What Are Strats For? A Tele Player's Musings On The Strat - ASK ZAC EP 29

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  • Опубліковано 11 тра 2020
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    As you can tell from my videos, I am a dyed-in-the-wool Telecaster guy. However, if I am playing electric, and the faithful Tele is not cutting it, I am going to first reach for a Strat. Besides the different sounds it offers, I also get more variation by setting the action higher on the Strat, and by floating the vibrato to keep me from steel guitar bends. In this video, I talk about what I think are essential mods, and what I use a Strat for.
    Gear used in Video:
    2018 Danocaster Double-Cut (1955 Stratocaster Style) with Ron Ellis 50/60 FAT pickups. Soft V neck, ash body, faded Inca Silver finish. Raw Vintage Trem Springs
    danocaster.com/
    Strings:
    Ernie Ball 10,13,16, 24, 32, 42. Nickel-Plated Steel. A non-pure nickel variation of the famous Rock-N-Roll set.
    Pick:
    Blue Chip TPR 35 RB
    Amp:
    1965 Deluxe Reverb amp with Celestion V30 speaker
    Effects used:
    TC Polytune
    Mirage compressor pedal
    AnalogMan Boss TR-2 Tremolo
    Boss DM-3 Delay
    Line 6 Echo Park Delay
    9v power via Truetone CS6 amzn.to/38S9rZK #askzac #guitartech #telecaster

КОМЕНТАРІ • 846

  • @markhammer643
    @markhammer643 4 роки тому +109

    I don't think there is any real substitute for the sound of a Tele bridge pickup, so there's that. And I love the "cluck" of a Strat. But one of the things that disappoints me about 3 pickup guitars with 5-way switches is that there is no neck+bridge combination available. A mod I like to do - which is most appropriate on "Nashville" Teles, but also on Strats, is to simply flip the leads for the middle and bridge pickups at the selector switch. Instead of N / N+M / M / M+B / B, you get N / N+B / B / B+M / M. So you forfeit one of the "cluck" positions but regain the Tele-like N+B setting.
    Of course, some folks like one cluck position more than the other. So, for them, you flip the middle and neck pickup leads at the selector switch. That gets you M / M+N / N / N+B / B. It takes a little getting used to, but not all that much. I don't think I could ever be without a neck+bridge tone!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому +17

      One of my favorite places, John Leventhal, does that mod. I was watching him play a 3-pickup Tele, and was confused as I watched his selector switch. Afterwards, he told me the wiring mod that he did, just like you explained. I am tempted to flip those connections right now. Another pinned comment, Mark!

    • @fossilmatic
      @fossilmatic 4 роки тому +12

      Yep. My Strat has this mod, but simply because I swapped the middle and bridge pickups around in the pick guard!

    • @AZFunk
      @AZFunk 4 роки тому +8

      Emerson has a great wiring harness for Strats that turns the bottom tone into a blender circuit, allowing you to blend the bridge in when on the neck, and vice versa, and in the 2 and 4 position, blend in to have all 3 pickups active.

    • @thethesaxman23
      @thethesaxman23 4 роки тому +4

      Mark Hammer something I did as a mod on a friend’s strat was wiring the neck and middle pickups to a toggle switch. The mod allows home to toggle between the standard 5 way and the M/NM/N/NB/B configuration. It actually works really well and it’s become one of his favorite guitars!

    • @markhammer643
      @markhammer643 4 роки тому +3

      @@thethesaxman23 There's certainly no end to the creative mods one can do with a Strat or other 3-pickup guitar. I generally recommend the lead-swap as an offering to the more timid, who may be justifiably reluctant to start popping holes into their guitar, or reluctant to embark on push-pull switches. Simply flipping two leads around at the switch get you a new guitar without having to add anything, buy new pickups, drill holes or follow arcane wiring diagrams. Old course, no wiring mod on a Strat, no matter how simple, gets you past the frustration and nuisance that could have been avoided if Fender had used the same two-piece pickguard and control plate found on the Tele, the Jaguar, and Jazz Bass. Yet one more reason to love Teles!

  • @randalclarke5487
    @randalclarke5487 3 роки тому +7

    Strats were made to get the Richard Thompson- tone😊🎶🎸😉

  • @garymurfee4290
    @garymurfee4290 Рік тому +6

    Great point about not just playing a “different” guitar not for a different tone or to do different things in a song-but also so that you play it differently.

  • @joepalooka2145
    @joepalooka2145 3 роки тому +11

    I'm a Tele player because it gives me the sounds I want and love. But I love Strats too, for the amazing history of the great players who have shown us how incredibly versatile they can be. From Buddy Holly to Hank Marvin to the greatest Strat player of them all----- Jimi Hendrix---- it's another example of the amazing genius mind of Leo Fender. There aren't enough words to truly describe how brilliant and inventive Leo was.

    • @dirkdiggler6230
      @dirkdiggler6230 2 роки тому

      im pretty sure it was an accident

    • @powbobs
      @powbobs 11 місяців тому +1

      David Gilmour.

  • @ianfelchlin3215
    @ianfelchlin3215 4 роки тому +41

    One of my favorite things about Fender guitars is that they can have SUCH different voices in different players' hands. Especially Strats. Sure, this is true for all guitars, but I really feel like Strats and Teles are the epitome of the sentiment.

    • @notbraindead7298
      @notbraindead7298 3 роки тому +1

      Very astute observation.

    • @PageandPlant4Life
      @PageandPlant4Life 2 роки тому +1

      Compare Claptons strat tone to Richie Blackmore... drastically different sounds. Astute observation

    • @sichuancowboy
      @sichuancowboy Рік тому +3

      @@PageandPlant4Life that's because amps matter way more than guitars in the signal chain. they used different amps.

  • @marc-antoinejean6428
    @marc-antoinejean6428 4 роки тому +56

    My first pick, a strat, as always
    My second pick, another colour of strat.
    My third pick, maybe a tele... or a strat

  • @thethesaxman23
    @thethesaxman23 4 роки тому +12

    Personally I really dig the sound of positions 2 and 4, but I think that’s what’s great about Strats. There’s so many tonal options for any style or any player. That’s probably why it’s regarded as “the” electric guitar!

  • @janiterinadrum1627
    @janiterinadrum1627 2 роки тому +3

    I myself am glad there are many different types of guitars.
    Even the shredders like Jackson and Charvel have their place

  • @briannacery9939
    @briannacery9939 3 місяці тому

    I think that the Telecaster has a natural sound that fits most music universally and the Strat is good for particular applications.

  • @grahamt33
    @grahamt33 3 роки тому +3

    I love the talk sections but love even more when you play - so laid back melodic and full of natural tone Thanks Zac and keep on keeping on !

  • @braddietzmusic2429
    @braddietzmusic2429 4 роки тому +4

    Love the touch and sensibility of the clean tone playing with country, r&b, americana sensibilities. My kind of thing. This channel has become one of my favorites on YT.

  • @asdf9890
    @asdf9890 4 роки тому +7

    I'm really hoping this channel grows, you have so much information to share and I love the laid back/calm feeling and delivery. Keep it up and I'll keep watching!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому

      Thank you so much!

  • @frankadams4586
    @frankadams4586 4 роки тому +11

    I was a Tele guy until it was stolen. My other guitar was a Strat and by the time I found another Tele that I liked, the Strat had seduced me. The Strat is my voice but when I need to crank up a guitar with some attitude, the Tele can't be beaten. The more refined nature of the Strat drew me in and I felt like it was much easier to play. Playing the Tele is a little more like work to me, but my Tele buddies, of course, disagree. All my Strats (except for the EJ) have 6100 frets (12" radius), Fralin pickups, and upgraded hardware - especially the Trem block. Anybody looking to toughen up the tone of a Strat should consider looking at upgrading the trem block and adding a Fralin steele pole 43 to the bridge position. Great video Zac. Thanks.

  • @willgo7898
    @willgo7898 2 роки тому +1

    finally figured out what was so different about your playing ... super light touch

  • @snorrevonflake
    @snorrevonflake 2 роки тому +4

    Noticed the Waterloo in the background. I love mine. Feels so perfect. Living in Europe i never had the chance to find vintage Gibsons so getting this thing now feels like the first "real" acoustic in my life (after 30 years of trying all kinds of stuff i could get my hands on here).

  • @copperaudio9664
    @copperaudio9664 2 роки тому +5

    Nice one Zac. You make a Strat sound 'Nashville' like nobody else I've heard. 👍

  • @hearpalhere
    @hearpalhere 4 роки тому

    Great demo, fantastic playing! I love all the sounds of the strat and I even love the middle pickup by itself.

  • @TVguy9999
    @TVguy9999 4 роки тому +32

    I played this at 1.25 speed...good channel!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому +48

      I read your comments at 1.25 speed

    • @kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287
      @kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287 3 роки тому +2

      Ask Zac witty retort, sir. Keep keepin on.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 роки тому +2

      @@kevinseversonandhisvizslas8287 You too!

    • @Pdbottleneck
      @Pdbottleneck 3 роки тому

      Great tip and great comeback as well. Props all around

  • @bskitchenriffs6522
    @bskitchenriffs6522 4 роки тому +1

    I just switched from an Ibanez 7 string to an American standard strat. I couldn't be any happier.

  • @laddlll
    @laddlll 3 роки тому +6

    you killed it on Tennessee waltz, soulful

  • @avgmaster1
    @avgmaster1 2 місяці тому +1

    Clapton said he likes the middle pickup best.so does Mayer. Only the Edge likes position 2. Lol!

  • @haldumille5594
    @haldumille5594 4 роки тому +5

    I have 2 Tele's. One black, one white. One hot rodded, one traditional. Love 'em both.
    I have 2 Strats, one black, one white. One hot rodded, one traditional. Love 'em both.
    It's a yin and yang thang!

  • @ColinStuart
    @ColinStuart 4 роки тому +6

    Zac, of my 55 years worth of playing, I've never owned a Strat! Always Telecasters! I met Phil Kubicki when he was making a Tele for Don Mclean.

  • @rickpenn9830
    @rickpenn9830 2 роки тому

    I also spent a few years in Kingsville. Thanks for all the guitar info videos , keep them coming.

  • @riverrhodes7394
    @riverrhodes7394 2 роки тому +5

    No guitar has ever been more fun to play for me than my Strat. So versatile and melodic It's my only guitar (besides my SG that is also a great axe) I take my Strat to almost every Gig and it's pure heaven! That neck pickup is so creamy and smooth and paired with my tone king imperial it's my dream come true setup 😍

  • @matthewmp111
    @matthewmp111 3 роки тому +2

    I just found this channel from Five Watt World, and I'm liking it very much! I like channels like this that are more conversational and aren't hammering us constantly with the 'sell, sell, sell...shill, shill, shill' mentality that is so common with many guitar channels on UA-cam. Thanks for doing what you do for the guitar community. I'll be back!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 роки тому

      Glad you enjoy it! And thanks to Keith!

  • @BeesWaxMinder
    @BeesWaxMinder 2 роки тому +1

    This has only the SECOND Strat Middle Pickup I’ve ever liked!

  • @LAUptegrove
    @LAUptegrove 10 місяців тому

    I get such a kick out of you kids who "discovered" America's guitars in the 80's, and who never sat around playing all those 50's and 60's instruments, trading back and forth between friends and music stores and never having more than $150 (top end) involved in any guitar purchase from any manufacturer. Also, the total dependance on stomp boxes by all these kids younger than 50 who don't seem to understand the emotional connection of the sound of a clean guitar w/o effects. But anyway, I still like to view your videos occasionally for a laugh or two. Thanks for posting, it gives me some smiles and makes my day.

  • @gunkanjima3408
    @gunkanjima3408 2 роки тому +4

    I can’t believe you mentioned raw vintage springs. They are absolutely a great “mod” and no one ever talks about this

  • @mikeadams4605
    @mikeadams4605 4 роки тому

    Good video Zac....always going back and forth between my Tele and Strat!!

  • @johnperry9082
    @johnperry9082 2 роки тому +1

    So enjoyable are your videos Zac. It's like you are just talking to me and a couple of mates. Picked up a few good tips too.

  • @trav_mill
    @trav_mill 4 роки тому +1

    I went to school at Texas A&M-Kingsville for a little bit years ago. Had a ton of fun down there.
    Thanks for a great channel!

  • @peterpickguitar
    @peterpickguitar Рік тому +1

    I got a player plus last week. Really enjoying it. At 56 , never thought I would get into blues and start using the neck pickup. What surprised me the most, was the weight. I didn't expect it to be so heavy. My shoulder is sore after a long session. Need to sit more and have it on the lap. But it's worth it.

  • @jakemitchell1671
    @jakemitchell1671 4 роки тому

    Another great video, Zac, thank you! Ive been a died-in-the-wool tele player since 1992 when I put my Les Pauls away. I've owned many strats, and today I still own one - an MIJ Fernandes strat, tobacco sunburst with maple board. Best strat I've ever played. I think of teles as an extension of me and my creativity - MY voice. I think of my strat as utilitarian - a tool needed to accomplish certain sounds and style just not available to me on my teles. After 25 years, though, I still struggle badly with my right hand constantly hitting the strat's volume knob and turning it down! For whatever reason I CANNOT rid myself of that tendency!

  • @jcomm120
    @jcomm120 2 роки тому

    Thanks Zac, love how you're covering the rockabilly to psychadelic to 80's sound territory.

  • @aarondurham75
    @aarondurham75 8 місяців тому

    Floating is the way to go! I like mine so the back is lifted around 3/32” off the guitar’s body.

  • @absea7918
    @absea7918 4 роки тому +15

    Great clip! In the mind of Leo Fender, the Stratocaster was intended to address all the feedback that players provided Leo from playing his Tele. They wanted something that was more comfortable (comfort carved), a vibrato (to compete with the Bigsby product that people liked), more pickups and sounds. Fender was assuming the Tele would be retired, but demand remained strong with introduction of the Strat. Once Buddy Holly and Dick Dale started using Strats, their popularity exploded. Tele's remained a favorite with the Country players.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому +6

      The Strat almost went away before Hendrix. The Tele stayed strong because of Country and Soul players

    • @thelion27
      @thelion27 4 місяці тому

      And funk, and blues.... and rnb and rock....

  • @John-vk4gs
    @John-vk4gs 4 роки тому

    Great video Zac. It bought back memories of when I was a teen and I saved all my money because one day I would finally buy my dream guitar, a US Stratocaster. That day finally came and before I purchased the Strat, the dealer asked me if I would try out a Tele.........well the rest is history ! 3 decades later that Tele has never left me and I play Teles 99% of the time !

  • @madbadoberan
    @madbadoberan Рік тому

    Raw Vintage. Yep, Love the springs use em’ in all my strats.

  • @scottluck2516
    @scottluck2516 2 роки тому

    Great video! I worked for years as a hired gun lead guitarist in mostly the southern Ohio area. Im primarily a tele guy, but always had what I called my trinity with me. That consisted of a tele, strat and Les Paul. I felt like I could pretty much cover all my bases with those. I worked with Whey Jennings for a while. People sure loved when I'd bring out my leather covered clone of Waylon's telecaster.

  • @biggstile
    @biggstile 3 роки тому

    That is was a very appreciated relaxing opening, good for that green olive strat personality.

  • @crucifixgym
    @crucifixgym 3 місяці тому

    This channel has begun my understanding of the Tele, now I’ve got my eye on the new MIM Nocaster. Would love to see you put one of those through the paces and see if you approve of what Fender has come up with for this specific era Tele.

  • @ocduff
    @ocduff 4 роки тому +1

    I clicked like before even watching. I find most videos a rehash of obvious content, but I always learn something new and in-depth in these videos and consider Zac THE expert. No wonder he’s gathered such a following in a short time.

  • @valcoman5593
    @valcoman5593 4 роки тому

    Another great video. I've played Teles since right after I started in the early 70s but have always had a Strat or two around since the early 80s. I never used the bridge pickup for years until I wired it to the tone pot. I deck the trem and use five springs so I can do that 50s Ike Turner/ Johnny Guitar Watson thing. I usually only play a Strat on a couple of songs and the rest on a Tele but awhile back I got called to do a festival with some old friends. The other guitar player always plays a Les Paul, planned on playing a Tele until I saw the set list, they were all Strat songs. So my beloved 52 AVRI sat in the stand as a backup. Sometimes a mans got to do what a mans got to do. Thanks Zac, looking forward to the next one.

  • @JeffreyTheTaylor
    @JeffreyTheTaylor 4 роки тому +3

    Ha! I learned the "Eric Johnson mod" as the "Jimmy Vaughan mod." In any event, I HIGHLY recommend players check it out, especially if you play with a hotter PUP or even humbucker in the bridge. Gives you a way to tame it a little if need be. The second aspect to the mod is to have a middle pup that is well balanced and plays nicely in the 2 and 4 positions awhile also delivering the that classic Strat quack in the middle position, running wide open. Good stuff.

  • @AmpStak
    @AmpStak 4 роки тому +1

    Great video, Zac. Informative, well presented, and great playing.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому

      Thank you kindly!

  • @TeleCaster66
    @TeleCaster66 3 роки тому +6

    After 40 years of playing Gibsons and Fenders, Strats and Teles are the only guitars I play now and I go back and forth which one is my favorite. They are both such great guitar designs.

    • @TommySG1
      @TommySG1 3 роки тому

      I love them both, Fenders & Gibsons. As my playing matures though I do find myself reaching for that Tele more often.

  • @johnschoppmusic
    @johnschoppmusic 4 роки тому

    You hit all my points accept I love the in between settings 2&4 with a little drive!! I’m really diggin on these Dunlop hand polished picks right now. ~cheers.

  • @luciusmalou4906
    @luciusmalou4906 2 роки тому +1

    It's funny that the Stratocaster was designed for country players using input from several of them, as Leo was a big fan of c&w. Yet they all used Teles, lol. Any I liked them initially due to Hendrix but it was Clapton's "Brownie" on the Derek & the Dominos album and then Ritchie Blackmore on Machine Head that made me really want one. Real country players, all three. Glen Campbell wielded a mean Strat in any case. Speaking of Vaughans, how about that Kenny? Now there's a Tele man.

  • @alexs.2221
    @alexs.2221 Рік тому

    Agree on Eric Johnson wiring setup. Have one and it's my favorite.

  • @dorielementary
    @dorielementary 4 роки тому +15

    There's a device called the tremol-no that allows you to easily disable and re-enable the tremelo. It replaces one of the springs in the back.

  • @davidmurphy4844
    @davidmurphy4844 4 роки тому

    Great video Zac. I agree about the tremolo block. I bought a Highway 1 Upgrade Strat about ten years ago in my home town of Liverpool and didn't like the particular tremolo bar so ordered a new American one and when I installed it the threads crossed so I had to replace the whole assembly as the Highway Ones had metric parts apparently and not imperial sizes. I installed a Callaham cast iron block and set it all up again and it sounds and plays great! I like the action a little higher than some people might like as I like the strings to have some room to "bounce" when playing a run. Keep up the good work mate.

  • @carlricci5327
    @carlricci5327 3 роки тому

    I enjoy your Gear knowledge and your playing,great gear you have your opinion is valued.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 роки тому

      Thanks, Carl!

  • @Theweeze100
    @Theweeze100 4 роки тому

    Great insights Zac.This is a great channel. I find myself going back-and-forth between you and Buk for Guitar alchemy/tonal tips! Thanks.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому

      I'm in great company!

  • @bartboop
    @bartboop Рік тому

    I really like the “popcorn “ reference. You and I see things differently at times, but I get your take. You help me to evolve!

  • @jray5363
    @jray5363 2 роки тому +2

    I stopped by to hear how inferior the strat was, and end up wanting another one! Man! That thing sounds good!

  • @rickkup
    @rickkup 3 роки тому

    Beautiful guitar, beautiful playing, great video. Thanks Zac. I’m off to look for old springs...

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 роки тому +1

      Here they are rawvintage.com/eng/item_springs.php

    • @rickkup
      @rickkup 3 роки тому

      @@AskZac Thanks again Zac, already ordered!

  • @shanetankey3340
    @shanetankey3340 4 роки тому

    Zac,you have made a very good clip here. Straight-up.👍

  • @LoadPast
    @LoadPast 2 роки тому

    I just love the strat's ergonomics. Looks like a spaceship and is so comfortable i often fall asleep with it on

  • @bobhewitt5047
    @bobhewitt5047 4 роки тому

    Zac ... another beautiful video - I enjoy them as much as your column in Vintage Guitar magazine. Your playing here reminds me of the wonderful Eldon Shamblin ... a beautiful tribute to his memory.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому

      Very kind, Bob! Thank you

  • @leftymadrid
    @leftymadrid 4 роки тому

    Interesting video! Love how honest you are about everything... I first started out with a L.P. Custom, it's actually on my thumbnail photo right now. I sold my car to purchase it!!! Being a lefty I had to wait a long time before receiving it. a band member hit the stand, fell over and broke at the top of the neck, broke my heart!!!!! To make up for the disaster at hand my friend lent me a Stratocaster, this was some time ago and oddly enough I have been playing that Stratocaster guitar ever since, it is so exciting and good sounding, and versatile! It did not even come close to my L.P. sound, but I actually liked that, because I came across another complete world of sounds...
    Though telecaster guitars are incredible, especially when played by someone who's been playing a telecaster all their life. I bonded better with a Stratocaster.
    There's something special about a great Stratocaster that just blows my mind, I can play for hours on end. The Stratocaster was made to fit my mind, my body, and my fingers, it's just perfect, and the volume knob is in the perfect place lol :-) :-) :-) :-)
    I have played many types of guitars in the past but there's just something mystical about a good ol' Stratocaster :-) :-) :-) :-) :-)
    That's why as a guitarist you have to try difference guitars until you find your better half :-)

  • @dannytriplett8625
    @dannytriplett8625 4 роки тому

    I love all of your videos but this is my favorite to date. You impart beautiful emotions with the "Tennessee waltz ". Absolutely beautiful. Thank you sir

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому +1

      Wow, thank you!

    • @dannytriplett8625
      @dannytriplett8625 4 роки тому

      I totally understand your childhood as I too was raised in a holiness AOG home. I loved the music but couldn't listen to anything other than gospel. One time a church friend gave me a kiss album cuz his parents caught him with it. Then I got in trouble for having it. Lol Good times man..

  • @Mistertbones
    @Mistertbones 2 роки тому +7

    I always associated the Strat as more of a rock guitar than a country guitar. Some of the all time greats have played strats. Hendrix, Clapton, Rory Gallagher, Ry Cooder, Lowell George of Little Feat, just to name a few.

    • @kaiserthegreat
      @kaiserthegreat Рік тому

      Eddy Shaver. Unshaven album. There’s your Strat country.

    • @Mistertbones
      @Mistertbones Рік тому +1

      ​@@kaiserthegreat Eddy was amazing. RIP Eddy.

    • @jimmy5634
      @jimmy5634 11 місяців тому +1

      One of the best country tones I ever heard was a guy playing a Strat in a Nashville bar years ago.
      Blindfolded, you would have never known he was playing a Strat.

  • @birchman01
    @birchman01 4 роки тому

    Excellent vid as always. My two favourite guitars. Both are untouchable at what they do. Some guitars/pickup configurations come close but are never quite right.

  • @rydoggsc2
    @rydoggsc2 3 роки тому +4

    Great vid Zac. Your playing style definitely suites the Tele much more than the Strat so I can see why it is your weapon of choice. Strat man myself but love a Tele as my alternate.

  • @popogejo8311
    @popogejo8311 2 роки тому

    Damn it's good to have someone who can actually play to listen to. Also Zac's content is the best.
    One thing I done different is, I ALWAYS put roller saddles on the bridge. That just seems to help keep it in tune better, and I put brass or bone nuts on everything. May or may not help sustain, but it's my little mojo.

  • @chokkan7
    @chokkan7 2 роки тому

    I played a friend's Jazzmaster years ago, and couldn't come to grips with anything about the guitar other than how comfortable it felt against my body. I'd veered back and forth between Teles and Strats, never quite being satified with either, until I had a custom body made: a Jazzcaster with a Tele neck, top mounting Tele bridge, a P-Bass control plate, and three noiseless pickups, strung 0.013-0.058. It has a four way Tele pickup with a phase switch for the neck PU(P/P pot) and a series/off/parallel for the middle PU. It wouldn't be everybody's cup of tea, but this one makes me happy.

  • @orryfishburne5326
    @orryfishburne5326 4 роки тому +3

    I want those pickups. I love a bright tone on the wound strings but the unwound strings are usually too bright. Love the idea of blending the magnets to balance the tone out

  • @bumrecordingstudios
    @bumrecordingstudios 3 місяці тому

    I totally agree with out of phase being not a great sound live at least. I disappear in the mix switching. I think the thing about the Strat is learning to use that middle pickup for variation. I love me a Strat. But I’m biased towards ‘70s headstocks 🤪

  • @purimuadmuang2259
    @purimuadmuang2259 3 роки тому +1

    I always do those things you do to every strat I have too, move second tone control to bridge pickup, raw vintage springs always a must together with their saddles plus a cold steel block and also floating the trem.. I don't think it's best for everyone but after 3 strats and many other options/mods that I've tried, this has become my recipe. Another thing that I've found very useful is the baseplate for bridge pickup in a vintage style set to give it some body/mass. I was aware of this mod for a while but just too lazy to try and didn't think it would help much - I was wrong, it balances it out with the rest of the set nicely. Highly recommend this mod (for a vintage style bridge pickup).

  • @russellesimonetta3835
    @russellesimonetta3835 4 роки тому +2

    I,m an old man now but all the guitar players used to say,,, to play pro you need a strat, a tele and something with humbuckers then you can cover everything.

  • @davidg1612
    @davidg1612 2 роки тому

    That guitar sounds amazing. Looks really nice, too.

  • @97guitarzan
    @97guitarzan 4 роки тому

    Great Video...strat and tele player here...love both

  • @marazomarazo6429
    @marazomarazo6429 4 роки тому

    My 1984 Strat (Butterball) that everyone loves, stays in the case since I bought a used SG.
    I'm a big fan of 12 string guitars also, so perhaps I just like to tune a lot!
    Great perspective videos. Thanks.

  • @NewHopeAudio
    @NewHopeAudio 4 роки тому

    Excellent playing. This video just proves why I love strats so much. I haven’t bonded with Teles but it’s cool to see you explain what you like about them. I have to agree with you for the most part. Ironically, the in between sounds are what I think make Strats wonderful. Exhibit A: slow dancing in a burning room.
    My favorite thing you said: you don’t want it to sound like a Tele, and I appreciate this. It’s not a direct comparison, let them be what they are and enjoy them for their own innate qualities!
    Thanks for all of your work on these videos.

    • @cass2771
      @cass2771 4 роки тому +1

      Kyle Smith I took your challenge and watched/listened to John Mayer playing Exhibit A. Beautiful playing, beautiful sound. Thank you!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому +1

      Great track. Sold lots of Strats!

  • @paulhicks3595
    @paulhicks3595 Рік тому

    Yesterday I was rigging lights at a venue. I was working at the back of the stage a band came in for sound check. I couldn’t see the band properly but I was struck by the guitarists skill and tone. It sounded like the best Tele tone I’ve ever heard - except there was a trem being used. When I checked I was amazed to see he was playing a Strat! Turns out it was a well worn 89 Strat with Lace pickups! He was playing thru twin amps with slight stereo , Deluxe Reverb and Trace Elliott. Anyhow, he played almost exclusively on the bridge pickup and, as I said , he had it sounding like the best Tele you ever heard!

  • @b.rodclark7349
    @b.rodclark7349 4 роки тому

    I have a black 1995 Fender Stratocaster Special I bought brand new in '96. The HSS configuration was a challenge soundwise because I could never get that clean bright quack with a split bridge humbucker paired with a middle single coil on 2 so I decided to swap the single coil positions putting the middle pickup in the neck position and I got a different sound that really moved me. Over 20 years I've been sounding like a Tele but never knew it until one day I walked into a Guitar Center and played a Telecaster for the second time ever in life and it was a Fender Classic 50s Telecaster with both pickups in parallel, realizing my Strat sounded similar to this Tele; at that point I really fell in love with the Telecaster more because of my reconfigured Strat. A pickguard swap took out the RWRP pickup when the pickup cover came off so I decided to convert it into a traditional SSS configuration with a new loaded pickguard I rewired with CTS 250K pots and a CRL 5-way switch w/pushcloth wiring but that Tele bridge/neck sound was missing so i swapped the bridge & middle pickups as a true Tele homage to 1st reconfiguration and all positions are bright especially the 2nd position quack that defines a Strat as much as the twang of the Telecaster bridge pickup and I've acquired two Teles (a Tradition CAB10 & a used DIY kit i Esquired!) and two Strats (Squier Affinity & Bullet) since then.

  • @dash4786
    @dash4786 2 роки тому

    I cannot believe watching this for 7 minutes so far and you tell me it's Inca silver when I thought it was a drab Green lmao! That's nuts

  • @periloustemple8290
    @periloustemple8290 3 роки тому

    Being a strat guy, I loved this so much! I have 3 strats and a tele, so I get it. I should note that one strat is actually a "Hello Kitty" strat. Make your own jokes here, it plays well and the humbucker sounds great when I need that (hardly ever). Here's why I hit you up on this old vid: if you want to maintain a floating strat trem, use your palm to gently hold things in place while you do bends & steel player stunts. I can't remember if I got this from Tim Pierce or Littly Tommy from Cleveland, but it works. Also, one of my strats has that hip shot thing in the center. I have gone through periods w/ and w/o it. It does really help. It feels different, but is not really impacting tone or anything else. Hope that helps you!

  • @StahlsBlues
    @StahlsBlues 3 роки тому

    Such beautiful playing!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 роки тому

      Thanks a lot!

  • @danielhahn7329
    @danielhahn7329 4 роки тому

    The proof is in the playing. And it seems like it really works for you. You sound great, felt playing. Keep 'em comin'.

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому

      Thanks so much!

  • @jeshely
    @jeshely Рік тому

    For those double bends I learned to use my ears and my right hand meaty section of the palm to counter the m movement of the vibrato when doing those bends. I also do use raw vintage springs.

  • @davidwonpu353
    @davidwonpu353 4 роки тому

    Tele fan here and I’m so happy I found your channel! I’ve been Rona-GASing lately and was thinking about trying a Strat again since I already have my LP and Gretsch bases covered and definitely don’t need another T. The vibrato and middle pickup always annoy me, but damn nothing else sounds like a Strat. Loved the Vince Gill vibes you were getting.

  • @andrewgrout2445
    @andrewgrout2445 4 роки тому

    Hey Zac, love your show. The mention of the Ovation reminded me of Wyatt Rice, who frequently teaches at a flatpick camp I go to over in Ridgetop TN a couple times a year. His brother Tony got him into these and loves them now, though it looks kind of incongruous among the herringbones and so on. Of course, he would sound good on a cigar box...! Keep up the great work!

  • @caleshtcincredibles
    @caleshtcincredibles 3 роки тому +1

    I have both . Country pickers have played Strats as well as Teles , Steve Wariner , Vince Gill for example . Strats do make me play different too and I do like that . My Strat is a hardtail though. Nice video Zac and nice playing.

  • @markcatron8996
    @markcatron8996 4 роки тому +3

    I love guitars, all of them, Strats, Super Strats, Tele's, LP's, 335's....If it has strings and I see it, I want to play it.

  • @LostPlanet2024
    @LostPlanet2024 4 роки тому

    The #2 & #4 sounds sound great for more delicate stuff. My fave positions.

  • @katemoody1587
    @katemoody1587 2 роки тому

    "..actually a vibrato..." I love technical accuracy. You got a like for that alone.

  • @garygratzer9670
    @garygratzer9670 4 роки тому

    Love that Strat. Soft v, Ellis pups, even the color.

  • @ptrgreeny
    @ptrgreeny 4 роки тому +2

    I might be one of a handful of players who find the Tele more comfortable than a Strat. The contours and rounded edges cause a Strat to slip if I'm playing sitting down. But Strats are my second favorite after Teles. Add a treble bleed and mini switch for the bridge/neck combo and I do love a good Strat....especially hardtails.

    • @iagobroxado
      @iagobroxado 4 роки тому +1

      I also find the Tele more comfortable. With the slipping thing, however, I found that I have to hold the Strat differently if I'm playing while sitting down. It's more of a "hug" thing that I do, where my right forearm is more in contact with the body of the guitar. Helps to keep it stable on your lap.

  • @paulcowart3174
    @paulcowart3174 3 роки тому +1

    A little trick some techs use is to screw the outside bridge screws all the way in and leave the inside four up a bit Good sounding strat Second time watching 4-22 Love the RE pups

  • @Icehammer-sh1kc
    @Icehammer-sh1kc 3 місяці тому

    I just bought a player series blue sunburst Strat and I love it!

  • @danielcarsonguitar6873
    @danielcarsonguitar6873 4 роки тому

    Loved the episode Zac! You sound great on a strat!

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  4 роки тому

      Thanks a ton, Daniel!!

  • @marc-antoinejean6428
    @marc-antoinejean6428 4 роки тому +2

    In fact, being a strat guy, I feel exactly the same when I play a tele...
    But this neck pickup is magic...

  • @KRAZEEIZATION
    @KRAZEEIZATION Рік тому +1

    The Strat is the younger pretty sister of the Tele. It looks more stylish and is the 80s pop posers go to guitar. But personally I find it’s fizzy and lacks tightness with overdrive and distortion. While clean it’s very predictable, try position 2 without sounding like Mark Knopfler! I’ve played 100s of Strats and own five, two of which are USA. A Tele on the other hand does it better for me with only 3 positions it’s less fuss, more direct and you don’t have to worry about the indecision of 5 tone choices! My favorite Strat is my Fender Noventa with 2 MP-90s and yes, you guessed, 3 positions and a hardtail, just like a Tele!

  • @johnjozefowicz2022
    @johnjozefowicz2022 2 роки тому

    Hey Fender! I think we found the Zac Child's signature strat.. with matching wardrobe

  • @jjemsnd7
    @jjemsnd7 8 місяців тому

    Thanks. I use the EJ writing but 7 way switching and an Illitch silent single coil pack plate with K-line signature pups on my Xotic XS-1 I also use five raw vintage springs love this guitar. FYI loved the video dig the channel

  • @nickf2170
    @nickf2170 7 місяців тому +1

    Strats are great, they are just not as great as a Tele. They look great, have very cool sounds and the one true advantage is the strat does provide some additional access to the heel area of the fret board. Their "pretty shape" however is not a comfortable in the lap as a Tele. Once you have played your self out, the guitar you will pick up and play unplugged when sitting quietly alone is your Tele. And that is how your Tele becomes your best friend.

  • @dannymarks988
    @dannymarks988 3 роки тому

    Tennessee Waltz! Good one and great info as always well played

    • @AskZac
      @AskZac  3 роки тому

      Thanks for listening

  • @martyldl6238
    @martyldl6238 2 роки тому

    Great video, I love strat and teles equally 👍🏼