Zach Top Says The Telecaster Changed Everything For Him

Before Zach Top became one of country music’s fastest-rising traditionalists, he was just trying to get through gigs without being able to afford a dedicated guitar player.

Turns out, that problem ended up shaping his entire sound.

In a new clip shared by Fender as part of the brand’s Telecaster 75 celebrations, Zach opened up about how picking up a Telecaster completely changed the direction of his music – eventually becoming the instrument most people now associate with him.

Zach Top Found His Sound Through Classic Country Guitar

Zach explained that once country music started pulling him away from his bluegrass roots, he naturally gravitated toward the Telecaster because of the players he grew up listening to.

The biggest influence? Roy Nichols, best known for his work with Merle Haggard.

You can hear that influence all over Zach’s music now too. The sharp lead tones, clean twang and old-school country phrasing have become a massive part of what separates him from a lot of newer artists trying to tap into the traditional country revival happening right now.

And honestly, it feels genuine because it clearly comes from obsession rather than trend-chasing.

Zach Top Calls The Telecaster His “Musical Best Friend”

One of the best parts of the video is hearing Zach talk about the Telecaster less like a piece of gear and more like an actual touring companion.

He describes it as his “absolute musical best friend” and credits the instrument with helping shape the artist he eventually became. There’s something very fitting about that considering how much Zach’s appeal revolves around musicianship and live playing rather than overproduction.

At a time where a lot of modern country leans heavily into tracks and polish, Zach’s building momentum by making people care about the actual playing again.

Zach Top Was Part Of Fender’s Telecaster 75 Celebration At The Ryman

The video arrives as part of Fender’s wider Telecaster 75 celebrations, including the recent Tele Town event at Ryman Auditorium.

And really, Zach feels like the perfect artist to spotlight for something like this.

Country music’s clearly in another phase where fans want authenticity back – not just in songwriting, but in the musicianship too. Players matter again. Guitar tones matter again. Live shows matter again.

Artists like Zach Top are a huge reason why.