Fender. You Can Do Better Than This... | Fender Player Series Stratocaster Review
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- Should you get a Player Series Stratocaster in 2024? Probably not, dude. Fender should probably stop making fedoras and concentrate on making guitars. Here's why.
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This Fender Player Series Stratocaster is not a good guitar. Now that Fender are trying to become a lifestyle brand it feels like that lack of attention to actual music is taking hold of their entry-level electric guitars and it really does show. In this review, we talk about why that is and why I don't think this is worth your time.
Chapters:
0:00 Is it worth it?
0:36 Specs
3:06 Playability
5:33 Demo-ish
6:18 Sound
7:20 Here's What I Think
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Fender's QC has sucked since the plandemic. I have a 2015 MIM Fender Stratocaster, all the frets are level, no sharp ends, no issues at all with the rest of the guitar. I set the action to my liking years ago when I bought it and that was it. Plus I personally like the ceramic pickups in my 2015 Strat. The only change I made was I decided last year to swap out the bent steel saddles with stainless steel block roller saddles with brass rollers and I installed a roller string tree. I also put Fender locking tuners on it. It stayed in tune without them but I like locking tuners. Anyway, I bought a Player Strat about three years ago and it was a POS. Witness lines on the top of the body where they glued the body pieces together, the frets were f'd up, the pickups sounded weak, etc...I returned it. My 2015 smoked it. Then I decided last year to pick up a Charvel San Dimas HH FR, it was made in 2022. The first one I received had several frets that weren't even crowned. I kid you not. That went back. I got a replacement and although it was a lot better I still needed to re-crown the last four frets. They had flat spots running the length of them and it was not from playing. They were shiny but no crown. It actually looked like an idiot from the factory went back after they were crowned and hit them with a flat file and left it like that. The guitar was new. I wound up getting 30% off on it. I talked to a few people and they told me the garbage fret work (no crown, sharp edges) is something that started during the scamdemic. My advice is to avoid the post 2020 MIM Fenders for now. It doesn't help the prices suck now too. I have a few Squiers as well, they had no issues out of the box.
Definitely seems that way dude. My 2015 MIM Strat was fantastic too, I wish I’d never sold it tbh. Thanks for your thoughts mate 🤘
People can get Chinese EART strats for $210 on sale that are made even better than that and with supposed Stainless Steel frets to boot. Harley Benton's Fusion series might be better too, Blacksmith brand SS frets for less than $400.
guitar got roasted more than the maple neck did, lol.
🤣 I guess it did haha Thanks for watching my dude 🤘
Congrats on the 5k, mate!
I've never gelled with a Strat before, despite the fact that I want to get a guitar that can do their position 2 and 4 sound (I might as well just add center coil on my RG for those sounds, when push comes to shove). Not sure why, I just can't find a reason to want to add a Fender in my arsenal.
I always end up looking for alternatives, and not too long ago, I stumbled upon a brand called Aguda Guitars. Their S-style and T-style looks kinda unique, they have the MusicMan Stingray style control plate on them, and there's one feature on them that is unique to their guitars, that I don't see other brand does. I'll mail you the pictures after this.
Thank you my dude, couldn't have done it without all the awesome people like yourself being here with me 🙇🏻♂️
Those guitars sounds sick man honestly. Thanks again bro 🤘
I agree man, my friend got a new player series strat and there are just ridiculous build quality issues. The pots were not even screwed down properly, and some screws on the pickguard were just spinning in their holes meaning it felt like the pickguard could just fall off.
It's just crazy how they're managing to put this stuff out. Super disappointing! Thanks for watching mate, I appreciate it 🤘
Not just Player. I had to return the Vintera 60 and then had to change tuners on the replacement.
That sucks! Sorry you ended up with a bad one too! Thanks for checking out the video 🤘
I built a partscaster Tele using a Fender roasted maple neck with a rosewood fretboard and I think the neck is fantastic. It feels amazing and looks great. I do think it came in the mail looking a bit ashy though. I had to lightly oil the whole thing up to get it darkened and even looking. I can't complain about it now but I do agree that for a $450 neck it should look perfect from the get go.
Thanks for watching mate! I've had a couple of the roasted necks for builds too and those have been great, if not a bit ashy like you said. Insane prices though tbh. Also, this neck wasn't quite the same quality as the. genuine parts necks I had. Appreciate you watching dude, thanks again 🤘
5K subs!!!!! YEAH BROTHER! C'MON PEOPLE! LETS SUPPORT OUR GUY! 💪
Thank you so much my dude! I'm humbled that we actually got here 🤘
Congratulations on the 5K!🎉
Dude thank you! Hope you’re well mate 🤘
I just picked up the black/anodized gold model last night, and EVERYTHING you have just said about this guitar is 100% spot on. This is not a $1200 (CAD) guitar. My $600 Omen 6 blows this thing out of the water in every department. I'm pretty sure I am returning it.
Duuuuude that absolutely sucks. I hope you get it returned alright and find something that you like more! Thanks for checking out the video man 🤘
I’ve owned a few strats (Fender and not) and the partscaster I have now blows them all away. Has an amazing bird’s eye maple neck and upgraded pickups and electronics. Sounds totally vintage and plays like a dream. And I’m only intro it for about $500. Couldn’t get a Fender as good for anything like that. These days you’re better off building your own strat than buying the real thing.
This is super true. If you don't want to buy from another brand then the quality you can get out of a partscaster now is unreal. Thanks for checking out the video too, I appreciate it! 🤘
Congratulations on the 5k 🎉
I totally agree on these type of saddles, there is no need to have something so badly designed thst literally cuts your hand! Shame about the other QC issues, it looks like a grest guitar with that roasted neck and the upgraded pickups. I want to try a more expensive strat to see how it compares against my Silversky SE.
Thank you so much mate! Couldn't have gotten here without dudes like you, I appreciate it massively!
Yeah man, it could be something special but it just doesn't cut it in todays market. Only thing it cuts is my picking hand 😂 That SE you have is lovely, I'd like to know how it stacks up too. Thanks again mate 🤘
last april i bought my first ever strat (after all my years of playing) a fender player plus in olympic pearl...looks great.
plays cleans so nice, feels nice, but as soon as i got to use any gain or go for a gilmour lead sound, it just sounds awful...despite tweaking and doing eq stuff.
i hate the noisless pickups it comes with.
My 80 quid harley benton strat actually sounds more like a stat (can get that classic SRV bends out of it)....i have had the guitar up for sale on gumtree for a while now at 650 quid.
the guitar is in brand new condition and i paid just under 900 quid for it.
no one seems interested lol.
Saving up for my first standberg.
good vid bud
Thank you my dude, I'm glad you liked the video. Mate, I don't know what they're doing honestly 😂
Congrats on the 5k bro \m/
Thanks so much mate! 🤘
Once the screws on the bridge are at the right height you can take them out and grind them down at the contact end using a scrap saddle as a holder, no more scratch on the hand.
Yeah man, oldest trick in the book isn’t it but you’re kind of screwed if you need to make any future adjustments. Also, I just don’t think we should be having to file stuff on a guitar to make it comfortable and Fender should just stop making trash parts but that’s just me 😂 Thanks for watching dude!
Had a Player tele, sent it back immediately for more or less the reasons you articulate here. On the the other hand I have a Classic Vibe Tele, a Chinese one, that I've been delighted with.
Same here. I sent a Player HH Tele straight back. All sorts of issues with the fit and finish of the guitar but worst was the fretwork. Really bad. My vintera strat's great, no problems there, and i've enjoyed squiers for years with only some minor issues.
It's just not what we should expect from Fender, I'm sure. Thanks for watching dude! 🤘
Hi Jack . Sorry about your dilemma with your PS strat. In I982 I bought a USA model from Dawson's Music for 400 Quid brand new, but it didn't Inspire me much. It had the bent steel grub screw saddles that I had to paint on my girlfriends nail polish 💅 to stop them vibrating,like a thread lock.Eventually I had to grind the grub screws down as they cut into my hand.The neck was well twisted from the factory and caused buzzing on the high strings. At that time as a classical player I thought everything was hunky dory and that's what Rock and Roll guitars were all about. I thought that I was the King of Rock and Roll, when people used to see the case and ask me ? Is that a Strat you have. I made some modifications to It and few years later I sold it for peanuts 🥜. The best thing I ever did it was like a cross I was carrying around. To cut a long story short, I set my Sonic soul free and have never strayed from the path of right teous tone since . Hope you find your Sonic destination. Best regards 😸. John. 8:16 8:16
Thanks so much for checking the video out and the kind words dude. I'm glad you found where you needed to be dude. All the best man! ✌️
Yo bro! I was wondering if you noticed a difference between how ebony and maple fretboards feel. Some people say that they don’t notice a difference and some others claim that ebony is almost a glass-like to your hands. Let me hear what you think and btw, AMAZING video and big congrats on your 5k subs! Peace bro!
Thanks so much my dude, that means a ton to me 🤘 So yeah man, I do feel a difference. Maple feels softer to me, ebony feels hard and slick. My personal preference for feel is definitely Ebony out of the two. Hope that helps bro and thanks again! 🤘
Congrats on 5k 🎉
Thank you!!! 😁
You can buy shorter grub screws for those bent steel saddles so they won't poke out.
Having said that, block saddles ftw. SO much more comfortable on the palm.
Congrats on getting to 5k subs, dude. Love your channel :)
They really are so much better. If people like the bent steel ones, Highwood make some great super comfortable saddles. I'd highly recommend them. Thank you my dude, that means a ton! 🤘
Congratulations, dude, you hit 5 thousand subscribers !!! I'm so proud 👏. I'm kinda shocked to see you with a Fender guitar ! I've got a Fender acoustasonic and happen to really love it. It's a made in mexico model and I drop tune it because otherwise I find I have to push down too hard. Anyway curious to see how this guitar sounds :). Once again I'm so happy for you Jack!! Take care !! 😊
Speaking of Stratocaster and Telecaster . I would recommend people to pick up an Ibanez AZ any day over a Fender guitar. Or a Charvel ? I really love Ibanez so much. I do own some Ibanez Quest who sound better than any Fender I've played 😅
Although after hearing you play the Fender it does sound really nice !! It's got a fair bit of chunky aggressive tone. Or maybe that's your effects and neural dsp!?
You swore a lot in this one 😂. I feel bad for Fender 😢. Thank you for being so honest man. I will not go near any Fender guitars in the future.
Thank you bro, that means a lot to me! The demo track is recorded how I'd record this guitar for like a release or something. I feel like that's how the guitar would sound on a record so it should sound like that here too if that makes sense? The ultimate goal is for it to make music. Yeah, I swore a bit too much I think, I'm sure people wish they could put bleeps on me in real life 😂
😆 I um just rewatched the video and your joke about warhammer got me . Girls can be so cruel 😂!
I honestly feel lucky because anime and video games used to be so nerdy 🤓. That's alright I like being a bit nerdy. ( they were when I was in highschool) but for some reason, anime and video games are cool now !? Not that I really give a shxx whether people like what I like.
@@JackTaylorGuitars
I thought the Fender sounded pretty kick ass . But the fact that you hated it that much tells me it's not that great.
Great critical review, thanks. Some of the Players are on sale at GC this month and I'm going to try them in store to see what's going on. Build quality and feel are important. Feel is very subjective. I know what you mean, I'll try several of the same model and one might do it for me while the others did not. Ordering one can be hit and miss. IMO the roasted maple neck on yours, especially the fretboard visually didn't appeal to me, looked kind of weird.
Thanks so much dude, I hope it helped! Yeah, definitely. Always best to try first and I hope you find one you like. Cheers mate, have a good one 🤘
The bent saddle are not there as a cost cutting mesure (block saddle in pot steel will be cheaper to produce). It is just that the bent saddle are an integral part of the Strat sound, and for once, it is not a guitar myth, people are able to tell the difference in most cases, that is why Fender when back to them even for higher end Strat (except the more modern series)... You may not like them but it is not the same thing as saying that they are bad and just a way for Fender to segment its market...
I'm sure you're right mate but if people are worrying about the tone from their saddles after running through how many hundreds of pounds worth of pedals then they need their heads screwing on imo 😂 Thanks for the info though and for checking out the video 🤘
I'd love that color in lefty. I want one like Malina Moye's with the reverse headstock and upside-down logo.
Thanks for watching bro! I haven't seen the one but I'll surely check it out 🤘
Strats have its own character and I'll admit that nothing is quite like a Strat. But today it doesn't have the edge over the other brands that makes Strats for a cheaper price but with a better QC and offers a lot more of the budget. Tagima, PRS, Yamaha and even Schecter is in the game aswell
I 100% agree with you dude. Thanks for watching mate 🤘
i dunno man, could be a dud, i bought player series strat last year, no issues with build quality on mine. i did end up changing the pickups. There were nothing wrong with originals but i wanted to pimp it up for metal. tuners are just fine, they hold the tune for weeks without spanking the tremolo. I do not have experience with more expensive guitars, build quality is compareable to PRS SE i had before. for the price tag of 700€+ its fine for what it is imo
I’m glad you like yours dude and I guess you could be right but I don’t think this was a dud. Like I mentioned in the video, it’s got problems but it’s a fine guitar. It’s just lacking for the price, people just buy the brand name but the market is full of much better guitars for much cheaper. I played £300 Cort at a store the other day and it put this particular Strat to shame. Either way, thanks for listening to my opinion and sharing yours. I appreciate it! 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars i do agree, if brand name is not important for buyer, people are better off buying 300-400€ indonesian made guitars, ltd, cort, squier, etc. Brands allways slaps that brand tax on. This one was the cheapest fender branded guitar sold as new, so i had to buy it to see if that brand means anything. Im satisfied with that purchase but i do recognize i could have gotten same quality cheaper.
Yeah man and like, I do get it, it’s the same with cars, clothes, whatever and people should absolutely play what makes them feel good. I just think it’s time big brands started doing better and looking after their players a bit more. In a perfect world, right? 😂 Thanks again dude!
I ordered a player series in 2019 and had to send it back because it had various defects. The second one I got is impeccable and I love how it feels and plays. Somehow you have the feeling that everything will be more expensive but not better, no, many things don't even stay good
I'm really happy you managed to get a good one in the end dude. Thanks for checking out the video! 🤘
Maybe in general it's not a good time for you to get a Fender? I used to own a lot of different guitars. Some time ago i had an AmPro Tele and you know what? I was also not satisfied. It was well done in a beautiful Sonic Gray color, with a good sound, but no love:) Once i woke up with a first mind in my head that i want some Fender. I went to my local shop and i liked even Squiers. It's a pair of tool+expectations. If you are mostly metal player, you should expect, that Fender can do it somehow, but Ibanez/Jackson/E-II will do it perfectly. Vise versa, Fender will do perfect clean and crunch, while shredder-types will be slightly worse. Heel, radius, volume knob position, output... if you are ready to deal with it, go on, or do mods. Or just don't believe in brands, get Charvel, basically they are modified strats that can do metal and has modern construction. Cheers.
Nah, I don't think it's that. I've historically been a big strat fan (even though I tend to play far more heavy stuff). This one is just not a very good example of what Fender is capable of. Thanks for checking out the video dude 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars Make sense, probably just a unit:) From my last good Fenders it was a Mustang in VW produced in 2022 (more yellowish than 1st gen of 2019 or so). I used to spend an evening with a screwdriver to set it up after factory + to set a tremolo. As far as i remember from all Fenders that i had before, this one was the best. But pickups:) I decided to put it on sale, if no one will buy it quickly, i would swap them for DiMarzios or SDs. But i sold it in a couple of days:) TBH regretting. Build quality was very good, playability, inspiration to play, only pickups were so-so especially for heavy genres. Cheers! Wish you to find your good Fender:)
That's interesting man! And thank you, I hope I find it too 😁
Congrats on 5k! So you're going to keep the guitar?
Thanks so much mate! I don't think I am no...😂
My brother bought a player series telecaster. The tone knob had to be replaced it wasn't working properly. The nut had to be replaced the frets leveled neck had to be fitted in the pocket better because the top e was to close and would fall off of the fret edge while playing. It's nice now but it shouldn't have left the factory.
That’s the problem isn’t it, some work and they’ll be alright but we shouldn’t have to be doing that! Thanks for watching mate 🤘
I love my player strat. Sounds and feels amazing. If you get a crappy guitar these days it's your own fault. There are so many quality instruments at an affordable price. Should probably try a guitar out before you buy it.
I’m glad you found a good one dude! I don’t agree that it’s the individual player’s fault if they received something sub standard though. We as the consumer should be able to trust a manufacturer like fender to make a product that matches their reputation every time and not give them the benefit of the doubt or have to stick up for our instruments when someone else doesn’t like them. Appreciate you watching mate 🤘
I agree its bad they don't come properly set up, of course i do. But these guitars are really popular, so are the fat 50s pickups. The playability of the neck is really good and bent saddles are found in numerous models of fender strats. If the guitar doesn't inspire you it may just not to your taste, rather than it actually being 'bad' This is my dream guitar once the saddles have been swapped out. Going to purchase soon
I'm aware dude, I've played a lot of strats in my lifetime. Of course, this is all personal opinion but my biggest issue is that this guitar is not worth the price aside from the garbage spray job. You're buying the brand name, not a guitar that warrants this price tag. If you're into it though, don't let me stop you. My advice though would to be to read the comments on this video and make up your mind from there. In any case, you're not wrong for liking and wanting the guitar, all I can do is share my experience with this based on my experience with guitars of all price points. Cheers dude 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars That’s fair enough, i’m
not big into Fender and wouldn’t buy for the name. this guitar just happens to have every single spec i want including colour and right down to neck radius and obviously pups. its not easy to find without spending a lot and im quite particular about little things. but Fender really need to have better quality control and its a shame they charge what they do. i hear you
Ah I see dude, I guess you are limited for options then. There's a lot to be said about getting a guitar that matches exactly what you want so by all means grab one. Hopefully you get a good one, I'm sure there's more good than bad, but if you're prepared to do a little work to make it even more tailored to you then even better. Thanks again man and best of luck with the Strat! 🤘
I recently purchased one in Fiesta Fed from a Musician’s “Friend”ly online retailer. Everything was quite nice as it should be, save the pickups. They were NOT fat 50’s, but rather regular player almico 5 pups. Plastic bobbins, regular wire, non staggered pole pieces, no Custom Shop stickers on pups and so on. Huge, huge, huge quality issue from Fender and a huge disappointment to me. Everything else was excellent about the guitar. MF paid return shipping and were very kind and apologetic, so kudos to MF, but Fender? Probs ran out of Fat 50’s and figured nobody would notice.
Yeah dude, fair play to Musician's Friend but that's not cool from Fender at all. Thanks for watching dude, I appreciate it! 🤘
just got one new, besides on bad fret, everything else was pretty good. Mine was not flamed maple, but the neck looks super cool! Very 3d-ish for a maple neck.
That's good man, I'm glad you got a good one! Thanks for watching 🤘
Roasted wood might turn out darker or lighter in color in the process even if the pieces were treated equally, the physical properties should be the same in regards of its hardness, modulus of rupture, elasticity modulus, and weight.
Fender is a staple in the world of electric guitars and basses, and they have been used in many of the most famous rock, blues, metal recordings, can't go wrong with them. But, there are indeed so many options nowadays that offer so much better specs at the same price range or even cheaper.
Thanks for the interesting comment dude! You're right, Fender are a staple and that's why this is such a disappointment. You shouldn't have to worry about their instruments being sub-par in my opinion. Cheers dude! 🤘
Fender is tied up by private equity investors so they really don't give a damn about QC issues or the fact that fairly recently Fender laid off some of its workforce once a company gets taken over by Private Equity there is less accountability with the brand/name.
Yeah dude 100%. Thanks for watching man 🤘
the Jet Guitars JS-300/400 strats are just way better feeling and for 200 BUCKS AT THAT! The neck on the Jets are sooo much better than the fender player series ones ive tried
I've personally not had the best experiences with Jet so I wouldn't go for them but I know a lot of people really do like them which is awesome. They've got a lot going for them for sure. Thanks dude 🤘
I found some brand on Amazon last year called M Musi and I have to say I bought a few and they're really good guitars. Roasted maple necks (some with rosewood boards), SS frets, compound radius 9.5" - 12", mahogany body, locking tuners, decent pickups with Alnico magnets and a good bridge. I bought a Virgo Fusion and two Capricorn Classics for next to nothing and I really like them. They're all unavailable now and I'm not sure they're coming back in stock so I'm happy I got them. They went under the radar for a year and then more people noticed them.
I love Fender and Strats in particular (I own 4) but this Player series is an absolute miss. Couldn't agree more with everything you mentioned, for a very simple reason: the player series should be the most versatile ever. Vintage saddles are for vintage models, same for fat 50's for fox's sake ... crappy machine heads, barely acceptable frets (stainless steel jumbo? anyone???) ... what are they doing?!
Me too man, I'm a big strat fan but this is just not it! Thank you mate, I appreciate you checking out the video 🤘
I remember getting the Nick Johnston s-style from Schecter and that was the straw that broke Fender's back for me. There are just too many better guitars to waste money on most Fenders these days. If you want the name, fair enough, but you're really not getting much more than that from a Fender, especially under about $1500.
I 100% agree my dude. Thanks for checking out the video 🤘
The first 5k of many more
About the strat, well, always need a single coil guitar, and I'm with you about the finished.
I got mine in FB marketplace, and it's pretty well for the price
Thank you so much my dude! I think you did right, I'd have been happier if I got this 2nd hand but you live and learn. I'm glad yours is good though! 🤘
The bridge volume knob could only be in a worse spot if it were between the bridge and middle pickups.
i love the feeling of strats but i 100% agree, first thing i do with mine is replace the pickguard with the ones that have the volume in the tom delonge spot
This is a great call dude!
As someone who’s gonna get one as their first electric guitar I’m fine with the issues as I’m already saving for a mod shop once I get a little better
As a first guitar, you'll love it I'm sure but I wouldn't personally waste the money when you can get something damn close to this for less than half the price. Then you've got more put away for a mod shop when you come to buy it! If you're dead set on a fender then look second hand for these. If you're happy to try something else the Squier Classic Vibes are great, Harley Bentons are also amazing for the price. Congrats on deciding to pick up a guitar, that's super cool! I hope you enjoy it 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars yeah,as a leftie it was a little hard to come by but I found one for a good price second hand
That's awesome mate! Good find and enjoy playing!
what brands do you recommend in the same price range if the fender isn't worth it?
Thanks for watching mate! My immediate suggestion would be the Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional, just a much better guitar. From there, if you went second hand you can get an Ibanez AZ for around the same price but far better. They’d be my first two suggestions if you’re shopping in that price range. Hope that helps! 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars thanks for your recommendations man really appreciate it! Where I am schecter is like 200 euro more expensive. The player series is selling for around 700 euros here. What would you recommend if one would go the cheaper route 300-600 eur?
No problem mate! At a cheaper price point, I'd say the Sire Larry Carltons are great, the Cort G models like the G300 or similar play incredibly well, or if you can get Harley Benton where you are from Thomann then they're awesome too. Also ESP LTD SN models are awesome. Cheers dude!
@@JackTaylorGuitars thanks for taking the time my man!
Anytime! Happy to be of some use 😂
You can send the guitar to me, in Brazil. I'd love it.
We'd all love a free guitar bro! Thanks for checking out the video 🤘
Jack why does that strat body look smaller? I like it
I dunno mate, I don't think I've gotten bigger (hopefully) 😂 It's definitely full size but maybe it's the wide lens I use to film. Thanks for watching mate!
It’s because it’s shot with a wide angle lens at close distance from an elevated angle. The perspective is giving him a big head and small guitar. It’s like when people take pictures of puppies with wide angles right above their head making it look huge compared to the rest of the body. You can see this effect go in and out with the different perspective cuts from 5:30 on. Notice how when the guitar head is close to the camera it dwarfs the guitar body. Perspective.
If you're considering a strat check out the Schecter Nick Johnston, it's way better in every way with amazing specs.
100%. It's leagues ahead of this thing. Thanks for watching mate! 🤘
Will any strat block saddles fit these player strats?
They won't dude, no. The American saddles have a different string spacing so they're slightly wider. If you're looking for some, get Highwood saddles. They're super comfortable and still bent steel, they're just much better! Thanks for checking out the video mate 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars ok thanks. I think I've found some block ones that fit Mexico strats, Wilkinson ones. Hopefully they'll fit. Want to try a different option than the bent ones. I got a limited edition inca silver player and agree the finish was a bit sloppy but it plays well otherwise.
Yeah, wilkinson ones are good. Or there are some graph tech ones that fit too. Nice man, I hope you enjoy it! 🤘
Is it plausible there's tons of hastily built stock leftover from Covid?
Yeah man, I think that could be entirely possible. I guess I could rest a bit easier if that was the case but it’s still kinda crappy of them banging this stuff out! Cheers for checking out the video bro, I appreciate it 🤘
I bet a Squier Classic Vibe strat from 5-10 years ago puts that strat to shame.
No doubt. I had a classic vibe about 10 years ago and it was so much better than this 😂 Thanks for watching dude!
So about four months ago I decided that I would break my tradition of getting decent Korean, Chinese, and Indonesian guitars and buy a quality American guitar. Had my heart set on a T-style and played the full Fender offerings including both the Player and Player Plus. I wasn't impressed by either of those or the Pro ll. I ended up buying a Godin Stadium Pro which I absolutely love, This Canadian axe has better pups and an amazing neck
Yeah they're really not doing great work atm tbh. Never tried a Godin electric but I've heard so many good things. Thanks for watching dude 🤘
Just bought a Squier CV 60s and it was awful. Took it to a luthier and changed pickups, sanded frets, truss rod was way off and had to buy a tusq nut because it was unsalvageable.
That's super rough dude. How's it playing now? Thanks for watching too dude 🤘
Glad I watched this because I've been looking at these, I mean switching tuner's or pickup's is a choice but having to correct factory flaw's?? I'm over that S**T.. I know I'm not Paying a Grand and having to work on one from the factory at that price anymore .Mehh!!! I'll just stay with my LP's and to think I was thinking about coming back to the other side...🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for checking the video out mate 🤘 Yeah man, me too. It's not good enough really.
Fender QC went massively downhill from the time of covid onwards.
Ive spoken to a guy who worked at Ensenada at the time, and just after, and he said they were put under massive pressure by management to...
"Get stuff out the door".
Ive played loads...and 90% have been not great...especially fret jobs.
Get a Harley Benton instead.
A quarter of the price...and better QC.
This is pretty damning stuff dude to be honest and I fully believe it! Thanks mate 🤘
Only issue with Harley Benton is if you buy it from Thomann and you live in the US and you have to return it, have fun. I went through that BS about 8 years ago, never again. So I said f*ck Harley Benton. If you're going to buy one buy it from their Reverb store which supposedly pulls stock from a US warehouse. Yes, the fretwork on post plandemic Fenders suck.
Like everything, it's an opinion. Apart from mine requiring the usual setup from the shop, mine is great for the price.
To a certain extent, definitely. There's a lot of opinion in this video but I would say the facts of poor quality control being evident can't really be ignored. I'm stoked you got a good one though man, thank you for checking out the video 🤘
Great content, sub'd!
Thanks so much mate, I really appreciate that!
Put the boot in, my boy. Good to see some critical reviews on CZcams. Good work. ❤
Thank you mate, I’m really glad you enjoyed the video! It doesn’t make me feel good to be negative but I’ve gotta be honest 😂 Thanks again 🤘
Few months ago I got a player series Jaguar. It was terrible. Buzzed like crazy and the neck was uneven and uncomfortable. Fender is a joke at this point
That sucks man! It's so hit and miss it seems. My best mates Jag is awesome but it's a few years old now. Might have been a pre covid model before they starting bashing them together fast 😂 Thanks for watching dude! 🤘
Man that sucks. I got one when they were first released and it was flawless.
Buy the PRS Silver Sky SE. Better build quality and consistency in same price class. just replace the ugly gray tuners with PRS vintage locking. Much better S Style guitar. sorry, Fender. You've lost your edge
I think you're probably right my dude! Thank you for checking out the video man, I appreciate it 🤘
That colour doesn't look right with the roasted maple...my opinion.
That's totally fair dude! Thanks for watching, I appreciate it 🤘
Actually, none of the big makers can sell me anything. I've discovered tools, videos and the joys of maintaining, modding and upgrading, I do the work, I save money and I REALLY own the guitar!
So are you building partscasters dude or just buying second hand? I'm with you, if you can do the work it's a good skill to have. Thanks for watching!
@@JackTaylorGuitarsI started modifying pawn shop prizes some years ago, and then got into modding cheap new guitars. My most recent cheap acquisitions have needed VERY little. I did acquire skills as well as tools over time, along with the gear. These have helped make most of my guitars play and sound much better than their age and cost of acquisition would suggest. The main reason, though, why the big guys can't sell me anything is because I have all I can store. I have like 15 instruments in toto, including 10 six string guitars, 2 bass guitars, 2 MIDI keyboard controllers, and 1 MIDI drum controller. All this for a non-gigging musician. After this, I have to sell something to make room for anything else!
Ah I see! I think you're going about it the right way tbh mate. I like new gear, sure, but I like working on my own stuff too. I totally get it! Thanks again 🤘
It’s a somewhat upsetting and laughable that my guitar prep on the stuff I create seems to be much better than fender…and I’m an amateur 😂
Keep trying strats, but they’re just not for me
It really is dude! They should be doing better than this. I'm definitely a strat enjoyer but to be honest dude, I'm with you, I think I'm done with them now. Thanks mate, hope you're well! 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars I’m good, trying to find a house for rent atm so it’s all go 😂 hood you and yours are well 👊🏻
I recently had pup, wiring change, Gilmour mod, treble bleed…sounded fantastic, but just not me.
Strangely enough the 1980’s Indian encore strat is one I really enjoy playing, but it’s in the middle of restoration atm
Oh man, I don't envy you! That's always a hectic time. We're good thank you dude! Hope all goes as smoothly as it can looking for a new place 🤘
They will never make a good mid level guitar. They know people wouldn’t buy the American ones then
I'm scared you're probably right on that dude! Thanks for watching mate 🤘
Couldn't agree more about Fender phoning it in because they know people will buy for the name. How I ended up with my PRS SE Silver Sky instead, I've never played a Fender Strat I've liked.
The Silver Sky is definitely seeming like a more appealing option now tbh. Thanks for watching mate, I appreciate it 🤘
"It Sucked ALL the Inspiration out of me like a Vampire that feeds on Joy." Why don't you tell us what you really think? Sounds like a "winner"... Not.
😂 Sometimes you’ve just gotta say what you think I guess! Thanks for watching mate I appreciate it 🤘
Fender has two colour of the maple neck what you have there is what Fenders calls a Caramel... just saying
I can’t find a single thing to say Fender has multiple colours of roasted maple neck dude. I think you’re confused with finishes of regular maple. Cheers for watching though.
Absolutely not worth it at all and the Player tele even worse. So many better guitars for the cash
Yeah dude, I'm afraid you seem to be spot on with that! Thanks for watching man 🤘
Take it back to the shop if it's that crap _ why keep it
It's a fair point mate. The issue I have is I like to actually give the guitars I do videos on a fair shot so I have them a little while before making videos generally. I don't like the guys who'll review a guitar 30 seconds after opening it 'cause I think it's a bit disingenuous. I can fix it up though, maybe I'll mod it, maybe I'll sell it on at a fair price. Just the nature of the game I guess! Thanks for watching 🤘
He’s complaining about a $799 guitar
Lol
Alright Mr Moneybags 😂
You're reviewing the wrong guitar. It looks like you should be playing surf music or Hank Marvin tunes. I'm sure you'd forgive it's faults if it had a different vibe. Having said that it sounded good with your heavy riffs.
I dunno if I would you know, dude. Granted, it's not the right guitar for what I usually play but it still is just sub par. I played a £300 Cort in a store yesterday and it put this to shame 😂 I do wish I liked it though. Thanks for watching man, I appreciate it 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars Fender can take the piss with their pricing because they have the name. Having watched reviews of strats I've become convinced that you'd have to spend £2k+ to get a really decent guitar.
Save yourself half the sticker and grab a Squier CV. Every time I've picked a Player series up at the store it's outclassed by the CV hanging a few pegs down.
I 100% believe you dude. I should have got a classic vibe. Thanks for watching man! 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars Just found your channel. Love your take and appreciate your candor!!
That means a lot to me dude, thank you! Happy to have you around! 👊
If you aren't buying a USA Fender get a Tagima or a Jet.
Yet to try a Tagima but heard great stuff. Not a big fan of Jet from personal experience but a lot of people seem to like them so that's cool. Thanks for watching mate! 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars I hav no personal experience with Jet either. I was just going off of what others have said. But I do have quite a bit of personal experience with MIM Fender and Tagima. I would take the Tagima over anything other than a US Fender.
That’s interesting to know mate, thank you!
JV Modified 50s Strat
I don’t know what this is referring to but thanks for watching mate 🤘
@@JackTaylorGuitars I was refering to another one to look at.. the Fender Made in Japan JV Modified 50s Stratocaster. was a limited run from Japan and it is phenomenal .. priced between the player you bought and usa strat. just a thought. worth a look
Ah ok! Thanks mate, I appreciate it. I’ve never played a Japanese built Fender but I would definitely like to. I’ll keep an eye out, cheers!
You lost me at Boomers. Please explain what you're dribbling on about? Boomers are like 60 plus years old now mate and very likely own a lot of guitars you could never afford on a millennials wage. Do you really think Fender have made the player series for 60 to 80 year Olds? I myself am GenX buddy. I've owned a Player series Strat for years and it's fantastic. Play more instead of buy more. You'll never sound like Rabea no matter how much gear you buy.
This is the most boomer thing I’ve ever read 😂 Thanks for watching mate, I appreciate it 🤘
We have to be careful not to take one poor guitar with issues and extrapolate that across tbe whole range. Theres great Player Series Strats out there.
You’re completely right dude. That’s why I tried my best to levy my criticisms at the product and not specifically the problems it has. What the guitar feels like won’t vary much instrument to instrument given the nature of production. I don’t even think this is a poor guitar, I definitely didn’t say that in the video. It’s just not what I’d expect for the money or from the brand. Cheers for watching dude, I appreciate your thoughts 🤘
Fender has the worst quality control in the business right now. It’s a mill. They don’t check anything. Nothing. They ship totally broken guitars.
Definitely seems like that could be the case! Cheers bro 🤘
Yeah man I bought my fender player jag and it came with a hairline crack just on top of the baseplate 😭
I recieved mine last week fender player plus,but it's totally perfect,no dents
I’ve owned a ton of Fenders I’ve never had an QC issues. But Gibson on the other hand….
@@mrmgma Hilarious. I could pick up just about any Fender in any store and find something wrong with it.