Interview With Zac Schulze of The Zac Schulze Gang on Gear and Keeping It Simple
The UK blues-rock guitarist talks gear, simplicity, and what's ahead for the Zac Schulze Gang.
Photo credit: Haluk Gurer
I recently caught up with UK blues-rock guitarist and frontman of Zac Schulze Gang, Zac Schulze. Fresh off a run of high-energy shows and growing buzz among modern blues-rock fans, Schulze has been steadily carving out a reputation for fiery tone and soulful, melodic playing.
In this interview, the conversation leans heavily into the tools behind that sound, from his preferred string gauges and pickup choices to the pedals and amp settings that shape his punchy, vintage-leaning voice.
Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: What’s your main guitar right now, and why does it suit your sound?
I have a Stratocaster that’s been my main guitar since the band started. 1978 Fender American neck, Squier Japanese silver series body, and custom pickups wound by Leigh at Green Pickups. It’s a workhorse guitar and has a fat-sounding bridge pickup. I’m on the bridge pickup 90 per cent of the gig.
Musicngear: Do you stick to one string gauge, or change depending on the gig/studio?
Elixir 10s on every guitar. I sweat so much I have to use coated strings, ha-ha, I also like the way they feel!
Musicngear: What’s the one pedal you couldn’t play a show without?
I guess a tuner pedal. I only use a Boss tuner and tube screamer, sometimes straight into the amp. So, I guess staying in tune is important!
If you're happy with what you're using, then use what you want and don't listen to anyone else.
Musicngear: Are you more of a tube amp purist, or do you use modellers as well?
I use a Roland Blues Cube Artist, which is a modelling amp. That thing has done around 800 gigs and is still going strong. I don’t believe in all this “valve sounds better” stuff. I think there are some great valve amps out there and some bad ones, and that goes exactly the same for solid state and modelling amps.
The bottom line is, if you're happy with what you're using, then use what you want and don't listen to anyone else.
Photo credit: Josh Atkins
Musicngear: How do you build your pedalboard - tone first or practicality first?
Practicality haha. As I mentioned, I just have the tuner and tube screamer. The less pedals on the floor for me, the more I can focus on playing other than tap dancing!
Musicngear: Any “always-on” pedals that shape your core tone?
Can we stop talking about pedals now? Just use the tube screamer for solos, and then the tuner gets used for…well…
Musicngear: What piece of gear most changed your playing style when you first got it?
I remember getting the Joe Bonamassa signature Epiphone Les Paul gold top when I was 14. I had that, and a little Marshall and that was it for me, don’t think I left my room for a couple of years.
Thanks to my parents for that Christmas present!
Musicngear: What projects are you currently working on?
The Zac Schulze Gang will tour the UK in November 2026 and February and March 2027. Tickets are available from www.zacschulzegang.rocks/tour.
We like to have fun in various projects and bands back in our home town, Medway, Kent.
Connect with Zac Schulze | Zac Schulze Gang
Zac Schulze Instagram / Zac Schulze Facebook | Zac Schulze Gang Instagram / Facebook / Spotify / Website
The Zac Schulze Gang tour the UK from November 10–15, 2026, and February 23 – March 4, 2027. Tickets available from www.zacschulzegang.rocks/tour
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
In this section of the blog we host interviews with established but also up and coming artists we love and recommend as well as music industry professionals with tons of useful information to share.
Interested in an interview, writing a story as a guest or joining the Musicngear team as a Contributing Author? Contact us at info+blog@musicngear.com
