[@AskZac]

I watched the video on the Tele and the 68 Deluxe

[@kylebollendorf4856]

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

[@AskZac]

@@kylebollendorf4856 I'll be watching!

[@neve4020]

That Ron Ellis Pups sound so articulate and clear... Oh man ...that waiting list kills

[@AskZac]

But worth it!

[@3GCMusic]

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.

[@AskZac]

You just got to do it

[@neve4020]

@@AskZac i did...xD

[@AskZac]

@@3GCMusic Just do it! You will come around to the top

[@johnl.6930]

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!

[@AskZac]

You are so welcome!

[@HUGEGUY405]

Julian pickup is awesome

[@AskZac]

Yes, it is. Thanks!

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

They all sound great to me.

[@j_wah3084]

Subbed. This is my favorite "new" guitar channel. Sublime playing, unassuming presentation. Thanks, Zac!

[@AskZac]

Welcome aboard!

[@jack6136]

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 ! 😂

[@AskZac]

Rock on!

[@myeyesarewaiting]

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.

[@the-LeoKnightus]

Cool vid. I know its not a competition, but that Danocaster sounds soulful and chewy. I dig it the most I think.

[@ronhipwell5543]

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!

[@gangnamstylegrandpa6352]

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]

I have found that wiring the tone only to the bridge really helps any neck pickup. The neck gets louder and brighter

[@11calman]

@@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

[@AskZac]

Ok. Will do

[@CrookCustomGuitars]

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.

[@AskZac]

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.

[@greghenderson4582]

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 !

[@AskZac]

Thanks for commenting, Greg! Love your shop, Atlanta Vintage Guitars.

[@scotttucker9346]

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.

[@MichaelBethke-ni6zb]

Thanks for talking about Telecasters. I have resently tried a few of them, but I am still trying different ones. Do you know any utube players that sell thier own customn picks?

[@howardskinner4916]

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.

[@Kubooxooki]

That was great advice at the end. Thanks for sharing it. Loved the Crook's tone, and your playing, of course.

[@AskZac]

Thank you kindly!

[@self4autism333]

The danocaster came alive, is that also new strings or the pickup, so sweet and 3dimensuonal.

[@hearpalhere]

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.

[@aarongallant35]

I enjoy the sound of your '67 Telecaster's neck pickup. I like a pickup with more midrange.

[@timdoubrava8064]

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?

[@AskZac]

Get a Tele, and send it to Joe Glaser for an install. Get a Mexican Roadworn!

[@lou.yorke.x]

Great advice here.

[@gratisboy121]

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?

[@AskZac]

Next Viewer Mailbag, I will answer this.

[@JBI1]

APC Adder pickup sounds great! I have one that I've yet to put in a telecaster, just waiting on the right project & guitar.

[@petersparker]

All amazing, but loooved the 67!!!

[@biglutherie]

Great advice on gear and set-up!

[@richardwhitehead4684]

The ‘67 is the clear winner for me. Reminds me of my ‘71 that I stupidly sold a while back.

[@1911acolt1]

Wow the alder bodied tele sounded good!

[@johnhurtt977]

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!

[@AskZac]

I thought they all sounded great too, just different. Yes, to do it right would be very invasive

[@waynehicks1969]

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.

[@artisanmetalcraft]

Very nice demo. What if any, are the differences in the pickups/tone controls on each of these guitars?

[@AskZac]

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

[@delldavis6222]

I liked the Paisley sound the most, and it seems like you played it better. Thanks.

[@AskZac]

I just put those pickups back in the paisley. It had some Duncan La Brea's in there for a bit.

[@mralgebro]

Keep up the show! I am learning so much.

[@AskZac]

Thanks, will do!

[@GregoryPearsonMusic]

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

[@BlueSkies32]

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.

[@CORNPOP24]

The Julian pickup sounds really great.

[@AskZac]

Thank you

[@beauwalker353]

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

[@yargnad]

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.

[@AskZac]

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.

[@Ivayloi123]

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.

[@AskZac]

Great choices!

[@Ivayloi123]

How can i contact Ron for real 52 replica pickups for my blackguard? Mine is 6 p. Light and needs special treatment😁

[@AskZac]

@@Ivayloi123 Reach out to Ron Ellis via t2ellis(at)pacbell.net

[@Ivayloi123]

Thank you for your allways kindness. Your channel allways brings joy to me.

[@dallastoto3189]

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.

[@AskZac]

You will love it!

[@bddmhopp5]

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.

[@AskZac]

I will do my best. No, I am not a shredder.

[@SweetSpotSC]

New subscriber and love these videos. Keep them going please! Thanks.

[@AskZac]

Thank you for subscribing! I will keep them coming

[@TheAmphibic]

absolutely, about the singing!!

[@robertrosejr1]

I notice must of your guitars are maple board. Do you not like rosewood on Telecasters? Does it take the snap away?

[@AskZac]

I don't love the feel of rosewood when bending. Love it on an acoustic, because I don't bend on them.

[@luismendo]

Nice Bass VI in the background!

[@okiecowpokey]

My ear definitely likes the danocaster

[@glennmattison3180]

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.

[@AskZac]

Very different pickups. I would watch some Tim Lerch videos to learn about the CC on a Tele.

[@dannytriplett8625]

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..

[@AskZac]

You're so welcome!

[@ajchavez3461]

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.

[@AskZac]

I play different pieces after the intro. The intro is my signature.

[@skinnykarlos710]

That's one hot pup on the paisley. Love it.

[@thedesertroseband]

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. 😉

[@AskZac]

Thanks! The Truetone Lounge is where I do interviews. I may talk about Brad in a future episode of Ask Zac.

[@thedesertroseband]

Zac Childs I know Zac . Just ‘ tickling’ and teasing you a bit.Willem

[@AskZac]

Thanks

[@Scratch_Monsters_Golf]

4:23 kills me every time 😂

[@AskZac]

It was killing me!!

[@Requiredfields2]

Have you played the single coil v-mod pickups on the American pro telecaster?

[@AskZac]

I have not

[@ronkresch9228]

Julian Lange was my favorite

[@davetube2ful]

Hey Zak, Can a guitar pot effect the sound of a pickup, I have a twang king neck pickup on one of my tele that sounds chimy and i love it, so I put one in my other tele and it sounds dark.

[@AskZac]

davetube2ful are they both the same rating? 250k? What are the differences in the guitars?

[@davetube2ful]

@@AskZac yes there both 250 one is ash and one is alder, I was wondering if the pot could be off a little say like under 250

[@AskZac]

Do you have a meter to check the pots and pickups? That would help.

[@robertomarciano]

67 forever!

[@markchristopher2373]

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!

[@AskZac]

Strings were all new. Ron Ellis pickups, Julian Lage model neck pickup

[@pilippepine3299]

Cool playing...nice tones whatever you used..

[@AskZac]

Thanks a lot!

[@marksc1929]

..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]

He still uses amps too. I don't love using modelers, but sometimes you have too.

[@nickbrownUK]

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?

[@AskZac]

V1 is actually for the non verb side. You have to put it in v2 to hear that 5751 on the vibrato channel

[@druwk]

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?

[@AskZac]

Thanks!

[@telemaster03]

Good stuff, Zac...thank you for posting this.

[@AskZac]

You are so welcome

[@Dam-oH]

i like your steel guitar style bends. What gauge strings do you use?

[@AskZac]

I was using 9.5-44 strings by D’ADDARIO xl120+

[@CountryHitsUSA]

All sound Great! I want that amp! Everything Sounds Good Through That Thing!!!

[@AskZac]

It is a good one

[@Grant_Ferstat]

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.

[@AskZac]

Agreed

[@socialdef3]

Works wonders for editing, adding drummer in garageband, keeping rhythm/tempo, etc.

[@briannacery9939]

I can't make my mind up on those Teles but I kinda like the Danocaster.

[@davej318]

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

[@AskZac]

iphone built in mic

[@davej318]

@@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.

[@playinginthekitchenwithv7140]

I love your theme song!

[@tomgnau]

Zac, when you play at home with the DRRI, what's your typical volume?

[@AskZac]

2.5-3

[@TheNewenglandboys]

Zak, have you ever played through the Fender Cybertwin amp?

[@AskZac]

Never have

[@TheNewenglandboys]

@@AskZac I would love to see you try one out and hear your comments. It is such an under rated amp with the true wiring circuitry and tubes used by the originals. It's not modeling amp like some believe.

[@2000SkyView]

Zak, The neck pickup on my Telecaster makes a very loud thump through the amp when I accidently hit it with my pick, I am guessing because of the cover. Will wax potting the pickup or removing the cover prevent this thump? thanks.

[@AskZac]

Wax potting will help. There might be a grounding issue with the cover also.

[@2000SkyView]

@@AskZac I will have to take a closer look at that, not even sure if there is a ground wire attached to the pickup cover, didn't even think of that.

[@2000SkyView]

@@AskZac Definitely something funky with my neck pickup cover on my tele. When touch any metal on my guitar (with the amp turned up) I can hear the "ambient pickup noise" get quiet. This does not happen when I touch the neck pickup cover, unless I apply a little pressure on the cover. Definitely not a sold ground connection there, will have to take a closer look next time I change the strings ~ Thanks for the tip!!!!

[@2000SkyView]

@@AskZac Turned out to be a loose pickup cover. Slipped a little paper under the tabs on the back of the pickup, seems to have fixed the issue for now. Will have to find a more permeant fix next time I change the strings.

[@calsurflance5598]

One of my strats would build up a static charge, and would pop through the amp when a screw was touched. I ran an additional ground wire to all the pickups and shielded the cavities with copper foil tape. It eliminated the hum and static discharge and increased the output of the stock pickups. It is to my ears, the best tone of any guitar I have ever played. ( I have a few) 🎸🎸