Ray Flacke - Brit Telecaster Strangler

Ray Flacke - Brit Telecaster Strangler - Ask Zac 62

Рет қаралды 24,637

3 жыл бұрын

Ray Flacke is another Tele-favorite of mine. I became aware of him through his work with Ricky Skaggs and soon started scouring the record bins for anything he had played on. I found that I had a great affinity for his singular style, which utilized low-string bends, an aggressive attack, and a sense that at any moment he might fly off the tracks. In this episode, I lay out his history, gear, and some licks that are very "Flacke" sounding.
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Ray Flacke's Country Telecaster Virtuosity video from Homespun. Use this code to get 20% off askzac2021
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Spotify Playlist for Ray Flacke
open.spotify.com/playlist/683...
Gear for this video
1957 Fender Esquire with added Ron Ellis "New Tall" neck pickup. Restoration and aging on the body by Dan "Danocaster" Strain.
Strings:
D'Addario NYXL 10-46
Pick:
Danocaster Medium
Amp:
1965 Deluxe Reverb with Celestion Vintage 30 speaker, and bright cap clipped on the vibrato channel.
Effects used:
Mirage compressor pedal
Boss DM-3
9v power via Truetone CS6 #askzac #guitartech #telecaster

Пікірлер: 160

@domofswitch Ай бұрын

Zac - LOVE how you describe Ray's playing as RIDICULOUS! So true! Saw Him point blank with Marty Stuart at the Lonestar Roadhouse in NYC in 1991. Then & there I knew not a single picker on the planet could even dream of ever surpassing Him. THE MOST. Thanks for this!

@ronroskowske6047 3 жыл бұрын

A great Ray Flacke story-a friend of mine was a lighting tech for Ricky Scaggs, and while Ray was warming up, he was playing Richie Blackmore licks, and my friend was shouting requests-and Ray was obliging!

@garyfaidley8960 3 жыл бұрын

Like his lips on the highway 40 Blues

@MichelleTaylor1 3 жыл бұрын

It was Ray that made me want to learn to play guitar, thanks to him Ive made a career in music on my guitar. To me he´s the most original country player with his unusual solo compositions. As I told him, to me he´s the Pablo Picasso of country guitar! He´s a a master and a real inspiration.

@lastofthe4horsemen279 3 жыл бұрын

Zac Omg 😲 I have that book!

@Jamestele1 10 ай бұрын

Ray is amazing. On another note, that little jam played at the beginning (Not the intro, which I also like for it's Rockabilly/Jazz vibes, but that little jam when the video started - awesome!

@TwangTown 5 ай бұрын

Man. I remember Ray coming into the Turf and standing in the doorway watching me playing with Tommy Townsend or somebody. And it was just surreal to have one of my heroes watching. Then on my break, I was either in Wolfys watching Ray, jaw on the floor. Lol. And he always had a HUGE glass on Guinness. L9 blasting. Jaime Hartford killing it too. Man those were the days bro. I miss Broadway in the 90s.

@danross146 Жыл бұрын

Hey Zac, you should play more often on your videos! You're awesome!

@guermeisterdoodlebug7980 3 жыл бұрын

I became a Flacke fan after seeing him live with Skaggs about 1981, outdoor evening concert, downtown Jacksonville on the banks of the St. John’s River. Ray was terrific and distinctive. I’m still a fan. Edit: you do well at emulating Ray. Enjoyed very much.

@pallisg 11 ай бұрын

Now I know why should ask Zac, great story, thank you

@curtevans838 3 жыл бұрын

My Dad used to say Ray Flacke was his main influence. I really enjoy his approach to the Tele.

@williambrotherton9388 3 жыл бұрын

I am heartened to hear you speak of Ray Flacke. A wonderful player! It speaks well of you!

@ColinBloodworth 3 жыл бұрын

Zac, I gotta tell you how much I'm loving your content, my man. I'm not even much of a country fan, more of a jazz and blues guy. Your content is so, so valuable and has thought me a ton. Feels like hanging out with a buddy with a guitar on my lap for an hour with a coffee. Growing up in Texas, I used to watch Texas country reporter on the weekends with my mom, you remind me a lot of the host of that show. So calm and knowledgeable. All the best, friend. Glad to have found your channel. Thanks for making it.

@youssefkasim7556 3 жыл бұрын

I can’t thank you enough for making the video about Jesse. I didn’t know him before watching the video, now he’s one of my favorites.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Made my day!

@jimbeaux4988 3 жыл бұрын

Ray! Yeah! He's my fave on that style. One way rider always stood out for me. I must have played that Heartbroke solo a thousand times. Some nights better than others ha ha.

@KellyBack 3 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Zac!! 🎸🎶😀 People need to hear about Ray! Sure is a hero to a lot of us.

@alanhenley4029 3 жыл бұрын

My dad loved Ray and emulated his playing. He still has a lab series! I used to play through that as a kid. Dad always said Ricky Scaggs learned his style from ray.

@johnulrich5572 3 жыл бұрын

I'm always blown away by the talent that flowed through the Hot Band. Thanks for bringing us these video histories and reminding us of the depth of talent in the music we love. Just to pass the time I may do a "family tree" of all the musicians that over time were in the Hot Band and where they came from and where they ended up.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

A ton of great players came through the Hot Band

@Chrosa 3 жыл бұрын

Man there are so many great Tele players, it's so hard to have a favorite. Great video as always Zac, really like the longer videos too.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@mikeault 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Always enjoy your insight to these guitar players. Thank you

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@saltwatersaddletramp7229 3 жыл бұрын

I had that old Starlicks video years ago. But, couldn’t tell you what happened to it. Now I know why I love those Ricky Skaggs albums so much.

@pcau 3 жыл бұрын

Great episode once again Sir! Always interesting and informative. Thank you!!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@l6srob990 3 жыл бұрын

Never heard of him but great vid to introduce some of us to him thankyou

@MichaelDeFillippo8889 3 жыл бұрын

Another amazingly informative video Zac. You are a one-man musical encyclopedia. Your channel is absolutely my new favorite channel on KZfaq. Love it dude !!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks!

@peterfeeney5870 3 жыл бұрын

Always a pleasure to hear your insight 👍😃

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@cowtowncustoms2110 3 жыл бұрын

Always fun and learning something new today! Thanks Zac!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

You bet!

@bastardsonofretkillr 3 жыл бұрын

I have a old vcr video of him somewhere I remember him powdering his hands and guitar neck with baby powder and teaching some very good licks

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

He still uses it

@jonathanjohnson8656 3 жыл бұрын

Great insight into a great player. Thanks for sharing your experience and some playing tips. Excellent lesson with a great backstory.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@Ruefus 3 жыл бұрын

Ray Flacke was probably the first Telecaster player I heard and heard of. As a young player....I pretty much swooned, but at the same time was utterly terrified. Thanks for spotlighting him.

@kevinolear6717 3 жыл бұрын

Skaggs' Don't Get Above Your Raisin', Ray Flacke killed that one. Thanks Zac!

@Alex16993 3 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see you cover Marty Stuart, his guitar, gear and so on in a video. He's one of the best tele-players around in my opinion.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

On the list

@colinboutilier 3 жыл бұрын

@@AskZac Marty should be on everyone's list! Bob Wooten would be a cool one to do too, or Warford!

@mellecaster 3 жыл бұрын

Been waiting for this one for awhile Zac....Great job !

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@clarkie101 3 жыл бұрын

so good Zac

@joshezell5251 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Ray is one of my favorite tele players!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Same here!

@stringspicksandfiddlestick6388 3 жыл бұрын

I have the Ray Flacke video on VHS, LOL. Glad you put a link on this video.

@guitareveryone 3 жыл бұрын

Love Ray Flacke’s playing. One of my favourite is Highway 40 Blues. And of course the Kathy Mattea stuff as you mentioned.

@KevinSmith-lt4qf 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this ,l jammed with Ray he was brilliant and the way that he attacked the strings was ferocious. Love the channel keep up the good work.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@hearpalhere 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video Zac! I loved the licks you showed too. Especially when you had the low G going on the E string, that was sick. I'll be working on these for a bit :-)

@iannicholls7476 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Zac. Another winner!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Enjoy!

@iamgcase 3 жыл бұрын

Well done episode, sir…

@thekingofelfland3294 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. thanks!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

@larryyork1146 3 жыл бұрын

Great episode, Still using a Lab Series 3 , When Ray left Ricky the sound really changed. But it might have been best for both of them. What a player Ray was !

@edkutschke814 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Zac! Another great video on a great player. Great job! Y.our videos are getting better all the time. Always look forward to your next one. Gonna go drop something in the 'ol tip jar. Appreciate you Brother.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Ed, Thank you for the support!!!!!

@hoagyguitarmichael 3 жыл бұрын

He was with Ricky during the height of my country playing. Learned that Burning Memories intro and solo (kind of), and much more.

@lucfielder 3 жыл бұрын

Liked and subscribed literally within seconds

@garypotterton9808 3 жыл бұрын

The solo on Hiway 40 Blues!! Met Ray when he played for Joe Sun (Old Flames, Dolly Parton song) and the Steel player was the great Neil Phlange (not sure of that spelling). Thanks Zac!!

@guitareveryone 3 жыл бұрын

Had a chance to watch this in its entirety today. Great stories, great player. Baby powder! Jeff Beck rides again! Lol. Great interview. Thanks Zac for posting.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@JazzBear 3 жыл бұрын

Love your videos!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@JacktrieboldMusic 3 жыл бұрын

This is awesome!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Jack!

@NickRatnieks 3 жыл бұрын

All the bios of Ray I have seen give his birthplace as Milford-on-Sea which is many miles to the west along the coast in a different county. Maybe, he was brought up in Bognor. Another great video, thank you.

@IndigoJo 5 ай бұрын

He must have been a very early G&L adopter to have got a Broadcaster; that name didn't last long before they got the legal letter from Gretsch, as Fender had done back in the 50s. BTW, I checked on where Ray Flacke was born; it was Milford on Sea, which is not near Bognor at all but close to Bournemouth, about 40 miles further west. I've got an aunt living in that same area.

@simross3914 3 жыл бұрын

random side note: bakelite is matte black unless you spray it with something, like nitro, so I'm pretty sure his guard was bakelite, just unfinished. Sorry to nerd out.

@davidmurphy4844 3 жыл бұрын

Great video. Will be checking his stuff out. Telecasters our my favourite guitars. I have a Fender, a Squier, a Fernandes, an SX, a Farida, and a Hohner Prinz. Just need gigs to come back. Keep up the great work!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@WillyPDX94 3 жыл бұрын

Another captivating story about a special player whom I did not know. Eventually, you'll educate me about all the great players who aren't household names though it may take years of schooling. I'm embarrassed to be so clueless about these players. I'm still digging into Jesse Ed Davis from a couple of weeks ago. I gotta check out Ray Flacke as well. Thank you so much for the Spotify playlists you post. That really jump starts the process. Be safe and be well, my friend. I appreciate all that you do.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Will

@JordanHigginsGuitar Жыл бұрын

There is a great video on KZfaq of Country Telecaster solos, I’ve found tonnes of great players through that as it gives the name of the player. Also check out the Don Kelley band from Nashville, every player that has come through that band is a real legend in their own right. Right down to the latest guys who are still in their 20s. It just informs on more players but Zac’s in depth deep dives are a great source also.

@MAP448 2 жыл бұрын

I have an Alder sunburst American Professional Telecaster & it has plenty of beautiful grain. Front & back.

@cmaddox1020 3 жыл бұрын

I'm a long time Telecaster enthusiast and so I really dig your vids. Many thanks for the introduction to Ray Flacke. I've had a peripheral awareness of him in that I had heard his name and along the lines of 'who is this guy playing guitar on this song?'. So on the strength of your vid and re-listening to and discovering tracks Ray had played on I bought Ray's Homespun course. Mille grazze for the turn on.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

So glad to hear this. Ray is a treasure!

@thegatorgar6730 3 жыл бұрын

Anybody else just go ahead and thumbs up before the ads even finished playing?

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@timothythompson6549 3 жыл бұрын

The 57 sounds better with every new video, Zac.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

THANKS!!!!

@kevinparker3845 2 жыл бұрын

In the early 90's, I saw Ray play with Terri Clark in a WalMart parking lot. WalMart was doing some promotions back then and Terri had her first album come out. She didn't know who he was and I had to tell her that he used to play with Skaggs. He really didn't fit with what she was playing.

@glenkepic3208 3 жыл бұрын

Great again ! A Tele here because of Roy Buchannan' "Live Stock", Greg Kihn "Again" (Dave Carpender) and Rickey Scaggs "Highway 40 Blues". Sadly the least played guitar in the 'arsenal'. I need to fix that.

@detectivemedia3957 3 жыл бұрын

I've got a Lab Series L3 on top of a L5. Channel one from the L5 for the bass response and out the loop to the L3 to get some sweeter hi's. Sounds amazing

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice!

@colinboutilier 3 жыл бұрын

That is an ingenious setup. I do something similar a '64 Vibroverb Clone and a Twin Reverb. Gives me the sparkle and punch of the Twin, but the softer thump of the 15" and tube rectifier

@ianrickey208 3 жыл бұрын

I think you should do your own version of "What makes this song great?" from a guitarist's POV. Your encyclopedic depth tone, gear and licks would help us all to appreciate the music we love all the more deeply. Just a thought.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Love the idea. I love Beato's show

@ianrickey208 3 жыл бұрын

@@AskZac I have learned a ton from Rick! I do think you would bring a really unique dynamic to that idea, and point our lots of insights that we would not hear anywhere else.

@nickg2431 3 жыл бұрын

Much more playing content would be great!

@zellarecords6195 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video Zac!! How about Jimmy O, nobody every talks about him, he plays the double bender stuff, great Tele player, great tone, maybe worth an episode, just a thought. Happy New Year.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Soon

@ronroskowske6047 3 жыл бұрын

And I have that book!!

@philvandel 3 жыл бұрын

Ray’s Star Licks video you mentioned was one of my biggest early influences. I still use his “F” lick from that video and could probably still get through that G minor (Bb) instrumental he played on there. What great memories this gave me. Thank you for not letting this monster guitarist be forgotten.

@ratgts 3 жыл бұрын

Absolutely superb Zac, I'm really enjoying your videos they are first class, please keep them coming.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

@iamtjwalker 3 жыл бұрын

Great episode (as usual!). I met Ray for lunch when I went to Nashville 5 years ago. I grew up about 5 miles from Bognor in the UK where Ray is from, one of my drummer friends used to play in a band with Ray before he moved to Nashville and he put us in touch. It was great to meet him, great guitarist and very funny guy!

@banjopete 3 жыл бұрын

Bloody Bognor!

@BEERPOLIZEI 3 жыл бұрын

The correct phrase, if indeed at all true was ‘bugger Bognor’. 😀

@iamtjwalker 3 жыл бұрын

@@BEERPOLIZEIBugger Bognor indeed....and Littlehampton for that matter.

@fredstuart4554 3 жыл бұрын

Zac, I just recently started watching your chanel. you're picking some great people to profile. I would love to see the guitar playing lawers, Bob Warford, and Frank Recard, both Emmylou alums.and both very individual stylists as well. keep up the good work.

@colinbradley1366 3 жыл бұрын

Great idea - especially FRANK RECKARD!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Big fan of your work, Fred.

@garysimmons7987 3 жыл бұрын

Zac I commented a while back and emailed you about my Dads blonde 74 ish tele, anyhow I am from Bognor Regis in West Sussex, and my Dad (RIP)and Ray Flacke knew each other, although Dad was older, small world Dad used to mention Ray to me a bunch.. I live in Louisiana ...

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

That is very cool. Where in LA?

@garysimmons7987 3 жыл бұрын

Ask Zac just a few miles from Baton Rouge about an hour from NOLA .

@colinbradley1366 3 жыл бұрын

So great to see a video about a favorite guitarist of mine, and one who goes un-heralded by people who should know better. Happy New Year Zac!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Happy New Year to you, Colin!

@SSRT_JubyDuby8742 3 жыл бұрын

Nice 😎🎙🎸✅

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks ✌️

@pallisg 11 ай бұрын

Tak!

@AskZac 11 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!!!!

@christmasmusicukulele8318 3 жыл бұрын

When I saw 'Brit Telecaster Strangler' I thought it would be a real surprise if this was about Hugh Cornwell from The Stranglers. Also aTelecaster player.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Those Brits know how to strangle Telecasters!

@putzengiler 3 жыл бұрын

I believe the guy that took over Cornwell's place in the Stranglers, Baz Warne ... plays Telecasters as well..

@christmasmusicukulele8318 3 жыл бұрын

@@AskZac There is also a Keith....

@christmasmusicukulele8318 3 жыл бұрын

@@putzengiler Yes, I saw them live once. Mostly Cornwells parts in the old songs.

@christmasmusicukulele8318 3 жыл бұрын

@@AskZac On that subject, do you know Graham Coxon (Blur and solo)? Great tele player... has a signature tele.

@cpfs936 Жыл бұрын

Still kicking myself for selling my Lab L5!

@maxwhitten8376 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks once again Zac! Good stuff. When you do the roasted maple necks video, I'd like your opinion on the minimum size, gigable Amps. Of course I'm a tube amp guy. TIA!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

I have made it pretty clear I like the Deluxe Reverb. Are you needing something louder?

@maxwhitten8376 3 жыл бұрын

@@AskZac no sir. The Deluxe Reverb is my favorite!!! I was just thinking of something lighter... I'm old.

@brucerobenalt8048 3 жыл бұрын

I want one of those Ron Ellis T shirts...

@mgcnashville6615 3 жыл бұрын

I want the machine he uses to make/analyze pickups 😂

@mobean7406 3 жыл бұрын

There are many many more accomplished pro guitar players in the world than there are accomplished pro guitar players who simultaneously have an instantly identifiable tone and a clever way of phrasing that tone. Ray Flacke is the latter.

@Slovy_ 3 жыл бұрын

My buddy’s shop has one of those lab amps for about $200. It’s been there forever

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Where is your buddy's shop?

@Slovy_ 3 жыл бұрын

@@AskZac Ayers Street Music on Ayers street next door to La Armada housing projects between Clawson’s and Del Mar College in Corpus. I think it’s the 2x12 version. I’m not sure on the year. He also has some of the music man amps u we’re taking about. It’s mostly used gear. He is always willing to trade and make deals. It’s a side business for him and it’s mostly for him to justify buying tons of gear. Always gives me a great deal.

@jonathonhenson671 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic episode, Zac. Your content is always thorough and interesting. I watched the True Tone prior to seeing this Ask Zac episode on Ray. Something I didn’t hear covered in either video was Ray’s approach to the tone knob on the guitar. He mentioned liking everything on the amp at 1 o’clock, but I do not remember his approach to the tone knob. Do you happen to know his tone and volume approach on guitar itself? Thank You!

@AskZac Жыл бұрын

full up on the tone most of the time. He tended to control his volume more with his touch, but would use the volume knob too.

@tongusgrump2261 3 жыл бұрын

Fender F style tuners do have plastic buttons they work fine but the plastic buttons break easily and often at the wrong time

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@Docsjeff 10 ай бұрын

The one guy I would like to learn from is Pete Anderson.

@PlowMule1952 Жыл бұрын

Zac, Do you know what all the amp settings Ray used on his Lab Series L9 when he played with Skaggs? I have an old L9 and am trying to at least get in that ballpark with it. Thanks.

@AskZac Жыл бұрын

I don't

@yngveskarphedinssons 2 жыл бұрын

your famous 57 esquire, what finger board radius is it? 7.25 or is a compound radius? Love your shows, greetings from Australia

@AskZac 2 жыл бұрын

7.25

@petermorgan5683 3 жыл бұрын

I seem to remember he made an all acoustic album just a few years ago. Anyone know for sure?

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

It's in my spotify playlist open.spotify.com/playlist/683Hc3O8wBNOCZa7svOz75?si=I7T-5-xQRMKvTwckg4S1_g

@vayabroder729 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, Zac! Why don’t you do a video on Robbie Robertson, since the time he was with The Hawks? He had a white guard Tele then.

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

On the list!!

@michaelgranka7904 3 жыл бұрын

👍

@bluefestus 3 жыл бұрын

Zac, how do you have your deluxe amp set I love that tone!!

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

vol 3, treb 4, bass 4 or 5. rev 2.5

@bluefestus 3 жыл бұрын

@@AskZac Thanks

@LUCKYB. 3 жыл бұрын

So howz it going down in the great state of Delousion ? . When you gonna play Robert Johnson Teraplain Blues ? 😜

@AskZac 3 жыл бұрын

Happy go lucky

@soulgamblers 2 жыл бұрын

HOW ABOUT KENNY VAUGHAN?????????

@AskZac 2 жыл бұрын

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/qchkfa6ImcjXZ4E.html

@mikehunt5630 2 жыл бұрын

I never understood why Ray just fizzled out after Skaggs? I've heard Skaggs shafted most of his band promising retirement but it was all a lie

@mitcharney1 3 жыл бұрын

Flacke's guitar playing was primary in the the success of Skagg's Highways And Heartaches album. Ricky let Flacke go and never achieved the success he had on any following album.