I’m a bit late to this, but what a great review. I have the same ‘61 in Fiesta Red, bought to replace my 40 yr old AVRI ‘57, which I’ve retired to it’s case. Mine came with no issues, set up with 10’s playable straight from the case. It also has a dark rosewood fretboard. I love it. Regarding issues, I noticed the slight gap at the neck pocket on yours, something also reported on other reviews, but mine is a perfect tight fit.
Congrats on getting the 61 in Fiesta Red! I was able to put my hands on another 61 and it also had neck gap, but when I asked my local tech about the gap, he echoed what I was already thinking: if the neck pocket and bolts are tight enough to keep the neck from moving, it’s not an issue. I’m not worried about mine, but I get that some people feel pretty strongly about it. Thank for watching and enjoy that great guitar!
@@everynotecountsofficial Ha ha, I’m busy watching your Strat comparison video right now. Another great review. The neck gap wouldn’t be a problem to me neither. I was torn between Olympic White and Fiesta Red, but my nostalgia got me, so Red it was. Us old Brits love the red 😁 Anyways, thanks for the reply, I’m delighted you bonded with your guitar as I have mine.
I've got this exact model guitar on reserve at Sweetwater. It should be coming in soon. I will consider this my first Fender. I played a Fender Mustang for a couple of years back in the early 70's but it wasn't really my guitar. I've been a Gibson fan most of my life but I'm looking forward to this guitar.
I’ve got a 61 sunburst that just arrived at my brothers house and showed up as I had to head off to NYC, I’m flying back today and tomorrow I’m gonna go get her!!!! I’m so excited!!!
Ooooh you monster. Lol that's the one I want. I'm dying. I'll die without it. My current Strat is perfectly fine but.... They're all different. I'm stoked for you, dude.
@@ryangunwitch-black I did make it back. All I did to the guitar was screwed the trem flush, and lowered the strings a bit, well changed them, intonated her and boy she’s something else! Perfect! Stays in tune. Plays great. I have noticed that with 61 pickups they sound much better through a tube amp. I tried it through my boss katana MKII 100 watt artist and of course sounded wonderful, then played through my hand wired 64 Princeton and my MKII HT Blackstar 20 watts. Man I gotta say, that old school wail, bluesy, rock and roll, wail is there!! Those pickups love tubes and the sustain is phenomenal!! It’s just got “that” sound!! I have a show tomorrow night and I’m taking it up on stage as my main guitar. Just a beautiful relic, that feels wonderful. People have to remember they are not playing a modern sounding Fender. It’s a 61! So you kinda have to go back in time and re learn the pick up out puts, kind of retrain your ear! An incredible journey and I’ll keep ya updated. If I can get some audio tracks I’ll send the to ya!!!
what a beauty. this is a very nice color and I'm torn between this and dragon red color. Yours sounds lovely and I even like the natural swirl on the neck. well done video.
When you were zooming in to show the mark I noticed how the neck was fitted into the neck pocket. For me, it appears too have a little to much of a gap in the neck pocket on that side. I feel that Fender could have done a better job of fitting the neck to the body. I do agree that you have a great looking and sounding guitar. SOUND AND TONE ALWAYS!!!!!!!!
I ordered direct from Fender a couple of weeks ago. Three tone sunburst 1961 American Vintage II and the fretboard is really dark and almost no noticeable grain. Like maple. Super nice rosewood and dark. Amazing guitar out of box. Really surprised how nice. I added some conditioner Dr Duck axe Wax to strings and fretboard and it is even darker and smoother. Awesome guitar.
I just received my AVR ll, in three tone sunburst, this past week. Glad to hear that you prefer the shorter radius fingerboard. I love the shorter radius too, all for the same reasons that you mention. I am a vintage freak and really love this guitar. By the way, this guitar comes from the factory with Fender 250-R strings.
Most stores will re-string a high end Fender Guitar with D’Addario NYXL, Elixir Nanoweb, Ernie Ball Paradigm no extra charge. Fender make great guitars but very average strings.
I want to get another one of these 61's, I just received the 3 tone burst 61's from Sweetwater but like the guitar he has in this video I'm afraid of getting such a high value strat with such a light colored rosewood fretboard. It looks like Pau Ferro vs Rosewood..... I cant do the light colored fretboards for some reason
Mine had a fairly light rosewood board as well. My American pro II has a much darker board. I managed to make the board and bit darker and overall better looking by using the F1 oil stuff. I think it’s just a matter of wood quality and availability in todays stretched out market…
I’m with you. All my Strats have rosewood fingerboards except 1 Hendrix Tribute that has a maple fretboard. It feels nice but I’m planning to sell it when it appreciates more. I’m selling all my non Strats so I can get a 59 reissue. 🎸👍
@@jensentran1978 Precisely. I’ve bought all my guitars online but only after extensive picture analysis and would never buy one without seeing the fretboard and body (if a sunburst).
I wish they would smooth off the back necks where the neck joins the headstock. This was a fine detail they did with the original 50s and 60s and is also done in the custom shop and older reissue models. These new models all have sharp edges like the old standard strats.
Thank you for such a detailed review. I have been waiting for non guitar shop reviews like this one. I am looking to get the '61 in sunburst or Fiesta red..Hopefully both lol
Thanks for the comment! If it's true that these won't be fully stocked in stores until April of 2023, there is certainly plenty of time for market research... assuming other "average joe" guitarists like me are able to buy them and make videos as well! I will also be on the lookout for more videos on the 61 Strat. I am curious about how other "non guitar shop" channels like the new product. Thanks for watching!
I have an American Original 1960s in shell pink. I love it. I’ll probably look at a AVII 1957 Strat next. I like the thick “C” neck on my AO and love the Pure 65 pickups. I’m not sure I could warm up for that rosewood board with the lighter colour. I like the organic look of yours with the different colour but I prefer a darker rosewood look.
I like the dark rosewood boards also, but ever since Taylor started using ebony that wasn’t perfectly black, I started to warm up to woods with some streaking. It’s completely reasonable to expect the rosewood to look like the rosewood in advertised pictures, so I agree that dark rosewood really is the expectation. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!
Nice video. I recently purchased a 60s MIJ reissue Strat that is fabulous. It seems to combine the late 50s features that were carried over and the early 60s features. It’s a very nice burst with light mint green pickguard. It’s turned out to be my favorite guitar. 👍☮️🌞🎸🎵❤️
So tired of gear dorks nitpicking every little stupid thing. Play the damn thing. Glad to see that you are interested in actually making music with this. I love my AVII. I got the 3-tone sunburst and I absolutely LOVE this guitar.
Great video. If I may make a suggestion? Many people who do these sorts of reviews neglect to provide samples with distortion/fuzz/over drive while playing full chords. You know, like power chords, cowboy chords etc? It's fairly important for people trying to make a decision, as we're not always soloing. Other than that, everything was great. Take care!
The in between sounds on 2 and 4 are really good man . Better than having a reverse wound middle . I am glad u can bend on it too. I had a old 70s strat years ago but I can't remember what the 7.25 radius felt like all my current strats have a 9.5 . I ordered that same guitar your playing .
I like the 2 & 4 also, and was surprised at how well the 7.25” took note bending (at least for how far I bend notes). Thanks for watching and enjoy that new guitar!
cool video! congrats very nice guitar ...got mine yesterday but the 3 tone sunburst 😉 incredible guitar😉 yes your fretboard is very special...mine is a lot darker but i like both ...the fretboard radius is perfect perfect for my playing style (also hendrix but with a lot less talent too 😁😁)
I really like the dark rosewood also, but I also like this one’s “personality quirk.” I’m glad yours came in! One store told me they won’t be in stock until late November, and two others said March/April. Looks like we got the sneak peak! Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial i also like the white one a lot!!! I live in switzerland and the guitar store in my hometown had received a white and a sunburst one last week. but the white one was already sold. however, the store confirmed me that further deliveries will not come until april or may 23 and onother store told me the same. we were really lucky i think🤞😉😎 ...greetings from Switzerland and have fun with your new strat 😉
@everynotecounts Since this video is from a er ago how do you like the 61’ now? Still have it? Anything improve or become more annoying about it in a year of playing it? I just got a 61’ AVII in sunburst and so far it’s great. Looks nice in white also, congrats on the new guitar (last year lol) 🎸 🔥 👍🏻
I love it still. It’s my second favorite strat, right behind the one that I spec’d myself with Fender. I haven’t made any modifications either. I hope yours works out for you as well!
Thanks for the input! Yes, for some reason the audio recorded in stereo and only had input to the left channel. My more recent videos (like today’s Protein pedal video) have been finished in mono so that the sound comes out both sides. Thanks so much for watching!
I love mine!!! Love it, but I will say this and maybe someone can help me out. The pickups are 61, this is all vintage 61 strat. I play a lot of shows….long short I bought the Boss MKII Artist 100 watt, love the amp and wanted something I could plug and play at gigs. So far it’s been great!! One of the best amps out there however the 61 doesn’t like it. So the music I play is everything, country, rock, blues, you name it I play it, so I noticed the 61 doesn’t have the output. It has a huge tone just doesn’t like solid state very well. I hooked into my 20 watt Blackstar and the 61 came alive!!! I’m thinking I need a pretty solid tube amp (again) like maybe a Marshall or another Blackstar. I have a hand wired Princeton but I need versatility and I’m not a pedal guy. I want to plug and play. Any suggestions out there on what tube amp would allow me the ability to go from Garth Brooks to stone temple pilots to SRV in the strap of a finger. This guitar will do it all, it has a huge chimey beautiful tone!! I just want an affordable tube amp to push on. Older Marshall ? But I don’t want to spend 3k on one. Anything out there in tube amp land I may be missing. Again would rather no buy a tube amp as a pedal platform. I use my volume knob as my rhythm and my lead, I don’t stomp on a pedal. Would love any suggestions!!! Get creative and remember musician budget!!!!
I really likes the 50 W Archon combo, but it’s $1.2k. Great cleans on the clean channel and great distortion on the lead channel, both of which can be tweaked to taste obviously. I that’s as much exploration as I have done though, so others may have better suggestions.
Just ran across your review. I have three Strats but as you know that's how that goes and have been giving some serious consideration to the AVII series. Sticky necks seems to be a common complaint with these. Seems to be plasticizers in the nitro, I guess Fender doesn't want them to check and wear as fast as some of the originals. Anyway, nice review and I hope you are still enjoying your 61' Strat.
I’m loving it still, and I got one for my Dad also (it’s in another video). They are worth checking out for sure, though I would want to put my hands on one or buy from a company with a good return policy… just in case. It seems some products are hit-and-miss right now, which is super frustrating 😔. That being said, this is my #2 Strat right now. I love it. Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial That's awesome, I'm not in a hurry, I have a first model Am Pro that does everything I could possibly ask such a great guitar, but would love one to vintage specs as well without breaking the bank. i've read they have been having some QC issues. I'll probably wait to find a good one on the used market. I have an aversion to paying retail prices for new gear Lol.
IMO, Fender can no longer rest on their historical laurels. They are simply over priced. There are numerous alternatives on the market (even cheap ones) with better tremolo systems, tuners, etc., in which you can install some nice Fender pick ups and get a vintage Fender sound for much less cost. I do not doubt that you have an awesome guitar but I just don’t think the cost can be justified anymore.
I built a strat using Warmoth parts and Fender pick-ups. I could specify all the details of neck radius, profile, body wood etc. Sounds and plays great.
I made the comparison video and posted it last week, so feel free to check it out! That sunburst vintage ii sure has a great, classic look. I’m sure you will love it! Thanks for watching!
Aw, you know. The “mint” is supposed to mimic Jimi’s faded or aged pick guard. Very nice. I’m going for the sunburst I think. Gonna watch your updated video first 😳
Oh have you heard of a pedal called “the duelist” by king tone? You have to get one it will blow your mind wth a strat through it . Seriously get one buy yourself a christmas present haha
I'm surprised you like the wonky fretboard. Seems like Fender just choosing bad wood to me. The original 60s guitars were so dark the boards were nearly black but these are all really 'streaky'
Ever since Taylor acoustic guitars moved away from completely black ebony as a means of wasting less wood, I gradually warmed up to the look of streaky woods. I would consider “bad wood” to be one with cracks, humps, or some structural defect beyond aesthetics. For me personally, I got to see pics of the guitar before I purchased it so I knew what to expect. I probably would have been disappointed had I not seen the actual guitar beforehand because I also absolutely love the look of uniform dark rosewood and completely understand why someone would prefer it.
@@Luka0346 I believe he's referring to the American Original series I got that, the Round lam rosewood on that I can live with as it's mostly dark.. That A V II stratocaster will darken up nice, the slab neck and clay dots make this very desirable for me
Rubbish.. You should do your homework on timber and tone wood. Even some top notch ebony can have lighter streaks.. Look at some of the most fetched after Brazilian have often lighter colored lines Often very dark rosewood may be tainted by the builder and not so good quality
Great guitar but that neck gap is surely unacceptable? 5:58 and you'll see what I mean. Unfortunately I have heard a lot of issues with the vintage II series in this regard.
These are great guitars. But when Clapton brought out his guitar with a 9.5 radius, I just about did backflips! Have no use for 7.25. The only reason you can bend is those tall frets that are new ... wait until they start getting worn down, especially up high ...
I love the v neck on the Clapton. It’s a looker also. Whenever I wear through those frets, I will go to stainless steel for sure. Good thing I have a light touch lol. Thanks for watching
@@everynotecountsofficial A good tech can lower the 3rd and 4th string fret area up and down the neck. BTW: My oldest son REALLY wants one of these 61 AV II Strats, so you aren't the only guy! And I am blessed with an American Original '50s Stratocaster in White Blonde with 9.5, and I LOVE that guitar! Big ole chunky neck is just great! Yours is very pretty!! And really sounds great!!
Yeah, I tried two of the big chain stores and they both gave me estimates for a 2023 restock. I had to contact smaller local stores to find one “hidden away.” I hope you are able to get one though! Thanks for watching!
Glad you like the light streaks in the fretboard. I prefer it dark. I'd be curious how it compares to the American Original 60s with the Pure Vintage '65 pups. The 65s are probably a little hotter, but curious how much...
I am very fond of my 73 AVRI II.. The neck of a nice chunky C. With comfy shoulders. It fills your hand nice. What would you compare the 61 profile to? Like an AM Pro II or? Anything I might know?
@@simonsmith2642 it felt like a slightly fuller modern C. I have a video where I compare the 61, the Mexican Strat, and a 63 neck by molding play dough around the neck. That might help for a visual. Thanks for watching!
Dam that’s a beautiful guitar congrats man . And how’s the neck on it. My jay mascis tele had almost this grit about the neck I can’t explain it any better than kind of gritty and that jiust went away
The neck is smooth now. I still prefer the 63c Fender neck profile. That being said, if you get along well with the modern c, I didn’t feel that there was a world of difference between a modern c and this neck. Thanks for watching!
Praying that my fiesta red comes with a darker and more uniform fretboard. I didn't buy it from Sweetwater like I usually do, so it will be a surprise. All my MiMs are maple except for the Classic Vibes, because I hate streaky-looking Pau Ferro. I go with American rosewood because it usually isn't so streaky-looking.
That’s fair. To each their own. Like sweetwater, I bought from a store that had photos of the actual guitar you are buying, which really helps. I hope the guitar is great for you! Thanks for watching!
That’s why I hand picked my guitars whenever I can. These guitars will be all over the place in terms of rosewood apparence and weight. I like my Strat to be around 7,5 with a nice dark fretboard. Just a personal preference
Mine came in with a lighter board than I would have liked but no streaking like the one in this video. I used some F1 fretboard oil on it let it soak in and it definitely made the board look darker and richer looking. Hopefully it looks alright!!
Oh yeah, me too. I tried to use settings on the Warhorn to sound closest to a Tubescreamer for the sake of comparison, but I never use those settings. It has a more “open/transparent” setting that I use much more often. I might have to do a video to see if I can use the Warhorn’s extra knobs to make it sound like a fuller, beefier Archer. Thanks for watching!
Cosmetically your custom strat has exactly what I wanted. That trans black, white pick guard with gold hardware !!! Did you have any buyers remorse? I keep trying to convince myself it’s not worth it…but I want it. I’m a left handed player, we barely get any options
When it arrived, I considered selling every other guitar I owned. I’m glad I didn’t sell everything off, but that black Strat is by far my favorite (aesthetically, and how it feels to play). I have other great sounding Strats, but that is my #1 for sure. Sorry I didn’t help talk you out of it lol. Thanks for watching!
@@Smoothhh_One it’s just ebony transparent. The two piece alder wood gain showing through gives it a little texture. Also, I forgot to mention that the pickup covers, pickguard, knobs, and all plastic is “parchment” color. I wanted something a little less stark than bright white, and I wanted all the plastic to match
1.650”. I have another video where I use play dough to make molds of various Strat necks and overlay the shapes to show the differences. Thanks for watching!
That is an interesting buying strategy that someone mentioned to me a few weeks ago. Never even thought about doing it that way but it seems like a good way to get a higher QC guitar.
@@smoothguitarforever That's amazing. Seems pretty hit-or-miss if you're going to end up with one like that. The Fiesta Red or Olympic White versions are making me wanna pull the trigger.
I didn’t have any set up done, and the store I ordered it from said that they don’t do set ups before they ship them out, so my understanding is that this guitar is “as is” from Fender.
I just received mine. Was very disappointed in the guitar for the price I paid. The neck was a mess. Lacquer over smear on the fingerboard that covered under the B and E stings on the 1, 2, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21st frets. Very sloppy. They were directing me to take it to a warranty place here to get the repair done on it. Paying over 2000.00 for the guitar I don't think I should be trooping all over town wasting my time and gas on getting repairs done that should never have to be done in the first place. I have no idea who their neck quality control person is but I wouldn't be bragging about that job. Being American made I was expecting much much more. I have a Japanese Strat that I purchased in '87 that puts this one to shame in quality. So unfortunately, it was returned.
I would have returned that mess also. Sounds like they should have replaced the guitar, not sent you on a goose chase for warranty work. Thanks for watching, and sorry to hear about the lemon you received!
Yes absolutely, and you want straight grain also. I know swirls and timber patterns look nice but their is a reason Fender use tight straight grain timber on both back of neck and fretboards both historically and in their custom shop models. It is less likely to warp over the years. Fender using cheaper woods for this series for some reason. No excuses really for USA made guitar.
@@billjackson6385 In the next video I am including the neck diagrams that fender drew for the modern C and 63c necks. Hopefully that will help people visualize what the different neck carves look like if they can’t get their hands on one to try it out. Thanks for watching!
I’m really curious if Fender announced these and then immediately sold out, or if they announced it with hardly any in stock. My understanding is that Fender is normally good with announcing a product and then having them in stock shortly after. They aren’t expecting these to be widely available until April, and that seems like a lot of time for the initial release “hype” to die down.
@@everynotecountsofficialmy theory is that they’re trying to offset the post Covid sales decline by generating a false sense of scarcity at first and induce some good old fashioned FOMO. That or they’re really having trouble sourcing decent wood (most of these guitars are coming in at like 8.4 pounds 😮) and they let go that extra shift of workers about six months too soon.
Nice sounding strat. Way too much echo is used in the video. It makes it more difficult to hear the attack these mikes have by making them sound mushy.
@@everynotecountsofficial awesome, thank you! Fender released a few Olympic white’s the other night and I was able to snag one finally! I just wanted to know if I needed to buy a case as I’m in Colorado and wood with humidifiers is a must.
*My 61 Vintage II ( olympic white ) eventually arrived. I love it dearly , but it seems that entire serie has a neck pocket issue. It's too wide. At some point I could move entire neck with my hand for at least several mm in both directions... Come on Fender, what are you doing .... I see that neck pocket on your strat is also too wide for the neck at **5:58** ... That gap looks at least 2-3 mm wider than your neck...* ( sorry if there are some typing mistakes - clearly English is not my first language. )
@@everynotecountsofficial Thank you for your reply ! I mean it is not moving all over the place all the time.. I saw that issue and tried to put some force on it, so it did move at least a few millimeters... After tightening the bolts it wouldn't budge. Cheers !
My black custom shop is strung with 10’s but the guitar makes them feel like 9’s. When my friend played it, he even asked me, without any prompting, about the string gauge. The strings that came on the 61 didn’t feel “flimsy” like how I typically feel towards 9’s, so I assume they were 10’s. But again, my experience with strings my black Strat has me questioning the very nature of the space-time continuum lol. Thanks for watching!
I’m away from my guitar right now, but it came with the old metal pickup cover that used to go over the bridge, a whammy bar, a leather zip bag, and some paperwork. I don’t remember if it came with a strap or picks. Somehow I am sure they snuck a 30 day trial of Fender Play in there also lol
@@everynotecountsofficial as far as Vintage specs ,my thin skin was much truer to an original pre CBS ,then these new ones just missing that mojo ,those thin skins are just superb
@@GuitarMav It seems strange because I have been to different music shops recently and some of them were fine. I also have an American Pro 2 Stratocaster that I bought in 2021 and the neck joint is nice and tight. They seem to be very hit and miss in terms of build quality at the moment.
@@everynotecountsofficial I'm sorry, I'm missed it. Well, it's extremely heavy. It's unacceptable for me. Why is it so heavy??? 🙁 I met many lighter strats than this model. However, thank you so much!
it sounds like a really good strat mate. it's got that vintage bite. a keeper for sure.
I appreciate it, and thanks for watching!
A comparison of all three would be incredible and a big help!
Just finished filming it today. Hope to have it edited and posted by the end of the week. Thanks for watching!
The comparison video is officially posted. Have a good one!
I’m a bit late to this, but what a great review. I have the same ‘61 in Fiesta Red, bought to replace my 40 yr old AVRI ‘57, which I’ve retired to it’s case. Mine came with no issues, set up with 10’s playable straight from the case. It also has a dark rosewood fretboard. I love it. Regarding issues, I noticed the slight gap at the neck pocket on yours, something also reported on other reviews, but mine is a perfect tight fit.
Congrats on getting the 61 in Fiesta Red! I was able to put my hands on another 61 and it also had neck gap, but when I asked my local tech about the gap, he echoed what I was already thinking: if the neck pocket and bolts are tight enough to keep the neck from moving, it’s not an issue. I’m not worried about mine, but I get that some people feel pretty strongly about it. Thank for watching and enjoy that great guitar!
@@everynotecountsofficial Ha ha, I’m busy watching your Strat comparison video right now. Another great review. The neck gap wouldn’t be a problem to me neither. I was torn between Olympic White and Fiesta Red, but my nostalgia got me, so Red it was. Us old Brits love the red 😁 Anyways, thanks for the reply, I’m delighted you bonded with your guitar as I have mine.
I've got this exact model guitar on reserve at Sweetwater. It should be coming in soon. I will consider this my first Fender. I played a Fender Mustang for a couple of years back in the early 70's but it wasn't really my guitar. I've been a Gibson fan most of my life but I'm looking forward to this guitar.
I hope it lives up to the expectations! Thanks for watching!
I’ve got a 61 sunburst that just arrived at my brothers house and showed up as I had to head off to NYC, I’m flying back today and tomorrow I’m gonna go get her!!!! I’m so excited!!!
That’s awesome! I hope you bond with it and enjoy it for years to come!
Ooooh you monster. Lol that's the one I want. I'm dying. I'll die without it. My current Strat is perfectly fine but.... They're all different. I'm stoked for you, dude.
Now I’m stuck in manhattan for three more days! Was supposed be home already, bunch of flights canceled out of LaGuardia. Anticipation from hell!!
@@gregriddle3042Have you made it to your new guitar yet!? What are your thoughts!?
@@ryangunwitch-black I did make it back. All I did to the guitar was screwed the trem flush, and lowered the strings a bit, well changed them, intonated her and boy she’s something else! Perfect! Stays in tune. Plays great. I have noticed that with 61 pickups they sound much better through a tube amp. I tried it through my boss katana MKII 100 watt artist and of course sounded wonderful, then played through my hand wired 64 Princeton and my MKII HT Blackstar 20 watts. Man I gotta say, that old school wail, bluesy, rock and roll, wail is there!! Those pickups love tubes and the sustain is phenomenal!! It’s just got “that” sound!! I have a show tomorrow night and I’m taking it up on stage as my main guitar. Just a beautiful relic, that feels wonderful.
People have to remember they are not playing a modern sounding Fender. It’s a 61! So you kinda have to go back in time and re learn the pick up out puts, kind of retrain your ear! An incredible journey and I’ll keep ya updated. If I can get some audio tracks I’ll send the to ya!!!
what a beauty. this is a very nice color and I'm torn between this and dragon red color. Yours sounds lovely and I even like the natural swirl on the neck. well done video.
I appreciate it. That fiesta red is a classic color, for sure. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!
When you were zooming in to show the mark I noticed how the neck was fitted into the neck pocket. For me, it appears too have a little to much of a gap in the neck pocket on that side. I feel that Fender could have done a better job of fitting the neck to the body.
I do agree that you have a great looking and sounding guitar. SOUND AND TONE ALWAYS!!!!!!!!
Thanks for watching!
I ordered direct from Fender a couple of weeks ago. Three tone sunburst 1961 American Vintage II and the fretboard is really dark and almost no noticeable grain. Like maple. Super nice rosewood and dark. Amazing guitar out of box. Really surprised how nice. I added some conditioner Dr Duck axe Wax to strings and fretboard and it is even darker and smoother. Awesome guitar.
That’s awesome! I was able to put my hands on another one and it also had a darker fretboard. Thanks for watching!
I just received my AVR ll, in three tone sunburst, this past week. Glad to hear that you prefer the shorter radius fingerboard. I love the shorter radius too, all for the same reasons that you mention. I am a vintage freak and really love this guitar. By the way, this guitar comes from the factory with Fender 250-R strings.
I’m glad you bonded with yours as well! Thanks for the info about the strings. Rock on and thanks for watching!
I’m glad you bonded with yours as well! Thanks for the info about the strings. Rock on and thanks for watching!
Most stores will re-string a high end Fender Guitar with D’Addario NYXL, Elixir Nanoweb, Ernie Ball Paradigm no extra charge. Fender make great guitars but very average strings.
How is the neck joint on yours?
*Great review mister ! Still waiting my av II in olympic white 2 arrive ( next week hopefully ). Cheers !*
Thanks! I hope you love it also!
@@everynotecountsofficial Still waiting it to arrive ... I hope I'll like it !! Ty sir !
I want to get another one of these 61's, I just received the 3 tone burst 61's from Sweetwater but like the guitar he has in this video I'm afraid of getting such a high value strat with such a light colored rosewood fretboard. It looks like Pau Ferro vs Rosewood..... I cant do the light colored fretboards for some reason
Mine had a fairly light rosewood board as well. My American pro II has a much darker board.
I managed to make the board and bit darker and overall better looking by using the F1 oil stuff. I think it’s just a matter of wood quality and availability in todays stretched out market…
I’m with you. All my Strats have rosewood fingerboards except 1 Hendrix Tribute that has a maple fretboard. It feels nice but I’m planning to sell it when it appreciates more. I’m selling all my non Strats so I can get a 59 reissue. 🎸👍
Just play it more often it get darker and darker
If you shop these guitars on sweetwater they allow you to view the exact model you are buying
@@jensentran1978 Precisely. I’ve bought all my guitars online but only after extensive picture analysis and would never buy one without seeing the fretboard and body (if a sunburst).
I wish they would smooth off the back necks where the neck joins the headstock. This was a fine detail they did with the original 50s and 60s and is also done in the custom shop and older reissue models. These new models all have sharp edges like the old standard strats.
I hadn’t thought about that. Interesting. Thanks for watching!
Awesome video!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and put lots details on you experience.
I appreciate it! Thanks for watching!
The comparison video is officially posted. Have a good one!
Omfg you got an amazing neck, love the light figuring in the fingerboard rosewood.
Thanks so much! I have really enjoyed this guitar. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for such a detailed review. I have been waiting for non guitar shop reviews like this one. I am looking to get the '61 in sunburst or Fiesta red..Hopefully both lol
Thanks for the comment! If it's true that these won't be fully stocked in stores until April of 2023, there is certainly plenty of time for market research... assuming other "average joe" guitarists like me are able to buy them and make videos as well! I will also be on the lookout for more videos on the 61 Strat. I am curious about how other "non guitar shop" channels like the new product. Thanks for watching!
I have an American Original 1960s in shell pink. I love it. I’ll probably look at a AVII 1957 Strat next. I like the thick “C” neck on my AO and love the Pure 65 pickups.
I’m not sure I could warm up for that rosewood board with the lighter colour. I like the organic look of yours with the different colour but I prefer a darker rosewood look.
I like the dark rosewood boards also, but ever since Taylor started using ebony that wasn’t perfectly black, I started to warm up to woods with some streaking. It’s completely reasonable to expect the rosewood to look like the rosewood in advertised pictures, so I agree that dark rosewood really is the expectation. Thanks for watching and thanks for commenting!
Nice video. I recently purchased a 60s MIJ reissue Strat that is fabulous. It seems to combine the late 50s features that were carried over and the early 60s features. It’s a very nice burst with light mint green pickguard. It’s turned out to be my favorite guitar. 👍☮️🌞🎸🎵❤️
Very cool! I would love to try out an MIJ one day
So tired of gear dorks nitpicking every little stupid thing. Play the damn thing. Glad to see that you are interested in actually making music with this.
I love my AVII. I got the 3-tone sunburst and I absolutely LOVE this guitar.
Amazing how Fender gets us to buy the same guitar over and over..😅
True, so true!
@@eljefeguapobarbon Very slick marketing. Funny how amp controls aren't emphasised in getting THAT sound....
Yeah its the same model but if you already have one you can get different colors,pick up configurations, different pickups all together etc etc.
Oh no, this one has buried truss rod access!
The designs are all similar but no 2 sound exactly alike even today.
I’m hopefully trying on Monday. It’s between this and a CS ‘59 heavy relic that absolutely blew me away last week.
Well , which one did ya get ?
@@benallmark9671yeah?
Great video. If I may make a suggestion? Many people who do these sorts of reviews neglect to provide samples with distortion/fuzz/over drive while playing full chords. You know, like power chords, cowboy chords etc? It's fairly important for people trying to make a decision, as we're not always soloing. Other than that, everything was great. Take care!
Great suggestion, thank you!
The in between sounds on 2 and 4 are really good man . Better than having a reverse wound middle . I am glad u can bend on it too. I had a old 70s strat years ago but I can't remember what the 7.25 radius felt like all my current strats have a 9.5 . I ordered that same guitar your playing .
I like the 2 & 4 also, and was surprised at how well the 7.25” took note bending (at least for how far I bend notes). Thanks for watching and enjoy that new guitar!
Such a beautiful guitar!
cool video! congrats very nice guitar ...got mine yesterday but the 3 tone sunburst 😉 incredible guitar😉 yes your fretboard is very special...mine is a lot darker but i like both ...the fretboard radius is perfect perfect for my playing style (also hendrix but with a lot less talent too 😁😁)
I really like the dark rosewood also, but I also like this one’s “personality quirk.” I’m glad yours came in! One store told me they won’t be in stock until late November, and two others said March/April. Looks like we got the sneak peak! Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial i also like the white one a lot!!! I live in switzerland and the guitar store in my hometown had received a white and a sunburst one last week. but the white one was already sold. however, the store confirmed me that further deliveries will not come until april or may 23 and onother store told me the same. we were really lucky i think🤞😉😎 ...greetings from Switzerland and have fun with your new strat 😉
I'm really impressed these come with a hard case
For $2100 it better come with a friggin case!
PRS should take notes…
@everynotecounts Since this video is from a er ago how do you like the 61’ now? Still have it? Anything improve or become more annoying about it in a year of playing it? I just got a 61’ AVII in sunburst and so far it’s great. Looks nice in white also, congrats on the new guitar (last year lol) 🎸 🔥 👍🏻
I love it still. It’s my second favorite strat, right behind the one that I spec’d myself with Fender. I haven’t made any modifications either. I hope yours works out for you as well!
Nice review! One point about the sound when you started to play - it was more concentrated toward the left ear!
Thanks for the input! Yes, for some reason the audio recorded in stereo and only had input to the left channel. My more recent videos (like today’s Protein pedal video) have been finished in mono so that the sound comes out both sides. Thanks so much for watching!
that is a crazy fretboard screw the dark rosewood i want one like that
Yeah I really like it also. Thanks for the comment, and thanks for watching!
I love mine!!! Love it, but I will say this and maybe someone can help me out. The pickups are 61, this is all vintage 61 strat. I play a lot of shows….long short I bought the Boss MKII Artist 100 watt, love the amp and wanted something I could plug and play at gigs. So far it’s been great!! One of the best amps out there however the 61 doesn’t like it.
So the music I play is everything, country, rock, blues, you name it I play it, so I noticed the 61 doesn’t have the output. It has a huge tone just doesn’t like solid state very well. I hooked into my 20 watt Blackstar and the 61 came alive!!!
I’m thinking I need a pretty solid tube amp (again) like maybe a Marshall or another Blackstar.
I have a hand wired Princeton but I need versatility and I’m not a pedal guy. I want to plug and play. Any suggestions out there on what tube amp would allow me the ability to go from Garth Brooks to stone temple pilots to SRV in the strap of a finger. This guitar will do it all, it has a huge chimey beautiful tone!! I just want an affordable tube amp to push on. Older Marshall ? But I don’t want to spend 3k on one. Anything out there in tube amp land I may be missing. Again would rather no buy a tube amp as a pedal platform. I use my volume knob as my rhythm and my lead, I don’t stomp on a pedal.
Would love any suggestions!!! Get creative and remember musician budget!!!!
I really likes the 50 W Archon combo, but it’s $1.2k. Great cleans on the clean channel and great distortion on the lead channel, both of which can be tweaked to taste obviously. I that’s as much exploration as I have done though, so others may have better suggestions.
Just ran across your review. I have three Strats but as you know that's how that goes and have been giving some serious consideration to the AVII series. Sticky necks seems to be a common complaint with these. Seems to be plasticizers in the nitro, I guess Fender doesn't want them to check and wear as fast as some of the originals. Anyway, nice review and I hope you are still enjoying your 61' Strat.
I’m loving it still, and I got one for my Dad also (it’s in another video). They are worth checking out for sure, though I would want to put my hands on one or buy from a company with a good return policy… just in case. It seems some products are hit-and-miss right now, which is super frustrating 😔. That being said, this is my #2 Strat right now. I love it.
Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial That's awesome, I'm not in a hurry, I have a first model Am Pro that does everything I could possibly ask such a great guitar, but would love one to vintage specs as well without breaking the bank. i've read they have been having some QC issues. I'll probably wait to find a good one on the used market. I have an aversion to paying retail prices for new gear Lol.
You are being smarter about it, for sure. That is a great aversion to have hahaha!
@@everynotecountsofficial not smarter really. More like I have everything I could possibly need, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like one! 😉
IMO, Fender can no longer rest on their historical laurels. They are simply over priced. There are numerous alternatives on the market (even cheap ones) with better tremolo systems, tuners, etc., in which you can install some nice Fender pick ups and get a vintage Fender sound for much less cost. I do not doubt that you have an awesome guitar but I just don’t think the cost can be justified anymore.
There are certainly great alternatives available at lower prices. Thanks for watching!
I built a strat using Warmoth parts and Fender pick-ups. I could specify all the details of neck radius, profile, body wood etc. Sounds and plays great.
@@jimihendrix3143 that’s awesome that you were able to build a custom spec’d guitar.
Beautiful guitar.Sounds awesome.I'm jealous.
Thanks for the complement and thanks for watching!
A comparison of the Made in Mexico, Vintage II and Custom Shop sounds great! I just bought the sunburst Vintage II, anxious to test it out!
I made the comparison video and posted it last week, so feel free to check it out! That sunburst vintage ii sure has a great, classic look. I’m sure you will love it! Thanks for watching!
I dunno man.The point of RW for me is that it's dark.That looks like the Pau farou on my player jag.
That’s fair 🤷🏻. Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial yeah man,great vid.Sounded good with the pedals too.I recently got the smiley.
@@jordanpratt3821 I appreciate it! Enjoy that Smiley pedal!
great! yes make comparison video!
Thanks for the feedback! I’m definitely leaning towards doing it. Thanks for watching!
The comparison video is officially posted. Have a good one!
I grabbed the natural ‘73. My fretboard is so dark its almost black.
I’m glad you like it, but if I paid for rosewood and it was that light colored it would be sent back.
Totally understandable. I did get to see pictures of the actual guitar before purchasing, so I knew what I was getting. Thanks for watching!
Aw, you know. The “mint” is supposed to mimic Jimi’s faded or aged pick guard. Very nice. I’m going for the sunburst I think. Gonna watch your updated video first 😳
Thanks for watching!
Oh have you heard of a pedal called “the duelist” by king tone? You have to get one it will blow your mind wth a strat through it . Seriously get one buy yourself a christmas present haha
I have heard of that! It looks amazing. Thanks for the tip!
I'm surprised you like the wonky fretboard. Seems like Fender just choosing bad wood to me. The original 60s guitars were so dark the boards were nearly black but these are all really 'streaky'
Ever since Taylor acoustic guitars moved away from completely black ebony as a means of wasting less wood, I gradually warmed up to the look of streaky woods. I would consider “bad wood” to be one with cracks, humps, or some structural defect beyond aesthetics. For me personally, I got to see pics of the guitar before I purchased it so I knew what to expect. I probably would have been disappointed had I not seen the actual guitar beforehand because I also absolutely love the look of uniform dark rosewood and completely understand why someone would prefer it.
That’s not true. I have an original ‘61 strat. The fretboard is even lighter than this one. Rosewood isn’t always that dark.
@@Luka0346 I believe he's referring to the American Original series
I got that, the Round lam rosewood on that I can live with as it's mostly dark..
That A V II stratocaster will darken up nice, the slab neck and clay dots make this very desirable for me
Just apply a little teak oil and it’ll darken down nicely
Rubbish.. You should do your homework on timber and tone wood. Even some top notch ebony can have lighter streaks.. Look at some of the most fetched after Brazilian have often lighter colored lines
Often very dark rosewood may be tainted by the builder and not so good quality
Great guitar but that neck gap is surely unacceptable? 5:58 and you'll see what I mean. Unfortunately I have heard a lot of issues with the vintage II series in this regard.
Yes agreed. At this price point unacceptable. Especially when squire have perfect cut neck pockets.
These are great guitars. But when Clapton brought out his guitar with a 9.5 radius, I just about did backflips! Have no use for 7.25. The only reason you can bend is those tall frets that are new ... wait until they start getting worn down, especially up high ...
I love the v neck on the Clapton. It’s a looker also. Whenever I wear through those frets, I will go to stainless steel for sure. Good thing I have a light touch lol. Thanks for watching
@@everynotecountsofficial A good tech can lower the 3rd and 4th string fret area up and down the neck. BTW: My oldest son REALLY wants one of these 61 AV II Strats, so you aren't the only guy! And I am blessed with an American Original '50s Stratocaster in White Blonde with 9.5, and I LOVE that guitar! Big ole chunky neck is just great! Yours is very pretty!! And really sounds great!!
@@Tonetwisters sounds like you got yourself a beautiful classic guitar also! Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching!
I've ordered mine a couple of weeks ago and just received the updated delivery date from thomann. March 2023 😭
Yeah, I tried two of the big chain stores and they both gave me estimates for a 2023 restock. I had to contact smaller local stores to find one “hidden away.” I hope you are able to get one though! Thanks for watching!
Glad you like the light streaks in the fretboard. I prefer it dark.
I'd be curious how it compares to the American Original 60s with the Pure Vintage '65 pups. The 65s are probably a little hotter, but curious how much...
I really want to get my hands on some 65’s and try them out. Thanks for watching!
I am very fond of my 73 AVRI II.. The neck of a nice chunky C. With comfy shoulders. It fills your hand nice. What would you compare the 61 profile to? Like an AM Pro II or? Anything I might know?
@@simonsmith2642 it felt like a slightly fuller modern C. I have a video where I compare the 61, the Mexican Strat, and a 63 neck by molding play dough around the neck. That might help for a visual. Thanks for watching!
I have a fiesta red version and love it. I need to change the strings to 9s (my preferred), and also the action was too high on mine from factory.
It’s great that you were able to get one so quickly! I hope you were able to get it set up to your preferences. Thanks for watching!
How is that truss rod access?
@@RideAcrossTheRiver you have to take the neck off to make the adjustment
@@everynotecountsofficial Yikes. That feature undoes years of progress.
@@RideAcrossTheRiver it’s definitely a feature for those wanting to stick closer to the 61 spec.
That is a beauty!
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
How does the neck feel? I have small hands so I naturally prefer thinner necks rather than thick for the most part.
It is not far off from the standard Fender Modern C. Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial thanks!
Dam that’s a beautiful guitar congrats man . And how’s the neck on it. My jay mascis tele had almost this grit about the neck I can’t explain it any better than kind of gritty and that jiust went away
The neck is smooth now. I still prefer the 63c Fender neck profile. That being said, if you get along well with the modern c, I didn’t feel that there was a world of difference between a modern c and this neck. Thanks for watching!
9:53 the Nitro is still curing... it should harden up. My AO60 took almost half a year, but no more stickiness now...
I’m glad it finally evened out!
Praying that my fiesta red comes with a darker and more uniform fretboard. I didn't buy it from Sweetwater like I usually do, so it will be a surprise. All my MiMs are maple except for the Classic Vibes, because I hate streaky-looking Pau Ferro. I go with American rosewood because it usually isn't so streaky-looking.
That’s fair. To each their own. Like sweetwater, I bought from a store that had photos of the actual guitar you are buying, which really helps. I hope the guitar is great for you! Thanks for watching!
That’s why I hand picked my guitars whenever I can. These guitars will be all over the place in terms of rosewood apparence and weight. I like my Strat to be around 7,5 with a nice dark fretboard. Just a personal preference
Mine came in with a lighter board than I would have liked but no streaking like the one in this video. I used some F1 fretboard oil on it let it soak in and it definitely made the board look darker and richer looking. Hopefully it looks alright!!
I have a fiesta red that I got from Fender and it had a dark fingerboard. I love it
I’m starting a society against that God awful wood Pau Ferro. What crap.
I like the Archer with that guitar
Oh yeah, me too. I tried to use settings on the Warhorn to sound closest to a Tubescreamer for the sake of comparison, but I never use those settings. It has a more “open/transparent” setting that I use much more often. I might have to do a video to see if I can use the Warhorn’s extra knobs to make it sound like a fuller, beefier Archer. Thanks for watching!
Cosmetically your custom strat has exactly what I wanted. That trans black, white pick guard with gold hardware !!! Did you have any buyers remorse? I keep trying to convince myself it’s not worth it…but I want it. I’m a left handed player, we barely get any options
When it arrived, I considered selling every other guitar I owned. I’m glad I didn’t sell everything off, but that black Strat is by far my favorite (aesthetically, and how it feels to play). I have other great sounding Strats, but that is my #1 for sure. Sorry I didn’t help talk you out of it lol. Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial is the finish ebony trans? Or is it a quilt/flame finish on the top?
@@Smoothhh_One it’s just ebony transparent. The two piece alder wood gain showing through gives it a little texture. Also, I forgot to mention that the pickup covers, pickguard, knobs, and all plastic is “parchment” color. I wanted something a little less stark than bright white, and I wanted all the plastic to match
Curious on the neck. What is the width of the neck at the nut?
1.650”. I have another video where I use play dough to make molds of various Strat necks and overlay the shapes to show the differences. Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial thanks...i'll look for it!
I was tellin my best friend about putting old hardware in guitars he could’nt get his head around this idea
Congratulations.. I’m gonna $ the same one.. 🎸
I hope you love it as much as I do! Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial Thank you I can’t keep my mind off of it. Lol. .. You’re very welcome
I ordered two fiesta reds, returning the one with the loosest neck pocket
That is an interesting buying strategy that someone mentioned to me a few weeks ago. Never even thought about doing it that way but it seems like a good way to get a higher QC guitar.
@@danielstoddart it worked one has a full flame maple neck😳😳
@@smoothguitarforever That's amazing. Seems pretty hit-or-miss if you're going to end up with one like that. The Fiesta Red or Olympic White versions are making me wanna pull the trigger.
@@danielstoddart the fiesta seems sold out everywhere rn tho
@@smoothguitarforever No doubt those are going to go fast.
I'd go for an LSL Saticoy over these
I’d love to see the comparison video of the Mexi v FCS v AV2
No promises, but I started filming segments of it. I hope to finish it and edit it before Friday.
The comparison video is officially posted. Have a good one!
Fender nailed the AMII series. The '61 Strat with the slab board is really the pinnacle of the Stratocaster for me.
Dude you need to try an old American Vintage series , these new ones very ,let down
@@stevenblues4170 How so?
@@stevenblues4170 Which year?
Did you have a setup done on the guitar or was the playibility of the guitar good straight from Fender?
I didn’t have any set up done, and the store I ordered it from said that they don’t do set ups before they ship them out, so my understanding is that this guitar is “as is” from Fender.
I just received mine. Was very disappointed in the guitar for the price I paid. The neck was a mess. Lacquer over smear on the fingerboard that covered under the B and E stings on the 1, 2, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21st frets. Very sloppy. They were directing me to take it to a warranty place here to get the repair done on it. Paying over 2000.00 for the guitar I don't think I should be trooping all over town wasting my time and gas on getting repairs done that should never have to be done in the first place. I have no idea who their neck quality control person is but I wouldn't be bragging about that job. Being American made I was expecting much much more. I have a Japanese Strat that I purchased in '87 that puts this one to shame in quality. So unfortunately, it was returned.
I would have returned that mess also. Sounds like they should have replaced the guitar, not sent you on a goose chase for warranty work. Thanks for watching, and sorry to hear about the lemon you received!
The fretboard doesn't resemble rosewood at all. It looks like a typical Pau Ferro board.
Interestingly, my MIM Strat is Pau Ferro.
Some rosewood looks like this
These days Fender only uses the really dark rosewood on their Custom Shop models because it's gotten rare and expensive.
@@limoncr5205 Teah, some low quality 'rosewood' boards do look like this, unacceptable on a 2500 euro guitar.
Yes absolutely, and you want straight grain also. I know swirls and timber patterns look nice but their is a reason Fender use tight straight grain timber on both back of neck and fretboards both historically and in their custom shop models. It is less likely to warp over the years. Fender using cheaper woods for this series for some reason. No excuses really for USA made guitar.
I am waiting on the ‘57… will arrive in May
Congratulations! It’s nice to have an expected arrival date. Thanks for watching!
Cool video :)
Thanks 🙂
Why is it the neck profile is one of the most important things for a good strat. But rarely shown up close.
Probably because the subtleties of the neck profile feel significant in our hand, but are very hard to see with a camera. Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial bro. I have a camera. Stop.
@@billjackson6385 In the next video I am including the neck diagrams that fender drew for the modern C and 63c necks. Hopefully that will help people visualize what the different neck carves look like if they can’t get their hands on one to try it out. Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial its cool. I built a few strats n tele. Just like to see wat peoples favorite necks look like. Thx.
In almost all the American Vintage II videos that are on CZcams they have a disastrous neck fit in the body, especially the '61 model
Wow that’s really interesting. I’m glad mine is stable! Thanks for watching!
Do the American vintage II series also have tuning issues that the originals did? Or have slight changes corrected tuning stability?
I’m not having tuning stability issues, but I don’t go crazy with the whammy bar. Thanks for watching!
I like the darker neck colour tbh
That’s fair. I really like the darker wood too, but I bonded to this one. To each their own! Thanks for watching!
I want one but it looks like Fender should have sent fewer to CZcamsrs and more to retailers.
I’m really curious if Fender announced these and then immediately sold out, or if they announced it with hardly any in stock. My understanding is that Fender is normally good with announcing a product and then having them in stock shortly after. They aren’t expecting these to be widely available until April, and that seems like a lot of time for the initial release “hype” to die down.
@@everynotecountsofficialmy theory is that they’re trying to offset the post Covid sales decline by generating a false sense of scarcity at first and induce some good old fashioned FOMO. That or they’re really having trouble sourcing decent wood (most of these guitars are coming in at like 8.4 pounds 😮) and they let go that extra shift of workers about six months too soon.
Nice sounding strat. Way too much echo is used in the video. It makes it more difficult to hear the attack these mikes have by making them sound mushy.
I’ll consider that. Thanks for watching!
nice guitar
Thank you, and thanks for watching!
one year later, still happy with it?
I honestly am. I really enjoy having it in the rotation.
Is the case a wood case or plastic?
Wood case. Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial awesome, thank you! Fender released a few Olympic white’s the other night and I was able to snag one finally! I just wanted to know if I needed to buy a case as I’m in Colorado and wood with humidifiers is a must.
@@bryanj386 congratulations on snagging one!
wasup with that wider neck pocket O_O
What colour is the Custom Shop with the 69 pick ups ?
Transparent ebony. I love it.
@@everynotecountsofficial Thank you, I haven’t seen it before, looks fabulous.
@@liamnaughton9505 I appreciate it, and thanks for watching!
Great demo , are you Pierce Morgan's son ?
😂
*My 61 Vintage II ( olympic white ) eventually arrived. I love it dearly , but it seems that entire serie has a neck pocket issue. It's too wide. At some point I could move entire neck with my hand for at least several mm in both directions... Come on Fender, what are you doing .... I see that neck pocket on your strat is also too wide for the neck at **5:58** ... That gap looks at least 2-3 mm wider than your neck...* ( sorry if there are some typing mistakes - clearly English is not my first language. )
Wow, I’m sorry to hear that the neck shifts that bad. I hope you are able to find a remedy for that. Thanks for watching!
@@everynotecountsofficial Thank you for your reply ! I mean it is not moving all over the place all the time.. I saw that issue and tried to put some force on it, so it did move at least a few millimeters... After tightening the bolts it wouldn't budge. Cheers !
Holy Loose neck joint!! 6:10
Yeah, they shaved off some extra wood. Those neck screws are holding it tight though. No issues with neck movement or vibration transfer so far 🤷
You can't tell the string gauge??
My black custom shop is strung with 10’s but the guitar makes them feel like 9’s. When my friend played it, he even asked me, without any prompting, about the string gauge.
The strings that came on the 61 didn’t feel “flimsy” like how I typically feel towards 9’s, so I assume they were 10’s. But again, my experience with strings my black Strat has me questioning the very nature of the space-time continuum lol. Thanks for watching!
What was the case candy looking like?
I’m away from my guitar right now, but it came with the old metal pickup cover that used to go over the bridge, a whammy bar, a leather zip bag, and some paperwork. I don’t remember if it came with a strap or picks. Somehow I am sure they snuck a 30 day trial of Fender Play in there also lol
The neck is not set correctly. Second video I've seen where this guitar comes not lined up right. Neck pocket has too much play.
If the neck was moving around, I would agree, but those four massive screws seem to be doing their job keeping it secure
I tried one but didn’t like it. Neck is too skinny.
Yeah I thought the neck would be thicker. It didn’t put me off, but it did surprise me. Thanks for watching!
Very disappointed ,I had a 2016 Thin Skin 59 that was a incredible strat, full of mojo , these new ones do not come close
You didn’t like the ones you played? This is the only one I have played so far from the Vintage ii series, though my experience was positive
@@everynotecountsofficial as far as Vintage specs ,my thin skin was much truer to an original pre CBS ,then these new ones just missing that mojo ,those thin skins are just superb
That's not a very tight neck pocket
I agree, good eye.
I seem to see that a lot with Fender lately. I went to a guitar shop recently and quite a few of the strats and teles had bad neck joints.
@@charliedavidarnott1537 That is the first thing I look at when comparing guitars. The neck-body joint is pretty important.
Yes their really is no excuse for this as they are cut by machine. Perhaps over sanding of the neck pocket?
@@GuitarMav It seems strange because I have been to different music shops recently and some of them were fine. I also have an American Pro 2 Stratocaster that I bought in 2021 and the neck joint is nice and tight. They seem to be very hit and miss in terms of build quality at the moment.
Weight in details?
It was mentioned during the unboxing. 8.45 lbs. all the ones that I have seen so far with listed weight have been around this weight.
@@everynotecountsofficial
I'm sorry, I'm missed it.
Well, it's extremely heavy. It's unacceptable for me. Why is it so heavy??? 🙁 I met many lighter strats than this model.
However, thank you so much!
@@Robert_Fordin great question. I don’t know why they are averaging this weight so far. I was expecting lighter ones also
@@Robert_Fordin What benefit from a light guitar?
@@RideAcrossTheRiver
The weight.
Fender has too many models
🤷🏻
High pass
🤷
As in high pass filter!? Or hard pass?
the big gap between body and neck you wont find on a 100 Dollar Harley Benton! This 61 strat looks like way overpriced shit!