Review - Fender American Professional II Strat Sienna Burst
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ม.ค. 2024
- A thorough review of a randomly picked Sienna Burst Fender American Professional II Stratocaster. You'll be surprised what I found.
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Excellent job. Hats off ! According to my knowledge, you are the only one within the TH-cam planet, doing these high level reviews. Helps a lot. Keep going and thank youo.
Thanks. More coming up. Also, don’t forget to check out the @GuitarDepartment channel.
I enjoy your videos as they are very relaxing to watch and very helpful . Thank you for taking the time making these videos .
Glad you like the videos. Feel free to check out the parody channel @GuitarDepartmet
I really enjoy your videos. It's nice to watch and listen to someone who really knows what they're doing and talking about.
I appreciate that! My goal is to be completely neutral. I report what I see on whichever guitars randomly end up on my bench. I know manufacturers might not like it, but I don't do this for the manufacturers - I do it for the community.
The Yamaha RevStar Review Video th-cam.com/video/8BSfGsG2FnU/w-d-xo.html resulted in Sweetwater contacting Yamaha, due to the fact that my customer returned two RevStar guitars and alerted them to the issue with the nut.
So, if these reviews end up forcing the manufacturers to up their quality, I think we're all good with that.
Manufacturers should know that anything they make and sell will be thrown under the microscope and published on TH-cam.
What I still can't figure out, though, is why some commenters are starting to bash the work that I do, without backing up their negative statements with some kind of explanation or evidence. I can't understand why they can't see that these videos are published in their own interest, as consumers.
I appreciate your expertise and your willingness to share your perspective gained through research and experience.
With all the comments pouring in, now, this scientific research is becoming peer reviewed, LOL.
Thank you.
Amazing video! Very nice work!
Thank you very much!
Fender Corp should seriously consider to use your videos for training their staff and adjusting their quality control procedures.
Factories are, of course, just groups of people working together. This is why Guitar reviews can only give you a general idea, about the products. Each guitar will be different. Wood is an inconsistent material, and humans are inconsistent from day to day. Different people are have different skill levels.
Any factory employees are range of people, from total beginners to seasoned senior employees. When we buy a guitar, how do we know if some work had been done by someone who was first on the job? Yet if they don’t employ new people, the factory dies off
But I agree about QC. As simple tap test at the end of the line, can show you if the strength slots are too high.
Hello Sir, you are surely and expert and I have been very enlightened by your review... Thank you for this review! Be blessed and keep going with these!
Glad it was helpful!
Super fun, I have a positive bias for strats (ha, ha) and your in depth look and expertise are awesome!
Glad you enjoyed!
I cant thank you enough for your detailed coverage. I built a couple of fender style guitars this year and was struggling with some aspects of the set up... especially nut slotting! Can you tell me what nut slotting files you recommend?
After testing many different nut files, over the years, from various makers, I've settled on the MusicNomad MN676 16 pc. Diamond Coated Guitar Nut Slotting Files amzn.to/3vC6AFy (affiliate link).
* In full disclosure, that is an Amazon affiliate link. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost for you.
StewMac also makes a set of diamond files, but they are more expensive. I am sure they are fantastic, but I've never tried them. I believe that the Music Nomad set is the best choice if you want to pay less. The quality is not at all bad (although I don't like all Music Nomad tools, due to poor quality, these files have served me for almost 2 years, on daily basis).
It should be noted that there are some negative reviews, with people mistakenly saying that the small gauge files get dull right away. I have not examined their files, but I can say that they need to be cleaned after a few strokes, using the brush that is provided, or they will feel dull. But as soon as you brush off the dust, they feel like new.
I can't imagine that the StewMac files would be any different.
I've examined my files multiple times, under my microscope, and I have not yet noticed any of the diamond grit falling off or wearing out in any way, after almost 2 years of use.
I've been meaning to make a review video about them.
Perhaps the time is right.
Wow... thanks so much for the detailed reply! After watching all your videos on this subject I've realized that this is probably the most critical and detailed aspect of the set up. It's tough to filter through TH-cam to find real experts that can reveal what you do. You've shown me exactly what I need to pay attention to and it's already made a huge difference. You have absolutely the best channel on mystery guitar problems! Thanks again.
@@spikeafrican8797 Thanks, and please feel free to check the other channel @GuitarDepartment and also let others know, if you feel others can benefit. Much appreciated.
I enjoyed your video. I’m curious about the nut slotting gauge you are using and if you believe it can be used upon the neck to measure relief as opposed to feeler gauges (for those that do not trust themselves with measuring with a feeler gauge)? Thank you!
I also use that same dial indicator to measure fret height. First, you would zero out the dial indicator by placing it down on the completely flat surface. Then you just go over a fret and measure the height.
My tool is just my own rendition of a product sold by StewMac. They have a digital version. I prefer the mechanical one.
Now, to answer your question, there is a similar available, to measure neck relief. It is basically a dial indicator mounted on a modified straight edge.
I think that micro-tilt adjustment is a bad idea. Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't that use a round metal thing that rises out of the heel of the neck in order to tilt the neck? Wouldn't that then remove the wood to wood contact between the neck heel and neck pocket? Also it could bend the screws slightly. It just seems like a gimmick to me. I personally would use a full pocket size shim.
I guess (I never thought of it before) that the micro tilt could be viewed as an optional feature. In other words, one could still use the shim(s) if one chooses to do so, even when the guitar is equipped with the micro tilt mechanism.
As far as transfer of vibrations... I'm not sure if you are referring to loss of sustain due to some vibrations getting wasted in the joint. If that is what you meant, I am not sure one way or another what part of vibrations might be getting wasted. I really don't know.
But while on the subject of wasted vibrations, the one part that absorbs a big part of vibrations is the floating bridge, on a Strat (or Floyd Rose, or Bigsby, etc) The reason is, because part of the energy of the vibration string(s) is used to move the tremolo up and down. So, that part of the vibrations as a whole definitely does not get used towards sustain.
As an experienced luthier, do you think the typical neck shims (without wedge) we find inside the neck pockets can bend the neck heel? myth or fact? @@GuitarQuackery
@@rodolfoamaralguitar I don’t think that there is any way that a neck shim could bend the neck heel.
Very detailed and precise informations. I'd love to have a tech with your level of expertise around my place, but it's just no the case..
Out of the factory, which brand is the best and consistent.. Ibanez Prestige maybe ?
Thanks
Ibanez is definitely very consistent. in my experience, they don’t mess around with quality control. I think it might be one of the most consistent brands, for electric guitars.
In the acoustic guitar world, Taylor is very consistent.
Thanks for this. It saved me lifting the plate to see if the pickup height screws have grommets. The bad news is I have done everything I can think of to silence a rattle-like buzz when I play the g string between 6th and 9th. Frets are level, relief good, nut and saddles are good, saddle screws level and lacquered, pegs are tight and springs are muffled. Any ideas?
If it’s a rattling part, not string buzz, it can sometimes take some work to pinpoint.
I would honestly completely remove the pickguard, and output jack, and check if it’s still rattles.
Sometimes the process of elimination is the best way to go. Fortunately, this is relatively easy on a Strat.
@@GuitarQuackery Hi. Thanks for getting back to me. You’re right and I think I was being a bit lazy, considering that I tried everything else. I will follow your advice and see what I can find. Just found your channel a few days ago and really like it. If I find the problem I will maybe show it on another video 😀. That’s a good catchphrase.
Has any1 told you you look like Mr. Nebbercracker from monster house? And it's awesome
Nope. First time I hear this. But, just because no one told me, it doesn’t mean they were not thinking it, LOL.
Nice Strat .
Agreed. I like the look of the pine body and sienna burst.
Even with a Squier, I'd be sending this straight back to the dealer as a dud. Shocking.
Interestingly, I don’t think this could happen with a Squire. A squire has a soft plastic nut, which is not a material that would be prone to chipping off. And, to my knowledge, the nut on a Squire is never hand-filed a factory.
I had both. Dummy me, the MIM was the better instrument. Traded it for a MIAmerica. Eventually traded it for a Gretsch 5422 TDC, which I still have to this day.
I see a lot of new guitars that people bring to me straight from the store. I can confidently say from experience, that guitars of the same make and model are not the same. I always advise my customers to look at each guitar separately, regardless of make and model.
Thanks for your comment.
Little things mean a lot.
I think that’s an old Chinese proverb, LOL.
The nut on my American Pro 2 was way better then this example and the relief was 6 thousands which was perfect.
Yep. Every guitar turns out different.
I love you, but you're insane!!!! 🤣
I think I agree. But in a fantastic way. A microscope on the nut! How insanely awesome is that?!?!?
@@deanmccaskill5495 it is what is. Nature of the beast!!!!
That’s an old Chinese proverb. It has been used for centuries, before TH-cam invented the “like” button, and is still used nowadays as a substitute for the TH-cam “like” button. Thank you.
27:50 Wow, that's American craftmanship for ya... "Buy American" eh? 😂
I like to buy American because it supports the US economy, and of course, since I live in the US, I feel I have an interest to keep the economy healthy. Of course, I have no issues with buying imported goods, but I think it's important to have a healthy balance of import/export/local for the economy to stay healthy.
As far as quality of American-made products... I guess it always boils down to the individuals who work on our products. And every guitar will be different, depending on who worked on it. I always recommend to look at each guitar separately, regardless of make and model. If the guitar has some issues, but has the potential to be improved, I think of it as a good guitar. Although in my case it is different than for the average customer, as I would not be paying a tech to do those improvements for me.
But, to be honest, I look at guitar parts under the microscope, which does blow things a bit out of proportion. The guitar still functions, as is, but it just isn't "perfected" to the next level.
A $1,700+ Fender Strat is still not an instrument at the level of a $100,000+ Cremona violin. We all know that we pay a bit extra to have the Fender logo on the headstock and to have a serial number that starts with US... etc. In fact, Fender would be foolish not to charge extra for the logo and the US serial number. Every established brand does that.
If you put every guitar under a microscope I’m sure you’ll find something.
True!
If you are an American then yes. Otherwise there are many other affordable options.
I’ve always liked buying American electric guitars. I like the history. But I personally gravitate more towards Gibson.
"Made in the U.S.A." by the same Mexicans from the Ensenada, Baja factory, which is fine with me as long as the Quality Control isn't glossed over.
Quality Control is just the last link in the chain.
Quality starts with a job interview... then proper training... then supervision... also, machine and tool maintenance... proper selection of materials... competent management... customer relations... the list goes on... and at the very end we have Quality Control.
@@GuitarQuackery Eureka! I have discovered a fellow O.C.D. sufferer but one that has put it to Excellent use, obviously. I Sincerely hope that you establish a tiny little "Finishing" factory someday where all the final products are as they REALLY should be. It would surely be on the level of Suhr and Vigier, no doubt.
@@squirelova1815 I actually started as a guitar builder. Then I eventually got into the repair business. Repairs took over, but now I am kind of trying to get back into the building side of luthery. I've bene renovating my basement for years, which is one of the reasons why I haven't been building. Building takes more space than I currently have on my disposal.
@@GuitarQuackery I would buy your Brand without a second thought even without having tried it as I would with Suhr or Vigier. I would buy any brand new guitar that you had worked on to perfect it too and maybe that would be a Great Idea too: having people ship their brand new guitars to you First and then getting a Pro Level setup with Certificate of Approval from you or, back it goes to the Dealer until a decent one is delivered. I actually WILL DO just that next time I buy new from Sweetwater if it's okay with you of course. Speaking of "will", guitar maker (to celebrities even) William Gelvin actually was upgrading and setting up + perfecting even used guitars and selling them to grateful customers because he is a Trusted Professional. A good Reputation goes a long way.
@@squirelova1815 I actually already do "master upgrade services" but I don't do shipping. I also call them Master Re-build. At this time I am actually turning down more than 50% of service requests and I have limited space and am already working overtime. Shipping guitars is just too much of a risky business and since I am in Manhattan I already have more work requests than I can take on.
american strats of any kind are over priced
Do you mean, even the Custom Shop, Masterbuilt, heavy relic, LOL.
For you maybe. Don't buy what u can't afford.
I love mine
fender is overpriced shit.
I can understand your frustration. What we're seeing is the inconsistent quality of a factory-made product.
I look at each guitar individually, regardless of make and model. Fender, is of course, just a factory that employed thousands of workers throughout the decades. Every time you change the work force, in any company, you have a completely new company.
Also, if Jimmy cut the nut at the Fender factory one one Strat, and Stevie cut a nut on the same Strat model, at the same factory, those are two different nuts. Jimmy's nut has nothing to do with Stevie's nut. That's why reviews of factory-made guitars should always be viewed as general guidelines. In this review I simply looked at a randomly selected guitar that a customer brought to the shop. It was a good candidate for a review, as it was literally brand new.
Today, incidentally, I am going to be fixing that nut. Probably will be making a follow up video. Videos take me a long time to put together and I don't always have time to document every job. I estimate that it takes me about 12 times longer, on average, to complete a job that ends up in a TH-cam video. If I try to document every job it would run me out of business. But I'll try to do this one, so hopefully I'll be able to do it.
Thank for your comment.