Fender American Vintage II Strat - What I REALLY think after a few weeks

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ม.ค. 2025

ความคิดเห็น • 210

  • @bobbysbackingtracks
    @bobbysbackingtracks 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Bro you are such a wicked player. Respect.

  • @Mindokwin
    @Mindokwin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I just bought a 1957 Vintage II in blonde direct from Fender. I wanted the ash body because I liked the looks of the grain of the wood through the nitro finish and I thought it would age well. It was set up perfectly and sounds great.

  • @christopherjbutler
    @christopherjbutler 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I have had a Maple neck Strat for most of my adult playing life as an adult. I am glad to see you are enjoying it, and making it sound as good as only you can.

    • @immanuelkant4270
      @immanuelkant4270 ปีที่แล้ว

      in terms of playability rosewood or maple neck which is more comfortable to play?

    • @christopherjbutler
      @christopherjbutler ปีที่แล้ว

      @@immanuelkant4270 I have found it depends on the frets.. When my Maple neck strat's original frets had gotten to their last level and polish and they were too low, you notice the stickyness of the maple neck. Mine is poly, I believe so not as bad as lacquer that has not worn off yet, but still. Rosewood feels less sticky under the fingers when your frets are getting low... However, after I had the maple neck refretted with dunlop 6105 (tall narrow) frets, it is just as effortless to play for me as my Carvin with Ebony, or my brand new Squier Classic Vibe 60's strat, which is laurel.
      It also can depend on what you play. With the strat, even as the frets had gotten lower with time and fret levels, I was playing mostly funk rhythm comping, and no lead playing to speak of. It didn't matter as much. But as I started playing more complex stuff and lead, I noticed.

  • @gingerburney
    @gingerburney 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I have an US vintage 1996 57 reissue, really came into its own once I adjusted the pickups (generally away from the strings). Absolutely love it and yes those nitro necks are much easier to work with after a few years.

  • @johnlong5003
    @johnlong5003 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    It pains me to pay more than I did for my custom shops about 10 yrs ago but I'm seriously tempted by the white 60s edition the old guitars have thier quirks but the best music was written on them because the great guitarist didn't let it hinder them.

  • @MikeMckenz
    @MikeMckenz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Hi John, I had exactly the same issue with the neck stickiness on mine. I took a bit of 8000 grit sandpaper (defo 8000 not 800!) and gave the back of the neck a rub for about a minute and it's perfect. It's such a high grit it's basically smoother than your hand and gets you the played in feel straight away. There is no visible marking on the neck at all. Just in case it helps

    • @WickBeavers
      @WickBeavers 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      scotchbrite pad scrubby works great. after its scuffed off all that glossy garbage, I scotchbrite pad some Formby's wood oil, matte finish and rub it til it's only in the grain.

    • @somebodyelseuk
      @somebodyelseuk ปีที่แล้ว +2

      LOL. People mither for nitro. They get it and then complain about all the reasons why Fender stopped using nitro. 🤣

    • @xu10j4rs1
      @xu10j4rs1 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@somebodyelseuk crazy isn’t it! 😂

    • @przemyslaw1235
      @przemyslaw1235 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@somebodyelseuk People just crazy😂you cant make them happy .Strange creatures😅

  • @tonystartup3817
    @tonystartup3817 2 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    The poly base coat is a bit of a red herring - specially on a production guitar. Fender have put a poly based base coat on the guitars since the late 50s - Fullerplast and its forebarers are basically a poly based coating and were used to prevent the paint soaking in to the wood and needing so many coats in order to get a good finish. Paint is more expensive than the poly base coat!

    • @400_billion_suns
      @400_billion_suns 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Yep. Also, it's funny to see the custom shop and vintage guys on TH-cam being sent these guitars by Fender (not referring to John here). They say the lacquer doesn't feel like their 10/20/60-year old strat. How do they think those old guitars felt when they were brand new? That's how factory-fresh lacquer feels, folks. lol

    • @tonystartup3817
      @tonystartup3817 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@400_billion_suns that is a very good point that is nearly always overlooked. Nitro is constantly drying out for years - shrinking and hardening as it gases off. New nitro is never going to feel like old nitro. And keeping a guitar in a case and not playing it will slow this process. They need to be out and bring played

    • @400_billion_suns
      @400_billion_suns 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @GOD&GUNS You’re not going to buy it because it has a grain filler coat, like Fenders have had since the 60s? I’m confused. There is no “vintage accurate” Fender that is nitro all the way to the wood.

    • @fl3xo
      @fl3xo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      They used a variety of grain fillers in the pre cbs days, and none was as indestructible as the poly fender uses today. These new guitars do not age the same way the old ones did. The nitro wears off and you're left with a thick clear poly finish. Most buying these guitars don't realize that and will be unhappy about it later.

    • @400_billion_suns
      @400_billion_suns 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@fl3xo I have several of their American Original guitars, which are the predecessor to this American Vintage II line and are basically the same guitar except for the fretboard radius. I have worn through the lacquer on two of them and I can say from my own eyes that they definitely do not have a “thick clear poly finish.” If you read this in online forums, just keep in mind that a huge amount of what gets circulated there starts from one person’s claims and then just gets repeated.

  • @SimonGaiser
    @SimonGaiser 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hate to say it but this guitar and you make the best sounds I have heard on this channel.

  • @rogerYT69
    @rogerYT69 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I have the 61 in 3tsb ...absolute stunning guitar ...sound and feel awesome ...by far my best strat 😉

    • @vyvynylification
      @vyvynylification 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Im debating between the 57 and 61. Any ideas on how to help me decide? I adore the vintage blond 57 and I prefer maple I think. However a 61 strat seems to be more what Im after sound wise. I know how the 61 strat sounds like I want to but how different does a 57 sound? it's hard for me to gauge through vids as there's no A/B comparison... Is it dumb to go with one of these over a pro II knowing it's a smoother neck, more versatile instrument and cheaper?

    • @rogerYT69
      @rogerYT69 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@vyvynylification not an easy decision 😉 i would trust your feeling if you dont have the chance to play the different models in a guitar store. for me it was clearly the 61 and i have not regretted it for a second. good luck 😉

  • @fishy4071
    @fishy4071 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Whenever you play this guitar it sounds good, well actually, it sounds special. It makes me want one . . . every time.
    IMHO the key things that matter with an instrument are
    - "does it sound good to the listener?"
    - "does it make the player play their best?"
    - "is it a practical and reliable tool for the working musician?"
    I trust a review that can be critical much more than a best-thing-since-sliced-bread video. Your video sells me this guitar in a way that the slick Fender promos couldn't in a million years !!!!

  • @hansgruenweg294
    @hansgruenweg294 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Two years ago I bought an American Pro II Strat with the V-Mod II pickups I don't get used to it.
    At bedroom level the g- and the b-strings are to different in the loudness and clean sound.
    From time to time there was the chance to use my tube amps in a louder context.
    Then this g- and b-string difference at higher clean amp level disappeared. Amp internal tube compression ?
    Changed the V-Mod II with Kloppmann PUs.
    Am I interested in Vintage II? No.
    BTW. The noise when putting back the dog to the floor...what says your wife (to your joke)?

    • @void_snw
      @void_snw 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There's a few things that could be tbh. Staggered pickup poles, string gauge difference, action difference, and it disappearing at louder volumes likely has to do with both saturation of the amp and how we perceive loudness.

  • @av8tordonny398
    @av8tordonny398 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    John, your lead tone in that opening is perfect. Very inspiring.

  • @NegativeNope
    @NegativeNope 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I understand the jump back to "vintage" appointments that make a guitar sound a certain way. On the other hand, the vintage appointments that make it play vintage are interesting. We've had decades to improve upon the playability of the guitar. Of course it's a personal opinion, but I sold my Silver Sky because the 7.25 radius just wont allow for a really low action. Low for some, not for me.

    • @Garrettalbin-mg8bz
      @Garrettalbin-mg8bz 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      As long as it dosent buzz what’s wrong with a low action it make it easier

  • @rongarza1974
    @rongarza1974 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can you go back and forth between the K-Line C profile and the 57 Slight V profile with no issues?

  • @ShaneTN
    @ShaneTN 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    John, I’m so happy you put out as much stuff as you do, there’s always something to put a smile on my face, thanks for real. ❤😊

  • @DavidOHara-t4b
    @DavidOHara-t4b หลายเดือนก่อน

    1st , great demo. Player ! . 2nd , I've been looking at one of these or a 60s , just to get away from modern incarnations of a classic design. Your demo has shown that leo got it right almost straight away. Thanks.

  • @goldbug1974
    @goldbug1974 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I have one of the 57s that they did years ago and it took about 2 years until the nitro on the neck stopped feeling sticky. 14 years into it now and it feels great, but it took time for sure

    • @CMHobbies
      @CMHobbies 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Scotch Bright it and you only have to wait through a couple Netflix shows.

    • @vkelly1975
      @vkelly1975 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have a 2014 avr 58 Tele which has reliced nicely, I wouldn’t part with it. I always thought that fender got rid of the line. Maybe intentionally so they could leave room for the custom shop. Non reliced and charge people an extra 1k up charge lol 😂

    • @400_billion_suns
      @400_billion_suns 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I have 3 American Original strats, an AO Jazzmaster, and an AO Jaguar. The strats are 2017, 2019, and 2020 year models and the Jazzmaster is also a 2020. All have very nice glassy necks now, but it really depends on how much you play them and how much you rub the neck down before and after playing that determines the time it takes. The Jag is a 2022 and it's already getting pretty good, but still a bit grippy. It'll get there soon.

  • @juliencabanac5406
    @juliencabanac5406 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I bought exactly this one in Paris. I'm in love with it. It's my first "vintage" strat. My 2016 am pro is a little bit "fast" with the satin finish behind the neck but this av ii series is really great. Fender did an amazing job (as gibson with their 50's and 60's series). Jc

  • @AmbientMelancholy
    @AmbientMelancholy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    absolutely love the roasted maple neck look! 😎

  • @chr15tree
    @chr15tree 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That intro track was 🔥🔥🔥

  • @serpensnovus9869
    @serpensnovus9869 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This guitar always sounds really special in your hands.
    Interesting to see what you improvise on this instrument and what possibilities it offers you.
    I wonder what are the key features of the instrument make it what it is?
    (Would is sound any different with truss rod adjustment in a sensible place and with locking tuners ?)

    • @johnnathancordy
      @johnnathancordy  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I do wonder on the truss rod thing...I guess the construction would be slightly different at the headstock - but I can't imagine that it'd be anything actually noticeable?

  • @gregorylumpkin2128
    @gregorylumpkin2128 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome playing mate! Keep on cranking out those lovely tones and compositions.

  • @wizdeas6064
    @wizdeas6064 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you. A couple of questions: 1. Can you let us know in each video what you are playing through? 2. What happened to your Revstar?
    Thanks again.

  • @sboy1955
    @sboy1955 ปีที่แล้ว

    Have been looking at the Pro II lineup - need to search your channel to see if you’ve played any?

  • @leviaguonie1383
    @leviaguonie1383 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Outstanding playing n tone.. you really sell the point of this guitar..

  • @jwiegand1022
    @jwiegand1022 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I'm shopping for another strat and I played 3 cs and this exact model. 2 of the cs guitars were very disappointing for several reasons. The 3rd cs checked all the boxes but then I was handed the 57. The shop had just finished the setup and I was impressed right away. If I had to decide right then I would have chosen the 57. The tone was right on and every bend felt so smooth. I played through a princeton copy style amp. I honestly couldn't find anything to complain about with the guitar. I prefer a rosewood slab style neck but its still on my list of possible buys. I did play the 61 but the factory setup was awful and i didn't want to get the wrong impression of it so I will go back after it's properly setup. Then there is the 63 tele... lol

  • @mykylc
    @mykylc ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Got mine about 3 weeks ago direct from Fender and sent it right back. It felt good but the fretboard had Lacquer smears on multiple frets under the B and E strings. Some frets were unfinished on the sides. Very sloppy workmanship. Dumping over 2k on this guitar and being American made I was thinking I was getting a better quality. My MIJ Strat I purchased new in '87 puts this guitar to shame. Not impressed with their quality control. Mine looked like a factory second you would find on sale at Guitar Center for 50% off. They suggested that I take it to a local Fender warranty shop but after dropping that much money the last thing I need to do is waste my time and gas trooping this thing around.

  • @ediththeband
    @ediththeband 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    some of my favorite playing of yours!

    • @johnnathancordy
      @johnnathancordy  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Oh! Thanks! It was last night while Lenny was watching an Instagram live - a lot of the playing on this 57 I've been trying to show some more low gain tones etc so this was just trying to let loose and do what comes "naturally"

    • @christopherjbutler
      @christopherjbutler 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@johnnathancordy it sounds lovely, John. Looking forward to more :-)

  • @nigelsmith721
    @nigelsmith721 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I bought one a couple of weeks back and I'm really enjoying it.
    One point of qualification though - you suggest that anyone considering buying one should go try one out and, ordinarily, that makes good sense. The problem for me is that off the rack the setup was terrible, like "bad" (I've seen a few other reviews on here that have said the same thing) but I knew that I could most likely sort any playability issues.
    If you're not confident in your setup skills or have access to a good, trusted tech you might find it feels a bit messy in shop and walk away which would be a pity.
    Mine needed the neck relief sorted (by a substantial amount) and the action honed to get it feeling decent. I did that work myself but will probably drop it in to my local luthier in case I'm missing that last 5% that the pros can extract.
    Anyway, the guitar is great now and I'd honestly say it's a keeper.
    Loved your review, by the way.

    • @johnnathancordy
      @johnnathancordy  2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hey Nigel! I guess the terrible off the rack setup is exactly the sort of thing if you can try a couple out - you pick the one that plays better or? I definitely have a few friends that would go to a tech with almost any new purchase, but in my view, it shouldn't be essential on an expensive guitar?

  • @craigthomson3621
    @craigthomson3621 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I obtained a left-handed American Vintage II ‘57 Stratocaster in Vintage Blonde - so it has the Ash body. The retailer (Peach Guitars) re-strung the guitar and set it up perfectly. Loving the instrument so far.

  • @ryanpullin
    @ryanpullin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've got the 1973 AV II in Aged Natural with the Rosewood board and I love it. I got mine through a local shop, and got a chance to play it before I bought it. Seems like a common occurrence, but mine definitely need some action adjustments when I got it, but knew I could fix the action. Now it plays awesome and sounds amazing, and I definitely knew it was going to be a keeper once I got it set up.
    I'm really shocked how much I like the poly finish on it. It definitely doesn't have the drag like the nitro on my other Fenders, and I'm actually thinking I prefer the poly gloss over the nitro now. I've also been enjoying rounder radii and smaller frets recently, but head to head with my EJ strat I'm really not sure which I like more.
    My 73 ended up weighing about 8.2 lbs so it's like in the average strat range. I'd seen a mocha 73 being sold by Sweetwater that was 7lbs 3oz, and the aged natural ones from Sweetwater were also close to 9 lbs across the board. My EJ strat weighs about 7.6 lbs, but the half pound difference isn't super noticeable between the two.
    I haven't really noticed any major flaws on mine. I've already put some scratches and dings on it myself and knew that was going to happen anyway. I'd been waiting for a new production big headstock USA strat with more vintage specs for a while so I definitely jumped on it when I got that chance.

    • @ItsJustRyan89
      @ItsJustRyan89 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I’m about to buy an EJ strat. The ‘original’ one, not Virginia.

    • @johnnathancordy
      @johnnathancordy  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The EJ strat is lovely!
      And Ryan - interesting to hear about the Poly - in many ways - isn't Nitro....just sort of worse? It's kinda bad paint lol. But yeh

    • @ItsJustRyan89
      @ItsJustRyan89 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@johnnathancordy I’ve got a shell pink, ‘Original 60s’ series strat for sale- literally played 3x. Once it’s sold, I’m going for the EJ

    • @ryanpullin
      @ryanpullin 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@johnnathancordy yeah man I think the whole guitar community builds this perception on nitro that it’s inherently better. I think it’s just the allure of the OG 50s and 60s guitars that created the “pinnacle guitar” concept, and since those were thin nitro or fading dyes then that makes them better. People also want that guitar that breaks in as they play it but I don’t feel like even modern nitro is gonna give them the effect they’re looking for.
      As for the 1973, it’s glossy but slick. I played it at my church yesterday for two sets and never once had the sticky/tacky feeling that my EJ strat or other nitro guitars would get. I noticed my other nitro fenders feel more “porous” which I’m guessing let’s the tacky feeling exist? I’m thinking of just taking scotchbrite pads to all my nitro guitars now to get them to quit doing that lol.
      It’s making me rethink what I’ve got and maybe try the AmPro 2 strat to see how it compares. Now if they’d do like an AmPro with the EJ neck profile, that’d probably be the winner for me.

    • @ryanpullin
      @ryanpullin 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ItsJustRyan89 the EJ strat is amazing. It’s the one fender I basically want one of every color lol. I just wish they had some different finish options for the rosewood one.

  • @alejandroangeles8587
    @alejandroangeles8587 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the 50's Squier Classic Vibe Strat in white blonde. It's brand new. Beautiful Strat. The translucent finish shows the wood grain (pine). Looks like a mix of Mary Kaye, desert sand and shell pink. I'll replace knobs and selector. I'm keeping the single coils. It has tone control in the three single coils. I was already thinking in buying new pickups. Then I made an incredibly sophisticated move: I roll back the tone to 8 in the three pickups. And they sound great. It's a Squier. I bought it just because I'm a Strat freak, it has a unique look and for the money it's a crazy value. My Squier doesn't have that issue in the first string. It's way better placed.
    Just saying. I love Strats and that's a lovely Strat. But the Squier CV have the SAME good looks. And all their issues can be fixed (It's a Fender design... that was the whole Leo's idea right?)

    • @johnnathancordy
      @johnnathancordy  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      What issue with the first string? Sounds cool!!

    • @StratBurst92
      @StratBurst92 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      My Squire 50s CV in fiesta red is a great guitar and I love playing it. Squire has upped their game.

  • @pmkrak
    @pmkrak ปีที่แล้ว

    Funny, the neck pocket on all my Fender guitars that I bought over the past 20 years (about a dozen in total) have had neck pockets so tight that I could take the screws out of the neck and carry/lift the guitar buy it's neck without it moving. Actually removing the neck from it's pocket was a delicate process because it was so damn tight!

  • @RaggedRomeo
    @RaggedRomeo 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Why is the sticker still on the scratchplate?

  • @MiguelGebremedhin
    @MiguelGebremedhin 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I've heard of guys sanding down the back of those necks to make them slick. I don't know how I feel about that aesthetic wise, maybe that's why I've stuck with rosewood for a while

  •  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I asked Sweetwater if it has poly undercoat or if it is fully nitro and their answer was "The American Vintage II guitars are using Nitro only lacquer, just like the originals." So are you sure that it has poly undercoat?

    • @rodolphep0nthus555
      @rodolphep0nthus555 ปีที่แล้ว

      They are wrong. It has a polycoat.. It's like when they say Supro amps are made in the US. It's not true, Supro amps are being made in China since July 2020. And I recently buyed a Supro Amulet, it had a bunch of flaws.. Solder bits stuck on the speaker magnet.. And mostly important, the attenuator was going bezerk, the amp was awfully loud and horrible sounding one day, and the other day much quieter and glorious sounding.. This on the 15w setting..

    • @ryanmoore2779
      @ryanmoore2779 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rodolphep0nthus555your a mistaken fool

  • @gregs8685
    @gregs8685 ปีที่แล้ว

    I haven’t had the opportunity to try an American Vintage ii but I do briefly own its predecessor, the American Original 50s and did like it but felt the quality has slipped slightly from the that of the prior American Vintage 57 series. The cases have been redesigned with a noticeably cheaper version of the G&G case. The old AVRI guitars CME with the full fat G&G case (same quality as Custom Shop guitars) but apparently the Fender bean counters got G&G to build a cheaper quality case. It actually feels like cardboard construction. The weight on th these (AVRI, American Original) has always been an issue where the weigh 8 lbs on average, but if Suhr can get away with it on their $3500 plus guitars (sold with gig bags!) why can’t Fender at a $2k price point? I had a really sweet older AVRI 57 reissue years ago and really like it but I let it go for a Custom Shop model, which was a noticeably better instrument. My advice with these is to try to pick one up used in the $1500 range.

  • @jasoncorganbrown
    @jasoncorganbrown ปีที่แล้ว

    How is the tuning stability? Didn’t the vintage strats have tuning issues?

  • @danielsagardia9466
    @danielsagardia9466 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Every one that does guitar review videos has one. They are for now sold out for the time being. I started on a 9.5 radius and so 7.25 has never felt home for me. I wanted to check out the 61 because of the slab board and how it compares to the American Pro 2 that does not have a round lam. Is there a difference in the thickness of the fingerboard between the two?

  • @charlespiper9291
    @charlespiper9291 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    On a whim I purchased a Fender Vintage 2 1957 Stratocaster. Very disappointed, if you don’t want to bend any note past the 13th fret, half or whole step it’s acceptable. I’ve raised the action higher than any of my other guitars and adjusted the trussrod. The small frets take some getting used to. I have a 1960 custom shop strat also an American Standard I purchased in 08 and a 1965 all of which I get along very well with. They used a modern wired setup, 5 way switch, tone connected to bridge pickup, good addition, but no reverse wound center pickup! The 3 springs on the vibrato, ring and vibrate, sound like reverb is cranked on the amp. Wish I would have played one before mail order purchase.

    • @rodolphep0nthus555
      @rodolphep0nthus555 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well that's too bad to hear😮. I almost bought one on line but something keeps me from pulling the trigger because not being able to try one before. The neck and radius is very specific, and a bit anxious with the 7'25 radius.. Maybe a PRO II is the way to go? The weight is also getting me off.. They all seem to be over 8 pounds.. For a >2000€ guitar I find this strange from Fender.. Annoying I should say..

  • @vox1962
    @vox1962 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My actual 1964 Strat weighs 8.2 pounds, and has about a 1mm gap in the neck pocket on the bass side, plays and sounds as you would expect, I think the body weight and neck pocket issues are a bit of a red herring

  • @rabbamonkey
    @rabbamonkey 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The end jam was just 🔥

  • @TCMx3
    @TCMx3 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    To be fair John in the US the price difference is more like 7 or 800 dollars. I think the weight thing suggests Fender is making way too many "custom shop" guitars. The teambuilt I bought at the start of the pandemic is low 7s... Anyway thanks for the summary. Now I want to know what you think about KLine VS SVL, those are my two favs

    • @johnnathancordy
      @johnnathancordy  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm not buying an SVL lol

    • @billgreen3629
      @billgreen3629 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      +1 for K-line vs SVL

    • @TCMx3
      @TCMx3 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@johnnathancordy find someone who has one D: Or fly to Boston Ill let you play mine.

  • @3rdtonefromthesun
    @3rdtonefromthesun 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Obsession over neck pockets are such a moot point, I believe SRV had a gap big enough in his no.1 to fit a pick in there. The real important matter is the mating area of the neck and body. These things aside, is the instrument acoustically loud and resonant? I have had a pair of ‘61 AVII Strats in my hands and they were loud!
    I now own one of them in sunburst, it’s just under 8lbs, also the wood sealer is a thin polyurethane and NOT polyester (water based acrylic on the neck) I have posted this info from Fender over on the Strat Talk forum.
    Fair review though, and we must be mindful that a lot of vintage guitars had their warts and all, while some things might not be acceptable to people in a modern era, you’re looking at guitar that aims to replicate something vintage. I personally feel that Fender have done great with this range in that respect and these guitars do have that mojo factor, they really are the sum of their parts though minute QC details do exist just like on the original production guitars.

  • @trickfall8752
    @trickfall8752 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Personally I like seeing the Strat more than your other guitars, but most of all that seemed to be a really honest review which is hard to do.

  • @domafi24
    @domafi24 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Would a heavier wood give you more tone or resonance, though? I would guess it would but im not sure.

  • @seangillen920
    @seangillen920 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have an American 57 reissue from what I think may be 83. V001989 seems a bit late for an 82 when the first reissues came out but I've never seen the neck stamp and I changed the pickups out years ago. Mine is 7.4 lbs. Looks like Fender is giving players what they want.

    • @ledzeppelinzoso
      @ledzeppelinzoso ปีที่แล้ว

      Those were either grey red or black bottoms and lasted a few years. Very rare pickups highly sought after

    • @keithgarreth1386
      @keithgarreth1386 ปีที่แล้ว

      If it's a Fullerton, hang on to it.

  • @esdel1955
    @esdel1955 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Are the Fenders more expensive in UK than USA? Because the K-line is $800 more expensive than the AV II here in USA.

  • @tendingtropic7778
    @tendingtropic7778 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    thanks for this. what do you think of the 61 AVII thats also available?

  • @vyvynylification
    @vyvynylification ปีที่แล้ว +2

    These AVII 57's are sooo tempting to me! Either this color or the vintage blonde, my goddd! That said, I'm trying not to buy one and am waiting to see what other colors the avII 61 strat comes in! If they release that in burgundy mist i'd pay without a doubt. And if that '51 tele comes in white blonde, then i'm officially broke

  • @Andrey1308K
    @Andrey1308K 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have maple neck strat with miami blue finish. I Love it. Great playing!!

  • @chrisdavies9143
    @chrisdavies9143 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is a pretty fair and balanced review. I'm intrigued in this line. Interesting comment about how close they are in price to K Lines. The only place I can seem to find a K Line to buy is direct from them and once you factor in taxes, shipping etc the price difference is significantly more than £2000. I never seem to find any second hand ones

  • @MaTTheWish
    @MaTTheWish 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing Intro! It motivates me to want to play more and to quit playing at the same time lol.

  • @bilanggoboy
    @bilanggoboy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great playing as usual John!

  • @TimGuitarcouk
    @TimGuitarcouk 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A very well considered and delivered review. And you like dogs. It’s a ‘like’ from me!

  • @revelationsoundstudio
    @revelationsoundstudio ปีที่แล้ว

    Fender has shown quality control issues on these expensive Vintage II guitars. Your the third video I look at where there were issues with the quality control. This is one thing you don't normally see with the PRS Silver Sky guitars. Also the string tension is more resistant on the Fender compared to the Silver Sky

  • @RJManeri1
    @RJManeri1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    sounds great, but it depends on what your playing through and what effects you are using.

  • @ledzeppelinzoso
    @ledzeppelinzoso ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 92' avri 1 57'ri in tts. Its a fantastic guitar. I worked through the nitro very quickly. The pickups are fairly rare. I perfer the open sound and sensitivity of the handwound customshop pickups. But solid 7/10, for the 57 pups. I cant get behind the new vintage. Id recommend people just track down an original avri. Mine looks great after 30 years. I have a jimmy page custom shop tele in journeyman relic. The relicing on the high end guitars is about 8.5 /10 its getting nearly identical by certain builders. The avri from the early 80s and 90s were mostly 2 piece bodys w one piece necks, and great pups, now weve added 30 years, the pups start to get the open underwound sound and the bodys and necks look fantastic if u like guitars that look like theyve been played.

  • @robertspicer3716
    @robertspicer3716 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What does he mean by "K line"?

  • @mikejones-hs7od
    @mikejones-hs7od 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very insightful review.

  • @TheTrollMastah
    @TheTrollMastah 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    See I like the ‘59 and ‘56 they had a few years ago because they were so resonant and had the flash coat lacquer. I like that really thin finish. That’s what’s keeping me from buying one of these. If they give us a run with the flash coat I’ll get one.
    I did get the ‘66 Jazz bass in foam green. I was looking for those exact specs in a bass in that exact color and I picked it up as soon as I saw it. I’m changing the pick guard to white though.

  • @kellygotell1179
    @kellygotell1179 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What’s a K-line?

  • @happiestTurkeyPvP
    @happiestTurkeyPvP ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello John, I have a slight gap on my avri 2 neck aswell like you expleanied. Does this mean my guitar is a dud and I should take it back? The sound doesnt seemt to be affected but now im worried :(

    • @rodolphep0nthus555
      @rodolphep0nthus555 ปีที่แล้ว

      Their shouldn't be a gap in the neck pocket on a 2000 € guitar.. People seem to accept that, buying on line most of the time I suppose, and kind of stay blind on such flaws to keep themselves from buying remorse. Maybe it doesn't affect the overall playability and sound? The neck may be more akin to move and get out of line when moving the guitar out for gigs and such.. This can be resolved by loosening the neck screws and readjusting the neck.. But this should not happen on a guitar of this category.. However, you can play it and don't be too regarding about this,
      Or send it back if it annoys you too much, because it may keep you from totally bonding with it in the long term. It's up to you..

  • @wengjai
    @wengjai 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you happen to give private lessons?

  • @craiger2399
    @craiger2399 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My Fender AV 62 from Dave's Guitar Shop has a 10 inch radius, thin skin nitro, and custom shop fat 50s. I like the feel of the more modern radius. Love the thing to death. Yes, the nitro on the neck was a bit sticky at first, but has played down. I wouldn't go for the AV II series unless it was to add a jazzmaster to the collection.

    • @johnnathancordy
      @johnnathancordy  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That sounds like an ideal spec really?!

  • @alguitarchristie
    @alguitarchristie 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sounds really great! Couldn't play a guitar without Jumbo frets now, so it's not for me I guess.

  • @austinsandefer649
    @austinsandefer649 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    How did you get your pinky finger that strong?...

  • @robertritchie2860
    @robertritchie2860 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I had a 57 AM vintage reissue from about 2003 and a 62 AM vintage reissue from 2004. Sadly i had to sell them. Both were lovely guitars. I think if Fender spent another 200$ on the guitar it would be a different animal? Just use some light sand paper on the back of the neck to solve the stickiness issue...

  • @Tonetwisters
    @Tonetwisters ปีที่แล้ว

    Very nice playing. If you don't like this guitar ... you need to stop playing! And THAT, from someone who has been playing for 61 years .... or longer. Flip to notch 4 though, once in a while and get off that back pickup so much. I have an American Original '50s, and I had a small issue with a gap and mine is sort of heavy. I have FIVE springs in mine. I LOVE that guitar. And ALL guitars need lube in that nut. The neck on the American Original '50s is big and fat even up high, and I love it. We trust your opinion. And I actually prefer the 9.5 ... And good on you with the hot dogs!

  • @tossedpenny
    @tossedpenny 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Instead of graphite on the nut try some KG 9 Leather Kote. It's the slickest stuff on earth and lasts forever. Amazing product, better than anything else on the market.

  • @r0bophonic
    @r0bophonic 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    These look great but wish they were < 7lbs. Light weight makes a huge difference in feel and playing enjoyment for me, even when I’m sitting.

  • @christopher.hallissy
    @christopher.hallissy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Haven’t played one of these, but I have played the PRS SE line and was let down by the quality in terms of components and feel in the hand.

    • @jordanpratt3821
      @jordanpratt3821 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah it's been my experience that guitars made out of the USA just do not have the "feel in the hand" of American guitars. It's one of the big big differences for me.

    • @vyvynylification
      @vyvynylification 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@jordanpratt3821 I was worried of getting my MiM ltd player series after my MiA pro II, which I liked alot, died. However, upon arrival I must say it feels just as good, period. The sound on the pro II is a bit fuller and definitly warmer. But I really actually do feel that my player series is atleast 90% the guitar and I paid less than 1/3rd the price. Im now looking into a 57 or 61 vintage II strat and will modify the player later on. That said, I wanted to " cheap out" on a strat by purchasing the prs silver sky SE and none of the ones I held felt or sounded too great...

  • @marksystemed4678
    @marksystemed4678 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Has anybody heard of 'Relic Age' custom guitars? I have a Tele style guitar and the feel and sound is amazing. My favourite guitar, better than my Fender American Professionnel One, although I got them for around the same price secondhand. When I wanted to buy the Tele, the guy took 10 days to think about it, it is so good. Has that relic look and I think one of my kids added to it from one their bad moods!😅😂

  • @kenichi407
    @kenichi407 ปีที่แล้ว

    QC is surprisingly not what you would expect from the upper "american" line for these "reissues". AVRI was top notch during its run and never encountered these issues. The mexican "classic" series were also quite spot on... never saw pocket gaps or uneven string alignments on any of those. what's going on at fender? are they simply pushing everyone to buy custom shop now in order to get what used to be "american standard" quality?

  • @nickpatsios407
    @nickpatsios407 ปีที่แล้ว

    Killer chops

  • @dat219
    @dat219 4 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I like the way they sounded BUT I sent 2 Vintage 2 Stratocasters back because the cases 1 because the case did not close properly the 2nd the guitar was not set properly when I got it. Sorry Sweetwater & Fender but for 2,200 I didn't want to have to live with them. Fender didn't want to send me a different case .

  • @sboy1955
    @sboy1955 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice Strat for sure but I think I’ll save up for a K Line..

  • @loopie007
    @loopie007 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Fenton FTW!

  • @vkelly1975
    @vkelly1975 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a 2014 avr 58 Tele which has reliced nicely, I wouldn’t part with it. I always thought that fender got rid of the line. Maybe intentionally so they could leave room for the custom shop. Non reliced and charge people an extra 1k up charge lol 😂

  • @nekkon1989
    @nekkon1989 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    So Fender sends you a guitar to try out, you have your dog play it, and then you send it back? Cool 😎

  • @philhello
    @philhello 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Need squire affinity HSS fmt Stratocaster review ❤️

  • @Ironworthstriking
    @Ironworthstriking 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    It seems like you're a more modern player, which is who the K Line is made for. A classic package with modern conveniences. Which is awesome. But it doesn't seem like what were talking about is a substantially lower quality guitar here, but rather a guitar with specs that just don't match you as a player.

  • @djcurtis9547
    @djcurtis9547 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Well Executed playing Great tone A beautiful Gorgeous Stratocaster Congratulations on your Beautiful Gorgeous Tone I just purchased a Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster Well made American Stratocasters such as Your Beautiful Stratocaster and My Custom Shop EC Stratocaster are Such a SPIRITUAL Spectacularly Feeling good for your Soul

  • @pepeowen
    @pepeowen 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'll have to try one before forming an opinion, but on the face of it, this guitar is not for me. However, the pickups sound absolutely disgustingly good. I hope Fender will make them available for purchase. I wouldn't mind putting this set on my Ultra.

  • @bymbie
    @bymbie 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    For left handed players, I think the choice is obvious: you have all the colour options when ordering a K-Line and Chris makes lefties of all of his models. You are also supporting an artisan builder. To be fair, Fender did better with the lefty American Vintage II releases than usual. But they set the bar extremely low historically. Still, no Jazzmaster, or any of the 70's models.

  • @stratmagic6893
    @stratmagic6893 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    John is being super polite here. I own 2 K line Springfields and they absolutely destroy these vintage reissues. The 57 I played in the shop was fair at best. My Nash strat also kills this overpriced guitar.

  • @jebusgod
    @jebusgod 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    deffo selling that guitar soon though, you haven't removed the stickers hahaha

    • @johnnathancordy
      @johnnathancordy  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/RxpT-_sbNwE/w-d-xo.html not yet!

  • @bryantwalley
    @bryantwalley 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    If they had made an early 70's hardtail with a Rosewood fretboard I would have been all over it. That's pretty much the only one I would be looking to add. 🐶

  • @starshineraiser6729
    @starshineraiser6729 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love nitro but it’s not everything. It’s about the thickness. I’ve got a super light Custom Shop Stratocaster it’s a super thin urethane and I love it. Also, I’m with you, my favorite Strats are by far maple necks. I have a rosewood 60’s model and I never want to play it because the maple sounds and feels a million x better.

  • @jeffreyfoster4260
    @jeffreyfoster4260 ปีที่แล้ว

    WOW 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

  • @chrisegg7936
    @chrisegg7936 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    really interested to play a couple of these at my local shop, especially the 61 and 73 strats. Not sure a fender non-custom shop with a poly base layer is worth the sort of money they're asking for these, but if it sounds and feels good anything can happen!

  • @PaoloC.
    @PaoloC. 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have an EJ strat for 15 years and that f*** gloss finish on the neck (back and front) did not stop being sticky at all...so I sanded the back but on the front still is pretty sticky especially if you have a gig outdoor. I'm afraid that vintage II will do the same given how flashy is the fretboard to the light!

    • @johnnathancordy
      @johnnathancordy  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      My mate Tony's EJ strat has worn through on the neck a bit - it's lovely!

  • @reddieseled
    @reddieseled 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Interesting loads of people like a thin satin poly lacquer on the neck, but only thick cellulose on the body, which by most accounts isn’t great to paint wood in the first place. Tech moves on

  • @rdanalytics9197
    @rdanalytics9197 ปีที่แล้ว

    I tried that exact model in the store. Not something I would use. Save your money and get a used Custom Shop.

  • @partriotsfight5039
    @partriotsfight5039 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fender just cut 30% of the staff in the Corona factory in California. There were reports that as much is 50% of the product reaching the….final quality control was being sent back that ain’t good.

  • @DS-nw4eq
    @DS-nw4eq ปีที่แล้ว

    PRS is a lot of hype. Also, I wouldn’t compare a PRS SE with an instrument that’s supposed to be a replica of a 1950s vintage specification instrument with single coil pickups.

  • @TurfShifter
    @TurfShifter 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Fender seems to have flooded TH-cam channels with these while ignoring big channels like Phil McKnight. I guess because they know he will pull it apart to find the issues. Fender quality is in the dumps at the moment.

  • @chrisfelix7257
    @chrisfelix7257 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The iconic 2010 to 2016 American standard fender stratocaster is still the best way to go for me 🤟😎

  • @ALT3REDB3AST
    @ALT3REDB3AST 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Guthrie Govan'esq!🔥

  • @DS-nw4eq
    @DS-nw4eq ปีที่แล้ว

    I wouldn’t gripe about every little flaw, we’re lucky Fender makes these for sale. Major issues, sure… the neck pocket is a real issue. A minor finish imperfection on the end of the neck where you’re not playing that isn’t exposed wood… not really an issue.