Why The Telecaster Is The Best Electric Guitar - ASK ZAC EP 33

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Although I started on the guitar in 1985, by 1992 I was a full-fledged Telecaster guy. In the ensuing decades, I have not deviated an iota from my love of the senior solid-body guitar. Here I tell how I fell for the Telecaster, and how the simple, pure elegance of the Telecaster design gives it an edge over all of its many electric guitar brethren.
Gear for this video
1967 Telecaster - stock except for steel compensated saddles, and the tone control is wired to the bridge pickup only.
Pyramid "Jimi Hendrix" pure nickel round-core string set
Pick:
Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
Effects used:
TC Polytune
Mirage compressor pedal
9v power via Truetone CS6 amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster

[@fivewattworld]

And I pulled out my Tele for my video this week....coincidence(?) or the universe speaking truth?

[@AskZac]

Brother, soon you will only have a Tele-style......

[@GuitarlosCarlos]

five watt world NAH YOU TWO ARE JUST READING WHAT'S LEFT OF MY MIND CARLOS GUITARLOS 90042

[@jsdhesmith2011]

Every time he name drops I check them out on Spotify and read on Wikipedia. Takes me hours sometimes to make it through one 20 minute video on KZbin and that’s if I even finish it because I go down a rabbit hole and never come back.

[@AskZac]

@@jsdhesmith2011 We are cut from the same cloth

[@gtibruce]

@@AskZac What modern maker would you recomend that runs close to how you like your telecaster set up? So one can just buy it that way?

[@nigelvonshredman]

I don’t need to watch this video as I already know that the tele is the best guitar.... I just come for the validation 🤣

[@AskZac]

Join us!

[@denismguitar1552]

Opinions are like.... Well, everyone has one. And that’s just fine. But it doesn’t make it so. Some folks love them. Others not so much. I personally don’t care as many ch for them as strat style guitars. But then, that’s just another opinion.

[@johncalverley8972]

Same here, I have three teles and always tell anyone who'll listen that they need a tele... but I love to watch these videos that validate my opinion!!

[@christopherhanna5754]

Preach it man!

[@357bullfrog2]

Dang right!!!

[@richrorex]

I bought my Tele in 1967 . I still have it. I still play it. It has been the most reliable, stable and durable guitar. Stays in tune for months. 👍🎶

[@jamesfetherston1190]

I think overall it is astounding how many things Fender got just about perfect: The Telecaster, Stratocaster, the Precision bass, the Jazz bass, plus the Bassman and deluxe, deluxe reverb and all the other amps. Not too many companies in music manufacturing have that scope of victories.

[@marco-vn8si]

The jazzmaster is pretty good as well!

[@matthewchunk3689]

Leo Fender was a genius. Besides the incredible 6-year span of products that are treasured until this day, the guy created the manufacturing tools and techniques, the image and branding that also live on.

[@dougmisantoni4384]

@@marco-vn8si and Jaguar

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

Not "all the other" amps but yea. The Tele is the best though - everything else has been improved by others and you can buy a "better" one from another brand.

[@lueysixty-six7300]

I mean...Gibson..🤷‍♂️ Also...J Ibanez, PRS...just about anyknosn brand has a host of successes. In fact, it is requisite to their survival.

[@christianstevens9804]

I’ve seen a Tele dropped down a flight of stairs to the gasps and screams of utter terror. Picked up off the landing, tuned back up and spend the entire night on stage working flawlessly. PS- during your intro to every video I’m constantly reminded of a Clapton tune from “No Reason to Cry”. I’m sure you know it too. 😊

[@bensempek2007]

The Tele and its raw, simple design is in a way unforgiving...it forces you to be disciplined and keeps your playing honest. Thanks Zac for your program and insight!

[@stevetool7023]

You can say the same thing about a Les Paul jr.

[@cedarbay3994]

I’ve heard this repeated over and over and still have no idea what it means. How is a Tele more “unforgiving” than a Strat? Strings are more difficult to bend in tune on a Strat.

[@vayabroder729]

Cedar Bay I would say they’re both very similar, same scale length and neck radiuses. Maybe the Strat yields a little more when bending and the tremolo isn’t blocked?

[@PeteLayburn]

@@cedarbay3994 I own and play every of the famous guitar "designs"... and yes, to me at least, the Tele is the most unforgiving guitar to play and yet one of the most rewarding of them all.

[@chrismorgan7494]

@@cedarbay3994 Unforgiving to me means that even though a guitar can be easy to play, once you play a clam or bad note, it's painfully obvious.

[@jgoodell77]

Thank you for giving Mr Albert Lee some recognition. He does not get nearly as much as he deserves.

[@daveyponderosa9549]

Amer Sir! 👍

[@WillyPDX94]

There are lots of great guitars and people have their own favorites, but I agree with Zac, the Telecaster is the greatest guitar design ever. Simple, sturdy, beautiful, and way more versatile than many people realize. And when you think how little the original design has changed since its inception decades ago, it's really truly amazing.

[@codyhudman2763]

Cool quiet morning, sitting on my patio, sipping coffee from my just arrived "Ask Zac" mug and watching your latest video. Great morning! Thanks for all you do Zac!

[@AskZac]

Thanks for keeping the channel going!!!

[@shanewalton8888]

Since about 1964 until his death last year in 2019, my father owned about 70 guitars. I reckon 65 of them were telecasters

[@jamesfetherston1190]

I have heard it said that you can never have too many Telecasters.

[@shanewalton8888]

@@ashen_ofc My dad died over a year ago and I play left handed, so we sold all but two guitars. Sorry,.

[@mrartistbill]

I've been playing a Tele for about 50 years and I still learned something about them from this video. I've tried dozens of other electrics and I do own a Strat and a Les Paul, but the Tele is what i pick up to play 90% of the time. If the house was on fire I'd grab my Tele and my Martin and that is all I would need.

[@rtubeyou2010]

Great job packing the guitar details into this along with anecdotes and names of top players. As you point out, the Telecaster is not only all about functionality, you can play literally any style of music on it and get what you want, amazing versatility.

[@clevebaker8399]

One guitar to rule them all!! Fender Telecaster! The Stones got a hundred killer tunes out of Keith’s tele! Great show 🎉

[@johnwelch557]

My guitar hero is Leo Fender. He brought the guitar out of the stone age. Ergonomics, neck access, real fretboards and pickups that do everything. Back in the day, LP's represented old school, period. I watched Les Paul and Mary Ford do their pitter patter and although I liked their workmanship and love of the guitar, I didn't care for the dull lack of musicality the LP had. I have 50+ guitars of most all types for gigs and recordings and noodling. 70% or so of my time is spent playing my teles and 20% strats on multiple genre recordings. If I blast off for Mars, they better put enough fuel in the boosters to haul my tele too! Thanks Zac!

[@paullewis6940]

Keith Williams AKA. Five Watt World did an item "How many guitars do you need" answer just the one -- a Tele. My first electric guitar was/ is a Fenix Tele over the years I've modded it this way and that but now it's back in a conventional Tele set up and if the house was on fire it would be the first thing I'd run for. It's not a vintage Fender it didn't cost mega bucks ( or pounds should I say over here) but it plays sweet and is like an old friend . Thanks again for the periods of calm sanity you bring during these troubled times we seem to be enduring at the moment .

[@AskZac]

Thank you

[@larryyork1146]

It’s so simple design, but it forces you to become a better player to tame.it. I have three and love them all.

[@HanmerMusic]

Thank you for your advice on Tele modifications- great info. Was a strat guy for 30 years... I have matured to understand the “ genius of simplicity” - the Tele is glorious-

[@AskZac]

Cool!

[@retrotelerod]

Once I got my first Tele...that was it! Still is THE guitar for me.

[@eaglewindrider7700]

A Die Hard Strat lover I have come to Appreciate the Tele for it’s simplicity and Tone I find myself playing my Tele’s more and more it requires you to be more precise than any other guitar I have played. Enjoyed your vid. 👍🔥🎸🦅

[@dustdevilz4771]

Great advice. I really like your idea of wiring the neck pick up to the tone control. In fact I like all of your recommendations. Thanks

[@tomo.3678]

As far as I'm concerned, the Telecaster is the wheel. It can do anything! Love it thru my Bassman. Thanks, Uncle Leo!! Great vid as always, Zac! ✌🏻👍🏻🎸🎶🎵

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@Tonetwisters]

I am forever a Stratocaster person. However, the song calls the guitar. And James Burton sure sold me on Telecasters back in the early '60s, with "Traveling Man" and "Hello Mary Lou" and a bunch of other great Tele twangers! I mean, I loved Ricky; but as a guitar player, you listened to him, partly just so you could hear James!

[@ioodyssey3740]

Started playing guitar in '77. First "real" guitar - a '95 Strat Plus. Later a PRS24 and a Gretch hollowbody. About six month's ago I got a Player series Tele after playing one in a shop and loving the sound and the neck feel with the glossy top/satin back and the neck shape being really close to my Strat. (really bad - so NOT set up of of the box - but I sorted that out) Since then I mostly play the Tele. After seeing this video a couple weeks ago I picked up a standard bridge and compensated brass saddles(less than $25 for both on ebay) and I am really loving this guitar. Next week I'm adding locking tuners because I like them. They're a favorite feature on my Strat. I added a three string tree to stop a ringy G behind the nut and some super knurly knobs bringing my total spending on this to $730, which suits my budget. Love playing it through my kit built five watt tube amp - no effects - just a cable and all the Tele techniques I can pick up from youtube. Yeeeeeeehah!

[@jimpage601]

Just about the best and most well-thought-out discussion of what makes a Telecaster such a magic guitar. How Leo and George got it so right so early is astonishing. Thanks, Zac!

[@AskZac]

Thank you!

[@hrabanus]

Exactly the content I was looking for. Great work and thank you!

[@tubedude1077]

A Tele is all you need .Many consider it a country guitar but it is so much more . Leo got it right the first time and has hypnotizing beauty to boot

[@trevormason3825]

One thing I’ve always said about a tele is that it makes you a better guitar player. Playing a Les Paul or other humbucking guitars can be so fat they hide your mistakes, but on a tele, every note gets heard! I have a love for the Tele like I never will with any other type of guitar.

[@sdbracht]

Thanks so much for all of this information, really appreciate it

[@dannyv.6358]

The fact this video makes me pick up my guitar shows your doing something right Zak! Keep up bro.. Don't remember how I found your channel but absolutely happy I did. Thanks for your insight my man and don't change for anything👍

[@AskZac]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@frozendivots1564]

Hated the Tele in the 80s but I realized soon after that was because I wasn’t good enough make it sound good. It didn’t have the high gain Humbuckers with my excessive distortion to cover my weaknesses. Then around 1990 I woke up and the Tele made me a real player.

[@dimitrisaivaliotis5616]

Hi there A Tele makes you real player? Or around 90 you were indeed a real player?

[@frozendivots1564]

@@dimitrisaivaliotis5616 The Tele helps because it exposes you. The clarity it has also shows flaws, like Hi-def does with skin on the TV. When I played the Tele I had to pay closer attention to the nuance of the notes.

[@dimitrisaivaliotis5616]

@@frozendivots1564 thank you frozen I'm trying to understand in theoretical stadium You helped me

[@frozendivots1564]

@@dimitrisaivaliotis5616 look at a Tele like a hi-def guitar. Leo Fender called it more ‘percussive’

[@matthewcasey4795]

All you need is a tele. And a 335. But you NEED a tele.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

I have a Strat, Tele, and for father's day my wife got me a 335 and it has always been my holy grail and man I'm gonna have to have some work done to it. I've broke 2 high E's and the high E will absolutely not stay in tune for more than a few minutes and it goes VASTLY out of tune. It also frets out on the D note on the B string on the 15th fret and it kills me. I'm hoping to be able to get it up and running but man I've been loving my Tele lately though and really consider myself a "Strat guy" but Tele's are phenomenal instruments and infinitely playable.

[@Tonetwisters]

Oddly, considering what I wrote above ... I have always said I could go play any job with a Les Paul and a Telecaster. However, a 335 will work just fine in place of that Paul ...

[@matthewcasey4795]

DuckTalesWooHoo1987 sorry you’re having trouble with your 335 and to be honest it took me about 3 years to find a good one. It might be worth learning how to do setup work on guitars yourself. It’s not that hard and you only need a few basic tools. Unless it needs a fret level or something drastic like a twisted neck you should be able to get your 335 up and running by adjusting the truss rod and adjusting string height on the bridge.

[@SimpleManGuitars1973]

@@matthewcasey4795 Yeah actually I changed the strings on it the other day and even that has made an ENORMOUS difference. I'm in TN and it came from TX and I'm really curious if the change in environments didn't mess with it a little bit initially. It is staying in tune MUCH better but I still have a couple of fret issues that I'm gonna have looked at. Oddly enough, I got diagnosed with the stupid coronavirus Saturday aaaaaaand so now I'm at home until at least July 4th. When it rains it pours!

[@Evilroco]

When I had to cut down my guitar collection ,I settled on 3 acoustics (of different flavours) and a pair of Telecaster's ,I've never regretted the choice

[@johnr3369]

What an interesting discussion. Very glad I listened. I learned some things to think about. Thanks!

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kylebichler2258]

Never thought I’d own a tele. Now I’m so happy I’ve come around and bought my first one. Favorite guitar I’ve ever played.

[@mike1967sam]

Zac I have a Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster Custom, it's a great guitar and I upgraded the hardware like the brass saddles, pots, selector switch etc.... But I put a Seymour Duncan SSL-4 Quarter Pound in the bridge which is actually a True Single Coil but it's really, really hot. But I love that Tele...it's not 100% a pure traditional Tele because of the Seymour Duncan SSL-4 Quarter Pound but everything else is very, very Tele-esque. I have another Telecaster a MIM Fender Tele but it has a humbucker in the bridge.

[@lesterpaul9657]

One of the many good reasons to play a Telecaster, it will always cut through even in a big band. When I started playing guitar I was a Status Quo fan so no question which guitar I wanted so bad. I still own this Tele plus the second best guitar a Les Paul jr TV yellow double cutaway.

[@sb4663]

Dude I just discovered your channel...I feel like I'm just hanging out at your house talking. Love your vids man.

[@AskZac]

Welcome aboard!

[@pcau]

Once again Sir, you are the person that convinced me to get a Tele when I get back to work. Unfortunately, I'm stuck with acoustic instruments for the moment but not losing time. Working hard on scales, harmony and chords until I'm electrified again! You've said the magic word: Pure! I feel the same way about this guitar. The line, the simplicity of controls and of course, the magic tone. Thank you for your dedication and love for this guitar and of course for your craft. When I do get my dream fulfilled, I will send you a picture. Just can't wait :) Love your vids!

[@AskZac]

Thank you

[@haldumille5594]

Great segment Zac! I love my 2 Teles! I will share with you something I have never uttered to anyone before.... I once apologized to my Tele for considering trading her for another younger, sexier model. Yes, an act of great shame that I live with every day. Keep on pickin.

[@rossrowley4331]

The Telecaster is the only guitar that can make the "bucket of cow" sound as depicted at 5:42 "Bucket-a-cow, Bucket-a-cow, Bucket-a-cow" I told that to our Tele playing guitar player and he knew EXACTLY what I meant

[@charleswallace5818]

The bottom plate changes the magnetitic field of the pick-up. Dylan, from Dylan talks tone explains this very well. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Stay safe and be blessed

[@davidjessee7701]

I chuckled when u said " the ceiling fan broke the headstock clean off at the nutt!!"😆

[@russellparratt9859]

Arguably, the Telecaster bridge pickup could be the best/most versatile p.u. invented, if you had to have just one p.u., but on the other hand, virtuoso guitarists such as Hendrix, Beck, Clapton and Malmsteen choose the Stratocaster, because of it's sonic versatility and focused sound, especially at high volumes. The Telecaster is a workhorse, but the Stratocaster is a thoroughbred.

[@franklynch7458]

I have used a lot of different guitars my 2 favorites are #1 the Telecaster #2 the Les Paul but I always go back to the Tele. For recording I love combining the Telecaster and Les Paul because of the bright dark contrast in sound, they are both great Guitars obviously!! But if I had to let one go it would be the Les Paul. There is no Guitar on earth that can get the clean sounds that a telecaster can and it can rock also!! There is nothing that a telecaster can't handle!! So for my money Telecasters rule. I been playing music since 1972 so I have been around a few guitars but nothing beats the Tele for my ears!! Great Video Zac!!

[@howardw3223]

Wonderful video Zac. I have a Japanese 52 Reissue fron the '90s. it is still my go to guitar. Its the only one that feels just right.

[@stephenmcfarlane7961]

Awesome Zac keep the great work coming I love your passion for the telecaster. Love your wiring tips for the neck pickup .great idea.thanks mate.

[@AskZac]

Thanks so much!

[@Moto_737]

I’m a tele guy but a hard tail strat is perfect

[@user-ig8dy8wd9t]

Exactly!

[@newgunguy4176]

Just put a steel plate on the bridge pickup.....

[@cedarbay3994]

Decking a Strat makes the Strat lose all of the charm of the original brilliant design. The sound of a floating trem Strat is beautiful but I realize a lot of players go for the horny SRV style of over-the-top bluesing.

[@reynoldsparrow834]

Teles are great guitars no doubt I own one and love playing it but I feel the same way about Strats. Fender is the best period.

[@claudehopper9813]

Great video , well done on describing the attriibutes of a Leo Fender masterpiece . Been playing Tele's for many years and i find the " bare bones " character of the guitar makes you play with less fluff and a little more grit and dig in .

[@theryanthiggins]

I switched over to playing a tele a lot after breaking the headstock on my Les Paul! Everything in the video is pretty much right on with what I prefer. Instead of disconnecting the tone for the neck pickup, I prefer to put an open top cover on it. To my ear it really opens the sound and I can leave the tone connected. I recommend trying it. It's the eddy currents in the bridge plate that affect the tone. I have a pile of different bridges from experimenting with it. Even more vital to the tele tone is the steel base plate on the bridge pickup. It boosts the output of the pickup, lowers the resonant peak, and as you said, it focuses the tone. More than anything, that is crucial to the traditional tele tone. That being said, I wound myself a bridge pickup where I removed the baseplate and overwound it to compensate for the reduced output. It's a nice pickup that doesn't have as much of the tele bite with a rounder tone to my ear. I love the channel, Zac. It's one of my favorites. Thanks.

[@Requiredfields2]

I think the electric guitar, generally, is one of the greatest human inventions.

[@joepalooka2145]

The Telecaster and all of Leo Fender's genius creations are amazing and wonderful instruments. The incredible variety of sounds they give us is the main reason why we love them. But what's really phenomenal is how Leo and his team designed and built them to such high-quality standards in that small Fullerton factory, way back in the late 1940s and early '50s. Not only did Leo understand all the intricacies of electronic design and production, he also understood production woodworking, metal machining and stamping, paint finishing, amplifier design and construction, product assembly, quality control, and marketing. On top of this add his eye-catching guitar designs marked with his striking Fender logo. When you combine all these with his business sense in promoting his name and his products to the world, you cannot understate how great this man's genius really was. The only man who equals Leo Fender in terms of creative genius in electric guitar design and innovation is Les Paul. I never cease to be in awe of their amazing achievements, and everyone else is following in their path.

[@gabrielperrymusic]

Fun video. I enjoyed hearing you talk about how great Telecasters are. I agree with you... they're fantastic. I also think they are a great platform for modifications: tummy cuts, forearm cuts, humbuckers, compensated tuners, etc. I used to be a "Strat Guy" too, but once I started playing Teles, I couldn't put them down.

[@aidenschmittauer1290]

I got my tele a few days ago. I got to pick it out for an early birthday gift. Already my favorite guitar out of my others. I find mine perfect to play for all genres of music!

[@musicmann1967]

100% agree, Zac! The Tele is the perfect machine. I have other guitars and I play them occasionally for a little variety, (and to justify their purchase!!!) but I would rather be playing my Tele! Thanks!

[@AskZac]

Couldn't agree more!

[@soyellowsoviolent]

I have 3 fender tele at this point and I never use the bridge position. That neck position is just too perfect for me.

[@bobbaumeister5243]

Wonderful stories and great statements from Zac! Thank you very much Zac! That is why we love the Telecaster. I play all of them (LP, Strat), but my Telecaster is the magic instrument. Yes, it is the best guitar!

[@dannytriplett8625]

Always look forward to your videos. Chucked full of information. Thankyou sir

[@AskZac]

Very welcome

[@druwk]

Ok, making me want another Telecaster. Had a beautiful ‘66 years ago, and had to raise some cash 😢 Been making parts-casters these days...might have to put one together 🤔 Like you, had a great player set me straight on the features that make a “real” Tele...coincidently, they match with yours. Stay safe, and keep on picking!

[@ianfreddy3804]

Where are you buying parts from ? Want to build my own.

[@druwk]

@@ianfreddy3804 it varies? I almost always buy Warmoth necks, because of the options, and quality. I’ll sometimes look elsewhere for the body, but Warmoth makes great stuff too. You can also buy parted bodies of Fenders, and Squires on EBay You also have ALL Parts, Stewmac, and many, many others. For my Tele project, I’m looking at Pine bodies from Spaltking out of Canada. If you are going to finish the body yourself, have more options. You will always have to do some niggling to fit stuff stuff together, but Fender licensed stuff “should” theoretically fit together. If you are building a standard Tele or Strat there’s a lot of interchangeability, just be careful to check dimensions and spacing on the parts. I usually buy pickups from Lindy Fralin, or other reputable makers. I’m sure there are cheaper options? In general knowing what you want, and getting good quality the first time IS the cheapest…never have to replace great pickups!

[@VERBANDTREM]

Love my Teles. I will say the output jack is definately the weakest part of the design.

[@nickjones6493]

Cool video and stories. I definitely learned some things from his video. I got a player series tele this year as my first guitar. Considering trying that 3 saddle vintage style bridge. And maybe look into that tone mod. I'm almost always playing from my bridge pickup!

[@badwabbit6776]

Bought my first guitar at Clawson's! From Bubba. I am here because I just discovered the telecaster... it's like nothing else! Thank you for these videos!

[@AskZac]

Please tell them hello

[@grahambliley8604]

I am loving your content, your demeanor, and the timber of your voice. Years ago I was wildly anti-pedal/anti-effects. I especially thought klones were ridiculous. But, one day the guitarist in my band (not that it matters, I was the drummer) played one and it made the guitar sound like Stevie Nick’s voice. I went and bought one. My point is, I would/will buy whatever pedal sounds like your voice.

[@joeywho534]

They make a goat pedal?

[@zebulon39u]

s Stevie Nick's voice is sublimeeeeee......

[@bl4454]

I’m here because I already know that Telecasters are the best guitar.

[@gangstercorleone]

Deliciously geekin' out! Could listen to this all day long. G.C.

[@vayabroder729]

Right on Zac! After almost 40 years of playing Telecasters my findings are identical to yours! I have a bunch of different guitars but I find the Tele runs the gamut from Jazz a la Jimmy Bryant through all the Country and R&B greats, Danny Gatton to the hard Rock of Jimmy Page with early Led Zep to newer metal a la Richie Kotzen.

[@SwaybackJack]

1:00 Close your eyes and listen to Nicolas Cage talk about guitars.

[@AskZac]

That is a new one! Love it

[@orriolbohigas591]

?....I think you should go back and listen to Nick Cage. Doesn't sound anything like him.

[@jameskrys5286]

Does he have snake skin jacket?

[@robertprice5039]

I think I consider myself more of a Tele Guy at this point, but my current Rockabilly/Psychobilly/Cow Punk Band wants me to use my Strats. (Vibrato bar & they look cooler, according to the singer and bassist) But I will bring my Partscaster Tele done up like a 1956 White Guard, with 1952 Style Fender Reissue Pickups, for a few songs.

[@smackyfrog6046]

I dont have any experience with playing in a band but I dont know how that conversation plays out. Like how does anyone think they can tell someone what instrument to play?

[@chrismorgan7494]

@@smackyfrog6046 In a studio where a producer wants a specific sound, sure.

[@chrismorgan7494]

Don't listen to em. The Tele looks cool AF and is perfect for that style of music.

[@mohamedtlass3842]

Don’t you need a Gretsch for psycho billy?

[@b.rodclark7349]

In hindsight, I have practically stared at Telecasters every time I picked up a Strat in various music stores until five years ago and it was a Squier Vintage Modified Telecaster w/a Jazzmaster neck pickup that wasn't set up properly but I was totally floored the second time around when I played a Fender Classic 50s Telecaster at Guitar Center and it was a 50-minute experience that had me thinking of my top 3 Telecaster players from my 70s childhood (Muddy Waters, Steve Cropper and Reggie Young!) while in the meantime enjoying both pickups that instantly put me in the mind of my reconfigured Strat Special (neck positioned RWRP pickup & outer humbucker coil on 2). After it was sold the next day, I kept the faith when a black Tele stood out among a wall of Strats in a local pawnshop 3yrs ago and a used DIY Tele kit a year later that i converted to an Esquire; I actually owe my Telecaster love to my reconfigured Strat although I didn't know it 20yrs prior.

[@timothy5974]

I’m going on 56 and I just picked up a cheap Harley Benton Telecaster cop that I am going to do this tone removal mod to mine. I guess I can consider this guitar my parts caster. love the channel. Thank you

[@MrAnderswt]

I like the fact that there´s no middle pickup on the tele.More room to pick.

[@chrismorgan7494]

That's one big reason I prefer the Tele to the Strat.

[@paulbcote]

I still like my Les Paul with coil splits and phase reverse. But that's just me.

[@brbuche]

I resisted trying a telecaster for a long time, my telecaster is the perfect Les Paul that I've been looking for after owning 11 different Les Paul's. the telecaster just can get so beautifully nasty. Les Paul's they're too heavy they don't stay in tune, the bass strings are way to bassy muddy and the high strings can get too shrill on a Les Paul, the telecaster is just more even tone wise across the strings. I somehow lost every single Les Paul all gone.

[@toneyisaiah408]

Play whatever you want. As long as you don't take anything for granted.

[@toneyisaiah408]

As long as you don't hurt anyone who likes a certain brand of guitars.

[@toneyisaiah408]

Don't make it into a club.

[@Panic42000]

@@brbucheLes Pauls don’t stay in tune? I’ve owned LPs since the 80s and never had one that wouldn’t stay in tune. As far as LPs being to heavy I’ve had teles that weigh as much as many LPs. If you don’t like LPs that’s fine but stop with the dumb excuses.

[@nikolaki]

When I was teenager I tuned my A string to Lay Down Sally on Just One Night.

[@juanespinosa8064]

I have the 2006 highway one American telecaster with the satin finish.I bought it brand new.I still love it to this day,the twangy sound and the feel of the neck is like no other.

[@devoeh2]

If the US army had to issue electric guitars to its troops, It would be a Telecaster

[@nightshiftblues]

I dunno. The Esquire is a contender 🤭

[@cass2771]

Single pick up Esquire? Yes! It takes the simplicity of the Tele, and moves it a step forward. I have lusted after single pick up guitars. In my head, they are risky. If that one pick up doesn't 'work', there is nowhere else to go. If it does 'work', wow! It hasta be a beast! So well done for finding your Nirvana.

[@danross146]

I have a custom Dave Anderson Modern T which I thought sounded good but now you've really got me thinking! Excellent job!!!

[@gimmeagig]

I am mainly a bassplayer and play guitar mostly at home. Lately I have been thinking about getting a Tele. I'm glad I found your videos. Amazingly informative.

[@AskZac]

Glad I could help!

[@profeshinelspelr2827]

Imagine your best friend being Brad Paisley.

[@AskZac]

I would certainly say friend.

[@davidwonpu353]

I’m from Texas and love Teles too. No wonder I’m also a jerk 🤣

[@AskZac]

Hello Brother!

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

Simple, almost indestructible and so incredibly versatile. That’s the fender telecaster. Good video. Thanks👍🏻

[@AskZac]

You bet!

[@carlrudd1858]

You always have the coolest licks.

[@SonnyGreenwichJr]

Great stuff man! Really enjoyed that chat! ☘️💪🏽👀👍🏽☘️

[@AskZac]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnpandolfino8663]

What's truly amazing is that Leo Fender got it right the first time....way back in 1951.....and it still can't be beat today.....the year I was born....

[@gregarnold1696]

Sweet playing Zac great video!!!! Your videos are now must see Thanks👍✌🙏

[@AskZac]

Thanks!!

[@tripledistilled2822]

Beautiful playing by the way!

[@kylemoran4343]

RIP Danny Gatton. :-( He made me want to own a tele. Now I have three of them. Thumbs up for the tele & your channel !

[@AskZac]

Thanks! Huge Danny fan

[@CoffeeConversationMusicGear]

All I can say is Albert Collins (Ice Man), and Vince Gill, Prince, Waylon Jennings, some of few favorite guitarists. Tele Tele Tele and it took me a while about 19 years before I found the right one for me even though I started on acoustic and a Strat. But just drawn to that Tele Vibe. She is named after my Fiancée Rachel - a beautiful black guard tobacco burst American Fender Tele with CS Texas Specials. Had some vintage pickups but quickly changed them out.

[@simon_wilkins]

Hey Zac, nice segment, finished watching and tried your tone mod on the neck pickup... sweeet, thanks mate! Cheers Simon

[@AskZac]

Cool, thanks!

[@jeffkirpach4815]

You're the best Zac, excellent points...keep up the good work, like your playing...

[@zack2862]

Thank you so much.. your video came up because I’m searching for a telecaster. I’m trying to figure out, which is the right one now after watching your video, I know I’m gonna go with a standard telecaster. This is by far the best explanation - I should say down home explanation on why the telecaster. very much appreciated.

[@edtaylor7816]

Well, I'm sold. Great lesson Zac!

[@ollitrop46]

Great episode Zac.Congrats!!!! How about an episode on the Thinline Tele. I own an Elite Thinline Tele and I love it.

[@wesleyhutchinson2033]

Zac, Thanks for the " no tone on neck" mod on your site...loving my 'new' tele

[@AskZac]

Enjoy!

[@bhhNC]

Hey Zac, I'm 62 and have been a Tele guy since 1993, when my '68 Baldwin 'NuSonic' was stolen. I've been mod'ing my 90's Telecaster for 20+ years, adding a new Dimarzio 'Twang King' pickup in the neck position, and an 80's Don Lace bridge-replacement pickup added between the 2 others, with a 5-pos switch put in to accommodate having three pickups. My bridge pickup is the same as when I bought it...perfect. Chasing tone never ends and I've met so many Tele guys over the years who also self-mod their axes as I do ... perhaps another commonality between us. - BH Hart

[@jumby1984]

Great video Zac! Couldn't agree more with you on the bridge... well..actually all of it. I ended up slapping a set of La Breas in one of my favorite teles because of your video. Tone for days! Keep the good stuff coming friend!

[@AskZac]

Good call!

[@stewball7022]

Thanks Zac, I was lucky enough to find a limited edition light ash American pro with three compensated brass saddles and bent plate bridge. For years I struggled with which tele to get. Thanks for clearing things up.

[@handlewithcare1234]

raconteur extraordinaire - great, great info to boot

[@electricgypsyblues4761]

You said all the right things Zac. Especially "Just one Night" I played with that album every night for a year in the early 90's like I was part of the band. My Desert island album. Double Trouble son Yeee Hawww

[@walterweimer1333]

...and I gave up playing guitar after listening to that record... for about a year.

[@hearpalhere]

It's the one type of guitar type that I've never owned but have lusted after for about the past 20 years or so. I keep waiting to find the right one but I think I may try building one from parts instead. Thanks Zac for the great stories and playing!

[@AskZac]

Thank you

[@cosmonaut9942]

I started playing the telecaster in 1963, at the age of 9, because of James Burton's playing in the Ricky Nelson band at the end of Ozzie and Harriet TV shows. I've owned a lot of different guitars over the years but the one I've owned the longest and play the most is a '52 blackguard. I still love Ricky Nelson, RIP, and James Burton.

[@CC-te5zf]

Bill Kirchen got me hooked on the reverse control plate. I like the EVH 250K pot for the volume - super low friction. And it’s so easy to personalize your tele!