Thanks a lot man, I deviated a bit from the normal "demo mode" and was just having a lot of fun playing guitar and having new ideas trying different stuff
@@AudiomoMusicit's plain as day my man. I love when you do these off the cuff demos. The standard "demo mode" sounds a bit stiff sometimes. It's awesome seeing you actually enjoying yourself and letting loose for a few mins. I agree with the OP, this is some of your best playing I've heard in quite some time.
Sounded freaking amazing dude. Never played a mustang but it was inspiring to listen to. Can always count on an honest review from you. The set up issues sound frustrating and I wouldn’t know what to do. Don’t think I’ll take a chance on a Vintera II online. I’d rather go for a MIJ any day.
It can be frustrating if you don't know how it functions because you could end up making the setup even worse fairly easily with the dynamic vibrato on these haha - but you get used to it. I wanted to make a point of it though in case someone like you with no experience did get one of these and found themselves confused with how to adjust it - not as easy as a tele or les paul but manageable.
Wow this lil purple tone monster really sings! Fierce and harmonious. Dynamic and tasty playing. Listened and thought,Now That's why i love single coil pickups,they got the whole spectrum of sound clarity,shimmer,and defined grind.
What a beautiful looking guitar that you seemed to bond with - the playing as others have said was fantastic, but also it just seemed to take you somewhere and that’s always the sign of a great guitar/bond with the guitar - great video as ever 😊
It was certainly a different demo playing experience, I didn't have much time at all to get it filmed and I ended up not even wanting to do an actual demo because I was having fun just trying things with it. It really is a very, very good guitar and I like it very much.
I could listen to you play all day. The way you play, the song choices you make, and the personality you add to them is inspiring and teaches me alot about how to play.
I've been putting off buying a Mustang American Performer. I totally enjoyed this video, and the mostly clean sounds demo. Thank you...and yes I do, need to spend less time on the internet lately ☮️ 4/8/24
I commented here how awesome you are as a guitar player that is redundant at this point, but that was excellent! I forgot about the guitar and demo and got lost hearing those beautiful chords you play and the style! You inspire me a lot man, always a pleasure to see you doing your thing! Cheers from Argentina 🇦🇷
This is really humbling, when I was filming the demo I was somewhat worried people would think I was waffling about too much and not just providing the standard demo. I was having a lot of fun playing and just enjoying the moment, I'm happy to be able to provide inspiration for you
I just got the competition orange and am picking up a gremlin on Friday (for only $900!!!!) so this video was awesome. Great playing bro. You should show your nuts sometime.
I have a minor rant about this guitar: the finish looks more teal than blue-burst on the Fender website. I thought she'd look like the one from the Smells Like Teen Spirit Video. When I saw her at the store, I realised it's not teal at all.
Never trust their website, I saw tons with actual pictures of the guitar for sale and not a single one looked teal at all, which makes sense since that color wasn't factory standard and the old ones that ended up that color did so with aging and the fading of the blue. Fender Japan offered some in slightly closer color specs years ago, but those flew up in value.
Looks great and sounds great! I've seen the Vintera models carrying the tagline of 'best of decade' which was what the American equivalents were billed as before they went back to being year specific. I kind of like that for these Mexican versions. As I have mentioned before, I have the 50s Baja Tele, which was part of the precursor to the Vintera range and it's a superb guitar. Keep up the good work Jim! 🎸🎸
Great review! I bought the Vintera ii tele thinline and found the build quality to be flawless, setup wasn’t bad either - seems Fender have got their act together for the Vintera ii range which is good to see.
Looks like a cool guitar. I recently bought a Vintera (original series) Jazzmaster and Jaguar and both had no issues other than the JM being on the heavy side but that has nothing to do with production. No tool marks, high or binding nut nor finish issues. I did have to shim both but that is protocol for these models it seems. Mexico did a great job on the two specimens I received. Peace.
That's great to hear, I'm sure you got great prices on both which is also a major plus. I will still eventually ditch the synthetic nut for a bone one but was pleased it didn't have any binding issues. Happy it's worked out for you!
Oh man. Haven't started the video yet but already here and liking it. This is the color I want. Just got the LPB Vintera Mustang about a month and half ago but I've got it up for sale Soni can buy the Comp Burgundy color.
From the thumbnail I was going to say "But you got the wrong color!" (because I love an orange Mustang) but that Competition Burgundy really comes alive when in motion! Phenomenal color -- I'm a convert! Also great playing on the demo, something I tend to suspect gets a boost when you're really into the feel or the instrument. I always tend to prefer a brighter pickup tone anyway, because as you allude to, you can always roll it off yourself, whereas you can't add treble to a darker pickup without adding the noise with it. Lastly, your video is really benefiting from your recent attention to detail and gear-up for streaming!
After having the FSR Made in Japan Competition Orange with the matching headstock I didn't want anything to do with that finish on this guitar ( only because I didn't feel there was a chance it would be nearly as good as that guitar was ) haha. Sometimes yeah it's strange, I just get a bit of an extra creative buzz that comes out when I'm playing it just rarely happens when doing youtube videos. Funny how you can take anxiety and channel it into creativity. Appreciate it as always man I'm trying to make things look a bit more "professional"
I've got two main guitars - this guitar, and a charger 290. It's amazing how much better this guitar is. This guitar is just a joy to play. The other guitar has its purposes but it's not a lot of fun. I wouldn't recommend a Reverend charger 290 to anyone.
Lol, you take breaths in odd places!!😆 But seriously, good video, my guy! I just had the sudden urge to check out a Mustang, and...your video came up on the search. Great job! Great demo, great overview...
I recently got a used Japanese Mustang a couple years ago, but these are really tempting. The look so good! Especially since they got rosewood fingerboards.
Set-ups have been a thing for many moons. Long before YT I bought A Haynes manual for any guitar shape I had. Unusual maybe but it's me and I did, LOL. Super playing, BTW. Guitar wise I do struggle with the real-time pricing as a % of my earnings now v then. Kind of moves these into a very considered purchase, especially as so many affordable options are out there now that get you into the ballpark for a lark about guitar........Decisions and buying criteria I get:)
I will always stand by the best way to find any guitar is to meet it in person by chance, at that point these little considerations we have about price, quality, finish, brand, can kind of fly out the window when you find something that really works for you in person ( assuming it isn't obscenely priced ) haha
Thank you for your videos, so informative and well made. You are the best resource for Mustangs I found around here and I’d appreciate so much if you could make a similar video for the Mustang Vintera 60s. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thanks for that, I really just love these and Fender offsets in general so I try to put in the time to give the best information I can. I can tell you this between the original Vintera 60's and this guitar from first hand experience - the neck carve is slightly different and the fretboard being pau ferro vs rosewood are the only noticeable differences between them. They are extremely similar in overall feel and build quality - if I ever see one of the original vinteras at a decent price locally i'll be sure to give it consideration. It's my mission to one day have one of every offset documented at some point haha
Great Vid man! That is a very snazzy colour! The scale length of the mustang isn't for me - But I'd love this finish on a Strat with a maple board 😎👍 Even like the idea of keeping the Comp stripe 🤯
I believe it was 2017 Fender Japan did a strat that was really close to that spec. Think it was just regular OLBP finish but had the stripe, maple board as well
Appreciate it and I was never a big fan of these when I was younger, all it took was sitting down with one about a decade ago and I said ahhh... now I kinda get it
That's a great looking Mustang! Love the color and the racing stripe but most of all I really liked how it sounded! That Tone King Gremlin amp sounds like it works really well with your guitars. Lovely playing by the way too, thanks for the great vid! 👍
Can’t wait for the comparison ! I have a 69 og mustang refin in competition orange and I’m addicted to the feel, sound, scale etc of mustangs. (my vibrato is set to be played without the bar, directly with the cigar. It’s been part of my playing - I can’t do this with any other guitar) I’m a touring musician and I need to buy me a spare mustang but the Japanese, squiers and vintera 1s I tried were all disappointing ! I’m excited to try one as I feel the neck looks very close to the originals
We should have that done over the next few days, I've been playing them a bit in isolation since getting the Vintera ii but it will certainly be most telling switching back and forth immediately and playing the same exact stuff. The neck does feel very similar, that much I will say.
why every time i saw your content i wanted the channel or title name - everything offset. btw, the demo sound really good. Fender is killing it again this year.
I think someone actually has that or a very similar name, haha - I am definitely leaning much harder into the offsets for youtube. It's nothing new for me, I've played and owned these for years and truly love them.
That finish is so nice. I’ve seen the white lines on other Vintera II’s. Interesting that it not only passed thru Fender but also Sweetwaters 50 point inspection. Do you know if the guitar went thru the inspection before it was sent to you?
@@AudiomoMusic Agreed. I am probably not the number one fan of all time in regards to the racing stripes but they work well in this color combination. Very cool review and demo. My first guitar ever was the inexpensive cousin to this model: The Squier Duo-Sonic. I really love the scale and the body shape. Very easy to learn on, tuning stability issues aside LOL.
Could tell you were getting lost in the music and were bonding with the instrument. Actually loved the little imperfections - just felt raw and live and vivid. What I love most about a Mustang is how the sond "warbles" or "trembles" a little bit even when not using the trem bar - for me it seems to have some kind of inbuilt tremolo which adds texture to the tone and gives it a voice all its own. Combination of the short scale, small body size, and Mustang tremolo I assume (because the Jag doesn't have that same warble). Big question is whether this is worth the step up from a Classic Vibe
Man it sounds so good, but I’m disappointed it’s a blue burst instead of a solid burgundy or ocean turquoise kind of color. I guess I’d have to track down one of the MIJ ones for a comparable price if I wanted that, but it’s still cool to see the Mustang get more love
Problem is the Cobain fans have made the MIJ prices rocket for that specific color... they pop up from time to time in Japan but they sell really quick and then are quickly listed for 2x once they get to the USA where they also sell pretty quick haha
Finished the video. I agree eith tht ithers, your playing was noticably different and alive in this video. I read that comment and your reply statinf you went a different route rhan normal and was thinking nive cover up for liking thr guitar, 😅, but to your credit youbstated that at the end. This guitar pulled rhat vibe out. Im glad you're keeping it. Good for tou. 🎉 Ill say the Vintera I mustang I have, that was just delivered not long ago, was very similar to yours here. The fret emds are smooth for sure. The set-up was atrocious. I still havent set it up, been so busy, but have adjusted the pickup height and it sounds leagues better. Tuning stability is rock solid on it. Surprisingly so actually. Rhe folor on yours thiugh, the Competition Burgundy, its so bad ass. These shouleve had matching headstocks though. Thats about rhe only complaint I have. Historically, the competition line had matching headstocks. Its a major detail they overlooked. Rhey har thr Vintera line, feom rhr 60's, slab body and all. The '69 and later fompetitions had rhe fomfort carves and the matching headstocks with the competition stripes. That is a big niss by Fender I feel. I have had a Japanese Mustang. I kwt a friend talk ne into a trade because he wanted it so badly. Wished he never sold it to me. I felt bad and traded to him, for a sinilar strat. I hate strats though. The things we do for friends. I wish i still had that Mustang. However, it wasnt any better than the current Vintera I have. Id take either and definitely wouldnt pay more for a Japanese Mustang over a Vintera, assuming the quality is the same as those I have experience with. Now to get my Vintera sold so I can get that new color... gotta sell a '65 DRRI too. Once those sell the Vintera II will be on its way. Anyway, congratukations on the new guitar. Looks kikker. Wounds killer.
I had a hell of a time playing the guitar, I just want to be as transparent about the entire deal when it comes to getting into the shape that led me to enjoy it as much as I did. Mustangs are not the hardest guitars to set up but if you don't know what you're doing it's absolutely something that a new buyer should know imo. Outside of the really poor factory setup I don't have any complaints. It's just a shame that as the prices keep going up the more work has to be done by the buyer to get it into a playable state - but fortunately for me I know my way around these guitars. I wasn't really that mad about the matching headstock, I agree it should have had one but I've also grown accustomed to Fender USA brands ignoring that for so long I don't even expect them to get that right 100% of the time haha It is a guitar that really brought out a different flavor and vibe for my playing and that is something you can't plan for - some guitars just do that and others don't. This one is a great guitar and I'm gonna have a lot of fun playing it back to back with the actual 70's purple stang.
@@AudiomoMusic I guess I can see the lack of a matching headstock not being a deal breaker. Sure would look nice though. Haha. I know my way around guitars too. People bring them to me for work and I do my own stuff too. You're right, the set-ups from the factory have been totally crap.
Awesome review, great playing, thank you 👍 Still not the guitar for me : why? Because i just do not care for a trusrod that i cannot adjust without removing the neck ….
I just got one of these and am loving it so far. Curious, what gauge string you’re using and if you had to shim the neck at all? Mine was having trouble with tuning stability, so I had to put in a small shim (.25 degree) to get enough downward force for the strings to stay in tune when using the vibrato.
Like always Jim, Good review 👍 I got me the Vintera 2 Jaguar love it, Was thinking of getting this beauty or going retro and getting duo Sonic 2 keep rocking man 😎🎸👍
Got one a while back and im super happy with it- fit and finish is perfect! Still havent been able to get the bar in- any idea what size wrench it uses? Been digging your videos Jim.
Not the most important thing, and is way down the list, but leave it to Fender to call a purple/blue guitar burgundy, but then they have called vibrato tremolo.and called tremolo vibrato. They do have burgundy mist which is a light burgundy Yeah, burgundy is a purple/red type colour, this is. Purple/blue. Well as long as it plays well and sounds good. Just amused by Fender’s terminology sometimes (And that the Mustang is one time Fender actually called vibrato, vibrato.
Fender are a weird company with things they get wrong at times. The reasoning for this specific color actually does somewhat make sense, they spray burgundy at the perimeters of the blue to create the purple - although I certainly wouldn't name the color that it's what they did in the 60's and it just kind of stuck.
When you set up the guitar, what gauge strings did you use? Did you make any spring adjustment on the cigar posts? I've seen other videos on CZcams where people move the spring connection loops to the middle or end post to provide additional resistance and stability when using the tremolo. I'm kind of surprised that these are shipped only with 9's for such a short scale. I would think they would benefit from a heavier string gauge. Just wanted to hear your thoughts. Excellent review. I agree with your assessment with the vintage mustang, I like the sound on the newer one more. Keep up the great work!
I didn't have to adjust the actual springs on this vibrato, but the posts were not even close to set up right and that is what took the bulk of the time. I agree 9's is a bit of a weird call unless you nail the setup from the factory - for example Fender Japan still ship Jaguars AND mustangs with 9's but they do such a killer job setting them up that it's actually not an issue - I switch to 10-46 and it ends up working just fine 99% of the time as I did with this one. Pickups sound seriously great, I really do think they are killer.
I wonder if your allen key for the vibrato bar was somehow misplaced... I got one with mine. But I also got mine nearly two months ago, so they may have started including them after this video was made.
I still don’t understand the burgundy?? Isn’t it a midnight blue with purple burst? But dang, on your channel it looks fantastic. I was preferring the orange beforehand but now the blue/burgundy is growing on me big time. I tried a VIintera I yesterday, aside from the Rosewood and comfort cut are there other differences. The V I mustang neck was fantastic, is it the same profile here?
I got the orange one and love it. Feels exactly like my '66 minus the belly cut of course. Did you have to shield the body? Out of the box there was a horrible squeal when plugged into a clean amp, worse when turning on my Rat. Did the copper tape treatment and dead silent now. My fret edges were also not great, took care of that as well.
I didn't have to shield anything on this one, I was somewhat surprised by that. Stoked you got the orange one and that you also have a vintage one! they are such cool guitars
Fender have made a few different mustangs with a hard tail and some other wild stuff in the past, two atomic humbuckers with a TOM bridge on the American Special. Hardtail on the pawn shop made in Japan versions with wide range humbucker style pickups. No racing stripes tho :(
I bought the Vintera II Jazzmaster and I am loving it. The vintage bridge needed setting up for sure but it's dialed in now and it's the best JM I could have asked for in this price range. Very happy they brought rosewood back and it looks very classy with the gold anodized guard. The pickups have a lot of clarity and character too. All of that said, still very pricey for a midrange guitar (I was able to get a deal on mine, but still). I would recommend someone go for a used Vintera II, or even B-stock. And in general I would recommend this line if someone is *not* trying to use it as a modding platform, which I find tends to happen to offsets even if they're expensive. The Vintera II Mustang sounds great, btw! Even though I'm happy with my CIJ Mustang, I do kinda wish it had that competition burgundy and the body contours.
I really hope to get to try out the Jazzmaster in the same kinda way that I was able to do this one, I just don't have a need for a third JM unless a shop is giving the thing away either literally or at a crazy price. I'm happy you love it and agree you save a lot b-stock and used on these things.
Not noiseless no, but I don't think you actually need a humbucker to get this thing really dirty or any mustang really. It takes drive better than the Jaguar or Jazzmaster when all are stock imo. They are really underrated for that kinda stuff with the stock pickups
I've had several Japanese Mustangs, two FSRs including the comp burgundy with the correct stripe placement - but they absolutely don't compare to the originals in feel for one key reason and no it isn't the fact that some were basswood. The nut width on the Japanese FSR comp stangs is 1.578 or 40mm, the neck feels much different to the 1.65 on these two guitars.
Hey Jim more in a minute but knowing you are a huge fan of Jaguars have you ever tried one of those previous Parralel Universe Jag Strats? (You know the metallic red one with 3 Jaguar pickups and vibrato units) Just wondered your thoughts and opinion if you have thanks. They look cool but are rather pricy since they're out of production. Pondering this or a 2023 MIJ Jaguar with the block inlays and body colored headstock
They felt kinda weird, but they are pretty cool. At the current prices I'd pass personally, but when they were around a grand really solid deals. If you find one in person try it and see for yourself maybe you'll love it
What is the song that starts at 7:30? Your performance of it is absolutely amazing - I can aaaaaaalmost place it (chiil peppers?) but don't have my finger on it yet...
No idea, it's just something I came up with a few demos ago that gets tweaked here and there. Totally within possibility it's already something else but I don't get copyright flags and this site is notoriously strict with dishing them out haha
Ha right on - well whatever you're doing is absolutely working! I always appreciate your no-nonsense and helpful opinions on gear and am totally transported and inspired by our playing. Keep it coming!@@AudiomoMusic
I was genuinely surprised by this one, I didn't think I'd like it nearly as much as I ended up feeling about it. Whether or not I got lucky with this specific one I'll never know, but I'm not complaining about it haha
So how do you find this MIM Mustang compared to the japaneses you demoed ? isn't the sound too sharp and bright ?? Could this be attenuated with the volume pot impedance ? this could the neck pickup ?unbalance
I'd still take the Japanese ones every time, they come with imo better balanced pickups and better fretwork 100%. The problem is it's a lot easier to get a Vintera than it is to get a Japanese one. This vintera really did surprise me, but you could always just roll back the treble on the amp or the tone knob on the guitar to mellow things up - both easy fixes.
I could absolutely see Fender not consistently putting the right spec hardware on all of them given their track record but this one had the correct spaced bridge.
Just to give ypu a update I got a refund for the guitar and now looking at another one that is 7lb 3oz and is a little cheaper so hopefully will all end well
I love the short scale, both this and the jag at 24" fits like a glove and we are pretty much the same exact height. It's super comfortable and feels like an extension of your body because of it.
Great right up until you plugged in. If you're reviewing a guitar just plug straight into an amp. We have no idea what the guitar sounds like through all those pedals and such.
This is your best guitar playing I have heard to date.
100%. I think that is the best endorsement for the guitar - it was noticeable good playing from normal he is always good but different today
Thanks a lot man, I deviated a bit from the normal "demo mode" and was just having a lot of fun playing guitar and having new ideas trying different stuff
@@AudiomoMusicit's plain as day my man. I love when you do these off the cuff demos. The standard "demo mode" sounds a bit stiff sometimes. It's awesome seeing you actually enjoying yourself and letting loose for a few mins. I agree with the OP, this is some of your best playing I've heard in quite some time.
Yeah I second that. Great playing and great tones
This guitar has all the spank and drip anyone could possibly ask for. It also handles relatively high gain pretty good. I'm impressed.
It handles high gain like a beast, better than the Jag does imo. With the freidman it's a monster believe it or not haha
Sounded freaking amazing dude. Never played a mustang but it was inspiring to listen to. Can always count on an honest review from you. The set up issues sound frustrating and I wouldn’t know what to do. Don’t think I’ll take a chance on a Vintera II online. I’d rather go for a MIJ any day.
It can be frustrating if you don't know how it functions because you could end up making the setup even worse fairly easily with the dynamic vibrato on these haha - but you get used to it. I wanted to make a point of it though in case someone like you with no experience did get one of these and found themselves confused with how to adjust it - not as easy as a tele or les paul but manageable.
Wow this lil purple tone monster really sings! Fierce and harmonious. Dynamic and tasty playing. Listened and thought,Now That's why i love single coil pickups,they got the whole spectrum of sound clarity,shimmer,and defined grind.
What a beautiful looking guitar that you seemed to bond with - the playing as others have said was fantastic, but also it just seemed to take you somewhere and that’s always the sign of a great guitar/bond with the guitar - great video as ever 😊
It was certainly a different demo playing experience, I didn't have much time at all to get it filmed and I ended up not even wanting to do an actual demo because I was having fun just trying things with it. It really is a very, very good guitar and I like it very much.
I could listen to you play all day. The way you play, the song choices you make, and the personality you add to them is inspiring and teaches me alot about how to play.
Your playing here is sublime! Thank you for such a comprehensive look at this wonderful guitar- I just ordered one and cannot wait to play it!
I hope you love it, it was an absolute blast filming this one
What a tasteful, soulful playing you have
I really appreciate that, I just try to not do too much when I play
I've been putting off buying a Mustang American Performer. I totally enjoyed this video, and the mostly clean sounds demo. Thank you...and yes I do, need to spend less time on the internet lately ☮️ 4/8/24
Glad you enjoyed it I appreciate that! More time outside for all of us the better
I'm smitten over the color of this guitar! lovely!! another excellent video.
I am too Staley! It's so, so pretty! Thanks man!
I commented here how awesome you are as a guitar player that is redundant at this point, but that was excellent! I forgot about the guitar and demo and got lost hearing those beautiful chords you play and the style! You inspire me a lot man, always a pleasure to see you doing your thing! Cheers from Argentina 🇦🇷
This is really humbling, when I was filming the demo I was somewhat worried people would think I was waffling about too much and not just providing the standard demo. I was having a lot of fun playing and just enjoying the moment, I'm happy to be able to provide inspiration for you
I just got the competition orange and am picking up a gremlin on Friday (for only $900!!!!) so this video was awesome.
Great playing bro. You should show your nuts sometime.
Great deal on the gremlin, nice on the mustang too! I think if i show my nuts my wife would get pissed and I'd get banned off youtube
Sweet lucking forward to watching this
Happy you were excited about it
I have a minor rant about this guitar: the finish looks more teal than blue-burst on the Fender website. I thought she'd look like the one from the Smells Like Teen Spirit Video. When I saw her at the store, I realised it's not teal at all.
Never trust their website, I saw tons with actual pictures of the guitar for sale and not a single one looked teal at all, which makes sense since that color wasn't factory standard and the old ones that ended up that color did so with aging and the fading of the blue. Fender Japan offered some in slightly closer color specs years ago, but those flew up in value.
@@AudiomoMusic Oh wow, I didn't know that! So the original teal Mustangs used to be more blue in the past? Mind blown tbh. Thanks!
Looks great and sounds great! I've seen the Vintera models carrying the tagline of 'best of decade' which was what the American equivalents were billed as before they went back to being year specific. I kind of like that for these Mexican versions. As I have mentioned before, I have the 50s Baja Tele, which was part of the precursor to the Vintera range and it's a superb guitar. Keep up the good work Jim! 🎸🎸
I had a baja 60's I really liked too!!! I'd love to see a resurgence of those models!!!
Great review! I bought the Vintera ii tele thinline and found the build quality to be flawless, setup wasn’t bad either - seems Fender have got their act together for the Vintera ii range which is good to see.
Looks like a cool guitar. I recently bought a Vintera (original series) Jazzmaster and Jaguar and both had no issues other than the JM being on the heavy side but that has nothing to do with production. No tool marks, high or binding nut nor finish issues. I did have to shim both but that is protocol for these models it seems. Mexico did a great job on the two specimens I received. Peace.
That's great to hear, I'm sure you got great prices on both which is also a major plus. I will still eventually ditch the synthetic nut for a bone one but was pleased it didn't have any binding issues. Happy it's worked out for you!
Oh man. Haven't started the video yet but already here and liking it. This is the color I want. Just got the LPB Vintera Mustang about a month and half ago but I've got it up for sale Soni can buy the Comp Burgundy color.
No exaggeration, this is my favorite color Fender have offered in ages in the USA. It is absolutely perfect.
Great review! Killer playing!
Pretty cool demonstration!
Your demoing here was so good. I found myself singing along with same made up gibberish just because I was so into it.
that is a compliment of the highest order, I really appreciate that
From the thumbnail I was going to say "But you got the wrong color!" (because I love an orange Mustang) but that Competition Burgundy really comes alive when in motion! Phenomenal color -- I'm a convert!
Also great playing on the demo, something I tend to suspect gets a boost when you're really into the feel or the instrument. I always tend to prefer a brighter pickup tone anyway, because as you allude to, you can always roll it off yourself, whereas you can't add treble to a darker pickup without adding the noise with it.
Lastly, your video is really benefiting from your recent attention to detail and gear-up for streaming!
After having the FSR Made in Japan Competition Orange with the matching headstock I didn't want anything to do with that finish on this guitar ( only because I didn't feel there was a chance it would be nearly as good as that guitar was ) haha. Sometimes yeah it's strange, I just get a bit of an extra creative buzz that comes out when I'm playing it just rarely happens when doing youtube videos. Funny how you can take anxiety and channel it into creativity. Appreciate it as always man I'm trying to make things look a bit more "professional"
Jim,lovely playing.🫶
Thank you, I really enjoyed playing with this one and that always helps the demo
neck pickup is awesome on this guitar
I've got two main guitars - this guitar, and a charger 290. It's amazing how much better this guitar is. This guitar is just a joy to play. The other guitar has its purposes but it's not a lot of fun. I wouldn't recommend a Reverend charger 290 to anyone.
that guitar is beautiful
Lol, you take breaths in odd places!!😆
But seriously, good video, my guy!
I just had the sudden urge to check out a Mustang, and...your video came up on the search. Great job! Great demo, great overview...
I recently got a used Japanese Mustang a couple years ago, but these are really tempting. The look so good! Especially since they got rosewood fingerboards.
I'd just stick with the Japanese one, if it ain't broken don't fix it even when evil youtube demos try to convince you otherwise
Set-ups have been a thing for many moons. Long before YT I bought A Haynes manual for any guitar shape I had. Unusual maybe but it's me and I did, LOL. Super playing, BTW. Guitar wise I do struggle with the real-time pricing as a % of my earnings now v then. Kind of moves these into a very considered purchase, especially as so many affordable options are out there now that get you into the ballpark for a lark about guitar........Decisions and buying criteria I get:)
I will always stand by the best way to find any guitar is to meet it in person by chance, at that point these little considerations we have about price, quality, finish, brand, can kind of fly out the window when you find something that really works for you in person ( assuming it isn't obscenely priced ) haha
@@AudiomoMusic Fully agree, just need to avoid that toy shop intoxication purchase:)
Thank you for your videos, so informative and well made. You are the best resource for Mustangs I found around here and I’d appreciate so much if you could make a similar video for the Mustang Vintera 60s. Thank you and keep up the great work!
Thanks for that, I really just love these and Fender offsets in general so I try to put in the time to give the best information I can. I can tell you this between the original Vintera 60's and this guitar from first hand experience - the neck carve is slightly different and the fretboard being pau ferro vs rosewood are the only noticeable differences between them. They are extremely similar in overall feel and build quality - if I ever see one of the original vinteras at a decent price locally i'll be sure to give it consideration. It's my mission to one day have one of every offset documented at some point haha
Great Vid man! That is a very snazzy colour! The scale length of the mustang isn't for me - But I'd love this finish on a Strat with a maple board 😎👍 Even like the idea of keeping the Comp stripe 🤯
I believe it was 2017 Fender Japan did a strat that was really close to that spec. Think it was just regular OLBP finish but had the stripe, maple board as well
@@AudiomoMusic Cheers mate! Found it! A bit pricey though and not quite as cool as the "Cadbury burst" on your Mustang 😎👌
Imagine making a guitar review but everyone is too mesmerized by your actual guitar playing to care
That's one of the nicest things anyone has ever commented on any video I've made, that's quite the humbling thing to say - I appreciate it.
I really hated How mustangs looked.
Now its started to grow on me a little bit.
Great reveiw man!
Appreciate it and I was never a big fan of these when I was younger, all it took was sitting down with one about a decade ago and I said ahhh... now I kinda get it
lovely demo, man
Thanks, I had a lot of fun doing that demo
That's a great looking Mustang! Love the color and the racing stripe but most of all I really liked how it sounded! That Tone King Gremlin amp sounds like it works really well with your guitars. Lovely playing by the way too, thanks for the great vid! 👍
The Gremlin really is one of my all time favorites with single coils, it's just a perfect match for me and what I like to play.
@AudiomoMusic very cool I like the sound of that amp, perfect fit for you! 👍
Absolutely fantastic video jim have a wonderful week 😊❤ also how was your vacation with the family
Can’t wait for the comparison ! I have a 69 og mustang refin in competition orange and I’m addicted to the feel, sound, scale etc of mustangs. (my vibrato is set to be played without the bar, directly with the cigar. It’s been part of my playing - I can’t do this with any other guitar)
I’m a touring musician and I need to buy me a spare mustang but the Japanese, squiers and vintera 1s I tried were all disappointing ! I’m excited to try one as I feel the neck looks very close to the originals
We should have that done over the next few days, I've been playing them a bit in isolation since getting the Vintera ii but it will certainly be most telling switching back and forth immediately and playing the same exact stuff. The neck does feel very similar, that much I will say.
why every time i saw your content i wanted the channel or title name - everything offset. btw, the demo sound really good. Fender is killing it again this year.
I think someone actually has that or a very similar name, haha - I am definitely leaning much harder into the offsets for youtube. It's nothing new for me, I've played and owned these for years and truly love them.
That finish is so nice. I’ve seen the white lines on other Vintera II’s. Interesting that it not only passed thru Fender but also Sweetwaters 50 point inspection. Do you know if the guitar went thru the inspection before it was sent to you?
Sweet finish, great sound, solid review. Nice work Jim!
Glad you liked it! The finish really is unbelievably nice!
@@AudiomoMusic Agreed. I am probably not the number one fan of all time in regards to the racing stripes but they work well in this color combination. Very cool review and demo. My first guitar ever was the inexpensive cousin to this model: The Squier Duo-Sonic. I really love the scale and the body shape. Very easy to learn on, tuning stability issues aside LOL.
Could tell you were getting lost in the music and were bonding with the instrument. Actually loved the little imperfections - just felt raw and live and vivid. What I love most about a Mustang is how the sond "warbles" or "trembles" a little bit even when not using the trem bar - for me it seems to have some kind of inbuilt tremolo which adds texture to the tone and gives it a voice all its own. Combination of the short scale, small body size, and Mustang tremolo I assume (because the Jag doesn't have that same warble).
Big question is whether this is worth the step up from a Classic Vibe
That's just beautiful.
matching headstock and it woulda been perfect
NICE!! 🎸🎶 Thanks For Sharing 🎸
Thank you too!
Man it sounds so good, but I’m disappointed it’s a blue burst instead of a solid burgundy or ocean turquoise kind of color. I guess I’d have to track down one of the MIJ ones for a comparable price if I wanted that, but it’s still cool to see the Mustang get more love
Problem is the Cobain fans have made the MIJ prices rocket for that specific color... they pop up from time to time in Japan but they sell really quick and then are quickly listed for 2x once they get to the USA where they also sell pretty quick haha
24 scale plays nicely for sure.
Yeah it's an awesome experience, love it on this and the jag
Finished the video. I agree eith tht ithers, your playing was noticably different and alive in this video. I read that comment and your reply statinf you went a different route rhan normal and was thinking nive cover up for liking thr guitar, 😅, but to your credit youbstated that at the end. This guitar pulled rhat vibe out. Im glad you're keeping it. Good for tou. 🎉
Ill say the Vintera I mustang I have, that was just delivered not long ago, was very similar to yours here. The fret emds are smooth for sure. The set-up was atrocious. I still havent set it up, been so busy, but have adjusted the pickup height and it sounds leagues better. Tuning stability is rock solid on it. Surprisingly so actually.
Rhe folor on yours thiugh, the Competition Burgundy, its so bad ass. These shouleve had matching headstocks though. Thats about rhe only complaint I have. Historically, the competition line had matching headstocks. Its a major detail they overlooked. Rhey har thr Vintera line, feom rhr 60's, slab body and all. The '69 and later fompetitions had rhe fomfort carves and the matching headstocks with the competition stripes. That is a big niss by Fender I feel.
I have had a Japanese Mustang. I kwt a friend talk ne into a trade because he wanted it so badly. Wished he never sold it to me. I felt bad and traded to him, for a sinilar strat. I hate strats though. The things we do for friends. I wish i still had that Mustang. However, it wasnt any better than the current Vintera I have. Id take either and definitely wouldnt pay more for a Japanese Mustang over a Vintera, assuming the quality is the same as those I have experience with. Now to get my Vintera sold so I can get that new color... gotta sell a '65 DRRI too. Once those sell the Vintera II will be on its way.
Anyway, congratukations on the new guitar. Looks kikker. Wounds killer.
I had a hell of a time playing the guitar, I just want to be as transparent about the entire deal when it comes to getting into the shape that led me to enjoy it as much as I did. Mustangs are not the hardest guitars to set up but if you don't know what you're doing it's absolutely something that a new buyer should know imo. Outside of the really poor factory setup I don't have any complaints. It's just a shame that as the prices keep going up the more work has to be done by the buyer to get it into a playable state - but fortunately for me I know my way around these guitars. I wasn't really that mad about the matching headstock, I agree it should have had one but I've also grown accustomed to Fender USA brands ignoring that for so long I don't even expect them to get that right 100% of the time haha
It is a guitar that really brought out a different flavor and vibe for my playing and that is something you can't plan for - some guitars just do that and others don't. This one is a great guitar and I'm gonna have a lot of fun playing it back to back with the actual 70's purple stang.
@@AudiomoMusic I guess I can see the lack of a matching headstock not being a deal breaker. Sure would look nice though. Haha.
I know my way around guitars too. People bring them to me for work and I do my own stuff too. You're right, the set-ups from the factory have been totally crap.
Awesome review, great playing, thank you 👍
Still not the guitar for me : why? Because i just do not care for a trusrod that i cannot adjust without removing the neck ….
I get it, I know a few people that feel the same way
I just got one of these and am loving it so far. Curious, what gauge string you’re using and if you had to shim the neck at all? Mine was having trouble with tuning stability, so I had to put in a small shim (.25 degree) to get enough downward force for the strings to stay in tune when using the vibrato.
10-46 gauge strings, no shim needed here.
Amazing sound, amazing play!
Thanks a lot! Appreciate it Carlos!
Like always Jim, Good review 👍 I got me the Vintera 2 Jaguar love it, Was thinking of getting this beauty or going retro and getting duo Sonic 2 keep rocking man 😎🎸👍
Phil I'm really thinking about a vintage duo sonic! I feel like there are some really fairly priced ones around at times. Happy about the jag!
@@AudiomoMusic check reverb Jim they're going down in Price😃 perfect to add for the offset collection
you're gonna get me in trouble I'm on vacation if we come home to a new guitar i'll have a lot of explaining to do hahahah
Got one a while back and im super happy with it- fit and finish is perfect! Still havent been able to get the bar in- any idea what size wrench it uses? Been digging your videos Jim.
Good sound demo. Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
I like your honesty
Thanks Steve I appreciate it, always gotta present the whole picture
Do you have a video on this style of bridge set up? to your specs? Great review, and great guitar.
I believe I did a full setup of the purple vintage mustang yeah, czcams.com/video/M9vaoOJDbyQ/video.html
Great playing!
Thanks I appreciate it!
Not the most important thing, and is way down the list, but leave it to Fender to call a purple/blue guitar burgundy, but then they have called vibrato tremolo.and called tremolo vibrato. They do have burgundy mist which is a light burgundy
Yeah, burgundy is a purple/red type colour, this is. Purple/blue.
Well as long as it plays well and sounds good.
Just amused by Fender’s terminology sometimes
(And that the Mustang is one time Fender actually called vibrato, vibrato.
Fender are a weird company with things they get wrong at times. The reasoning for this specific color actually does somewhat make sense, they spray burgundy at the perimeters of the blue to create the purple - although I certainly wouldn't name the color that it's what they did in the 60's and it just kind of stuck.
When you set up the guitar, what gauge strings did you use? Did you make any spring adjustment on the cigar posts? I've seen other videos on CZcams where people move the spring connection loops to the middle or end post to provide additional resistance and stability when using the tremolo. I'm kind of surprised that these are shipped only with 9's for such a short scale. I would think they would benefit from a heavier string gauge. Just wanted to hear your thoughts. Excellent review. I agree with your assessment with the vintage mustang, I like the sound on the newer one more. Keep up the great work!
I didn't have to adjust the actual springs on this vibrato, but the posts were not even close to set up right and that is what took the bulk of the time. I agree 9's is a bit of a weird call unless you nail the setup from the factory - for example Fender Japan still ship Jaguars AND mustangs with 9's but they do such a killer job setting them up that it's actually not an issue - I switch to 10-46 and it ends up working just fine 99% of the time as I did with this one. Pickups sound seriously great, I really do think they are killer.
I wonder if your allen key for the vibrato bar was somehow misplaced... I got one with mine. But I also got mine nearly two months ago, so they may have started including them after this video was made.
It's a crapshoot, someone ordered one from this review about a week ago and it came with nothing. at least you got yours!
The Squier competition mustang does have the allen key!
Fortunate indeed, crazy how it’s a dice roll haha
@@AudiomoMusic I also think the stripe is more vintage correct.
I still don’t understand the burgundy?? Isn’t it a midnight blue with purple burst? But dang, on your channel it looks fantastic. I was preferring the orange beforehand but now the blue/burgundy is growing on me big time. I tried a VIintera I yesterday, aside from the Rosewood and comfort cut are there other differences. The V I mustang neck was fantastic, is it the same profile here?
Amazing video! Can someone provide nekck and bridge pickup distance from strings? Thank you!
I got the orange one and love it. Feels exactly like my '66 minus the belly cut of course. Did you have to shield the body? Out of the box there was a horrible squeal when plugged into a clean amp, worse when turning on my Rat. Did the copper tape treatment and dead silent now. My fret edges were also not great, took care of that as well.
I didn't have to shield anything on this one, I was somewhat surprised by that. Stoked you got the orange one and that you also have a vintage one! they are such cool guitars
I’d love it if they made this model in a hardtail, but I can understand it wouldn’t be very 70s accurate if they did.
Fender have made a few different mustangs with a hard tail and some other wild stuff in the past, two atomic humbuckers with a TOM bridge on the American Special. Hardtail on the pawn shop made in Japan versions with wide range humbucker style pickups. No racing stripes tho :(
Snappy playing❤
Awesome review!
Mine didn’t come with the hex key for the vibrato arm either. Can you please share what size that one is
I just have a huge box of hex keys, but if memory serves me correctly it's 2.5mm for this vibrato
I bought the Vintera II Jazzmaster and I am loving it. The vintage bridge needed setting up for sure but it's dialed in now and it's the best JM I could have asked for in this price range. Very happy they brought rosewood back and it looks very classy with the gold anodized guard. The pickups have a lot of clarity and character too. All of that said, still very pricey for a midrange guitar (I was able to get a deal on mine, but still). I would recommend someone go for a used Vintera II, or even B-stock. And in general I would recommend this line if someone is *not* trying to use it as a modding platform, which I find tends to happen to offsets even if they're expensive.
The Vintera II Mustang sounds great, btw! Even though I'm happy with my CIJ Mustang, I do kinda wish it had that competition burgundy and the body contours.
I really hope to get to try out the Jazzmaster in the same kinda way that I was able to do this one, I just don't have a need for a third JM unless a shop is giving the thing away either literally or at a crazy price. I'm happy you love it and agree you save a lot b-stock and used on these things.
Are these pickups noisless? I’m assuming not… I think I would really like this guitar but I’m a Humbucker kinda guy..
Awesome playing by the way!
Not noiseless no, but I don't think you actually need a humbucker to get this thing really dirty or any mustang really. It takes drive better than the Jaguar or Jazzmaster when all are stock imo. They are really underrated for that kinda stuff with the stock pickups
Japanese fsr comp blue is still the closest re-creation of the original.
I've had several Japanese Mustangs, two FSRs including the comp burgundy with the correct stripe placement - but they absolutely don't compare to the originals in feel for one key reason and no it isn't the fact that some were basswood. The nut width on the Japanese FSR comp stangs is 1.578 or 40mm, the neck feels much different to the 1.65 on these two guitars.
At the end you just told me to touch some grass. Jokes on you. I’m already in bed 😂.
I need to use the british slang more, touch grass really is a quality line
Hey Jim more in a minute but knowing you are a huge fan of Jaguars have you ever tried one of those previous Parralel Universe Jag Strats? (You know the metallic red one with 3 Jaguar pickups and vibrato units) Just wondered your thoughts and opinion if you have thanks.
They look cool but are rather pricy since they're out of production. Pondering this or a 2023 MIJ Jaguar with the block inlays and body colored headstock
They felt kinda weird, but they are pretty cool. At the current prices I'd pass personally, but when they were around a grand really solid deals. If you find one in person try it and see for yourself maybe you'll love it
@AudiomoMusic thanks for getting back to me on this one, Yeah they're pretty cool but not cheap nowadays.
What is the song that starts at 7:30? Your performance of it is absolutely amazing - I can aaaaaaalmost place it (chiil peppers?) but don't have my finger on it yet...
No idea, it's just something I came up with a few demos ago that gets tweaked here and there. Totally within possibility it's already something else but I don't get copyright flags and this site is notoriously strict with dishing them out haha
Ha right on - well whatever you're doing is absolutely working! I always appreciate your no-nonsense and helpful opinions on gear and am totally transported and inspired by our playing. Keep it coming!@@AudiomoMusic
Very nice! ❤ How is the outer string alignment along the neck?
Very good! That was a non issue
Hmmm. A pleasant surprise!
Indeed, I was told these would not be available until the end of November or early December - right place at the right time
I WOULD so buy this if i didnt just pick up a jagstang
I was genuinely surprised by this one, I didn't think I'd like it nearly as much as I ended up feeling about it. Whether or not I got lucky with this specific one I'll never know, but I'm not complaining about it haha
Shoegazeable with gliding? Or would you still recommend the jazzmaster? Sorry I’m new to offsets so I have to ask
It really doesnt matter for that kinda music, pick whichever is most comfortable to play and go from there imo
So how do you find this MIM Mustang compared to the japaneses you demoed ? isn't the sound too sharp and bright ?? Could this be attenuated with the volume pot impedance ? this could the neck pickup ?unbalance
I'd still take the Japanese ones every time, they come with imo better balanced pickups and better fretwork 100%. The problem is it's a lot easier to get a Vintera than it is to get a Japanese one. This vintera really did surprise me, but you could always just roll back the treble on the amp or the tone knob on the guitar to mellow things up - both easy fixes.
@@AudiomoMusic Thank you. I discover your channel recently it's great. And you are a great guitar player, you play some great stuffs... very inspiring
worth it …just for the nirvana flashbacks
See you got a birds eye maple neck.
It was a nice surprise!
I w heard that the brodge on the Vintera was the wrong bridge.? Not proper spacing?
I could absolutely see Fender not consistently putting the right spec hardware on all of them given their track record but this one had the correct spaced bridge.
@@AudiomoMusic TY
What is the reasoning for choosing a guitar weight for you. Are you looking for heavier guitar or lighter guitar and is it tone.
I prefer guitars under 8lbs in general from a lower disc problem in my back from when I was younger
@AudiomoMusic cool the same Mustang I have is 7lb 13oz which I think for a Mustang is very heavy. I'm worries it affects the tone
That actually is a bit heavy for a mustang. This one is just under 7 and a half pounds and my vintage purple one is under 7 lbs.
Just to give ypu a update I got a refund for the guitar and now looking at another one that is 7lb 3oz and is a little cheaper so hopefully will all end well
Where do you buy used Japan guitars??
Mostly shops I’ve been to in Japan that I know people at
@@AudiomoMusic ah gotcha! If you have direct Japan access that makes sense
How does this compare to a Japanese Mustang?
If you told me I had to pick one without playing it, I'm still taking the Japanese one every time.
reminds me of this guy, he wasn't very popular. i think his name was Kurt Cobain or something like that...
how do you like the neck length?
i am building some guitars and i was in doubt between 24'' and 24.75'' . i am 1.73cm ( 5ft 7) and i want to try this neck length really badly.
I love the short scale, both this and the jag at 24" fits like a glove and we are pretty much the same exact height. It's super comfortable and feels like an extension of your body because of it.
@@AudiomoMusic damn man, thanks for your feedback. i also feel this is going to be so much comfortable than strats
👍👍😎✌️🤟👏👏👏👏👏
Love the Vinteras, but I have no love for the Mustang.
you're missing out! they're actually killer rock guitars too
Am I the only dude buying this because of kurt cobain
I kind of hope so honestly, it was a great guitar before he ever picked one up and still is now and really sells itself.
@AudiomoMusic yeah I'm not rlly the type of person to buy like a stratocaster unless one of my favorite musicians used one like that I don't know why
Great right up until you plugged in. If you're reviewing a guitar just plug straight into an amp. We have no idea what the guitar sounds like through all those pedals and such.
Sounds like you're playing a role of tin foil
who would have guessed i like the sound of tin foil