I don’t get this video.. knocking an amazing guitar about how outdated it is? You have a Flying V and an explorer hanging on the wall behind you!! HELLO
I wouldn't take the opinion from someone wearing a Tee from the worst Metal band ever! Must think Kiss was a great band! That and calling a Twat Knot a man bun explains it all!
I always loved the Stratocasters but in my personal opinion, I do feel that some of them are a little bit over priced. Honestly, they shouldn’t be any more than $1200.
@@jacobseraphin685 I absolutely agree with this. If you're buying ANYTHING from the major guitar brands, I'd always recommend going used. Used Japanese Strats are some of the best value you can get for you money.
Lmao imagine shitting all over a certain brand of guitar while the band on the shirt he's wearing primarily plays the same brand he's shitting on.. 😂😂😂😂 can't make this shit up.
@@ltfringr His point is crap, because of all the models he said he wished fender made…all were actually made! Set necks, more frets, no pickguards, no middle pickups, even 2 knob ones in the 80s! This guy is just speaking to hear himself speak.
Guy totally got bribed to talk shit about it. Can't believe someone would want to gripe up even the smallest dirt on a guitar like this. If anything I'd like to hear something said about Gibson guitars.
I have a mint 1993 fender usa strat all original with full maple neck and tricolor sunburst. EVERYBODY that has played it or seen it offers to buy it. I drink pepsi.
Holly, Marvin, Beck, Blackmore, Gallagher, Knopfler, Malmsteen, EVH and a few others documented here ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Stratocaster_players
Fail. The list of master Stratocaster players, tones and recorded songs since 1954 who have evidenced the capability of the instrument proves this misplaced personal opinion incorrect, with all due respect. A nice MIM Strat is one of the best values in electric guitars. The market supports this fact.
Totally true Fender has legacy.. To be fair I have a bunch of guitar top dollars ones from Ibanez to Fenders all has a different use to me, it adds different tones to the sound pallet when I need to record with a different guitar. My USA Strat plays and sounds gorgeous and also are built like a fucking tank. Greatest Guitar players of all times played Fender Strats, From Clapton, Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Steve Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy and the list can go forever…..
Strats are great guitars, it’s the tone I love. Many great guitarsists have used the stratocaster. The ultra is a great guitar, I bought the arctic white sss version. I wouldn’t want one with a floyd, thats not really fender. You’d be better off going with a charvel or jackson. I have an mij jackson soloist for the metal stuff, super nice, it’s my favorite guitar. I agree with you on placement of the volume knob, but thats how it is and you get used to it and make adjustments. Same with the middle pickup, I’m just gonna bite the bullet and adjust to it because strats sound great. Cheers and thanks for your opinion Strats aren’t for everyone, we are blessed to have so many good options to choose from.
Point is that EVERY thing he wished for…fender made! Check out the more frets one, the neck through, the 2 knob strats from the 80s(dan something era), the hm that had no pickguard, there are 2 humbucket models and more. He just did NOT do research!
Ok... The balance of a Stratocaster is one of the best... Doesn't move left or right when it's hanging and that could change if you change the headstock. The placement of the input jack? The best I've ever seen. In other guitars, if you play sitting down and the jack is where u like it, you can damage the cable or the jack input, in a SG, u can damage it by hitting it with your hand out whatever, but this design preserved both the cable jack and the guitar input. And this, mate, is not subjective. Honestly, after this, didn't keep on watching. Why haven't sharks evolved? Because there's been no point!!! They were already perfect millions of years ago!!! And no, I'm not a fanboy. Btw, if u do a video on why not to buy a Fender Stratocaster don't do it using one with a Floyd Rose as most don't have that model.
@lordofthestings I like the placement because I consider it's the best way to avoid damaging the cable and the input, specially if you play sitting down let's say in a sofa, which I always do or even to put it on the floor with the cable in.
By the way, don't screw in things under string pressure. The screws are bound to cut through wood while moving under tension and will obviously start slipping in rhe wood. Loosen the strings. Adjust your string tension bar screws and then tune up.
The outline shape on the round part of the headstock was inspired by the first Bigsby solid electric guitar and that may have been inspired by traditional scroll shaped headstocks on acoustic upright bass, violin and other stringed instruments. It may have looked more familiar at the time to traditional instruments. You make a good point that there are better modern improvements and options available now.
Leo and company designed the Stratocaster in the early ‘50s, and it’s still relevant today. I’d say he got it right. Will this video be relevant 70 years from now. Highly doubtful.
For the issues with frets and string retainer Fender will pay to have it fixed under warranty. My Dave Murray strat needed fret work and Fender paid a local luthier to fix it. Guitar is perfect now. Yes they should have caught the issue at factory (and Sweet water should have caught it during the inspection) but Fender took care of it.
For that volume knob issue. I highly suggest user to shim that neck with 1 degree shim, it will allows u to set the bridge higher , making your right hand sits higher , and the fingers will clear the volume knob. The floyd rose will have higher pull up range and the bar will feel lower when you grabbing them between middle and ring finger.
Oh bugger! I brought one yesterday...I used to hate the 2017 player strat's...but after 2018 they slightly changed there specs...and the one I picked up yesterday is pretty dam amazing/ ltd Neon green/alnico 5 's/ebony bourd/ 2 point trem...it's glorious
In two words - Levinson Blade. There's an amazing instrument modelled on a strat. The middle pick-up on a strat is essential a) it is under-rated for a useful 'acoustic' sound, b) it's key to the out-of-phase sound. That said many of your points are valid.
looks like someones mad cause fender didn't send them a free fender to review. been around 70 years and still have original design models because it still works and sells obviously. if it ain't broke . . .
The tone has more to do with the scale length than anything else. Put vintage-voiced single coils in an Ibanez or Schecter 25.5" scale, and you're there. They already exist, so you can see for yourself.
This is a very strange video. I'm not really a strat person either (and don't plan on owning any proper fender strats any time soon) but a lot of what you're complaining about here have literally nothing to do with the fender strat. This is especially the case in your QC section. I understand having the screw for the locking trem come out is an inconvenience, but I can't even imagine what you'd recommend from a QC perspective that would prevent cases like that. When I think QC issue I think fit and finish and you've somehow managed to include two completely unrelated maintenance/setup issues within fit and finish.
They do make a Strat with 2 Humbuckers, it's called the HH Blacktop. You can custom order with 3 Humbuckers or find older ones on the internet. I do agree the middle pickup can get in the way every once in a while.
The wheel was invented once and to this day it has the same geometric shape and performs the same function. The Bic pen ditto, we can only respect other people's tastes and opinions and that's the end of it, everyone lives as happily as they can..
Ok I have to agree and disagree. I have played professionally for many years. Back in the 70s I bought a fender Stratocaster hard tail, a,so a Gibson les Paul 72. Well those guitars were purchased new. However, my sons recently started doing some recording and wanted to buy a fender Stratocaster. I thought great. Then he asked if I new how much my guitars are worth. Had a rough idea. But did not know how much. Music shop owner says he will buy it from me for $2500. For bot guitars. 😂 well put them on Craig list and got stupid money for both guitars. I went back and purchased a fender squire had the grounding re done frets and locking tuners. I love this guitar and es it is a hard tail. Did the same with my IYV guitar. So my advice is to pick a guitar you like and get those adjustments done and you will have a lovable guitar.
I woudnt buy a HSS model Fender strat for a multitude of reasons but as far as SSS goes the Fender strat is a hard one to beat. Now, as far as your cost comparisons go though, you're comparing retail prices when buyers generally get 12-15% off retail. Also, while making your own custom no-name guitar is great if you're looking to ever sell that you're toast.
For me, guitars are a lifetime commitment, I won't sell mine unless really reaaaaally having a bad time. With that being said, I like having the hot stuff for fun, cannot care less about what the stock says. In fact, I have been eyeballing Warmoth guitars and they look luke a better bang for your buck. So that's that.
My favourite guitarist is David Gilmour. It is hard for me to imagine not having a Stratocaster (i know he has played a myriad of other guitars and is his favourite is a Martin or something). Even when I play metal, I still prefer a strat - even one with three single coils as crazy as that sounds. The stratocaster is one of the only guitars i like the aesthetic design of (only other guitars i like are specifically a korina explorer and a korina flying v. For some reasom the les paul is ugly af to me).
Don’t listen to dude about pedals and electronics… the start is awesome! The HSS is amazing! This guy doesn’t know what he’s saying.. Gilmour kills the Strat, and I as well am a huge Gilmour fan.. dude should have bought a Mexican start, way better than the American..😂
You talk about preferences to be fair... The noiseless pickups is pretty nice though NGL! A pickguard you can change if you aren't happy with it.. I can agree with you on the knobs, and that the fretboard could have been 24 frets rather than 22 but also a depends on the style you play. The mid pickup you have 2 options for... Lower it... or just throw it out if you never use it? ( I have it lowered, but when i swap it, i will have it a bit higher ) I would like Dumbo Frets to be fair, bigger frets are very nice in my opinion but I can live with narrow-tall frets. I've always loved Strats, so what did I do? Bought a 2023 seafoam green Fender Player series Stratocaster. Swapped bridge pickup to Seymore Duncan SHR-1B Swapped the Neck to DiMarzio Air Norton S Swapping the mid to DiMarzio Pro Track ( waiting for it to be shipped ) Swapped the tuners to Fender Locking Tuners Swapped the pickguard to US made pickguard ( the one it came with had 2 dents that pointed outwards so Fender issued me a new one ) Swapping the Tone/volume pots to Fender 500K split axel pots. ( waiting for those 3 to be shipped as well ) Swapping the Pao Ferro Neck to a Fender American Professional II Scalloped Stratocaster Neck, Rosewood ( will be shipped and arrive in mid of September ) And yeah I love it! Also bought a Squier Affinity Telecaster, because I love how they look too! I do also love Ibanez Rg550 and I do want a guitar with Sustaniac system ngl, but i do love my Strat and the way it looks, feels and sound... after some adjustments lol! Total cost 2590$ if you do it your self like I do, if not you are probably lookin at another 3-400$ if not more to have the work done by a professional! Most of your reasons are really preferential and the cost rather to explain how sloppy Fender has been the late years, like mine had a dented pickguard on arrival, I have seen necks come with cracks on unboxing videos here on TH-cam ( That was a Bass guitar but whatever ) My Fretless Fender J bass was lookin pretty solid and good when it came so I guess i was lucky... but lets talk about setup and intonation... That's also where Fender has been very sloppy lately and I had to intonate and setup my Strat and my Fretless J bass since they were poorly intonated! The Squier Affinity Telecaster I bought actually had better yet not perfect intonation! Would i recommend anyone to buy a Fender? Not unless you already like Fenders like I do.. If the one asking has 0 preference on what he or she wants and are are beginners, then I would probably point them towards Ibanez Guitars to be fair!
Just bought my first Warmoth and had my Luther completely put it together and set it up with fret leveling (didn't need much), intonation, etc and it was more than a couple hundred but so worth it. It's easily as good as my Custom Shop 65 HSS Fender and my Suhr Modern Plus without the much higher cost and it's exactly what I wanted color and component wise. I will 100% totally be building another Warmoth and I do like the look of the Soloist. To this day though, I still wish I never sold my Japan made Squire Strat from the early 80's. I am sure you appreciate the Fender's history but I am kind of the same when it comes to Les Paul's .... they just are not my thing (love the way they sound but they just don't feel right for me personally) and you gotta go with what you like. An idea with regards to the Strat in the video .... get a custom pickguard made without them drilling the volume hole and then you can drill and place it in an area that is better for you. Just a though as I don't like how close they are either.
I agree with only 1 thing. The volume knob placement. I made a new pick guard and moved all the knobs further down and closer together so they are not in my way.
The best strat setup almost turns it into an esquire with a humbucker. Delete the two knobs closest to the bridge. Go with single humbucker and a push-pull direct-to-jack volume pot at the placement of the knob farthest from the bridge. Pretty much the tom DeLong strat with a push-pull vol knob. Also lock the trem or just get a hardtail bridge. Strats are designed to be as easy to assemble as possible
But things like it’s shape is not ehhh modern or is dated or whatever? Dude, a 1980s ferrari testarossa will NEVER be old or dated. Same applies to catherine zeta-jones or a strat!
I agree with the volume knob being a little tight to the pickup and I've hit it many times so I'd like this moved slightly lower and back an 1/8. And i agree the paint finishes are limited coming from the factory and would be nice to order them with more variety. I think the quality issues he encountered is troublsome and fender should be very concerned. Otherwise the fender strat is simply a matter of taste. I love the sound, i love how they feel when playing them. And fenders hold their value much better than other brands because of the demand and timelessness of them. You can get half your money for a well treated 20 yr old strat, try that with a suh, ibanez, schecter, etc.
yes if its not your thing thats ok,dont buy it ,and the market is the ultimate judge really,and this has stood the test of time against 70 odd years of competion and still sells ,if it was shit it wouldnt sell ,you cant argue with those stats.
The issue is that is not a Strat, that guitar is a Super Strat made by Fender. It is a super Strat cause it has a Hambucker. When you buy a strat it’s because you want the strat sound “Single coil bell like sound tone”. If you want to buy a Super Strat buy a Ibanez, Charvel, Jackson, Esp etc… Now as you mention in the video you don’t like Strats and it’s totally fine.
First of all, what's a "superstrat?" Who decided there's such a thing as a "superstrat?" If you want to go to the humbucker route, Wayne Kramer, by many accounts, was the first person to use a humbucker on a Stratocaster WAAAAY before someone decided that the first "Superstrat" was Eddie Van Halen's "Frankencaster." And no, the Ultra Deluxe is a STRAT, not a "superstrat." And the most famous Stratocaster player ever, Jimi Hendrix, did NOT play it for those "bell-like" tones.
@@alijankhan3330 Splitting hairs but unless the humbucker is slanted at the same angle and placed in the same position as the single coil bridge pickup on a traditional SSS Stratocaster the split coil humbucker will not produce the identical sound.
To each their own. I love the fact that my 2013 American Standard Strat is essentially the same as a 1954 model. There is a reason they are better unchanged. (Consider the violin, which has remained basically the same since the 1600's. I have played, and owned, modern version of the Strat, and was only disappointed.) Stratocasters may not be for everyone, but are my favorite, and I think the best features are: The body shape/contours, the "what you play is what you get" tone of nice single cols pickups, the maple neck, the adjustability, and, yes, the iconic headstock, the design of which, though often imitated, has never been equaled. (By the way, the "round bit" at the end of the headstock is a nod to violin scrolls, which purportedly add to the sound.)
It's not true that they don't offer 24 frets, neck trough and no pickguard: it's the SOLOIST by Jackson, which is actually owned by Fender! They don't want to overlap with that specific sub-brand for obvious reasons!
“Outdated design” you have a damn Flying V behind you. Tf you have to say abt that? “Lack of innovation” ??? Have you looked for super strats? Other St style guitars? Cort G series? Charvels? EVHs? “Not original” not a valid point “Playability” There are guitars that “fix” those “issues”. Look at the PRS Silver Sky, the switch and knob positioning are wayy more convenient.
I know this is an old video but, I’ll comment anyway. I have always hated every Strat I’ve ever played when I was young. I always preferred ESP or Gibson but, recently, I saw a 75th anniversary Strat at my local music shop and played it. I fell in love with this guitar. I know it’s not a $2700 guitar but, I was surprised at how much I liked it. I now have a new found love for Fenders so, I was thinking about buying one like you featured in this video. The quality control issues are suspect and I’d probably end up changing out the pick ups on this one as I plan on changing them out in the one I currently own. I did notice that playing a Strat takes some getting used to with the volume knob being placed where it is. I appreciate your review and understand why you’re not a fan of the Strat but, guitars can be subjective. One man’s hell is another’s heaven. Thanks for the honesty in your review. 👍🏻
Just proving everyone's preference is subjective. I'm 64 and just tried a strat 4 years ago. Really kicking myself for not checking them out years ago. Really ergonomic feeling to me....really comfortable. Playability of the one I bought was outstanding. Bought mine from Sweetwater and it was set up perfectly right out of the box. I like some of all genres of music with really heavy metal being my least favorite and blues or blusey rock being my favorite. I also don't get the it's made in Amerthing either...have you actually worked with your fellow Americans and seen what their work ethic is like nowadays? There are still some hard working ethical Americans in the workforce...but the percentage has dropped significantly from what it once was. Chances are that if you buy a Mexican or Asian made guitar it will be lower priced and just as good or better than American made.
I wouldn’t buy the Ultra LUXE just because there are so many guitars just like it that do it so much better like a Dinky or Soloist, or Ibanez S series or RG. But not gonna lie, I’d play the hell out of that if I had one. I imagine I would have to change the pots though. Fender’s stock pickups are usually pretty low output and still sound very quacky, even the humbuckers. I can deal with the low output pickups, but I would at least have to change the pots to 500k from the standard 250k to get rid of some of the quack.
To be fair he makes a lot of good points , but a fucking strat is not meant to be a bc rich warlock, it's a clean guitar that no other brand can imitate, the sound you get off a real fender strat is ONE of a kind. Starts are not heavy metal guitars they are classy like a woman and a martini.
I don't play play electric anymore, but this was interesting, particularly the section about building a quality guitar from parts. Back in the '60s when I was playing electric, if Warmoth had been around, that would have really intrigued me. Might have made it a project for my father and me.
I love my 97 strat But I don't think I like the string bar on the head stock of the new strat's. I've had a few guitars and one or two string trees seen to work just fine. I thought they got past their quality control problems in the 80's. Thanks for the video to each their own.
That 2700 would be better spent toward a music man cutlass RS HSS or similar, which is actually super high quality. It’s basically a fender strat but made with actual care.
My first guitar, outside of a garage sale guitar that I can't remember the brand of.. But my first brand new guitar was a red 1997 Vantage Strat copy, that I got for Christmas. I was 15.
That's crazy, I paid $250 for a MIM with a hard case and had 0 issues outside of having to do a setup. Its actually my main guitar now, even though I have guitars worth over $3000 used.
I got my first Fender in the 90's a 62 Tele reissue than acouple years later I got a Strat. So 30+ years later still got'em still love them and just backordered a 70th anniversary.
Perhaps it's a Fender thing.....I received a brand new (build to order) EVH Wolfgang USA (price exceeding $4,000) with unplayable action, a neck pocket incorrectly shimmed and fret sprout...
my favorite guitar is my 88 Strat plus, but I think you make good points and I think fender should really go after the metal market even though I’m not a metal guy.
Perhaps you are not appreciative of the guitar as an instrument to start with. I have 25 guitars, from super sharp pointy custom Rhoads V's with Floyds to 60's Tiescos and everything in between, of all types . I love them all as each does something unique to itself, including Strats. Classic or modern "metal" guitars, all good for different things. You must lack a similar appreciation for the instrument. Maybe you should not have this type of channel. Unsubbed.
If you dont want a Strat sound or feel by something else.... The fact that the Fender Strat is still in production is because it's still wanted by guitar players. Well done Fender....
OK. Your opinion. Seem like a Strat hater. All guitars could be improved to a players liking so I'm not sure of the point of this video. One thing I do agree on is that the price is crazy expensive.
I get why you don't like strats, they really are priced way too high for what you get. However, I am a strat lover (regular tremolo only) ...converted years ago from playing on stage everything from an LP to every knock off brand there is. Once I picked up my first strat everything changed and I have been a much happier guitar player. Over the years I learned that the reason most players don't like the strat is because of the feel of the neck. Most complain that it is too thin. I agree. Fender used to have more variety in their necks but now it's just those crappy standard C, modern C modern D necks on everything they pump out except for the Buddy Guy (soft V) and the H.E.R. strat (medium C). I myself stumbled upon a soft V neck with a 9.5 radius in 1989 and have been happy on stage ever since. In fact switched all my strats (29) over to this neck shape and after playing for 4 hours, it is still really comfortable for me. Just my 2 cents worth. Peace.
Just had to comment on the Peavey.....i also got a Peavey Predator for my first guitar.Back in 92 i believe. White body, black pickguard. Had a little Rage 108 amp with it. It had single coil pickups , and combined with that little amp it sounded so bad to me. I wish i still had it though.
I had an 89 american strat plus deluxe with the firestorm finish and lace sensors in it. I haven't played a better guitar since. Only other guitar that came close was a 2008 70s reissue american strat. No other brand of guitar nails that tone like a fender
I've made one of those "kit guitars" ... (Not warmoth) They're extremely problematic, unless you're a professional guitar luthier and have major equipment
Fender strats are easily the most customizable guitar on the 6 string market. If you're not trying to go the extended range route, you can make a strat whatever you want it to be. If you are, you can convert a strat to a baritone.
No pick guard and dual humbucker... there's a rare Japanese Squier Strat (1985).Model number is ST-335. One of the best playing guitars that I've ever owned bar none. It's got the two humbuckers, no pick guard, a barrel jack, and the Gibson short scale ands Gibson style Switch . Sounds great. BTW, I hardly ever play it because Im a Tele lover, LOL. My American Pro II Tele is the same Mercury finish as the Strat in you video. Check out the ST-335! Cheers!
First I would like to thank you for doing a video under a half hour. Next I would mention that when you decide that you want that Ultra, in a couple years you will most likely be able to get it "used" for under a grand. And last, I certainly understand your need for individuality, just don't let anyone sell you a piece of junk. Happy playing !!!
You have to understand why people actually play Fender strats first!! Obviously your take on the strats are trying to make a classic car have all the components that you like more in a modern car. Just think of it as a 40 year bottle of wine and a 2 year bottle and some people just don’t drink wine. Yes they are both alcohol but they aren’t supposed to be the same.
For me, the reason I wouldn’t buy one is cause I can’t afford it, I would love a AmUltraLux Strat exactly the same, silverburst with a Floyd, or an American Pro in dark night
Who knew that people with bad music taste also had bad taste in guitars. Your distaste of Strats is a revelation, I truly have seen God through your insights here. I will be ditching my cheap knobs.
I learned from Larry Lalonde to screw my middle pickup (Jackson SL3 - lol I have never owned a Fender) all the way down since he doesn't play his, either. Warmoth is a superior alternative in every sense of the word to a Fender.
I have a Warmoth 72 Telecaster Thin Line. The body, neck and all of the hardware came from Warmoth except the pickups which came from a PRS guitar. You can have your choice of the neck profile, the fret board radius and the fretboard wood type the way you want it too. The guitar looks great, plays great and sounds great and Fender wouldn't give you as many choices for the price you pay either.
Well said, Man Bun! 😁I bought a cheaper strat recently so I could have one in the arsenal. I took it to a luthier to have it gone through and amazingly the frets were great out of the box. It plays great and sounds great, but I can't stand it. Mostly it's the shape of the body that drive me nuts and it's not comfortable to play IMO Then there's the volume knob, I'm always turning it down, I need to do something because I can't play a song without it turning off slowly. The neck does feel great in my hands, but the body shape makes it not fun to play. Give me a Les Paul, SG or Iceman and I'm happy.
Oh man, that quality control was awful. Because I'm very fussy and particular about my equipment, I always check everything over before I make my final decision. I definitely wouldn't have bought this anyway because the price is ridiculous. What's good about buying a strat is if you buy the squire you get the same exact guitar for a fraction of the price. And if the features on it aren't very good, you can still swap them out and save a ton of money. Not only that, but squier is getting way better than they used to be.
I agree with everything you said, however, you and I are in the minority... if these guitars weren't in demand Fender wouldn't be selling them like hotcakes!!!
I've never seen a more ironic video. And to top it off, it's a bad take with a personal biased opinion which is roasted by the comments section. It is objectively a great instrument. As others have stated, if you don't like it, don't get it. Wanna talk about outdated, let's talk about that wall behind you. The iron maiden shirt is my personal favorite part 😂
You are totally RIGHT about the volume knob location...it is AWFUL....the stratocaster is a really ergonomic and confortable guitar to play, it has a cut belly, forearm curve, the floating bridge provides excelent spot for palm mutting.... but the volume knob its a nightmare... I have 2 strats, I have had modified removing the volume knob and having one tone and volume.... after that the stratocaster is perfect... well im not a Metal player... (there are better guitars for that genere)..FENDER STRATOCASTERS ARE NOT PERFECT GUITARS...BUT THEY ARE.. :-)
I was talking to Robin Trower, David Gilmour, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, and Eric Johnson. Do you know what they said... they said your full of chit. I went to a Seance to talk to Hendrix and Beck, I had to wait for them to stop laughing, but what they said I couldn't write here.
Everything that you mentioned that's wrong is what is right except the volume nob placement. If everyone is trying to be the fender stratocaster is because fender was doing something right. Plus fender did it first.
@iliafigueroa4820 I have 3 fender stratocasters. I removed the middle tone knobs and moved the volume knob down to that middle position. The place where the volume knob was is now blank. Much more comfortable that way for me.
To bash a 70 year old success story and design that is on millions of hit records since decades and still in high regard of todays top players all over the world is kinda.....................................hmmmm........................................................................................................... And Trem Springs come off every time there is not enough tension on it, i have it happen at all my Floyd Rose Guitars. And just to hang it back in is for sure no quality issue and can be done in a few seconds. But to each his own........................
I build guitar out of low cost parts , that will play just as good as that $2700 Strat anytime... I just finished one that is completely custom to what I wanted.. it came out great and all for less than $200
I was going to say kick rocks to your opinion, until you mentioned the Warmoths . Then, I agreed , you're right. Coming from someone with way too much respect for Fenders. I think they need to refocus on QA!
excellent video the start didnt convinced me a lot, but the money part comparison its undeniable, even charvels are better for the money and they are made in the same factory
I really like your perspective. You made a lot of sense. I thought that maybe you were doing to fixate on the design which I have little interest in but you didn't! Well done! By the way? I just bought a Strat last year. It's an American Professional II. About $1700 or so? And I'm going to inspect it a minute. lol. Thanks! And thanks for the info on Warmouth! All very interesting!
I don’t get this video.. knocking an amazing guitar about how outdated it is? You have a Flying V and an explorer hanging on the wall behind you!! HELLO
LMAO yeah this guy is clickbait. "If you want to buy a strat, buy a strat. I dont care."
Video title: "DON'T BUY A STRAT!"
He wished his band is as good as Maiden.
I wouldn't take the opinion from someone wearing a Tee from the worst Metal band ever! Must think Kiss was a great band! That and calling a Twat Knot a man bun explains it all!
I always loved the Stratocasters but in my personal opinion, I do feel that some of them are a little bit over priced. Honestly, they shouldn’t be any more than $1200.
@@jacobseraphin685 I absolutely agree with this. If you're buying ANYTHING from the major guitar brands, I'd always recommend going used. Used Japanese Strats are some of the best value you can get for you money.
By the way Iron Maiden plays Fender Strats funny you have the T-shirt on.
Are you telling me that Iron Maiden didn't realize that strats have bad knobs? But that matters so much!
Lmao imagine shitting all over a certain brand of guitar while the band on the shirt he's wearing primarily plays the same brand he's shitting on.. 😂😂😂😂 can't make this shit up.
@@ltfringr What do you mean Blackmore and Malmsteen didn't have knob placement issues?
@@ltfringr
His point is crap, because of all the models he said he wished fender made…all were actually made! Set necks, more frets, no pickguards, no middle pickups, even 2 knob ones in the 80s!
This guy is just speaking to hear himself speak.
@@watersnortmoment3734
Or clapton, beck, summers, buddy guy, iron maiden, eddie van halen…🙄
Don't buy a strat, wears an Iron Maiden, they all play strats.😂
Guy totally got bribed to talk shit about it. Can't believe someone would want to gripe up even the smallest dirt on a guitar like this. If anything I'd like to hear something said about Gibson guitars.
i suppose he want more Strats @@vonwolfe1310
@vonwolfe1310 Maybe Gibson ? :) Or. Maybe too Much, Tequila? ✨️✨️✨️🙂
This guy lives in a bubble
why would that have anything to do with this video, he's not talking about iron maiden, he's talking about strats
Still love Fender Strats the best. But I don’t drink water, because it’s boring, and everybody else drinks water.
I have a mint 1993 fender usa strat all original with full maple neck and tricolor sunburst.
EVERYBODY that has played it or seen it offers to buy it.
I drink pepsi.
If the Strat is good enough for Gilmour, Hendrix, Clapton, Johnson, srv,….the list goes on and on then it’s good enough for me.
Holly, Marvin, Beck, Blackmore, Gallagher, Knopfler, Malmsteen, EVH and a few others documented here ... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Stratocaster_players
Posting a Strat dislike video while wearing an Iron Maiden shirt should be in the dictionary under "Ironic"
Seems like he likes the music, just not crazy about the equipment in terms of his preferences. 🤷♂️
Fail. The list of master Stratocaster players, tones and recorded songs since 1954 who have evidenced the capability of the instrument proves this misplaced personal opinion incorrect, with all due respect. A nice MIM Strat is one of the best values in electric guitars. The market supports this fact.
Totally true Fender has legacy.. To be fair I have a bunch of guitar top dollars ones from Ibanez to Fenders all has a different use to me, it adds different tones to the sound pallet when I need to record with a different guitar. My USA Strat plays and sounds gorgeous and also are built like a fucking tank. Greatest Guitar players of all times played Fender Strats, From Clapton, Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Steve Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy and the list can go forever…..
Thank you....
To this day, at big festivals, almost all the bands, from the opening acts to the elite, are armed with fenders, many of them strats.
@@humiut2041
Exaaaaactly.
This guy is just wrong.
He says outdated, it's an icon. Never been bettered. ♥️🎸.
Agreed!
Also…look at his wall!
Talk about outdated, useless, uncomfortable and heavy!
Strats are great guitars, it’s the tone I love. Many great guitarsists have used the stratocaster. The ultra is a great guitar, I bought the arctic white sss version. I wouldn’t want one with a floyd, thats not really fender. You’d be better off going with a charvel or jackson. I have an mij jackson soloist for the metal stuff, super nice, it’s my favorite guitar. I agree with you on placement of the volume knob, but thats how it is and you get used to it and make adjustments. Same with the middle pickup, I’m just gonna bite the bullet and adjust to it because strats sound great. Cheers and thanks for your opinion Strats aren’t for everyone, we are blessed to have so many good options to choose from.
@gcr28 For floyds, even Squier does better lmao, in the early 2000s they even had neck throughs until they were sued by Kramer.
boring video : nothing about the sounds
but it works
incredible
Point is that EVERY thing he wished for…fender made!
Check out the more frets one, the neck through, the 2 knob strats from the 80s(dan something era), the hm that had no pickguard, there are 2 humbucket models and more.
He just did NOT do research!
If you do not want the strat i will gladly take it .
I will take 2
I'll take one please 👋
Ok... The balance of a Stratocaster is one of the best... Doesn't move left or right when it's hanging and that could change if you change the headstock. The placement of the input jack? The best I've ever seen. In other guitars, if you play sitting down and the jack is where u like it, you can damage the cable or the jack input, in a SG, u can damage it by hitting it with your hand out whatever, but this design preserved both the cable jack and the guitar input. And this, mate, is not subjective. Honestly, after this, didn't keep on watching. Why haven't sharks evolved? Because there's been no point!!! They were already perfect millions of years ago!!! And no, I'm not a fanboy. Btw, if u do a video on why not to buy a Fender Stratocaster don't do it using one with a Floyd Rose as most don't have that model.
I do like where Fender put the jack input. Even on my PRS Custom 22 it’s okay, but I’d prefer to have it where Fender put it.
Agreed and on top of that…EVERY person that knows about playing and woods and guitars…knows that more wood on the neck IS better.
I've seen guys struggling to plug in their les Paul's on stage. That's the point of the placement.
@lordofthestings I like the placement because I consider it's the best way to avoid damaging the cable and the input, specially if you play sitting down let's say in a sofa, which I always do or even to put it on the floor with the cable in.
@@winstonsmith9619
Dudes, we are all correct here. Simple.
This video is way out of reality
It’s okay not to like the Stratocaster, but your opinion is wrong and you eat corn the long way
Love Strats from Mexico !!❤
I agree love my m.im strat
I’m a les paul guy but even I know the fender strat is one of the sexiest looking guitars ever made.
Agreed 100%!
And the pensa-suhr reb beach model and a couple more and the rest are really just all copies or ugly or awkward.
If you want Fender to make you a metal guitar you buy a Charvel or Jackson which are owned by Fender.
EVH too
Not a metal guy at all but if I was.. Charvel all the way such sexy looking guitars.
i had a feeling charvel and jackson were owned by fender lol
Yngwie Malmsteen plays a strat.
Where's the cheese to go with his whine?
By the way, don't screw in things under string pressure. The screws are bound to cut through wood while moving under tension and will obviously start slipping in rhe wood. Loosen the strings. Adjust your string tension bar screws and then tune up.
Video sponsored by Warmoth.
Exaaaaaactly
Marketing and sponsorship.
The outline shape on the round part of the headstock was inspired by the first Bigsby solid electric guitar and that may have been inspired by traditional scroll shaped headstocks on acoustic upright bass, violin and other stringed instruments. It may have looked more familiar at the time to traditional instruments. You make a good point that there are better modern improvements and options available now.
Shiting on a guitar just bacause you know it will triger people and make them comment is shity tactic.
Warmoth ad
Shite.
Leo and company designed the Stratocaster in the early ‘50s, and it’s still relevant today. I’d say he got it right. Will this video be relevant 70 years from now. Highly doubtful.
All valid criticisms and yet I love my Strat.
For the issues with frets and string retainer Fender will pay to have it fixed under warranty. My Dave Murray strat needed fret work and Fender paid a local luthier to fix it. Guitar is perfect now. Yes they should have caught the issue at factory (and Sweet water should have caught it during the inspection) but Fender took care of it.
For that volume knob issue. I highly suggest user to shim that neck with 1 degree shim, it will allows u to set the bridge higher , making your right hand sits higher , and the fingers will clear the volume knob. The floyd rose will have higher pull up range and the bar will feel lower when you grabbing them between middle and ring finger.
Or buy a 2 knob 80s fender strat
Oh bugger! I brought one yesterday...I used to hate the 2017 player strat's...but after 2018 they slightly changed there specs...and the one I picked up yesterday is pretty dam amazing/ ltd Neon green/alnico 5 's/ebony bourd/ 2 point trem...it's glorious
In two words - Levinson Blade. There's an amazing instrument modelled on a strat. The middle pick-up on a strat is essential a) it is under-rated for a useful 'acoustic' sound, b) it's key to the out-of-phase sound. That said many of your points are valid.
The heel is the only valid point
I feel the same way how you feel about strats, but on Gibson/epiphone😅🤣
Ohh and fender has made a 24 fret guitar. It’s call the fender hm strat!
I have an '89 HM Strat in Razzberry and it plays great!
@@monsterram6617 i own 2 razzberry HM strats. one with a maple neck and a rosewood. i love the maple one lol
Strats are my favorite guitars I own to each their own
looks like someones mad cause fender didn't send them a free fender to review. been around 70 years and still have original design models because it still works and sells obviously. if it ain't broke . . .
@@CitizenSoldier500no one is mad. You can stay playing your muffled sounding guitar, whatever that is...
@@waywardsoul4918
How old are you?
Its the Fender tone. No other guitar has that type of tone.
The tone has more to do with the scale length than anything else. Put vintage-voiced single coils in an Ibanez or Schecter 25.5" scale, and you're there. They already exist, so you can see for yourself.
@rmaxtpmx yeah, comes close. But not the real McCoy. All others are copies of Fender. Leo was a genius.
@@rmaxtpmx
Ibanez woods are not that great
@@guitar1junky
Thaaaaanks
@@rmaxtpmxhave you tried the schecter nick Johnston strat, it doesn t sound like a fender strat, it s more modern
This is a very strange video. I'm not really a strat person either (and don't plan on owning any proper fender strats any time soon) but a lot of what you're complaining about here have literally nothing to do with the fender strat.
This is especially the case in your QC section. I understand having the screw for the locking trem come out is an inconvenience, but I can't even imagine what you'd recommend from a QC perspective that would prevent cases like that.
When I think QC issue I think fit and finish and you've somehow managed to include two completely unrelated maintenance/setup issues within fit and finish.
Exactly.
That spring thing is obvious was a mishap. Happens to ferrari and rolex!
I brought one yesterday fender strat pro 2 🤘😃
They do make a Strat with 2 Humbuckers, it's called the HH Blacktop. You can custom order with 3 Humbuckers or find older ones on the internet. I do agree the middle pickup can get in the way every once in a while.
I ended up buying my first stratocaster amyway. Turns out the volume knob isn’t in my way and it is a joy to play with the Modern C neck.
All facts, I bought a HSS player! Epic guitar..
The wheel was invented once and to this day it has the same geometric shape and performs the same function. The Bic pen ditto, we can only respect other people's tastes and opinions and that's the end of it, everyone lives as happily as they can..
Ok I have to agree and disagree. I have played professionally for many years. Back in the 70s I bought a fender Stratocaster hard tail, a,so a Gibson les Paul 72. Well those guitars were purchased new. However, my sons recently started doing some recording and wanted to buy a fender Stratocaster. I thought great. Then he asked if I new how much my guitars are worth. Had a rough idea. But did not know how much. Music shop owner says he will buy it from me for $2500. For bot guitars. 😂 well put them on Craig list and got stupid money for both guitars. I went back and purchased a fender squire had the grounding re done frets and locking tuners. I love this guitar and es it is a hard tail. Did the same with my IYV guitar. So my advice is to pick a guitar you like and get those adjustments done and you will have a lovable guitar.
To each his own, but I love Fender and would take one over a design-flawed Gibson that wont stay in tune any day!
I woudnt buy a HSS model Fender strat for a multitude of reasons but as far as SSS goes the Fender strat is a hard one to beat. Now, as far as your cost comparisons go though, you're comparing retail prices when buyers generally get 12-15% off retail. Also, while making your own custom no-name guitar is great if you're looking to ever sell that you're toast.
For me, guitars are a lifetime commitment, I won't sell mine unless really reaaaaally having a bad time. With that being said, I like having the hot stuff for fun, cannot care less about what the stock says. In fact, I have been eyeballing Warmoth guitars and they look luke a better bang for your buck. So that's that.
@@chipcaronte understanding that’s you but it’s not the masses mindset.
My favourite guitarist is David Gilmour. It is hard for me to imagine not having a Stratocaster (i know he has played a myriad of other guitars and is his favourite is a Martin or something). Even when I play metal, I still prefer a strat - even one with three single coils as crazy as that sounds. The stratocaster is one of the only guitars i like the aesthetic design of (only other guitars i like are specifically a korina explorer and a korina flying v. For some reasom the les paul is ugly af to me).
All Gilmours electronics are replaced by a massive expander system you can buy & installed in your guitar.
Don’t listen to dude about pedals and electronics… the start is awesome! The HSS is amazing! This guy doesn’t know what he’s saying.. Gilmour kills the Strat, and I as well am a huge Gilmour fan.. dude should have bought a Mexican start, way better than the American..😂
You talk about preferences to be fair... The noiseless pickups is pretty nice though NGL! A pickguard you can change if you aren't happy with it.. I can agree with you on the knobs, and that the fretboard could have been 24 frets rather than 22 but also a depends on the style you play. The mid pickup you have 2 options for... Lower it... or just throw it out if you never use it? ( I have it lowered, but when i swap it, i will have it a bit higher ) I would like Dumbo Frets to be fair, bigger frets are very nice in my opinion but I can live with narrow-tall frets.
I've always loved Strats, so what did I do?
Bought a 2023 seafoam green Fender Player series Stratocaster.
Swapped bridge pickup to Seymore Duncan SHR-1B
Swapped the Neck to DiMarzio Air Norton S
Swapping the mid to DiMarzio Pro Track ( waiting for it to be shipped )
Swapped the tuners to Fender Locking Tuners
Swapped the pickguard to US made pickguard ( the one it came with had 2 dents that pointed outwards so Fender issued me a new one )
Swapping the Tone/volume pots to Fender 500K split axel pots. ( waiting for those 3 to be shipped as well )
Swapping the Pao Ferro Neck to a Fender American Professional II Scalloped Stratocaster Neck, Rosewood ( will be shipped and arrive in mid of September )
And yeah I love it! Also bought a Squier Affinity Telecaster, because I love how they look too! I do also love Ibanez Rg550 and I do want a guitar with Sustaniac system ngl, but i do love my Strat and the way it looks, feels and sound... after some adjustments lol!
Total cost 2590$ if you do it your self like I do, if not you are probably lookin at another 3-400$ if not more to have the work done by a professional!
Most of your reasons are really preferential and the cost rather to explain how sloppy Fender has been the late years, like mine had a dented pickguard on arrival, I have seen necks come with cracks on unboxing videos here on TH-cam ( That was a Bass guitar but whatever )
My Fretless Fender J bass was lookin pretty solid and good when it came so I guess i was lucky... but lets talk about setup and intonation... That's also where Fender has been very sloppy lately and I had to intonate and setup my Strat and my Fretless J bass since they were poorly intonated! The Squier Affinity Telecaster I bought actually had better yet not perfect intonation!
Would i recommend anyone to buy a Fender? Not unless you already like Fenders like I do.. If the one asking has 0 preference on what he or she wants and are are beginners, then I would probably point them towards Ibanez Guitars to be fair!
Just bought my first Warmoth and had my Luther completely put it together and set it up with fret leveling (didn't need much), intonation, etc and it was more than a couple hundred but so worth it. It's easily as good as my Custom Shop 65 HSS Fender and my Suhr Modern Plus without the much higher cost and it's exactly what I wanted color and component wise. I will 100% totally be building another Warmoth and I do like the look of the Soloist. To this day though, I still wish I never sold my Japan made Squire Strat from the early 80's. I am sure you appreciate the Fender's history but I am kind of the same when it comes to Les Paul's .... they just are not my thing (love the way they sound but they just don't feel right for me personally) and you gotta go with what you like. An idea with regards to the Strat in the video .... get a custom pickguard made without them drilling the volume hole and then you can drill and place it in an area that is better for you. Just a though as I don't like how close they are either.
I agree with only 1 thing. The volume knob placement. I made a new pick guard and moved all the knobs further down and closer together so they are not in my way.
The best strat setup almost turns it into an esquire with a humbucker. Delete the two knobs closest to the bridge. Go with single humbucker and a push-pull direct-to-jack volume pot at the placement of the knob farthest from the bridge. Pretty much the tom DeLong strat with a push-pull vol knob. Also lock the trem or just get a hardtail bridge. Strats are designed to be as easy to assemble as possible
This guy needs some warm milk and a good nap.
And another warmoth soloist😂
And to balance a headstock😂
@@lebethonii6683
87.13% of what he mentioned makes NO sense or logic. The oooonly real issue is the heel blocky wood part.
But things like it’s shape is not ehhh modern or is dated or whatever?
Dude, a 1980s ferrari testarossa will NEVER be old or dated. Same applies to catherine zeta-jones or a strat!
I agree with the volume knob being a little tight to the pickup and I've hit it many times so I'd like this moved slightly lower and back an 1/8. And i agree the paint finishes are limited coming from the factory and would be nice to order them with more variety. I think the quality issues he encountered is troublsome and fender should be very concerned. Otherwise the fender strat is simply a matter of taste. I love the sound, i love how they feel when playing them. And fenders hold their value much better than other brands because of the demand and timelessness of them. You can get half your money for a well treated 20 yr old strat, try that with a suh, ibanez, schecter, etc.
This may sound crazy but it works for me, DON'T BUY THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE!
yes if its not your thing thats ok,dont buy it ,and the market is the ultimate judge really,and this has stood the test of time against 70 odd years of competion and still sells ,if it was shit it wouldnt sell ,you cant argue with those stats.
The issue is that is not a Strat, that guitar is a Super Strat made by Fender. It is a super Strat cause it has a Hambucker. When you buy a strat it’s because you want the strat sound “Single coil bell like sound tone”. If you want to buy a Super Strat buy a Ibanez, Charvel, Jackson, Esp etc… Now as you mention in the video you don’t like Strats and it’s totally fine.
First of all, what's a "superstrat?" Who decided there's such a thing as a "superstrat?" If you want to go to the humbucker route, Wayne Kramer, by many accounts, was the first person to use a humbucker on a Stratocaster WAAAAY before someone decided that the first "Superstrat" was Eddie Van Halen's "Frankencaster." And no, the Ultra Deluxe is a STRAT, not a "superstrat." And the most famous Stratocaster player ever, Jimi Hendrix, did NOT play it for those "bell-like" tones.
You can split this particular humbucker to get a single coil sound so it essentially gives you the best of both worlds.
@@alijankhan3330 Splitting hairs but unless the humbucker is slanted at the same angle and placed in the same position as the single coil bridge pickup on a traditional SSS Stratocaster the split coil humbucker will not produce the identical sound.
To each their own.
I love the fact that my 2013 American Standard Strat is essentially the same as a 1954 model.
There is a reason they are better unchanged.
(Consider the violin, which has remained basically the same since the 1600's. I have played, and owned, modern version of the Strat, and was only disappointed.)
Stratocasters may not be for everyone, but are my favorite, and I think the best features are:
The body shape/contours, the "what you play is what you get" tone of nice single cols pickups, the maple neck, the adjustability, and, yes, the iconic headstock, the design of which, though often imitated, has never been equaled. (By the way, the "round bit" at the end of the headstock is a nod to violin scrolls, which purportedly add to the sound.)
Weird complaints for the most part and a complete lack of understanding of the brand, model and players demands of the Strat.
Trolling for the views. ❤😂
It's not true that they don't offer 24 frets, neck trough and no pickguard: it's the SOLOIST by Jackson, which is actually owned by Fender! They don't want to overlap with that specific sub-brand for obvious reasons!
Also look into the old Fender Showmaster and Squier Stagemaster Deluxes, both had 24 frets, and the Stagemasters were neck thrus.
“Outdated design” you have a damn Flying V behind you. Tf you have to say abt that?
“Lack of innovation” ??? Have you looked for super strats? Other St style guitars? Cort G series? Charvels? EVHs?
“Not original” not a valid point
“Playability” There are guitars that “fix” those “issues”. Look at the PRS Silver Sky, the switch and knob positioning are wayy more convenient.
I know this is an old video but, I’ll comment anyway. I have always hated every Strat I’ve ever played when I was young. I always preferred ESP or Gibson but, recently, I saw a 75th anniversary Strat at my local music shop and played it. I fell in love with this guitar. I know it’s not a $2700 guitar but, I was surprised at how much I liked it. I now have a new found love for Fenders so, I was thinking about buying one like you featured in this video. The quality control issues are suspect and I’d probably end up changing out the pick ups on this one as I plan on changing them out in the one I currently own. I did notice that playing a Strat takes some getting used to with the volume knob being placed where it is. I appreciate your review and understand why you’re not a fan of the Strat but, guitars can be subjective. One man’s hell is another’s heaven. Thanks for the honesty in your review. 👍🏻
Strats only faulty points are bad angle (placement) of the switch tip and volume knob
Just proving everyone's preference is subjective. I'm 64 and just tried a strat 4 years ago. Really kicking myself for not checking them out years ago. Really ergonomic feeling to me....really comfortable. Playability of the one I bought was outstanding. Bought mine from Sweetwater and it was set up perfectly right out of the box. I like some of all genres of music with really heavy metal being my least favorite and blues or blusey rock being my favorite. I also don't get the it's made in Amerthing either...have you actually worked with your fellow Americans and seen what their work ethic is like nowadays? There are still some hard working ethical Americans in the workforce...but the percentage has dropped significantly from what it once was. Chances are that if you buy a Mexican or Asian made guitar it will be lower priced and just as good or better than American made.
I wouldn’t buy the Ultra LUXE just because there are so many guitars just like it that do it so much better like a Dinky or Soloist, or Ibanez S series or RG. But not gonna lie, I’d play the hell out of that if I had one. I imagine I would have to change the pots though. Fender’s stock pickups are usually pretty low output and still sound very quacky, even the humbuckers. I can deal with the low output pickups, but I would at least have to change the pots to 500k from the standard 250k to get rid of some of the quack.
To be fair he makes a lot of good points , but a fucking strat is not meant to be a bc rich warlock, it's a clean guitar that no other brand can imitate, the sound you get off a real fender strat is ONE of a kind. Starts are not heavy metal guitars they are classy like a woman and a martini.
I don't play play electric anymore, but this was interesting, particularly the section about building a quality guitar from parts. Back in the '60s when I was playing electric, if Warmoth had been around, that would have really intrigued me. Might have made it a project for my father and me.
I love my 97 strat But I don't think I like the string bar on the head stock of the new strat's. I've had a few guitars and one or two string trees seen to work just fine. I thought they got past their quality control problems in the 80's. Thanks for the video to each their own.
That 2700 would be better spent toward a music man cutlass RS HSS or similar, which is actually super high quality. It’s basically a fender strat but made with actual care.
Or just buy Japanese Fenders
My first guitar, outside of a garage sale guitar that I can't remember the brand of.. But my first brand new guitar was a red 1997 Vantage Strat copy, that I got for Christmas. I was 15.
That's crazy, I paid $250 for a MIM with a hard case and had 0 issues outside of having to do a setup. Its actually my main guitar now, even though I have guitars worth over $3000 used.
I got my first Fender in the 90's a 62 Tele reissue than acouple years later I got a Strat. So 30+ years later still got'em still love them and just backordered a 70th anniversary.
Where do you get an American Fender neck for $407 dollars? Please sent me the link
Perhaps it's a Fender thing.....I received a brand new (build to order) EVH Wolfgang USA (price exceeding $4,000) with unplayable action, a neck pocket incorrectly shimmed and fret sprout...
my favorite guitar is my 88 Strat plus, but I think you make good points and I think fender should really go after the metal market even though I’m not a metal guy.
Perhaps you are not appreciative of the guitar as an instrument to start with. I have 25 guitars, from super sharp pointy custom Rhoads V's with Floyds to 60's Tiescos and everything in between, of all types . I love them all as each does something unique to itself, including Strats. Classic or modern "metal" guitars, all good for different things. You must lack a similar appreciation for the instrument. Maybe you should not have this type of channel.
Unsubbed.
If you dont want a Strat sound or feel by something else.... The fact that the Fender Strat is still in production is because it's still wanted by guitar players. Well done Fender....
Not to mention how many companies copy it.
OK. Your opinion. Seem like a Strat hater. All guitars could be improved to a players liking so I'm not sure of the point of this video. One thing I do agree on is that the price is crazy expensive.
I get why you don't like strats, they really are priced way too high for what you get.
However, I am a strat lover (regular tremolo only) ...converted years ago from playing on stage everything from an LP to every knock off brand there is.
Once I picked up my first strat everything changed and I have been a much happier guitar player.
Over the years I learned that the reason most players don't like the strat is because of the feel of the neck.
Most complain that it is too thin. I agree.
Fender used to have more variety in their necks but now it's just those crappy standard C, modern C modern D necks on everything they pump out except for the Buddy Guy (soft V) and the H.E.R. strat (medium C).
I myself stumbled upon a soft V neck with a 9.5 radius in 1989 and have been happy on stage ever since. In fact switched all my strats (29) over to this neck shape and after playing for 4 hours, it is still really comfortable for me.
Just my 2 cents worth. Peace.
Just had to comment on the Peavey.....i also got a Peavey Predator for my first guitar.Back in 92 i believe. White body, black pickguard. Had a little Rage 108 amp with it. It had single coil pickups , and combined with that little amp it sounded so bad to me. I wish i still had it though.
Why did i click on this shit? 🤦🏻♂️
I had an 89 american strat plus deluxe with the firestorm finish and lace sensors in it. I haven't played a better guitar since. Only other guitar that came close was a 2008 70s reissue american strat. No other brand of guitar nails that tone like a fender
I've made one of those "kit guitars" ...
(Not warmoth) They're extremely problematic, unless you're a professional guitar luthier and have major equipment
The plug is in a position that allows for classical style which drastically improves versatility for some of us.
I ordered on of this from Sweetwater (a less expensive model) and they call me telling me that the one they had on stock was too crap to sell it.
You make excellent points, and that knob is truly in the way. I love mine though.
Fender strats are easily the most customizable guitar on the 6 string market. If you're not trying to go the extended range route, you can make a strat whatever you want it to be. If you are, you can convert a strat to a baritone.
No pick guard and dual humbucker... there's a rare Japanese Squier Strat (1985).Model number is ST-335. One of the best playing guitars that I've ever owned bar none. It's got the two humbuckers, no pick guard, a barrel jack, and the Gibson short scale ands Gibson style Switch . Sounds great. BTW, I hardly ever play it because Im a Tele lover, LOL. My American Pro II Tele is the same Mercury finish as the Strat in you video. Check out the ST-335! Cheers!
First I would like to thank you for doing a video under a half hour. Next I would mention that when you decide that you want that Ultra, in a couple years you will most likely be able to get it "used" for under a grand. And last, I certainly understand your need for individuality, just don't let anyone sell you a piece of junk. Happy playing !!!
You have to understand why people actually play Fender strats first!! Obviously your take on the strats are trying to make a classic car have all the components that you like more in a modern car. Just think of it as a 40 year bottle of wine and a 2 year bottle and some people just don’t drink wine. Yes they are both alcohol but they aren’t supposed to be the same.
FYI the n point of the round part on the headstock is to look like a violin headstock silouette
For me, the reason I wouldn’t buy one is cause I can’t afford it, I would love a AmUltraLux Strat exactly the same, silverburst with a Floyd, or an American Pro in dark night
Who knew that people with bad music taste also had bad taste in guitars. Your distaste of Strats is a revelation, I truly have seen God through your insights here. I will be ditching my cheap knobs.
I learned from Larry Lalonde to screw my middle pickup (Jackson SL3 - lol I have never owned a Fender) all the way down since he doesn't play his, either.
Warmoth is a superior alternative in every sense of the word to a Fender.
I have a Warmoth 72 Telecaster Thin Line. The body, neck and all of the hardware came from Warmoth except the pickups which came from a PRS guitar. You can have your choice of the neck profile, the fret board radius and the fretboard wood type the way you want it too. The guitar looks great, plays great and sounds great and Fender wouldn't give you as many choices for the price you pay either.
Well said, Man Bun! 😁I bought a cheaper strat recently so I could have one in the arsenal. I took it to a luthier to have it gone through and amazingly the frets were great out of the box. It plays great and sounds great, but I can't stand it. Mostly it's the shape of the body that drive me nuts and it's not comfortable to play IMO Then there's the volume knob, I'm always turning it down, I need to do something because I can't play a song without it turning off slowly. The neck does feel great in my hands, but the body shape makes it not fun to play. Give me a Les Paul, SG or Iceman and I'm happy.
all in all, you made me love my strat even more 😁
Oh man, that quality control was awful. Because I'm very fussy and particular about my equipment, I always check everything over before I make my final decision. I definitely wouldn't have bought this anyway because the price is ridiculous. What's good about buying a strat is if you buy the squire you get the same exact guitar for a fraction of the price. And if the features on it aren't very good, you can still swap them out and save a ton of money. Not only that, but squier is getting way better than they used to be.
I agree with everything you said, however, you and I are in the minority... if these guitars weren't in demand Fender wouldn't be selling them like hotcakes!!!
I've never seen a more ironic video. And to top it off, it's a bad take with a personal biased opinion which is roasted by the comments section. It is objectively a great instrument. As others have stated, if you don't like it, don't get it. Wanna talk about outdated, let's talk about that wall behind you. The iron maiden shirt is my personal favorite part 😂
That strat actually fits you man. That things a beaut.
You are totally RIGHT about the volume knob location...it is AWFUL....the stratocaster is a really ergonomic and confortable guitar to play, it has a cut belly, forearm curve, the floating bridge provides excelent spot for palm mutting.... but the volume knob its a nightmare... I have 2 strats, I have had modified removing the volume knob and having one tone and volume.... after that the stratocaster is perfect... well im not a Metal player... (there are better guitars for that genere)..FENDER STRATOCASTERS ARE NOT PERFECT GUITARS...BUT THEY ARE.. :-)
I was talking to Robin Trower, David Gilmour, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, and Eric Johnson. Do you know what they said... they said your full of chit. I went to a Seance to talk to Hendrix and Beck, I had to wait for them to stop laughing, but what they said I couldn't write here.
Everything that you mentioned that's wrong is what is right except the volume nob placement. If everyone is trying to be the fender stratocaster is because fender was doing something right. Plus fender did it first.
In the 80s these had 2 knobs and they lasted not much in the market! The dan something era
@iliafigueroa4820 I have 3 fender stratocasters. I removed the middle tone knobs and moved the volume knob down to that middle position. The place where the volume knob was is now blank. Much more comfortable that way for me.
@@erichfrederick9229
Of course.
Point is that if you KNOW your playing will hit the middle pickup and that knob…DO NOT invest in a $2,700 ax!
@@iliafigueroa4820 mine are mim strats. It wasn't a big deal.
They USED TO sell set neck Strats and Telecasters, back in the 90s. Didn't sell so big, I guess.
To bash a 70 year old success story and design that is on millions of hit records since decades and still in high regard of todays top players all over the world is kinda.....................................hmmmm........................................................................................................... And Trem Springs come off every time there is not enough tension on it, i have it happen at all my Floyd Rose Guitars. And just to hang it back in is for sure no quality issue and can be done in a few seconds. But to each his own........................
I build guitar out of low cost parts , that will play just as good as that $2700 Strat anytime... I just finished one that is completely custom to what I wanted.. it came out great and all for less than $200
I was going to say kick rocks to your opinion, until you mentioned the Warmoths . Then, I agreed , you're right. Coming from someone with way too much respect for Fenders. I think they need to refocus on QA!
excellent video the start didnt convinced me a lot, but the money part comparison its undeniable, even charvels are better for the money and they are made in the same factory
I really like your perspective. You made a lot of sense. I thought that maybe you were doing to fixate on the design which I have little interest in but you didn't! Well done! By the way? I just bought a Strat last year. It's an American Professional II. About $1700 or so? And I'm going to inspect it a minute. lol. Thanks! And thanks for the info on Warmouth! All very interesting!
Tell that to all the guitar greats whom play Strats