Brent Mason | Truetone Lounge | Part 3 (Gear Rundown)

Brent Mason is one of the titans of the Nashville studio scene who's impact on the "Nashville Sound" cannot be overstated. In part 3 of our Truetone Lounge interview, Brent talks about the psychology of working in the studio, and gives great advice to the aspiring session guitarist. Mason also pays homage to his favorite session guitarist, Reggie Young. We then dive into some of Brent's gear, including his 1968 Telecaster, 1968 ES-335, signature model PRS, Gretsch 6120, pedal board, and his favorite amp, a 1967 blackface Fender Deluxe Reverb.
brentmason.com
truetone.com
truetonelounge.com

[@guitareveryone]

Brent seems like a great guy. Very down to earth. Don't you love it when your guitar heroes are like that?

[@bradh6185]

When you asked how many re-frets- perfect question. Great interview.

[@10bbremer]

Brent's best interview by far.

[@wtreppler]

Just finished watching all 3 parts and man, what a legacy. All the guitar parts I was learning for the songs we did, he came up with. And the sound. Never could quite get it. Now I know why (after all these years). Tried with a Tele (or Strat), Dynacomp, and Mesa Boogie Studio 22. Thank you Truetone for taking the time with Brent.

[@gregmirr]

What a treat sitting around with Brent Mason every Tele players dream he said so many things to keep mind ..thanks Truetone great job

[@TruetoneFX]

It was an amazing treat. Zac

[@ewhip17]

This and the JD Simo interviews have been my favorite but they just keep getting better and better each time. Thanks again!

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you. They both played for Don Kelley, but a good 30-years apart. Zac

[@Docsjeff]

I was at the CMA after party in 98’ and got my pic made w/Brent. He won guitar player of the year that year,plus many more years.

[@musicmann1967]

This was wonderful. Brent is really a monster player, and a cool down to earth guy. Cheers!

[@RossHelmot]

Another great series of interviews Zac...best kept secret on youtube. Deserves a lot bigger viewership, the quality is 2nd to none.

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you Ross. Help us get the word out by sharing it. Zac

[@davidjessee7701]

Its so wonderful to have these interviews and picking with Brent.... Such of a great picker!!!

[@BrothaManFromDa5thFl]

These interviews are a treasure! Thank you and please keep them going!!

[@TruetoneFX]

We will, as long as people watch and share them with others. Zac

[@l.t.wright9719]

Fantastic!...Thank you for doing the interview. It was really nice hearing straight from Brent about his gear and session time.

[@TruetoneFX]

You are welcome. It was a great thrill for us to get to sit down with him and talk about his amazing career. Zac

[@Stratamania]

Great set of interviews with Brent. Thanks for posting them.

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you for watching them.

[@AdamWellsMusic]

Great guy! Love his stories. This man has played on so many great songs.

[@jeffhebert9643]

This has been a great series . ...thanks so much .

[@TruetoneFX]

You are so welcome, thank you for watching. Zac

[@ThinDreamer30]

As much as I adore Brent's '68 tele, I also appreciate that you all covered a few other of his guitars. Thank you!

[@TruetoneFX]

He has many guitars, but we just wanted to spend time on some favorites of his. You are welcome.

[@robwolfe6021]

Great job Zac! and thank you Brent! So cool!

[@jimmyc5498]

great finish. thanks so much for helping us get to know him

[@TruetoneFX]

You are so welcome. He is such a fun guy to hang with, and he is one of the best in guitar town.

[@TheThinker39]

A wonderful interview of a fantastic musician! Thank you.

[@TruetoneFX]

Thanks for listening

[@jimbeaux4988]

Wonderful interview! One of my heroes!

[@TruetoneFX]

Mine too, but don't tell Brent. Zac

[@galactictravels224]

Great one zac Brent is amazing and a Nashville legend

[@TruetoneFX]

Her sure is. Thank you for watching. Zac

[@MGMNTmjn]

Great series on a great picker. Thanks for doing this.

[@TruetoneFX]

You are so welsome. It was a thrill to interview Brent. Zac

[@kyrandell3290]

Another absolutely stellar show Zac. Brent is a fantastic guest - a musician at the pinnacle of success who has contributed greatly to the development of country music. It's a total pleasure to listen to his creativity and generosity in sharing his knowledge and history from the epicentre of the music making. I have no doubt these shows will be recognised as the historic documenting of a time of the most significant music creation in due course. Sincere thanks to you both. Ky

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you. Zac

[@thomasreilly-Guitar]

great interview ,what a musician

[@siamese1414]

Recently discovered the True Tone vids. They're terrific.

[@peppik]

What a great guy! Thanks for the videos. I really enjoyed it :)

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you. We really enjoyed doing it. Zac

[@stringbender57]

This has been the most enjoyable, relaxed yet informative interview with Brent I have ever seen! For those of us that have never met Brent, I feel I really got to know him and his personality as if we had met in person. Comfortable setting, great questions, videography and editing. Well produced! Nice job "Truetone Lounge"! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you so much. These shows are a labor of love for us. Zac

[@iansnyder274]

Brent is such a cool dude!

[@LeeGee]

Fantastic, humbling - thank you

[@TruetoneFX]

He has an incredible body of work, and changed the way people played guitar here in Nashville. Zac

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Brent i am a Bass player and i use to listen to you and Glen Worf play together on cuts and we would look on the back of the albums and we would see your names all the time my daddy told me to move to Nashville back in 82 but i went on tour and played on the road for 2-3 years strait. and now i wish i would of listened to my dad i'm originally from Chicago area and than i made the big move to finally call Nashville my home in 2010 and i played on the Road for a week and than we would play the clubs on lower broadway and than do it all over again and i came to Chicago to visit relatives and i got into a terrible car accident on dec 16 2016 and i'm still up here in a 24/7 care unit cause i still cant walk but i wanted to let you know i enjoyed this like 3 hr interview cause you are the man and i had to go and listen to don kelly cause i know you and red got noticed there and i use to play next store at the second fiddle like all the time and i just wanted you to know you and Glen are my heroes and thank you...Ernie Flanagan

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you for sharing that Ernest.

[@ernieflanaganstingraybassm1463]

Thank and your very welcome Zak and your interview was awesome and you asked and shared your knowledge of Brent Mason Nashville super picker and thank you asked all the right question's and Don Kelley is something else lol thank you.....

[@Billywagner22]

Thanks for sharing Ernie. I was in Nashville until 2002. The quality of players at that time was humbling.

[@ludlowfalls8856]

Totally enjoyed it, thank you!

[@TruetoneFX]

You are very welcome. Thank you for watching. Zac

[@dharleyfan1]

Monster Player, and we are all watching a legend in the making.

[@fredfrederici7562]

Great interview , thanks guys

[@TruetoneFX]

Thanks for listening

[@fiddlefolk]

Another job well done Zac! Brent is the cat we have all cussed and admired in the same breath! Lol... You know when the singer brings "I'm Love with You baby and I don't even know your name" to rehearsal and your digging the heck out of the bad ass guitar work only to realize that you have to learn and play it on the gig next week. Nothing but respect for that guy and he's funny as hell!

[@TruetoneFX]

You are correct. I can't tell you how many tunes I have played that I had to learn his licks. Zac

[@mitchellpierce1816]

Really Like your Reggie Young and everyone of the u do . just found your channel about a week ago

[@paulstubbs4487]

Great interviews (all 3 parts) and great guys. Would love to meet BM. As an amazing and brilliant player he just seems so normal.

[@BluesDeville]

Awesome interview series, Zac. For having written and recorded so many memorable hit rhythm and lead parts over a 40+ year career, you'd never know it if you met him, because he just carries himself like an average Joe. The kind of guy that comes home from recording amazing guitar parts with superstar artists...and then mows his own lawn. Despite being a top player of all time up there with the likes of Danny Gatton, Shawn Lane, Chet Atkins, Eric Johnson, etc., Brent remains humble. The kind of guy I'd love to have a couple beers with and geek out about music and gear.

[@tomkozic8505]

Great interview and playing

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you Tom. Zac

[@finchwilliams9859]

Absolute awesomeness!!

[@organjoe]

Excellent, Excellent - THANKS!

[@TruetoneFX]

You are so welcome!

[@darrennwalters3489]

This man and Jerry Donahue are the reasons I even play guitar lol. So tasteful

[@TruetoneFX]

Worthy heroes. Thank you. Zac

[@Guitaural.]

PHENOMENAL interview. Brent is such a real guy. Would much rather talk music or grill a steak with him than any “star” out of Nashville these days. And…he has a Wrecking Crew strap! : ) So much of the same all-over-the-map music tastes I have…I’d like to hit him up for some Skype lessons but right now I’d feel like I had to woodshed for a year first so I could play like I did in my 20s again - guitar went way on the back burner for many years since the ‘career’ stuff has taken so much time. So glad he’s been able to make a good living playing! Really enjoyed this guys, just wish it went another 3 segments : )

[@TruetoneFX]

A lesson with Brent would be very inspiring. I am thinking about getting one myself. Zac

[@69telecasterplayer]

I love Brent's humor! And of course, Zac's unlimited knowledge.

[@MatthewDavidMontgomery]

Loved this 3 part series with Mr. Mason. I'd never heard of him (though I've likely unknowingly heard him before!), but I'll have to add him to my list of inspirations for sure. I have to ask - I remember back at the beginning of the year there was talk of having Phil Keaggy as a guest on the Truetone Lounge. What ever became of that?

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you! Phil is on our list for sure. Zac

[@vintagelife6879]

The fact that Fender ( if you can call it Fender this days) does not make a BM signature model seems like unreal... man the guys at that company need to fire some marketing people.

[@TruetoneFX]

Brent sold many Telecasters for Fender.....

[@TruetoneFX]

You are correct. Not in production. Zac

[@IvorThomas]

But wait!

[@MattyBEightyThree]

Fender corrected its mistake!

[@perfumistaperfumista943]

@Rob S and...

[@monmixer]

I loved Motown and still do. Al of the rock of course. Real country.

[@colinbradley1366]

I'll add my 2 cents worth to the many other kudos here - really enjoyed this series Zac. No doubt you have a long list of potential interviewees for future episodes, but perhaps one to think about is my pal Richard Bennett, whose long career and experience of working with a wide range of artists would make fascinating viewing I'm sure. You can even tell him it was my suggestion!! Thank you again for the hard work put into these intriguing interviews.

[@TruetoneFX]

Colin. Great idea. I interviewed Richard for Vintage Guitar Magazine in 2005. I think he would love to tell his story via video though. Zac

[@michaelmuilenburg9945]

Great interview! After seeing Brent play twice this summer, I now understand more about how he does what he does so well. And, had to wait until 35:00 to see/hear that ES-335, super magical sound - jazzy dreamy sweet sound.

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you so much, it was a ton of fun to interview him. I agree, the 335 was magical sounding. Zac

[@JasonHobbsGuitarist]

Truly enjoyed these interviews! Brent is a guitar hero to me, I was turned on to country pickin' because of him. First listen to mercury blues way back yonder is when I realized I had to figure this guy's licks out... 20 years later and I'm still trying my best to do so, lol. Brent, you're the best country has to offer bro! Thanks for making the videos, I'll be back! Subbed also. Cheers

[@TruetoneFX]

Brent has inspired so many players. Thank you for your post, and for subscribing!

[@haroldstuckey6985]

Very nice.

[@jacksongrant3694]

Really enjoyed all three interviews. With Brent's huge career you could have done a ten part interview and not covered everything! Also nice to hear how often he gives kudos to his influences and associates in all three parts.

[@TruetoneFX]

Agreed. He is very ready to tip his hat to all his influences, and the people that helped him along the way. Zac

[@cpfs936]

@ 8:54-"The Brent Mason School of Peripheral Musics" Now THAT would be something!

[@TruetoneFX]

You can get lessons from him via SKYPE.

[@leemurphy6581]

It sounds good today!

[@basdenchris]

The Brent Mason Part 3 podcast episode (at least in iTunes) is actually part of the Reggie Young interview.

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you for pointing that out. It is now fixed. Zac

[@JH_75]

I should have known. I spotted Redd's name on that Grammy, and it turns out Brent bought the amp from, Who? Redd Volkeart. The conversation turns once again to who? Redd Volkeart. I love it. I used to say that all roads lead to Bruce (Springsteen) but as it turns out, all roads actually lead to Redd Volkeart. I only knew of Brent as a studio musician and nothing more. What a fascinating guy and he is clearly a very cool, decent guy. I'm sure if you bumped into him he'd have a chat with you. Very cool. What a brilliant player.

[@paultorbert6929]

WHAT A COOL PERSON...... !!!! love that guy !

[@TruetoneFX]

His playing has had a huge impact on Country Music. Zac

[@paultorbert6929]

Truetone i own the HotWired and Ego because of him (and Brian)....

[@TruetoneFX]

Awesome!

[@tongusgrump2261]

The last of the old school Nashville Cats.

[@TruetoneFX]

In many ways, you are correct. Zac

[@Docsjeff]

I’ve got a 72 Mustang with the original case. When you open it up it smells like every beer joint in S.Texas.

[@smokinop]

Had to laugh at the Reggie Young story...what else would you play??? Another great episode, Zac!

[@TruetoneFX]

I loved that story when he told it at a record release party for Reggie, so I had to have him retell it for the interview. Thanks for all your support smokinop!!!

[@tongusgrump2261]

Brent is the last of the Nashville Cats

[@taylorfusion]

Oh! Sat through three episodes waiting for him to talk about that thumb pic.

[@JordanTomb]

Love these videos. What is the song Brent is playing in the intro?

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you. The song is "Blowin' Smoke."

[@davidjessee7701]

I live for the Solo!!!!! And Shania Twain 💋

[@mikeault]

Awesome playing and interview, thanks you!! What's the name of the tune at the end he's playing ? ...Wonder which Warehouse 12 Brent uses in the Deluxe amp?

[@TruetoneFX]

Vet 30

[@smalllicks]

Great footage ...btw what happened to Sol Philcox, dude from England, remembered that he got him in Nashville ...

[@TruetoneFX]

No idea

[@EmilioConesa]

What is that killer tune he's playing at the start?

[@TruetoneFX]

"Blowin' Smoke"

[@Stobert]

Wow 👍

[@stevesuv]

After Reggie.....The Man!

[@MAP448]

What brand of thumb picks & fingernails does Brent use? I have had so many problems finding a thumb pick that I like & is actually comfortable to use. I've used many & most of them I just don't like the way the pick is shaped or it doesn't fit right or it's always something. I gave up on it a few years ago & forced myself to learn how to flatpick instead but I can play so much better with my thumb & fingers

[@TruetoneFX]

Herco blue, medium gauge

[@MAP448]

@@TruetoneFX and the fake nails on his middle & ring fingers, do u know which brand of nails & what type of glue & how long they last on average?

[@Docsjeff]

Willie phrases his lyric to leave room for playing his guitar. That’s what sets him apart.The Nville pickers didn’t like his phrasing when he first hit town.

[@ratt2roll]

both homeboys are bad asses!

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

Man that piece he played at the end... sigh.... wow.

[@TruetoneFX]

Wow indeed. Zac

[@Stratamania]

It is called "First Rule of Thumb" and it is on the Hot Wired album.

[@JohnUnzickerGuitar]

Anyone know why he’s not playing his signature PRS?

[@TruetoneFX]

It was a limited edition guitar.

[@Docsjeff]

Right 1000% Agree People are dancing to the “Music” not the “Lyrics”.

[@iwillnevergetone5]

10 refrets? I wonder if he's tried Stainless Steel. it add too many extra high's like everyone always thinks

[@Docsjeff]

Wonder if he’s always used a Thumbpick?🤔or when he switched from a flat pick.

[@wartimemodels]

That first riff sounds like a countrified version of "Toys in the Attic" by Aerosmith

[@klvs2ply]

I knew I saw a whammy bar on that guitar !!!

[@bjm9650]

It's a cool show ya..... TU

[@TruetoneFX]

Thank you Brian.

[@skittlesstarburst4532]

I always think it’s Jason Newstead from Metallica

[@t.sewell1513]

A couple more lessons…this guy could be really good.

[@wesworach7441]

He scares shit out most guitar players around the World !!! ...

[@yesindeed5608]

I already know he burns

[@CARDINAL701]

They're doing away with solos on records??? People get distracted??? Please. That's because, well, they're stupid. Let em get distracted; if they have the attention span of an ADHD 10 year old, that's their problem.