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Thanks for chipping in Todd - Hopefully someone can answer you regarding the Custom build. I love Firebirds (review here - th-cam.com/video/nXY2pH9fKkI/w-d-xo.html ) but they are a bit ungainly. My love for Tele's was recently rekindled after getting that American Pro (Version 1) and if it interests you I have done a number of reviews on various Tele's since, although my favourite has the 'Twisted Tele' pick-up in the neck combined with a 'Blackguard' in the bridge. Put 3 (50s, 60s and Modern) side by side here - ( th-cam.com/video/FfDAtvUXT0o/w-d-xo.html ) Regards: Stu

Hi Bravo - Thanks for the comment. Yes, I think Fender has made a clever business move here, I wonder if they will soon extend the range to more colours or even introduce more guitar models - Jazzmaster etc. As you say, I'm not sure what Gibson is thinking with the Epiphone brand, it does appear to be a step in the wrong direction. Regards: Stu

Hi Rob - Thanks for chipping in, much appreciated. In regard to pick-ups, so much depends on your own tonal preference and the style of your playing. As you will be aware, everyone has their own favourites. I like the Fat 60s and the Texas Specials on older style Strat's for that traditional sound. I also found that it took me some time to settle on an amplifier capable of valve crunch tones that married well with a Strat and my other favourite, the Telecaster. If you check-out my channel you will see a number of reviews I've done on Strat's and Tele's along with amplifiers (Bad Cat-Black Cat my favourite) and pedals. I find a TC Boost pedal helps out the Fenders alongside valve amp crunch overdrive settings. Coming from the Les Paul Humbuckers you will notice the Fender's thinner Single-Coil sound but as mentioned, when married with a good punchy amp, possibly a boost pedal and a further overdrive unit - I use a Tube-Screamer at times - this fills things out if looking for a fuller sound. If possible, nip into a guitar store and see if they have a couple of Strat's with various pick-ups so you can determine what your listening for... hope that helps... do let us you know how you get on... regards: Stu

Hi Klopfer - Thanks for chipping in and subscribing, much appreciated. Yes I also prefer the ashtray string-through set-up. If you like Telecasters you can see quite a few reviews I have done on various Fender Tele's - they are great guitars. That Dakota Red in the satin finish is really quite smart looking and with the aged-pearl white pick-guard replacement, I think it finishes it of a bit better. Regards: Stu

Gracias por el amable comentario. Me alegra que hayas disfrutado el vídeo. Echa un vistazo a mis otros vídeos de guitarras Fender en mi canal. Saludos: Stu

@@StuGuitarChannel ....agradecido, ya me subcribi......nuevamente, un saludos desde Puerto Rico.

@@angeltorresrodriguez409 Gracias, saludos desde Escocia... Saludos: Stu

Hi - If you are in the UK you can get it on Amazon but if you are in the States - Sorry it appears not to be available at this moment in time - Regards: Stu

Hi Christopher - Thanks for chipping in - I agree that it would have been nice to see the standard barrel set-up and ashtray plate but I presume, costings aside - this may have encroached too far into their other models. I would say, that the individual saddles did help improve action and tweak intonation without too much trouble. For sure, a consideration for a newcomer. As for the tone... I could have made it more twangy, but at the end of the day - the pick-ups are what they are. If you like 'Traditional' Tele's do check-out my reviews on various model types on the channel... regards: Stu

Hi Christopher... I just checked Amazon USA and your right - it states they will not deliver the Telecaster model there. I wonder why that could be? Anyone know?... regards: Stu

@@StuGuitarChannel An enterprising European might be able to make a little extra scratch exporting some to envious Americans. Not me, I'm a Strat guy, but I bet some would pay a small ransom to have an item that would be quite rare here in the States. It makes me feel naughty to possess something that wasn't meant for me.

@@christopheraaron8299 mmm! I wonder if I could get a discount from Amazon if I put in for a bulk order ;-) regards: Stu

Many thanks Stereo-mike - Much appreciated... this particular guitar will certainly handle getting knocked about, tuning stability on the Telecaster model is very good. I'm not sure how well the Stratocaster Debut would fair with it's tremolo unit. Regards: Stu

Many thanks Kingmodestfirst - much appreciated... if your into Telecasters you might enjoy my other reviews on the channel... regards: Stu

Thanks for chipping in Robert... sound advice... regards: Stu

As always Amin - many thanks, I thought you might like the Dakota Red Telecaster... ;-) Have a great Canada Day!!! and take care of yourself... best regards: Stu

Hi TylorTdog - Congratulations on your purchase, the Telecaster and Stratocaster guitars (copies) were my first electric guitars back in the 1970s and they are still my most favourite today ;-) If you can put in an hour or two (or more) a day and once your finger-tips have hardened (ouch!) you will soon start to pick things up. At times you may feel like giving up - just take a step back for a day and then start again... being able to play an instrument (at whatever level) can be a really rewarding experience... all the very best... do check-out the rest of my channel as I test and review various effects pedals etc... regards: Stu

Hi Allen - Was a real pleasure to spend time with you both... so funny to think how our meeting came together over a 'guitar channel'. Yes, for anyone starting out there is so much choice and the second-hand market is full of great gear we could only have dreamed of years ago. It's a nice touch how easy and cost effective (pattern part pick-guards) it is to change out the pickguards on the Strat / Tele style guitars to give them a different look. Regards: Stu

Hi Rob - I've not tried out their Stratocaster series, but this Telecaster offering is really pretty good for the money... with a decent set of second-hand pick-ups and a bit more attention on the set-up, possibly sand the neck / fingerboard sides a little and this would be a very decent little guitar... regards: Stu

Hi Allen - Thanks for that... as you say, if you have a few guitars and change strings regularly its worth a look. Next video on Friday, features - Guess Who outside "Guitar-Guitar" Store in Edinburgh! ;-) And yes... the parcel arrived on Saturday... all will be revealed on Friday... ;-) Regards: Stu

@@StuGuitarChannel can't wait!!

Hi Rob... seeing as it's made in China - it may very well burst into flames at some point... all joking apart, it's actually quite sturdy and the patterned design helps to make it less cheap and cheerful looking... time will indeed tell how long it will last... regards: Stu

Hi Amin - As always... many thanks! Yes its even sunny in Scotland just now and we Scots do love to see the sun... which is not very often ;-) I trust you will have a great summer Amin... are you going to be able to go on a holiday trip anywhere? best regards - Oh... by the way... I have a guitar coming into the studio today I think you might really like... I hope to have a video of it next Friday.... : Stu

Hi Derek - Yes, I only bought one because I was changing a lot of guitar strings at once, along with guitars owned by others where I needed to put a fresh set of strings on. Certainly made life a bit easier....Next week I will be changing strings on a rather unusual guitar getting delivered on Saturday which I will do a review on... regards: Stu

Hi Rob - Thanks... Next week I have a guitar I will be reviewing that has been creating a bit of a stir..!. I also just had one of the channels followers (Alan) come over from the USA for a jam session...! He brought a couple of pedals for me to try out... been really great and took him to a local guitar store he was keen to visit. Regards: Stu

@@StuGuitarChannel Will EMail you about my upcoming gift from Kerry and Son which is for my birthday but coming early.Cheers

@@robertcalvin2643 Happy Birthday Rob...! mmm... I wonder what that might be? I look forward to that...! My latest acquisition will be delivered today and I'm looking forward to the unboxing.... regards: Stu

Hi SuddenSoundStudios - Thank you for chipping in and the kind comments, much appreciated. Always good to hear if a video review has been helpful or not. In my other reviews (as I searched for that elusive tone we all seek) I did do another review putting the little Blackstar alongside a Fender Junior (th-cam.com/video/UDUTHV0Fn6U/w-d-xo.html) which in turn was traded-in for a Bad Cat Black Cat (th-cam.com/video/sF_IjK0kmto/w-d-xo.html). I have now settled on the Bad Cat and the Blackstar for my studio recording needs. To date, I have had no issues with the Blackstar and enjoy its ability to make all the guitars I have sound good. All the best with whatever you end up getting, and please do let me (others) in on what you get and your own thoughts. Regards: Stu

Hi Rob - Thanks for chipping in... Yes, the Black Cat is a very nice amp, the clean channel set around - One O'clock - tends to be my go-to setting for my single-coil guitars, and when I need a bit more crunch I use my Spark Boost pedal (th-cam.com/video/66b2PKXsLL4/w-d-xo.html). While channel 2 (Dirty Channel) has very usable distortion tones, I am not using it at this moment. Regarding volume; yes it's no problem to get a good crunch tone and keep the master volume down for use at home. When I use it in my sound studio I do crank it up a little more to get a better dynamic tone - the amp sounds good at low volumes but even better when driven a bit harder. I use the extension cabinet in a sound booth (th-cam.com/video/w-FgESKT8x4/w-d-xo.html) and the combo amplifier (speaker off) next to my computer control panel. As you will know, the Hot Cat has more crunch on tap and the next time I'm in a shop that has one in store, I will certainly give one a try. Do message back once you get to try out the Hot Cat... regards: Stu

Hi Colin - Thanks for the comment, sadly it is quite an indictment considering the price of these guitars, although others have reported no issues with theirs. While it does not justify the poor quality control of this particular instrument, I do own other Gibson guitars from the same period that are flawless. I think if I were ever to purchase another Gibson Les Paul, I would go to the music store to pick one out. Regards: Stu

Hi TheKeithbruce - As far as I am aware you cannot change the frequency on the Polytune 3 mini pedal. You can on the larger model. I have a clip-on tuner (Snark) that can do that - video review here (th-cam.com/video/oHOcJLbJTlg/w-d-xo.html) but as I have no need of that facility I went with the mini pedal for my board. I'm not sure why TC Electronics left that out, however... if you find out anything please be sure to get back with any info. Regards: Stu

Hi StephaneS - My mistake... not sure how that edit insert got past me? Regardless - The metal cleaner is a really fine abrasion cream not too dissimilar to the T-Cut and can be used to bring down the stickiness on the back of the neck. Depending on how deep scratches are on the lacquer, you may need to use a fine T-Cut polish to smooth it all down and then use the cream restore cleaner to buff it all back to a shine. Nitro lacquer is soft and pliable once it starts to heat up under friction which makes it easier to buff-up compared to a poly finished guitar. Does that help? Regards: Stu

Hi - Congratulations on your purchase...! It certainly is a lovely looking bass, and while I am a 6 string guitar player I really enjoy playing this bass. Very easy on the fingers and it has so many tonal variations available. All the best with your new acquisition, regards: Stu

Hi Mike - Glad to be of help, I trust you will be happy with your choice. Do let me and others who might be interested know what your own thoughts are once you have it. Just a wee reminder, don’t lock your guitar inside the case until you have made sure the lock mechanism is working as it should. Mine is fine but a little finicky, whereby I need to go easy on it otherwise damage could result if treated harshly. Regards: Stu

@@StuGuitarChannel thanks for the tip.

Hi Ted - Thanks for the correction... always appreciate folks chipping in who know more about these things than myself. I've taken note should I ever mention my Firebird again... regards: Stu

Hi Jagger - I use 9s and 10s d'addario strings on this Strat as well as a mix of both. I think the 10s tend to give the tone a bit more depth since the Fat 50s pick-up are quite bright sounding. However, other folks may have different preferences depending on how they use this type of guitar. Do you have this type of Strat? if so, what do you use? regards: Stu

Yes Stu, actually, I have an American Professional II series Fender Strat. It is loaded with a Fat 50s pickup set installed and has maple fretboard. Of course, we can't expect it to be on the same level as your custom shop, but it has quite similar specs. The reason I asked the question is that the tone in the video sounds fuller and deeper compared to mine, especially the bridge pickup. I actually use 9-46 hybrid strings as well. I realized that now the difference is not due to string gauge. Thank you very much for your response.

@@evrim_k Hi Jagger... You are most welcome... While those guitars do have differences in build, the little Blackstar amplifier and the way I have it set, may very well be responsible for the tonal difference. I have not added anything to the original camera recording so you are hearing (TH-cam compression issues aside) it as best I can get. Although I would say, in the room it actually sounds even fuller than what it sounds on TH-cam. Another consideration is also the type of Hand-Wound Fat 50s as there are different windings. Just some thoughts for you... regards: Stu

Hi Thawthaw03 - Given what I said on the video, I'm not really sure what your comment means... did you want to explain a bit more? From my perspective I was looking for a small combo that looked boutique and would be capable of reasonable clean tones and a good sounding valve-break-up tone. While the Fender is all valve and the Blackstar is a hybrid design I purchased both and found the Blackstar suited me better. The Fender was traded-in for an all valve Bad Cat Black Cat (th-cam.com/video/sF_IjK0kmto/w-d-xo.html) which I really enjoy... beautiful cleans and valve crunch. Regards: Stu

Hi Bryan - Thanks for the explanation, the manager of the shop assured me that the guitar was brand new and admitted that some of the other guitars also displayed defects. We did a deal and as a shop they have given me really good discounts on other guitars I've purchased so I feel they have tried to be as helpful as they can. Thank you... really appreciate the capacitor tip, I've taken a note and I'll definitely look into that. I have the Custom Shop LP Special 60s VOS Model which apparently has Custom P-90s - can't remember just now what the capacitors are in that guitar, did a review here - th-cam.com/video/kRRlLJtsHl8/w-d-xo.html and did a comparison of the two guitars here - th-cam.com/video/V6CTlkZQJhk/w-d-xo.html Regards: Stu

Thanks for chipping in Bryan - I don't think it was B-Stock as the shop (long distance on-line purchase) just got 8 of them in (during Covid lock-down period) and I had my choice of all 8 (they sold out fast) but as mentioned, the weight was just right as I asked them to weigh them all before I decided on one, and once I had it in my hands, it played beautifully under the fingers and has a great tone so I decided to keep it. All my other Gibson's arrived flawless. Thanks for the heads-up on the EHX / DSP units, never been a fan of noise gates, just got used to using my pick-up selector, a volume pedal or my volume knobs to keep the noise down. Regards: Stu

Hi Mike - Thanks for chipping in... a satin finish does have a nice feel to it! While I personally prefer a much more worn-in neck; in regard to the viewer who was asking about treating his recently acquired LP Gold Top, I also would be hesitant to go any further on mine just from a resale perspective since I don't use it very often. Do keep the suggestions coming in and mention the guitar types that have been worked on... regards: Stu

Hi Douginny - Why? I am not the best person to answer that technical question but you are right that the volume does increase slightly and I put that down to a distortion effect you get when at full max 'Sensitivity' thereby the need to use the 'Output' to bring the volume where you need it. It's an interesting distortion effect that may prove useful in some projects. For me I only use the compressor in a subtle way when using particular guitars for rhythm and at times when I'm looking to compress the signal on an overdriven lead break. At the end of the day, as a compressor it's a fairly simple pedal and may not have enough control and variation for those looking for that. Regards: Stu

Hi Douginny - Ye, turning the 'Sensitivity' control clockwise does increase the compression and ultimately distorts some-what at maximum. As mentioned previously, it's an interesting effect but probably not something I would personally use... Regards: Stu

Hi Jeff - Thanks for chipping in with that recommendation, that's also a good approach. Just for added safety when using pads, sometimes it's a good idea to use a little soapy water along with the pad just to help minimise scratching. An important point is to watch out for 'clogging' on the pad and always using a clean surface area on the pad. If anything, using soapy water along with the pad can also feel a little safer for those who are really not use to DIY type work and terrified of damaging their guitar. Keep the recommendations coming... Regards: Stu

Hi Amin - Many thanks... Yes I did not post a video last week because I am now working on my music projects which means I don't have so much time to make a weekly video. But I will be uploading a video at least once a month as my music projects move forward. I will however make a video if someone asks me, for example the one you just saw just now was for someone who was needing help with their guitar neck being sticky to play. If you would like me to make a video on something you are interested in... let me know. Have a great weekend Amin and take care... best regards: Stu

Hi - If you can, and you have a store near who has both, best to try them out side by side, preferably with your own guitar. I say this because I find there is quite a different tonal response depending on the guitar pick-ups. Not meaning to state the obvious but it is a fair bit of money involved. I have another review video where I show the Extension Cabinet - (th-cam.com/video/w-FgESKT8x4/w-d-xo.html), if you were thinking of doing a Head and Cab arrangement instead of the combo versions - although, as you will see I use both cabinet and combo for different roles. All the best with whatever you get, would be good to hear what you end up doing. Regards: Stu

@@StuGuitarChannel thank you so much for your advice,I appreciate it,I will let you know my choice for sure

@@user-jz4gy2vk4c You are very welcome, look forward to hearing how it plays out for you... Regards: Stu

Thanks for chipping in Po1itica - Yes it's one of those - 'Is it going to be okay' moments as you bring the guitar out of its bag/case. I have to say, that all the guitars I've reviewed (Only one guitar bought at the actual store) only the LP Gold-Top had issues. That's a nice weight you got there! It's funny when I think back to the early 70s, I don't remember anyone being that fussed about all the things that get spoken about as I come back to playing and learning about gear... ;-) Regards: Stu

@@StuGuitarChannel True, Stu. We're certainly more picky nowadays, it seems. I purchased my LP from a major retailer on Reverb and knew the weight prior to purchase. The lightest one I found online, and I shopped a long time. When I saw "8.2 lbs", I put it in my cart immediately and sent the payment before someone else grabbed it. My only complaint is the neck. After playing my Eastman and some roasted maple necks on other guitars, I've become spoiled by their smoothness. In comparison, my Gibson neck feels sticky. My hand just doesn't slide up and down the neck as effortlessly. I've seen recommendations online to take some fine sandpaper to the neck, but who wants to do that to a $2,700 guitar and risk damaging it? Not me.

@@Po1itica11yNcorrect Yes the LP does have a gloopy feel… mine almost feels like its been dipped in syrup ;-) I used a fine (emphasis on “fine”) automotive T-Cut polish to even-out the uneven lacquer job on the back of the neck. After polishing, it really helped the neck to feel a lot smoother in the hand. This would be a less scary approach compared to using wet-n-dry sandpaper and a cutting polish to finish. Gibson also do a vintage restoration creamy polish which is a very fine cutting agent but I found I needed to use T-Cut first on certain parts before finishing with the Gibson product. Just a thought, but don’t do anything you are not comfortable with. Regards: Stu

@@Po1itica11yNcorrect Hi - Saw you had written again but for some reason TH-cam gremlins made your message disappear! This seems to happen from time to time... Anyway, you are most welcome regarding advice. If you are a bit unsure about this I could do a short video on what materials to use and show how to actually do this if that would give you more confidence - I would use my own LP GT so it's relevant. Let me know, its no problem... Regards: Stu

@@StuGuitarChannel I tried sharing the link with you to my Reverb LP purchase to show the 8.2 lbs, but it wasn't working. So I deleted it.

Hi Andrew - Not sure where you were living in the 70s but while it was a year of many changes in the music scene I always remember it as a depressing time here in Scotland. Of course, great material for song writing! Welcome back to playing! Do you write / record material? I have done a couple of videos on what inspires people to play/write (th-cam.com/video/NbVvvRrFgjY/w-d-xo.html) and how music is used in so many different ways having worked in the film/TV production Industry for years...(th-cam.com/video/BbaPNVGpC40/w-d-xo.html) if you are interested do check those out... best regards and take care: Stu

Was in Chicago grew up went HS with lots garage rock bands out of area Shadows of Knights Gloeua, , Mauuds, Ides of March Harvey Mabdeo and Jerry Goidman could go on Steve Goodman , John Prije use cooke over write after clubs closed