I can find off brand guitars at $500 or less, made with top quality wood, locking tuners, bone nut, polished rounded stainless steel frets, good pots and wiring etc. With what is out there for guitars now, I don’t really see myself buying another Fender, Gibson etc. Unless they can offer the same as I can find now. I’m to the point now, that stainless steel frets are being put on guitars, it’s the first thing I check for, if I’m even going to consider buying that guitar. Guitars costing over $500, just doesn’t make sense to me anymore.
@@JayceAllanGuitar It really means the point at which a show strayed from its proven formula, but as people began examining other shows and searching for their "shark jump" moment, it started to work as a harbinger of doom. The best example is probably the appearance of Cousin Oliver on the Brady Bunch, who showed up six episodes before it was cancelled.
@@JayceAllanGuitar It symbolizes the point when the show runs out of ideas and has nothing left to do in its original form, but needs to come up with gimmicks or other such things to keep interest at the same level in the absence of good writing, just because you have to keep the show going. To my generation we hear "jump the shark" and we think, out of ideas. It has little to do with ratings, as we know that Happy Days was still popular when this episode ran.
I have a few high-end guitars but recently I took a chance and ordered a hard tail Squier sonic Strat direct from fender for $139 plus $20 shipping. I also bought a green sonic esquire squire for 139+ $20 shipping and those two came with, slight fret sprout that I repaired what was amazing about it was even with the cheap tuners. It stayed in tune and they came set up very well. I couldn't find more flaws then I bought a sonic Mustang also green for 139. I couldn't believe it. It was ready to play out of the box, I'm not sure what they're doing but I'm in my 70s now and don't plan on paying or buying any more expensive guitars. I can have my fun with these and if I play out sometime with them, I can even give one to somebody as a kind gesture lol
A USA Fender's price difference over the Mexican Fenders can be somewhat quantified in the following way: 1, USA necks cost US$ 400 more than Mexican ones do, probably for the amount of work that goes into making what most people swear is one of the best necks they've ever played ... better quality maple and slightly wider than Mexican necks as well; 2, USA guitar bodies are a thinner polyurethane finish, and choicer body woods when compared to Mexican Fenders (as per the company and what I can see with my own eyes); 3, USA Fenders come with a US$ 230 hard case, the Mexican ones come in a US$ 40 gigbag; 4, Costlier tuners, bone nut, better frets, better bridges, even the strap buttons are higher quality; 5, More expensive pots, switches and overall electronics - VMOD pickups cost alone cost US$ 230 a set. That's pretty much the whole guitar, even though it may not be easily perceivable. Whether that justifies the US$ 800 price difference is personal, especially if the USA Fender gives you the added bonus of history, pedigree and X/feel-good factor.
Makes sense. I really want to get my hands on both a new MIM and MIA strat and compare the two. Like completely disassemble them and compare components. I think it would be fun project. Just expensive! LOL.
Here’s the thing. Fender has been around forever. I bought 4 Stratocasters, an Elite, a Player, a early 00’s Std squire with 22 frets and a squire CV. All used. I plan on buying a few Std Americans in the near future. I don’t like the noiseless pickups as much as the pickups on early 90’s strats. I will buy more used. There are so many used guitars on the market in good condition. Why buy new?
While Sitka spruce is a good sounding top wood for acoustics, it is not the preferred but the most common wood from what I've read. Quartersawn Sitka spruce meeting certain criteria is also the standard for building wood and fabric airplanes!
I wouldn't read too much into the CPO thing. Rolex just rolled out a CPO program because they want in on the lucrative 2nd hand market, and if you've been in a Rolex store lately, they aren't exactly flooded with unmovable inventory, lol. When it comes to quality, ya Mexico and China are producing some bonkers good quality. But that's no different from any other industry. Manufacturing techniques are portable, as is all of the equipment. Sure it takes time to master some of the techniques, but at this point, they've had decades to learn, and it's clearly paying off. Just bought a $200 Firefly that for an intermediate player, is 95% the quality of new Gibsons at 1/5 or less the price. And ya, I have a few American Gibsons and Strats to compare against. Good time to love guitars!
Fender is dropping prices now on new guitars. Always wanted a USA American Professional II Stratocaster. My online store quoted me $360.00 under the Fender Msrp for that model. Pulled the trigger and received it today, beautiful guitar and I am glad I bought it.
Fender is the best of the best in my humble opinion, especially the MIJ versions. The who's who of guitar players play em how can you go wrong with that kind of endorsement. I read Leo Fender, who almost cried when he visited the MIJ division of fender, the quality of product they were putting out. And the ones produced in the Corona are very awesome as well.
I certainly have nothing against Fender other than the cost. Which is probably why they've diversified into the used market and the uber cheap market with the Debut. They know as well as I do that in order to sell something, people need to be able to afford it. But you're right they are the best of the best, why do you think all the cheap guitar companies copy the Strat. The most iconic guitar in the world?
Fender is fighting for their piece of the guitar buying public pie. I completely agree with the Escenda Mexican made Fenders.... They're every bit as good as the Corona CA. models.....the difference??? About 60 miles....lol.
Hey Jayce, I’m enjoying your content. I respectfully disagree that MIM and USA Fenders are identical. They just aren’t. I own (and love) current year models of both and they are subjectively and objectively different. Subtly so, but different. I wouldn’t even say better/worse, but they are not the same. Each consumer needs to decide if those differences are worth the price difference to them. I don’t judge what anyone likes or wants in guitars. It’s just a fun luxury. Have what you want and want what you have. Not directing this at you, but there is often a note of resentment in the “this one is just as good as” statements. Be an informed buyer and get what you want, is my view. If it’s made in china, it’s not for me, but if it is for you, I’m glad and want to hear all about it! Cheers brother. Keep up the fun and informative videos!
@@jimm7949 fair enough. I really want to buy a brand new MIM and MIA strat or tele direct from Fender and compare them. But that would be an expensive video to make! I did own a 1996 American Made Bonnie Raitt signature Strat and a really nice MIM plus top and I didn’t really see much difference. I guess biggest thing people believe is that somehow a USA made Fender is “better”. I guess I would ask people to quantify that. What’s better about it. I realize that we’re dealing with something very subjective. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I'm not buying into the certified pre-owned thing. $350 off msrp without even a case (maybe), which costs what - $200 from Fender now? I found a mint condition American Pro 2 Tele on Reverb for $1200 and just happened to be in a position where I could jump on it. Included all the case candy etc. I'm thrilled to have it, it's am amazing guitar, but I wouldn't have bought it had the price been closer to what they are asking for these used guitars, considering the comparatively small discount combined with the fact that there is no case. On a side note, I couldn't agree more on MIM Fenders. I have my MIM Player Strat, and that thing is pure magic! Don't know if I just got really lucky or if they are all that good, but there is NO reason whatsoever to replace it with a "higher" model. Not even tempted.
Jayce this is very similar to what has taken place with golf equipment. Direct to consumer new and now used products. Great for the consumer not so good for retailers or resellers. Callaway and Taylormade have pre owned sites. They even do trade ins with online purchases.
Wow. I would never have guessed that. I suppose golf is like everything else. You might get laughed off the course if you show up with the “wrong” gear!
@@JayceAllanGuitar There are some serious cork sniffed in Golf. 😂 Manufacturers release a new generation every one to 2 years. Fender has player series 2 for example. Golf has prior generation versions that drop in value with each new product launch. They claim each year to deliver a higher level of performance. A lot of it is marketing! Lol
Very interesting discussion although with the price on the Fender Acoustics, why not buy a Taylor or a Martin. I own a few American made Fender deluxe electric guitars that I bought several years ago but I own a lot more Squiers because I can't justify paying the current prices for the American-made or the Mexican-made Fenders. The same thing with Gibson although I do at some point want to get a Les Paul .
Mmm electronics on player Accoustasonic give you less pickup modeling variations (3 position switch vs 5 position switch) , run’s on battery as opposed to rechargeable battery in the American, the player does also not have the “body sensor’ and the electronics for that sensor builtin Not saying that this justifies the price difference, but it is also not true that they electronics are the same because they simply are not…
The thin body doesn’t do it any favors it’s super light which some people might associate with cheap. The matte finish is kinda cool. And very little finish in the neck. I have to assume the pickups don’t have a ton of wire in them. They sound really thin.
Jumping the shark is a misnomer because Happy Days continued on for a few more seasons. Fender and Gibson have oversaturated the market. How many Strats, Teles, LesPauls, SGs does the average player need?
@@JayceAllanGuitar there are some differences in construction. But - there are good Mexican fenders, don’t misunderstand me. There are also some problems with American Fenders. Serial numbers starting with 20-22 are problematic for obvious reasons. All else equal, you have a MUCH better chance of getting a problem free guitar with an American as compared to a Mexican. The quality control in encinada is rather poor in my experience. I’m often shocked at what has come out of that factory. But - if you get a good sample, you won’t see it that way.
![[안방1열 풀캠4K] 베이비몬스터 'DRIP' (BABYMONSTER FullCam)│@SBS Inkigayo 241110](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/AQ4RIghEvUs/mqdefault.jpg)
I can find off brand guitars at $500 or less,
made with top quality wood, locking tuners, bone nut, polished rounded stainless steel frets, good pots and wiring etc.
With what is out there for guitars now, I don’t really see myself buying another Fender, Gibson etc.
Unless they can offer the same as I can find now.
I’m to the point now, that stainless steel frets are being put on guitars, it’s the first thing I check for, if I’m even going to consider buying that guitar.
Guitars costing over $500, just doesn’t make sense to me anymore.
Fun fact: when the "jump the shark" episode aired, Happy Days was the #1 show on television. It continued in the top five for two more years.
Interesting! I wonder why that term became synonymous with a show near the end of its run?
@@JayceAllanGuitar It really means the point at which a show strayed from its proven formula, but as people began examining other shows and searching for their "shark jump" moment, it started to work as a harbinger of doom. The best example is probably the appearance of Cousin Oliver on the Brady Bunch, who showed up six episodes before it was cancelled.
@@JayceAllanGuitar It symbolizes the point when the show runs out of ideas and has nothing left to do in its original form, but needs to come up with gimmicks or other such things to keep interest at the same level in the absence of good writing, just because you have to keep the show going. To my generation we hear "jump the shark" and we think, out of ideas. It has little to do with ratings, as we know that Happy Days was still popular when this episode ran.
@@jeffmason8401 Okay, that is how I see it too, that's a better explanation that I gave.
I have a few high-end guitars but recently I took a chance and ordered a hard tail Squier sonic Strat direct from fender for $139 plus $20 shipping. I also bought a green sonic esquire squire for 139+ $20 shipping and those two came with, slight fret sprout that I repaired what was amazing about it was even with the cheap tuners. It stayed in tune and they came set up very well. I couldn't find more flaws then I bought a sonic Mustang also green for 139. I couldn't believe it. It was ready to play out of the box, I'm not sure what they're doing but I'm in my 70s now and don't plan on paying or buying any more expensive guitars. I can have my fun with these and if I play out sometime with them, I can even give one to somebody as a kind gesture lol
A USA Fender's price difference over the Mexican Fenders can be somewhat quantified in the following way:
1, USA necks cost US$ 400 more than Mexican ones do, probably for the amount of work that goes into making what most people swear is one of the best necks they've ever played ... better quality maple and slightly wider than Mexican necks as well;
2, USA guitar bodies are a thinner polyurethane finish, and choicer body woods when compared to Mexican Fenders (as per the company and what I can see with my own eyes);
3, USA Fenders come with a US$ 230 hard case, the Mexican ones come in a US$ 40 gigbag;
4, Costlier tuners, bone nut, better frets, better bridges, even the strap buttons are higher quality;
5, More expensive pots, switches and overall electronics - VMOD pickups cost alone cost US$ 230 a set.
That's pretty much the whole guitar, even though it may not be easily perceivable. Whether that justifies the US$ 800 price difference is personal, especially if the USA Fender gives you the added bonus of history, pedigree and X/feel-good factor.
Makes sense. I really want to get my hands on both a new MIM and MIA strat and compare the two. Like completely disassemble them and compare components. I think it would be fun project. Just expensive! LOL.
@@JayceAllanGuitar True, but I hope you get to do that some day, and I'll certainly watch that ;)
@@fuelarjun hopefully this winter.
@@JayceAllanGuitar I’d lend you my AmPro Tele for the comparison but I’m based in India 😹 good luck!
@@fuelarjun well welcome to the channel! Thanks for watching.
Here’s the thing. Fender has been around forever. I bought 4 Stratocasters, an Elite, a Player, a early 00’s Std squire with 22 frets and a squire CV. All used. I plan on buying a few Std Americans in the near future. I don’t like the noiseless pickups as much as the pickups on early 90’s strats. I will buy more used. There are so many used guitars on the market in good condition. Why buy new?
While Sitka spruce is a good sounding top wood for acoustics, it is not the preferred but the most common wood from what I've read. Quartersawn Sitka spruce meeting certain criteria is also the standard for building wood and fabric airplanes!
I wouldn't read too much into the CPO thing. Rolex just rolled out a CPO program because they want in on the lucrative 2nd hand market, and if you've been in a Rolex store lately, they aren't exactly flooded with unmovable inventory, lol. When it comes to quality, ya Mexico and China are producing some bonkers good quality. But that's no different from any other industry. Manufacturing techniques are portable, as is all of the equipment. Sure it takes time to master some of the techniques, but at this point, they've had decades to learn, and it's clearly paying off. Just bought a $200 Firefly that for an intermediate player, is 95% the quality of new Gibsons at 1/5 or less the price. And ya, I have a few American Gibsons and Strats to compare against. Good time to love guitars!
@@jaybinning2890 I agree. My firefly Strat that I got back in November is amazing. It shouldn’t be that good for less than $200!
Fender is dropping prices now on new guitars. Always wanted a USA American Professional II Stratocaster. My online store quoted me $360.00 under the Fender Msrp for that model. Pulled the trigger and received it today, beautiful guitar and I am glad I bought it.
Must be getting ready to drop a new model
Fender is the best of the best in my humble opinion, especially the MIJ versions. The who's who of guitar players play em how can you go wrong with that kind of endorsement. I read Leo Fender, who almost cried when he visited the MIJ division of fender, the quality of product they were putting out. And the ones produced in the Corona are very awesome as well.
I certainly have nothing against Fender other than the cost. Which is probably why they've diversified into the used market and the uber cheap market with the Debut. They know as well as I do that in order to sell something, people need to be able to afford it. But you're right they are the best of the best, why do you think all the cheap guitar companies copy the Strat. The most iconic guitar in the world?
Fender is fighting for their piece of the guitar buying public pie. I completely agree with the Escenda Mexican made Fenders.... They're every bit as good as the Corona CA. models.....the difference??? About 60 miles....lol.
🤣😎
Hey Jayce, I’m enjoying your content. I respectfully disagree that MIM and USA Fenders are identical. They just aren’t. I own (and love) current year models of both and they are subjectively and objectively different. Subtly so, but different. I wouldn’t even say better/worse, but they are not the same. Each consumer needs to decide if those differences are worth the price difference to them. I don’t judge what anyone likes or wants in guitars. It’s just a fun luxury. Have what you want and want what you have. Not directing this at you, but there is often a note of resentment in the “this one is just as good as” statements. Be an informed buyer and get what you want, is my view. If it’s made in china, it’s not for me, but if it is for you, I’m glad and want to hear all about it! Cheers brother. Keep up the fun and informative videos!
@@jimm7949 fair enough. I really want to buy a brand new MIM and MIA strat or tele direct from Fender and compare them. But that would be an expensive video to make! I did own a 1996 American Made Bonnie Raitt signature Strat and a really nice MIM plus top and I didn’t really see much difference. I guess biggest thing people believe is that somehow a USA made Fender is “better”. I guess I would ask people to quantify that. What’s better about it. I realize that we’re dealing with something very subjective. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Honestly you make the claim that the guitars are “objectively “ different, but offer no evidence or explanation for the claim. 😅
I'm not buying into the certified pre-owned thing. $350 off msrp without even a case (maybe), which costs what - $200 from Fender now? I found a mint condition American Pro 2 Tele on Reverb for $1200 and just happened to be in a position where I could jump on it. Included all the case candy etc. I'm thrilled to have it, it's am amazing guitar, but I wouldn't have bought it had the price been closer to what they are asking for these used guitars, considering the comparatively small discount combined with the fact that there is no case. On a side note, I couldn't agree more on MIM Fenders. I have my MIM Player Strat, and that thing is pure magic! Don't know if I just got really lucky or if they are all that good, but there is NO reason whatsoever to replace it with a "higher" model. Not even tempted.
Jayce this is very similar to what has taken place with golf equipment. Direct to consumer new and now used products. Great for the consumer not so good for retailers or resellers. Callaway and Taylormade have pre owned sites. They even do trade ins with online purchases.
Wow. I would never have guessed that. I suppose golf is like everything else. You might get laughed off the course if you show up with the “wrong” gear!
@@JayceAllanGuitar There are some serious cork sniffed in Golf. 😂 Manufacturers release a new generation every one to 2 years. Fender has player series 2 for example. Golf has prior generation versions that drop in value with each new product launch. They claim each year to deliver a higher level of performance. A lot of it is marketing! Lol
@@kennyg63 right. Same with audio interfaces. Very interesting.
I got my second Fender stratocaster American ultra. I can tell you is a better maid guitar than Gibson. I love it.
Very interesting discussion although with the price on the Fender Acoustics, why not buy a Taylor or a Martin. I own a few American made Fender deluxe electric guitars that I bought several years ago but I own a lot more Squiers because I can't justify paying the current prices for the American-made or the Mexican-made Fenders. The same thing with Gibson although I do at some point want to get a Les Paul .
Right. A Taylor will sound so much better plugged in. Or even the Takamine line with the cool tube preamp. Those sound amazing plugged in.
Mmm electronics on player Accoustasonic give you less pickup modeling variations (3 position switch vs 5 position switch) , run’s on battery as opposed to rechargeable battery in the American, the player does also not have the “body sensor’ and the electronics for that sensor builtin
Not saying that this justifies the price difference, but it is also not true that they electronics are the same because they simply are not…
I didn’t catch that. Thanks.
The debut is a good idea unfortunately it looks so cheap because of the thin body/ flat finish combination.
The thin body doesn’t do it any favors it’s super light which some people might associate with cheap. The matte finish is kinda cool. And very little finish in the neck. I have to assume the pickups don’t have a ton of wire in them. They sound really thin.
This is very interesting info - but not even close to "jumping the shark!" Nothing really silly, extreme or ridiculous - like Fonzie on water skis!
Well I had to get people’s attention! 😜
I believe the could possibly even be their B-stock
Jumping the shark is a misnomer because Happy Days continued on for a few more seasons. Fender and Gibson have oversaturated the market. How many Strats, Teles, LesPauls, SGs does the average player need?
4 Strats, 3 Teles, 2 Les Pauls, 0 SG, 1 Jaguar, no interest in buying else though
I work on hundreds of Fender guitars. Hundreds. Believe me, there is a massive difference between mexican and american Fenders.
Massive Differences? In current models?
@@JayceAllanGuitar Absolutely, yes. I worked on a Player II today that should have never left the factory. It was astonishing.
@@iancurrie8844 wow. So are the differences more to do with quality control?
@@JayceAllanGuitar there are some differences in construction. But - there are good Mexican fenders, don’t misunderstand me. There are also some problems with American Fenders. Serial numbers starting with 20-22 are problematic for obvious reasons.
All else equal, you have a MUCH better chance of getting a problem free guitar with an American as compared to a Mexican. The quality control in encinada is rather poor in my experience. I’m often shocked at what has come out of that factory.
But - if you get a good sample, you won’t see it that way.
@@iancurrie8844 Good to know. Thanks for the info.
" certified preowned "? So Fender is copying Gibson now?
@@Voxguitarsrock I didn’t know Gibson was selling certified pre owned! Interesting.
Fender, Over hyped over priced! Don't buy fender products any longer.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaa
Uhm...