I'm looking at buying one of these as a present for myself in the Sea Foam Green. Let my playing fall by the wayside for quite a few years but want to start again. A nice new guitar to brandish is a good incentive to pick it up again! Thanks for such a comprehensive look at the guitar. All the best from the UK.
Interested in why Fender puts the skunk stripe on non Maple boards. At one point, Fender only put the skunk stripe on the one piece Maple necks. On everything else, the truss rod was installed through the front and the fretboard (usually Rosewood) glued on.
I own 3 Player Plus Top Stratocaster HSS’s and I couldn’t be happier! They are gorgeous! The quality of MIM Fenders has greatly improved over the years almost rivaling American made guitars. I also own 3 other MIM Strats and they are great too! I am no longer a MIM snob!
Hi rich655, thank you for your comment. I was once a Les Paul player, and would fork out thousands upon thousands for them. And while some were absolute beasts, in terms of tone and playability, others fell well short of the premium paid. And with a young family, it was financially unsustainable. So when I first picked this beauty up, it played excellent for the price. So I thought, "Why not!" And never looked back. I recently purchased an Olympic White MIM Stratocaster, and planning to do some modifications on that too. Stay tuned! I'll be posting some videos on that. Keep ROCKING!
Agreed, based upon my experience with my Player Jaguar. Significant hardware improvements with the Player series. And the mim series are super great. But the players have the improved bridge and the electronics are greatly improved. The electronics in my mim's have been super dependable, however. Nevertheless these are significant improvements and these are nice guitars. My Player Jaguar is nicer than I expected it to be.
Hi Christos, I have exactly the same guitar. Like you, I too have upgraded the following parts on mine with... (1) The same Fender locking tuners, (2) A string tree with rounded/curved edges that eliminates friction (I think it's from Jim Dunlop or Allparts, can't quite remember), (3) The same Gotoh stainless steel block saddles & (4) A Fender tremolo arm spring (that fits into the hole where the whammy bar screws into) for a tighter feel... and after doing a proper setup, it now feels and plays like a dream!!! Yes, I highly recommend doing these upgrades from experience and believe me, your guitar will hold tune and play much better! In the near future, I plan to replace the volume pot on mine with a Fender S-1 Switch for 5 more pickup options (still working on the schematics for this) and also the tone pots with Fender no-load tone controls for extra treble response if needed. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck & enjoy your journey. Happy New Year & take care.
Hi Russell, thank you so much for your comments and insights. That's awesome that you are making those modifications to your guitar, and with the internal componentry you mentioned, your Fender will not only play better, but will sound better too. I purchased a string tree with rollers and just waiting for it to arrive before I post a follow up review. Likewise, enjoy your journey too. And that's exactly what it is, a journey of learning, enjoyment, and self discovery. You too brother, Happy New Year, and may 2021 be your best year yet. Rock On! :-)
@@christosfragias592 Thanks heaps for your reply Christos. Agreed, a string tree with rollers will minimize friction behind the nut quite a lot. I am so looking forward to watching your follow up review on this... Also, I forgot to mention I'm using Raw Vintage tremolo springs (X4) as I personally feel the Fender ones are a little too stiff. Anyway & just letting you know, I have subscribed to your Channel and I MUST say from watching your other videos... you are one phenomenal guitar player - much better than me! Keep up the good work & God Bless you.
@@stratoscorp7 thank you so much for your kind comments. And, God Bless you too. Stay tuned, I shall be posting some new videos soon. Till then, keep ROCKING Russell!
Nice video... you read the ohms K... not too much resistence for that humbuckers... my strat player SSS the bridge pickup reads 9.2 k... hope that humm are not so intense on the humbucker ... was thinking about HSH now I'm thinking if it necessary...
Thanks, John. Tone is in the EAR of the beholder, and a very subjective, and at times, passionately debated topic amongst us guitarists. Personally, my favourite fret board material is ebony. However, if it feels and sounds right to you, go for it. Keep rocking. 🤘🎸🤘🎸
@@christosfragias592 Thanks. As for looks, the 𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 appeal alone, I also prefer the much darker ebony or the rosewood for fingerboards. Unfortunately, the best, darkest rosewood (Brazilian) is no longer available due to it having been over-harvested from the rain forests there. :'(
Modern alternate real hardwood fretboards are of very high quality and gave been implemented as part of industrial modernization of policies and practices in response to changing manufacturing realities and requirements. I was very surprised with the quality of the laurel, black walnut, and Pau ferro fretboards. These are very high quality fretboards. I am not fond of manmade woodlike materials used as fretboards. Real wood is incredibly strong. It is also beautiful and can be luxurious.
All my Strats with vintage style pressed steel saddles get a Highwood saddle upgrade immediately. It’s not so much a discomfort thing with the protruding adjustment screws, but I find that my hand resting on the bridge while I’m playing actually changes the saddle height as it gradually moves the protruding height adjustment screws up or down unintentionally. The Highwood saddles maintain the vintage style but there is nothing protruding, so they stay where I set them.
Thank you for liking my video. The Gotoh part number is S11C. I bought it from a luthier supplier, here in Australia. Here's the link: luthiersupplies.com.au/gotoh-s11c-solid-brass-replacement-saddles-set-of-6-chrome Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘
Ordered mine today at Amazon Canada, no guitars are perfect, my other Strat is a Squier FRS Classic Vibe so I think that this one would be a good upgrade even if my Classic Vibe is really good for the price, thanks Chris for the honest review, good video.
Thanks, Yann. Much appreciated. You are right. No guitar is perfect. It's what's perfect for you. I am sure you will enjoy your new guitar. Keep ROCKING!
Would you say it is better to spend more money on an amp then on a strat a thousand € more than Players, is the players actually good enough to rival those guitars if an expensive amp is added?
Hi there, it depends what you want to spend your money on and what you need. I have an Engl Ritchie Blackmore head and Engl horizontal 212 cab. My guitar sounds good through my Engl. Certainly much better before I did all the modifications to it. Keep ROCKING 🎸 🤘 🎸 🤘
Hi Gman44044, Thank you for your comment. Have you subscribed to my channel? If not, please do, as I put out videos frequently. I have added three video links below which I have played along to some of my favourite tracks, to give you an appreciation of the tonal capability of this guitar. Hope this adds further insight. Keep Rocking! th-cam.com/video/OkGLUqTKJNs/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/-RDa0zgyRPc/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/-umiYH71CIQ/w-d-xo.html
Hi Derick, thank you for your kind comments. Really appreciative. I really like the pau ferro fret board. It plays, feels and sounds nice. Dryness wise, I do tend to find pau ferro likes to take on a little bit more lemon oil over rosewood to replenish it, but nothing excessive. Identifying wise, pau ferro tends to be a lighter version of rosewood, with a less pronounced grain, and less porous (i.e., less, if any little openings in the wood.) On that last point, rosewood tends to have very small, but noticeable holes and openings in the grain pattern. Finally, pau ferro is a slightly less smoother wood. What worked for me was venturing to my local music store and comparing two guitars with rosewood and pau ferro to familiarise myself with the differences (incl., visual, feel and tone). Now, I am able to better differentiate between the two wood species. Rock on!
It does indeed. Please check out this video where I play ▶️ along to Iron Maiden's, Wasted Years using the same guitar. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘 th-cam.com/video/-RDa0zgyRPc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=r6vzP8B6jdUeLR_j
Hi There, Please check out my several videos where I jam with this guitar to my favourite music. I believe this approach gives a more accurate sonic portrayal of the guitar. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘
too much talk. no demo or guitar /sound demo... disappointing ... since you look like you are about to play... throughout the entire video. . Demo what you talk about.. just a tip. HSH pro 2. is on the way in the mail. so the topic is very relevant. examples tell me more in 10 seconds than anyone talking for 30 minutes. ideally 3 -5minutes talking and 6 to ten minute sound demo. but cool guitar. ;)
@@RuneJacobsen-ox7cr. Thanks for your feedback. It's impossible to cater to everyone. Having said that, I have posted a few videos jamming with this guitar along to my favourite tracks, and that is the true comparison for me. Congratulations, and enjoy your new HSH. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘
@@christosfragias592 I had some training in media, filming, photos, etc. camera on pod.. ... cut in close up of strings, the neck, and the controls that you are using. (amp controls and guitar). for a few bucks .. people online will edit and cut your video to professional level. difference is mind-blowing . like Jimi Hendrix vs my neighbours cat.. lol . 🎸🔕🎸🎸🎸
Yes, I did play it. However, playing a guitar to music gives more appreciation. Click this link. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘 th-cam.com/video/-RDa0zgyRPc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=EOaNP2OZ3v5JhE1x
@@christosfragias592 Cool. I was hoping you were going to play those nice guitars. Hearing the guitars etc., would have added that important dimension. I think the best reviews are informative because the reviewers actually owned and played the guitars a lot over a period of time. In the process learning secrets about the instrument and being able to communicate those findings to the viewers. Those type of reviews involve a lot of playing and sometimes a lot of learning. Not always playing but playing is always part of it. Those are some great looking guitars.
I'm looking at buying one of these as a present for myself in the Sea Foam Green. Let my playing fall by the wayside for quite a few years but want to start again. A nice new guitar to brandish is a good incentive to pick it up again! Thanks for such a comprehensive look at the guitar. All the best from the UK.
My pleasure, and hope you are having an awesome experience with your new axe 🪓. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘
Interested in why Fender puts the skunk stripe on non Maple boards. At one point, Fender only put the skunk stripe on the one piece Maple necks. On everything else, the truss rod was installed through the front and the fretboard (usually Rosewood) glued on.
I own 3 Player Plus Top Stratocaster HSS’s and I couldn’t be happier!
They are gorgeous!
The quality of MIM Fenders has greatly improved over the years almost rivaling American made guitars.
I also own 3 other MIM Strats and they are great too!
I am no longer a MIM snob!
Hi rich655, thank you for your comment. I was once a Les Paul player, and would fork out thousands upon thousands for them. And while some were absolute beasts, in terms of tone and playability, others fell well short of the premium paid. And with a young family, it was financially unsustainable. So when I first picked this beauty up, it played excellent for the price. So I thought, "Why not!" And never looked back. I recently purchased an Olympic White MIM Stratocaster, and planning to do some modifications on that too. Stay tuned! I'll be posting some videos on that. Keep ROCKING!
Agreed, based upon my experience with my Player Jaguar. Significant hardware improvements with the Player series. And the mim series are super great. But the players have the improved bridge and the electronics are greatly improved. The electronics in my mim's have been super dependable, however. Nevertheless these are significant improvements and these are nice guitars. My Player Jaguar is nicer than I expected it to be.
But all the latest Player Plus Mex upgrade models have 6 short length locking nuts as standard.
This is not a Player Plus.
Hi Christos, I have exactly the same guitar. Like you, I too have upgraded the following parts on mine with... (1) The same Fender locking tuners, (2) A string tree with rounded/curved edges that eliminates friction (I think it's from Jim Dunlop or Allparts, can't quite remember), (3) The same Gotoh stainless steel block saddles & (4) A Fender tremolo arm spring (that fits into the hole where the whammy bar screws into) for a tighter feel... and after doing a proper setup, it now feels and plays like a dream!!! Yes, I highly recommend doing these upgrades from experience and believe me, your guitar will hold tune and play much better! In the near future, I plan to replace the volume pot on mine with a Fender S-1 Switch for 5 more pickup options (still working on the schematics for this) and also the tone pots with Fender no-load tone controls for extra treble response if needed. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck & enjoy your journey. Happy New Year & take care.
Hi Russell, thank you so much for your comments and insights. That's awesome that you are making those modifications to your guitar, and with the internal componentry you mentioned, your Fender will not only play better, but will sound better too. I purchased a string tree with rollers and just waiting for it to arrive before I post a follow up review. Likewise, enjoy your journey too. And that's exactly what it is, a journey of learning, enjoyment, and self discovery. You too brother, Happy New Year, and may 2021 be your best year yet. Rock On! :-)
@@christosfragias592 Thanks heaps for your reply Christos. Agreed, a string tree with rollers will minimize friction behind the nut quite a lot. I am so looking forward to watching your follow up review on this... Also, I forgot to mention I'm using Raw Vintage tremolo springs (X4) as I personally feel the Fender ones are a little too stiff. Anyway & just letting you know, I have subscribed to your Channel and I MUST say from watching your other videos... you are one phenomenal guitar player - much better than me! Keep up the good work & God Bless you.
@@stratoscorp7 thank you so much for your kind comments. And, God Bless you too. Stay tuned, I shall be posting some new videos soon. Till then, keep ROCKING Russell!
Nice video... you read the ohms K... not too much resistence for that humbuckers... my strat player SSS the bridge pickup reads 9.2 k... hope that humm are not so intense on the humbucker ... was thinking about HSH now I'm thinking if it necessary...
7:56 Pau Ferro is denser than rosewood, so its use in a guitar fretboard 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 be a tonal improvement, actually.
Thanks, John. Tone is in the EAR of the beholder, and a very subjective, and at times, passionately debated topic amongst us guitarists. Personally, my favourite fret board material is ebony. However, if it feels and sounds right to you, go for it. Keep rocking. 🤘🎸🤘🎸
@@christosfragias592 Thanks. As for looks, the 𝘢𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘤 appeal alone, I also prefer the much darker ebony or the rosewood for fingerboards. Unfortunately, the best, darkest rosewood (Brazilian) is no longer available due to it having been over-harvested from the rain forests there. :'(
Modern alternate real hardwood fretboards are of very high quality and gave been implemented as part of industrial modernization of policies and practices in response to changing manufacturing realities and requirements.
I was very surprised with the quality of the laurel, black walnut, and Pau ferro fretboards. These are very high quality fretboards. I am not fond of manmade woodlike materials used as fretboards. Real wood is incredibly strong. It is also beautiful and can be luxurious.
All my Strats with vintage style pressed steel saddles get a Highwood saddle upgrade immediately. It’s not so much a discomfort thing with the protruding adjustment screws, but I find that my hand resting on the bridge while I’m playing actually changes the saddle height as it gradually moves the protruding height adjustment screws up or down unintentionally. The Highwood saddles maintain the vintage style but there is nothing protruding, so they stay where I set them.
i wonder if u noticed, is it true that mid pickup is not precisely in the center between neck and bridge pickup?
Hi there, what I have noticed is that the middle pickup is narrower than the bridge and neck pick-ups. Keep ROCKING 🤘 🎸 🤘 🎸
@@christosfragias592 😅😅😅
@@asepsetiapermana sorry, the middle pickup is WIDER...DOH! But it does sit evenly spaced between each humbucker. 😂
What is the part number for the Gotoh saddles? Nice video, thanks for sharing.
Thank you for liking my video. The Gotoh part number is S11C.
I bought it from a luthier supplier, here in Australia. Here's the link:
luthiersupplies.com.au/gotoh-s11c-solid-brass-replacement-saddles-set-of-6-chrome
Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘
Ordered mine today at Amazon Canada, no guitars are perfect, my other Strat is a Squier FRS Classic Vibe so I think that this one would be a good upgrade even if my Classic Vibe is really good for the price, thanks Chris for the honest review, good video.
Thanks, Yann. Much appreciated. You are right. No guitar is perfect. It's what's perfect for you. I am sure you will enjoy your new guitar. Keep ROCKING!
great great VIDEO
Thank you so much for your kind words. I will be posting new videos soon. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🤘🎸
Thanks for useful review.
My pleasure, and really appreciate your comment.
Would you say it is better to spend more money on an amp then on a strat a thousand € more than Players, is the players actually good enough to rival those guitars if an expensive amp is added?
Hi there, it depends what you want to spend your money on and what you need. I have an Engl Ritchie Blackmore head and Engl horizontal 212 cab. My guitar sounds good through my Engl. Certainly much better before I did all the modifications to it. Keep ROCKING 🎸 🤘 🎸 🤘
Veramente una Strato versatile forse la più versatile in assoluto
24 min video and no playing ???
Hi Gman44044,
Thank you for your comment. Have you subscribed to my channel? If not, please do, as I put out videos frequently. I have added three video links below which I have played along to some of my favourite tracks, to give you an appreciation of the tonal capability of this guitar. Hope this adds further insight. Keep Rocking!
th-cam.com/video/OkGLUqTKJNs/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/-RDa0zgyRPc/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/-umiYH71CIQ/w-d-xo.html
Lovely guitar and review, how’s the pau ferro fret board? Is it dry? And is there anyway to tell if it is just from what it looks like?
Hi Derick, thank you for your kind comments. Really appreciative. I really like the pau ferro fret board. It plays, feels and sounds nice. Dryness wise, I do tend to find pau ferro likes to take on a little bit more lemon oil over rosewood to replenish it, but nothing excessive. Identifying wise, pau ferro tends to be a lighter version of rosewood, with a less pronounced grain, and less porous (i.e., less, if any little openings in the wood.) On that last point, rosewood tends to have very small, but noticeable holes and openings in the grain pattern. Finally, pau ferro is a slightly less smoother wood. What worked for me was venturing to my local music store and comparing two guitars with rosewood and pau ferro to familiarise myself with the differences (incl., visual, feel and tone). Now, I am able to better differentiate between the two wood species. Rock on!
@@christosfragias592 awesome thanks for sharing 🤠
@@derickdesantiago1188 If you can find it "Bore Oil" (for woodwind instruments) is even better.
I've got the player HSH in tobacco burst ., Fuck all wrong with it ! She's a thing of great beauty 😘🤟😁
Somebody please get these Temu ads off here.😂
9
sub for being a bunnies supporter!!
Legend! Thanks, Adam. Keep rocking! 🤘🎸
this guitar screams iron maiden
It does indeed. Please check out this video where I play ▶️ along to Iron Maiden's, Wasted Years using the same guitar. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘
th-cam.com/video/-RDa0zgyRPc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=r6vzP8B6jdUeLR_j
24mins and no playing 😶
Hi There,
Please check out my several videos where I jam with this guitar to my favourite music. I believe this approach gives a more accurate sonic portrayal of the guitar. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘
Ah!! Ok...thanks
too much talk. no demo or guitar /sound demo... disappointing ... since you look like you are about to play... throughout the entire video. . Demo what you talk about.. just a tip. HSH pro 2. is on the way in the mail. so the topic is very relevant. examples tell me more in 10 seconds than anyone talking for 30 minutes. ideally 3 -5minutes talking and 6 to ten minute sound demo. but cool guitar. ;)
@@RuneJacobsen-ox7cr. Thanks for your feedback. It's impossible to cater to everyone. Having said that, I have posted a few videos jamming with this guitar along to my favourite tracks, and that is the true comparison for me. Congratulations, and enjoy your new HSH. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘
@@christosfragias592 I had some training in media, filming, photos, etc. camera on pod.. ... cut in close up of strings, the neck, and the controls that you are using. (amp controls and guitar). for a few bucks .. people online will edit and cut your video to professional level. difference is mind-blowing . like Jimi Hendrix vs my neighbours cat.. lol .
🎸🔕🎸🎸🎸
弾かんのか〜〜〜い！
so ou dont play it
Yes, I did play it. However, playing a guitar to music gives more appreciation. Click this link. Keep ROCKING! 🤘🎸🎸🤘
th-cam.com/video/-RDa0zgyRPc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=EOaNP2OZ3v5JhE1x
弾かないんかい…
Hey Pon Pon, here's a YT video of me playing this Fender along to one of my favourite songs. Enjoy! th-cam.com/video/OkGLUqTKJNs/w-d-xo.html
People wonder if you can actually play ...
I have uploaded several videos playing my electric guitar and electric bass. People know how I play!
@@christosfragias592 Cool. I was hoping you were going to play those nice guitars. Hearing the guitars etc., would have added that important dimension.
I think the best reviews are informative because the reviewers actually owned and played the guitars a lot over a period of time. In the process learning secrets about the instrument and being able to communicate those findings to the viewers. Those type of reviews involve a lot of playing and sometimes a lot of learning. Not always playing but playing is always part of it.
Those are some great looking guitars.
uffffff....nunca sounds ...ufffff bla bla bla bla