Ask the Experts | January 29, 2025
Jason Herndon: Backline Crew Chief/Guitar Tech
These questions aim to delve into various aspects of acoustic guitar care and maintenance, travel tips, unique situations, and funny stories from the road. We hope to offer insights and inspiration for both beginners and experienced players alike.
What is your official title?
Backline Crew Chief/Guitar Tech.
What artists have you worked with?
Eric Johnson and Blake Shelton, as well as CMA Fest, the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, and CMT Music Awards.
Can you share some insights into your daily responsibilities when working with high-profile artists and their acoustic guitars?
My main priority in the morning is to get the guitar vaults in a climate-controlled environment. As you can imagine, the temperature and humidity change a lot as the gear is traveling across the country. Daily responsibilities include restringing instruments and adjusting as needed.
What are one or two essential tips you would give to beginner guitar players regarding acoustic guitar care and maintenance?
To keep your instrument well humidified at 50 percent if possible. Between 45-55 percent is an acceptable level.
Could you elaborate on the common issues or challenges you encounter with acoustic guitars while on tour, and how you address them?
The weather is my biggest concern. If you get to freezing temperatures, it's best to get the instruments in their vault and cases in the building to acclimate before opening them.
What specific steps do you take to protect acoustic guitars from environmental factors such as humidity and temperature changes, especially during travel?
Acclimation to various weather conditions. Remove the instruments from their current climate in the truck to the climate of where you’ll be performing. Let the instruments sit there for a couple hours before you open the case. This isn’t always possible, but it’s definitely the best way.
How do you approach troubleshooting and resolving technical issues with acoustic guitars during live performances or recording sessions?
I always keep replacement parts for the electronics on hand, sometimes I just replace them at the beginning of the year to start fresh. As far as recording sessions, you just wanna have everything working well on the front-end before you even get to the studio
What advice would you give to aspiring guitar techs on how to get started in the role?
Learn as much as you can from experienced guitar techs. Don’t believe everything that you read. A lot of this is just learned through experience. Having a great attitude is definitely important, too.
What's the most valuable lesson you've learned throughout your career as a guitar tech, and how can it benefit guitar players of all levels?
Follow your instincts. If something seems wrong, address it. Don’t wait for it to fail during the show.
What's the most unusual or unconventional venue you've had to set up for a performance, and how did you adapt to the unique circumstances?
We played in someone’s backyard in Beverly Hills once for a wedding reception. Load-in was very difficult. If I’m not mistaken, Goldie Hawn and Paul Stanley were there. The artist played a few of his own songs and then just started taking requests from the crowd for covers.
What are some lesser-known factors or techniques that can significantly impact the tone and playability of acoustic guitars?
Humidity, humidity, humidity.
Can you recall a funny or lighthearted moment involving a famous musician and their acoustic guitar while on tour that still brings a smile to your face?
I work for Blake Shelton; we have these moments daily.
What's the most unexpected or unconventional request you’ve received from a musician regarding their acoustic guitar setup or maintenance?
Sometimes musicians want their guitar set up in a way that you wouldn’t normally do it. For example, really low action that buzzes when you play it works perfectly when they play it. You have to listen to the player and get it right for them.