Take note Gibson. This is what a true spokesman sounds like. Not just someone who gives you basic info, but someone who truly loves what they do, and has a story to tell you about their own journey with the guitar and the company. Very well done. My compliments to both Fender and Mr. Cruz. And, to you too Andertons, for bringing this type of content.
Yes! Great interview with an incredible musician. But to reference my point, he’s not a company spokesman. And to more your point, both Gibson and fender can leave the PR to their loyal musicians. That’s very true. However, when a company has been in the news about issues of QC, and financial woes, I find it somewhat misplaced not having a rep. thats at the very least, somewhat engaging to listen to. Maybe I’m missing the mark here, but to those of us that do not have access to these companies, or affiliations with national acts, and have saved, borrowed, or traded our way up to obtain one their instruments, I think this interview leaves you with a certain amount disappointment.
Mr Cruz set up my Blackie Tribute.....he is a legend and all around good guy. I called Fender and he actually listened to my amateur questions and made me feel like he cared about MY build ... Thank you so much Mr Cruz!!
'I was going to be the best floor-sweeper that the Fender company has ever seen.' That single quote is why a John Cruz built guitar is worth every penny. His enthusiasm is infectious.
Lee, I really appreciate you asking straight-shooter questions in respectful ways. It’s great that when you have opportunities to interview legends that have all the real answers to potentially controversial or tricky questions, you don’t squander the opportunity, and ask about the things we all really wonder about... as opposed to providing a dime-a-dozen cookie-cut publicity video. 👍🏻
I was on vacations in NYC three weeks ago and while visiting Guitar Center in Time Square, it just so happened that John Cruz & the guys from the Custom Shop were there for a roadshow. I got to talk to John, really cool dude and a certified legend. Too cool to see him here!
Putting all the other vibes aside, Fender will be a poorer place without John's craftsmanship and knowledge. So euthsisatic and passionate after all these years. This will be an opportunity for him to perhaps have a go himself.
Jacob Ray because he is scared of controversy...and the outrage that will follow from overly sensitive social justice warriors who make a mountains out of molehills.
I have a Masterbuilt Telecaster 60s NOS made by him! What a guitar that is!! Couldn't be happier! It was a lottery to get it but I made it, by chance more than any other thing.. 😁
Lee's comment toward the end of the interview sums it up. To be so enthusiastic at this stage in his career is inspiring! Thanks for this great presentation.
That was an amazing interview/talk you guys had. Having someone with a very good knowledge of the retail and collecting side of the business sit and ask pointed and focused questions to someone like him is something I could listen to for hours. Please do that again sometime in the near future. Thanks again!
Every time I hear John talk about his work at Fender I want to buy one of his guitars.... then I look in my bank account and cry. :( I just love his enthusiasm and his obvious love of the Strat.
His story of taking apart is first guitar to get painted and then struggling to put it back together. I’ve totally experienced that lol it’s intimidating and scary when it doesn’t work and you have no money to take it somewhere. LOT of trial and error to figure it out, but you really learn a lot through the process. What a great story to go from unloading the delivery trucks at a small music store (not even getting to hang the guitars on the wall by himself) to the top custom shop builder at Fender. Really inspirational.
Wonderful to see John. I bought my first "proper" guitar in 1992, a midnight blue Strat Plus, which I still have and love. When I bought it, I thought it was amazing that they'd written the name of the guy who tuned/tested the guitar, on the label (which I also still have). It was tuned by someone called John Cruz! Couldn't believe that a company would take the trouble to document that (I realise now that it was not uncommon to do this, but was amazed at the time). Never got as far as a custom shop one though....great to see John's passion and enthusiasm for what he did and still does.
Great interview. What a wonderful guy John is, bravo Lee for being such a good listener and also asking questions we all wanted to hear the answers to. Cheers and keep up the good work, best to all at Andertons.
Hearing the sound that he was going for in the intro and the discussion around the 20 minute mark convinced me that I made the right choice with building Warmoth Strats and Teles, using quality hardware and have them set up to perfection on a Plek station.
While watching this video I’m waiting for my Fender Custom Shop 1962 Relic Stratocaster to arrive this week. The waiting was long, so was saving up 4000 euro’s but it’s gonna be worth it, I just know.
seamanjive is it a custom shop? Are you happy with it? I’m just asking for myself. Trying to figure out if I should drop $5k on a NAMM 60/63 sunburst relic strat I’ve been eyeing out.
Wow..Stevie Ray, Jimmie Vaughn, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck(yardbirds era), Gary Moore..you just said all the magic words ...if I ever buy a custom shop Master built, this the man who I would ask for to build it.
I met John Cruz several years ago at a guitar event in So. Cal right as I was putting in my order for a team built 1964 strat and absolutely convinced me to make sure I spect out the rosewood "round lam" which was discontinued in 1965 for the more modern rosewood "slab". I'm so glad I did it. Along with round lam, the broken in feel of the neck really differentiates my guitar as a custom shop piece. He was such a nice passionate man! If you make a 64 custom to celebrate Anderson...make it unique with round lam neck!
What I really like is that you get to know the guys behind the guitars. These video features simply give you a personal impression I always missed in print. Same with ToneTalks, i.e. Dave Friedman / Mark, who also have a wealth of information (and stories) to share. Cool. Thank you.
I totally agree with John that modern guitars are better than a lot of the old ones.The progress that has been made in manufacturing etc. is just phenomenal...and..if my ancient old head has got this right..(!!)..are better value than before.Overall...fantastic interview and heartwarming to hear John`s enthusiasm for his art come spilling out in buckets!
Fantastic edition Captain. I look forward to seeing the other episode. As I was watching this I was imagining my own spec. If only my Granny was still alive, I'd have her on Ebay.
Really great interview. The "Captain" seemed awed by his guest but that was a good thing. I learned a lot and the BS was really not an issue here. This was an honest talk between two people who just love guitars. Thanks so much
So much for the Yngwie Malmsteen Tribute Strat story, Man, I super dig what you guys do. However, the more interesting a story becomes the more " The Captain " doesn't ever allow it to happen. 34:00
Captain mate I really like your videos and it's always so interesting to see so many different things, pedals, amps guitars etc. in your channel. I was watching your tour to the Fender factory the other day and it was amazing. The last year out of the love for the instrument I started building my own and I've actually almost finished my first Telecaster (only the soldering remains). Anyways, who would have thought, one of the best master builders in the world, John Cruz, started picking boxes in guitar shops and swiping saw dust off the floors, what a story to tell...
I've owned about 10-15 different guitars, some pretty cheap and some more higher end and I consider myself picky with the guitars I choose. Especially sensitive about the neck shapes. I recently got the Tele-sickness and tried quite a few guitars ranging from the Bajas to the Vintage RI's and the Elites. None of them really got to me but the other week I tried a beautiful Nocaster CS and after about two seconds I knew I just gotta have it. Quite an amazing feeling when all of the sudden you have this new world opened for you. I've played for over 30 years and probably tried 100+ different axes but to me this one just nails it.
Yes, it does. Tone is rich and complex and makes you want to keep playing all night. It also plays a lot better and feels like I've had it forever. It's the detail and attention paid to finish and accuracy that makes the difference, and that takes time. It's also the work of a master craftsman, so that costs more than a mass produced item made in the Far East. So it's worth it to me, but if you can't tell the difference then I guess it wouldn't be worth it to you.
Paul Beardow I own a 2005 Pewter American Series Tele, a 2011 MIM FSR Blacktop Tele, a 2006 MIM Classic Series 60’s Stratocaster and a 1986 MIJ Ibanez Pl1770. Guess what ? I still sound the same no matter what guitar I play so it is true that the guitar does not make the player.
We have a '96 Masterbuilt John Cruz Strat at the studio, and I used it couple time... it's good, no doubt about it. Now if I want to be honest, I have to say I also played way way cheaper strats that play and sound just as good. It shows how subjective guitars really are. Now, for a collector purpose, there's no doubt the John Cruz ones are good guitars to invest to.
Interesting point at 47.00, My favourite is a 51 telecaster relic , 9.5 radius, modern wiring, grease bucket tone circuit, 6105 wiring. That coupled with the all the original stuff makes for, in my opinion, an unbeatable guitar. Keep it up FCS and Andertons
I wanted to buy a custom shop Michael Landau 68 signature in black. Couldn't afford it so bought one of these DIY guitar kits on amazon. I had sooooo much fun building it. Now I want to learn how to build a guitar from scratch.
I love my '97 Custom Shop Jazz Bass Deluxe. I affectionately named it "The World's Greatest Bass". No fanboy relic/road worn for me. For every ding on my bass, I have a story of how it happened.
Great vid! I own a john cruz masterbuilt, it does feel great, strings bend better and feel looser than on my standard strat (they have the same gauge en set up) it's weird. The masterbuild is a lot louder unplugged to and sounds bigger plugged in.
Take note Gibson. This is what a true spokesman sounds like. Not just someone who gives you basic info, but someone who truly loves what they do, and has a story to tell you about their own journey with the guitar and the company. Very well done. My compliments to both Fender and Mr. Cruz. And, to you too Andertons, for bringing this type of content.
Giovanni Cerva watch the Bernie interview with the Beast.
Yes! Great interview with an incredible musician. But to reference my point, he’s not a company spokesman. And to more your point, both Gibson and fender can leave the PR to their loyal musicians. That’s very true. However, when a company has been in the news about issues of QC, and financial woes, I find it somewhat misplaced not having a rep. thats at the very least, somewhat engaging to listen to. Maybe I’m missing the mark here, but to those of us that do not have access to these companies, or affiliations with national acts, and have saved, borrowed, or traded our way up to obtain one their instruments, I think this interview leaves you with a certain amount disappointment.
Very well said
You can s*** on Gibson all day but if you find a used one for a great price that's all that really matters
He just got fired from Fender
Mr Cruz set up my Blackie Tribute.....he is a legend and all around good guy. I called Fender and he actually listened to my amateur questions and made me feel like he cared about MY build ... Thank you so much Mr Cruz!!
John Cruz Custom Guitars th-cam.com/video/6ZLCo9niqVk/w-d-xo.html
John is a real credit to Fender, very interesting video, more please.
I heard he is no longer at Fender.
He got the sack
This comment didn’t age well
What an interesting chap, more of this please.
'I was going to be the best floor-sweeper that the Fender company has ever seen.'
That single quote is why a John Cruz built guitar is worth every penny. His enthusiasm is infectious.
When a legend tells the truth because legends do not need to fool anyone...amazing personality !!
What a great interview. I could have listened to John for another hour or two. Thank you!
John Cruz Custom Guitars th-cam.com/video/6ZLCo9niqVk/w-d-xo.html
What a legendary Master Builder and down to earth guy! John is a true artist! Love you man, keep up the great work!!!
Lee, I really appreciate you asking straight-shooter questions in respectful ways. It’s great that when you have opportunities to interview legends that have all the real answers to potentially controversial or tricky questions, you don’t squander the opportunity, and ask about the things we all really wonder about... as opposed to providing a dime-a-dozen cookie-cut publicity video. 👍🏻
Man I would love to have a guitar built by John, a guy with passion and knowledge like that you know you will get a true masterpiece.
Waiting for The Captain Meets John Cruz of Cruz Guitars.
same
This is THE MAN - Jammed full of high energy enthusiasm, Passion and dedication to his craft.. Just totally awesome
John Cruz Custom Guitars th-cam.com/video/6ZLCo9niqVk/w-d-xo.html
really cool guy
can´t wait for his own guitars
I was on vacations in NYC three weeks ago and while visiting Guitar Center in Time Square, it just so happened that John Cruz & the guys from the Custom Shop were there for a roadshow. I got to talk to John, really cool dude and a certified legend. Too cool to see him here!
Putting all the other vibes aside, Fender will be a poorer place without John's craftsmanship and knowledge. So euthsisatic and passionate after all these years. This will be an opportunity for him to perhaps have a go himself.
Yes, right here th-cam.com/video/6ZLCo9niqVk/w-d-xo.html
Well after seeing this video John Cruz will be my pick for master builder of my next Strat!
Jacob Ray because he is scared of controversy...and the outrage that will follow from overly sensitive social justice warriors who make a mountains out of molehills.
John is such a legend!!!
John Cruz Custom Guitars th-cam.com/video/6ZLCo9niqVk/w-d-xo.html
I have a Masterbuilt Telecaster 60s NOS made by him! What a guitar that is!! Couldn't be happier! It was a lottery to get it but I made it, by chance more than any other thing.. 😁
Great interview and I think John could/should start his own company because his integrity, professionalism and honesty are so evidently on show here.
David H He has a signature model by chapman.
John Cruz Custom Guitars th-cam.com/video/6ZLCo9niqVk/w-d-xo.html
John Cruz seems like a really nice person to talk to. I learned a lot just from this interview. Great guy
Thanks Andertons. Love John's work, one day, one day I'd love to own one of his guitars. Bucket list stuff
I like the builder interviews. Can you interview guitar techs?
Don’t want to share their secrets!
Lee's comment toward the end of the interview sums it up. To be so enthusiastic at this stage in his career is inspiring!
Thanks for this great presentation.
I like the Captain meet videos a lot more than gear videos. Gear is just gear, but it is always great to see the people behind the music.
That was an amazing interview/talk you guys had. Having someone with a very good knowledge of the retail and collecting side of the business sit and ask pointed and focused questions to someone like him is something I could listen to for hours. Please do that again sometime in the near future. Thanks again!
Amazing Guy, awesome Interview.
For a lot guitar guys he is the Antonio Stradivari of the 21 century. :))
John Cruz Custom Guitars th-cam.com/video/6ZLCo9niqVk/w-d-xo.html
This has been on my "watch later" list for 6 months... glad I finally watched it. Immensely entertaining
His passion is amazing. Thanks Lee.
I pray that I love my job as much as this man does when I'm 50 years old. Awesome interview!
Every time I hear John talk about his work at Fender I want to buy one of his guitars.... then I look in my bank account and cry. :(
I just love his enthusiasm and his obvious love of the Strat.
Great hearing from a builder thanks Lee 👊
His story of taking apart is first guitar to get painted and then struggling to put it back together. I’ve totally experienced that lol it’s intimidating and scary when it doesn’t work and you have no money to take it somewhere. LOT of trial and error to figure it out, but you really learn a lot through the process. What a great story to go from unloading the delivery trucks at a small music store (not even getting to hang the guitars on the wall by himself) to the top custom shop builder at Fender. Really inspirational.
Wonderful to see John. I bought my first "proper" guitar in 1992, a midnight blue Strat Plus, which I still have and love. When I bought it, I thought it was amazing that they'd written the name of the guy who tuned/tested the guitar, on the label (which I also still have). It was tuned by someone called John Cruz! Couldn't believe that a company would take the trouble to document that (I realise now that it was not uncommon to do this, but was amazed at the time). Never got as far as a custom shop one though....great to see John's passion and enthusiasm for what he did and still does.
What a great genuine real guest. Credit to fender
Great interview. What a wonderful guy John is, bravo Lee for being such a good listener and also asking questions we all wanted to hear the answers to. Cheers and keep up the good work, best to all at Andertons.
Hearing the sound that he was going for in the intro and the discussion around the 20 minute mark convinced me that I made the right choice with building Warmoth Strats and Teles, using quality hardware and have them set up to perfection on a Plek station.
Sir Lee you have come a long long way in overcoming your guitar biases. I'm proud of how open-minded you are. Totally agree with your sentiments.
Fantastic as always!! Thanks Captain and crew and Mr. Cruz!!
what a wonderful video....with so much added value just from listening toJon Cruz..soo interesting all!
While watching this video I’m waiting for my Fender Custom Shop 1962 Relic Stratocaster to arrive this week. The waiting was long, so was saving up 4000 euro’s but it’s gonna be worth it, I just know.
And? Is it worth it?
My Tele is a relic. I've been gigging it for ten years. I put all the digs and dents in it.
seamanjive is it a custom shop? Are you happy with it? I’m just asking for myself. Trying to figure out if I should drop $5k on a NAMM 60/63 sunburst relic strat I’ve been eyeing out.
Wow..Stevie Ray, Jimmie Vaughn, Rory Gallagher, Jeff Beck(yardbirds era), Gary Moore..you just said all the magic words ...if I ever buy a custom shop Master built, this the man who I would ask for to build it.
Surprised that Andertons didn't take this down yet.
Loved John Cruz in Mission Impossible.
Simon Rourke lame joke
😂
I met John Cruz several years ago at a guitar event in So. Cal right as I was putting in my order for a team built 1964 strat and absolutely convinced me to make sure I spect out the rosewood "round lam" which was discontinued in 1965 for the more modern rosewood "slab". I'm so glad I did it. Along with round lam, the broken in feel of the neck really differentiates my guitar as a custom shop piece. He was such a nice passionate man! If you make a 64 custom to celebrate Anderson...make it unique with round lam neck!
I have a Strat John made, I had it made by John in the Custom Shop to my specs. Its KILLER.
How much for it?
Mine was $2,134
John Cruz Custom Guitars th-cam.com/video/6ZLCo9niqVk/w-d-xo.html
I just cheered when I saw mr Cruz himself on this episode 🤣 fantastic
What I really like is that you get to know the guys behind the guitars. These video features simply give you a personal impression I always missed in print. Same with ToneTalks, i.e. Dave Friedman / Mark, who also have a wealth of information (and stories) to share. Cool. Thank you.
This is probably my favourite Andertons' video in a long while!! Awesome interview. Thank you!
Thank you John Cruz🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏!!!!!!!
I totally agree with John that modern guitars are better than a lot of the old ones.The progress that has been made in manufacturing etc. is just phenomenal...and..if my ancient old head has got this right..(!!)..are better value than before.Overall...fantastic interview and heartwarming to hear John`s enthusiasm for his art come spilling out in buckets!
Love this man. Gibson needs someone like John Cruz.
Fantastic interview. I completely agree about John's enthusiasm. Great chat!
Fantastic edition Captain. I look forward to seeing the other episode. As I was watching this I was imagining my own spec. If only my Granny was still alive, I'd have her on Ebay.
This is such a fantastic interview. Thank you for this.
What a really good and interesting video..more of these ta
Great interview! John has a lot of knowledge and he's interesting to listen to.
History in the making here!
This was really good! Love hearing about process and technique from a true expert, and clearly a nice chap!
Love the attitude of you both guys. Thanks for this. Greetz
This guy is the man.
Really great interview. The "Captain" seemed awed by his guest but that was a good thing. I learned a lot and the BS was really not an issue here. This was an honest talk between two people who just love guitars. Thanks so much
My friend John Cruz rocking all over the world :)
So much for the Yngwie Malmsteen Tribute Strat story, Man, I super dig what you guys do. However, the more interesting a story becomes the more " The Captain " doesn't ever allow it to happen. 34:00
john cruz brings dream guitars to life
Hats off to you Lee, great job with your channel.
A true craftsman in both instances!
This was great! Loved listening to his passion for building guitars.
Captain mate I really like your videos and it's always so interesting to see so many different things, pedals, amps guitars etc. in your channel. I was watching your tour to the Fender factory the other day and it was amazing. The last year out of the love for the instrument I started building my own and I've actually almost finished my first Telecaster (only the soldering remains). Anyways, who would have thought, one of the best master builders in the world, John Cruz, started picking boxes in guitar shops and swiping saw dust off the floors, what a story to tell...
Make a video about Rory Gallagher and his guitar please!! He was (he is😉) a truly, amazing, legend.
Bang on! loved this interview, knowledgeable guy real enthusiasm.
18:10 what a wonderful philosophy and approach to guitars Lee. Well said indeed
What a brilliant interview, legend!
I've owned about 10-15 different guitars, some pretty cheap and some more higher end and I consider myself picky with the guitars I choose. Especially sensitive about the neck shapes. I recently got the Tele-sickness and tried quite a few guitars ranging from the Bajas to the Vintage RI's and the Elites. None of them really got to me but the other week I tried a beautiful Nocaster CS and after about two seconds I knew I just gotta have it. Quite an amazing feeling when all of the sudden you have this new world opened for you. I've played for over 30 years and probably tried 100+ different axes but to me this one just nails it.
THANKS FOR SHARING.. one of the most fascinating posts on YT.. Once again tahnkyou very much
My fav vid this year would love to make guitars
Really enjoyed this video. It's cool when the guest has a story to tell.
This is gonna be great!!
Such a cool story.
Smug face on :-) I have a pewter '63 Strat built by John Cruz. Very, very nice guitar.
Does it sound better than a 200 dollar guitar?
Yes, it does. Tone is rich and complex and makes you want to keep playing all night. It also plays a lot better and feels like I've had it forever. It's the detail and attention paid to finish and accuracy that makes the difference, and that takes time. It's also the work of a master craftsman, so that costs more than a mass produced item made in the Far East. So it's worth it to me, but if you can't tell the difference then I guess it wouldn't be worth it to you.
Paul Beardow I own a 2005 Pewter American Series Tele, a 2011 MIM FSR Blacktop Tele, a 2006 MIM Classic Series 60’s Stratocaster and a 1986 MIJ Ibanez Pl1770. Guess what ? I still sound the same no matter what guitar I play so it is true that the guitar does not make the player.
Great video. What a great guy John Cruz is. Loved this interview.
We have a '96 Masterbuilt John Cruz Strat at the studio, and I used it couple time... it's good, no doubt about it. Now if I want to be honest, I have to say I also played way way cheaper strats that play and sound just as good. It shows how subjective guitars really are. Now, for a collector purpose, there's no doubt the John Cruz ones are good guitars to invest to.
Great interview, Master Builder John Cruz is very knowledgeable and funny. More please.
Another great interview. Thanks captain!
What a great dude John Cruz is!
Awesome interview more of this please!!
Interesting point at 47.00, My favourite is a 51 telecaster relic , 9.5 radius, modern wiring, grease bucket tone circuit, 6105 wiring. That coupled with the all the original stuff makes for, in my opinion, an unbeatable guitar. Keep it up FCS and Andertons
Thank you for posting this; a real treat!
AWESOME interview, thank you!
That was utterly awesome!
Enjoyed this interview way more than recent 'players' ones.
John travalta on a stratocaster. ..great blues...master craftsmanship
make that used to be from the fender custom shop - big respect to fender for showing him the door
I wanted to buy a custom shop Michael Landau 68 signature in black. Couldn't afford it so bought one of these DIY guitar kits on amazon. I had sooooo much fun building it. Now I want to learn how to build a guitar from scratch.
VERY GOOD GUITAR PLAYING GOOD OLD RIGHT WING GUITAR 😊
Cap'n Lee dancing through the internet tone wars like a ballet master.
I love my '97 Custom Shop Jazz Bass Deluxe. I affectionately named it "The World's Greatest Bass". No fanboy relic/road worn for me. For every ding on my bass, I have a story of how it happened.
fabulous interview...will save up to buy a John Cruz master built...lol
Very cool that you're doing these for builders as well as musicians, Captain. We don't get a chance to hear a masterbuilder chat very often.
My fav video so far.
Great vid! I own a john cruz masterbuilt, it does feel great, strings bend better and feel looser than on my standard strat (they have the same gauge en set up) it's weird. The masterbuild is a lot louder unplugged to and sounds bigger plugged in.
John Cruz Custom Guitars th-cam.com/video/6ZLCo9niqVk/w-d-xo.html