The Current State of Stratocasters: w guest Jeff McErlain
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
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With the release of the new American Vintage II collection yesterday I wanted to have Jeff on (a dedicated Strat guy) to talk about the different levels of Strats that are out there. I'm sure Jeff will be holding his '64 as a benchmark. ;)
Ish Episode #2
![Let’s Talk About Fender Strats [Sounds, Bridge Setup, Pickups & More] - That Pedal Show](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-ndkUzSGKNA/mqdefault.jpg)
Strats from parts is a parallel universe that doesn't get a lot of youtube time but I have been very happy with that option. You end up with a very personal instrument and there is nothing but endless pickups to try if you feel you need something a little different. And a hand burnished, unfinished, roasted maple neck is like glass.
Agreed! If I lived in the US I would have built my ideal Strat by now.
This was my approach too. Piece one together for just say...600 bucks and you basically can get whatever woods you want, neck shapes, colors, pickups...all of it one's wicked shredding mind can come up with. I went the Warmoth route with a neck. Unfinished padouk shaft wood, ebony fretboard.
My parts-Strat is the best Strat I've had in my 41 years of playing. Still cost $1,600 but worth every penny. My guitar guy who has been a luthier since 1977 told me its as good as a custom shop (unsolicited comment) which makes me feel good
@@TeleCaster66 totally agree! I have several CS and Masterbuilt strats, and my partcasters can be put between those.
A great discussion as always! Really looking forward to coming on the channel Keith! 😎
Great show, Kieth. And it's really great that you have the great guy and player, Jeff McErlain on.
And a good friend besides.
Hearing Knopfler play "Sultans of Swing" blasting out of my dad's stereo when I was five was a revelation to me. It set in my mind what great guitar playing sounded like. Not just the playing but the tone of the strat. It's just epic, earthy and powerful.
Loved this. My big takeaway is, the less you feel like you have to mod your guitar, the happier you’re going to be with it. Which I believe more and more.
Of course, that pretty much flies in the face of the whole idea and philosophy of partscasters, which my #1 Tele is. So…?
And then…”none of it matters. Just practice.”
I am a strat fan. Appreciate the attention to strats. Also appreciate, like my home office, the wall hangings get off level. ;)
That was level when I turned it on! :)
The Tokai strats are some of the best out there. I had a Aspen strat when I was thirteen I bought it 1979 by mowing lawns. It had the early 70's big head stock and the classic three way pickup selector. There were some nice Japanese gtrs at that time. Plus at a fraction of the cost compared to the American counterparts even then.
Loved this episode. Much of what you both are describing is why I just started building my own guitars. I control everything about them - pickups, wood, neck, hardware, neck ratio, all of it.
Really great to hear Jeff’s perspective on the guitars. Great video Keith!
🙏🏻🙏🏻
I've owned 10+ Fender American Stratocasters and one G&L Legacy. My all time fav was a 1983 Dan Smith 2 knob. It had a super thin neck, played like butter. I swear it had the best tone of any of Strat I've EVER played. Eventually I traded "2 knob" in on a brand new USA G&L Legacy that became my #1 from '90 to '95.
I've played about a dozen strats in my life.. almost all fender and squier..best I've ever played is my mim 2020 player HSS in limited edition candy red burst. 2nd was a 1976 fender strat a jam buddy had..but side by side he agreed...player blew the strings off the 76.... interesting 🤔...great hang man 🤘😜🎸...was late to the show so watching reruns..lol
There are some great MIM Strats out there. My 2009 60s Road Worn is amazing. Changed my life.
There are 3 models in the strat lineup I will always buy sight unseen cause they just always feel good, the EJ Strat and a Mexican or American Deluxe model they always hit the mark.
Yeah, I don't love the 12" radius board but I've never played what I thought was a "bad" EJ.
So stoked for the SRV episode!
Looking good coming in loud and clear here in California!
Thanks. Its easy for me to forget that most folks won't be watching this live.
I wish I could have hung live because I dig your videos and am Stratocaster obsessed but the delivery of stage 4 wound care surfaces took precedence this afternoon! 🤍🎸
I bought my first pre CBS Strat in 1990. A '64 in Surf Green with Gold Hardware. I still have it. I went pro in '91 and used the '64 on every Record and on every Gig. In 2007 I bought another pre CBS Strat. A '63 in Sunburst. These two Guitars are used for 95% of my playing. They sound quite different. The '63 has Black Bottom Pickups and Stackpole Pots, the '64 has Grey Bottom Pickups and CTS Pots. All original. I really love the two old Workhorses. They feel like parts of my Body by now. My Son is a Guitar Player too. He will keep on playing them when I'll be gone some day. I own Gibson, PRS, Dean, even Ibanez Guitars, but Fender is the superior Design.
Great chat, Keith! I kept thinking of your friend you mentioned in your How Many Guitars Do You Need video, way back when. You stated your buddy had been playing one strat for everything for many years, and when asked why he didn’t buy another guitar, he replied, “What for?”
Jeff’s blonde strat with buckers sounds terrific.
Not sure about sonic differences, but my Don Grosh strat with a rosewood slab board just looks cool as hell 😊
As much as I love Strandbergs, when you plugged that PRS ME in right after the Strandberg, the PRS sounded so much richer
Japanese 62 reissues are my favorite. I have 3 and really enjoy them.
Didnt catch it live but enjoyed it nonetheless. Really liked that there was no price snobbery like I see on many guitar sites. Thanks for the show!
Like most guitars, Strats all have their own personality. You could play a mess of them, but it's special once you find the one you really click with.
This is so true!
I'm a bass player that hammers on a six string for fun, but i agree about the 7.25 fretboards. They just feel silky and comfortable to me, especially with a thicker neck.
It's the same on basses too, the rounder and thicker, the better. Like a '54 P Bass.
I like them round & thick too
@@johncox6204 lol
@@johncox6204 that's what she said.
With gear acquisition syndrome it gets pretty easy.
If you have a Les Paul or guitar with humbuckers it's a no-brainer that you absolutely have to get yourself a decent Strat or a Telecaster, but you got to get something decent with single coil pickups.
In my humble opinion the top Strat Gunslinger at the moment is none other than the outrageous Michael Landau!
No matter how many times I watch him, and I watch him constantly, he never ceases to amaze me not only with his phrasing and his tone but just the way he works the pickup selector switch is genius!
There's a 14 minute video of him with Wayne Krantz and Jimmy Herring from The Allman Brothers that is an absolute must-see!
It's right here on CZcams so no excuses!
I'd be interested in the Waylon Jennings Tele history.
Narrated by Waylon like a Dukes of Hazard episode.
I’ve only ever had one Strat. A 95 American standard I bought new in 96. I liked it then and I still do. I know there’s a huge fandom for the vintage ones but I don’t have thousands of dollars. Mine works pretty good in surf green. Interesting video nevertheless. But Keith, you always say that you emphasize the best gear for the least money. I’ve noticed that you are focusing more on the most expensive stuff now. I guess that comes with success!
Fewer but better, sane way w everything fir me, cars, lawnmowers, clothes, guitars…
@@fivewattworld I have a friend who lives with a minimalist mentality, she told she would rather pay more for a good/quality item and have 1, rather than spend less money for multiple subpar items. It makes sense!
@@Florida_Boi_321 That's what I said to my girlfriend ,when she asked why so many ? My reply I just have the one
"collection"
Hate to break it to you but a strat from 1995 is vintage now.
By the mid 90s Fender quality had greatly improved . I've got a 99 I bought new , and it's hands down the best guitar I've ever played , let alone owned . They really are special .
The new Fender American original strats are Amazing in my experience...I've not played a bad one yet. Ive sold all my older American Vintage Series and replaced them with American Originals and never looked back.. One cool thing I like is their finish is so thin they chip and relic just like the old ones.
Is the American Original the same as the American Vintage II’s that just came out? Or are you referring to a different model? Thanks : )
No, the american originals replaced the AVRI series in 2017 until currently. They use REAL nitro paint jobs with no poly undercoat like the american vintage series, and they use period correct neck sizes,(FAT on the 50's strats and teles) etc, and pickups designed for each model. Unlike the older AVRI series that used C necks on everything and nitro/poly paint jobs. Great guitars but my AMerican originall strat reeks of nitro when I open the case and chips if I look at it wrong....just like my real 62. Not for everyone but closest thing to a real vintage guitar you can buy IMHO. I will probably check out the new AVRI 2 series but the specs look like an upgraded vintera to me so far....cheapest pickups fender makes and skinny c shaped necks on all, but I will reserve judgement untill I play one.
@@bobpedone6168 thanks Bob.! I did not know about the A0’s at all. I tried looking up something like that but nothing came up on reverb. I’ll try again. Maybe they are rare and coveted by their owners like you and that’s why they don’t come up.
I’m scratching my head. So in a maybe more limited, but more accurate sense,.. Fender has done this before.. but perhaps better? You seem to really know what you are talking about. Do you know where I can find info on that poly undercoat of the new AVII line. A few folks have mentioned it, but is there a source closer to Fender that can address this more specifically?
Thanks for sharing your experience.
@@michaelaiello9525 you won’t find the American Original on Fender’s website anymore - it’s been discontinued. I just picked up a shell pink AO 1960s Strat and love it. I used to regret selling my Eric Clapton Stratocaster but this AO really fills its shoes and then some. The shell pink is absolutely stunning in person, pickups are warm and articulate, and the neck is super comfortable.
The American Vintage II replaced the American Originals.
@@bobpedone6168 I’m not so sure about your claim of there being no poly undercoat on the AO line. Just a quick Google search and reading gear forums and Strat-Talk, the general consensus is the AO has a poly undercoat. The nitro finish though is thinner on the AO then the AVRIs.
I want that Fiesta Red Strat on your thumbnail. Apparently, they're selling fast.
The strat is still the perfect guitar for me. I've owned lots of guitars but the strat is always home base for me. Most of what I expect from a guitar comes from the strat. The ergonomics, the punch of single coils, the cry, the scream, the drama, the clean, floating tones. I feel most comfortable with strats. And I still love other guitars. I love a nice SG, Explorer, PRS, G&L, headless too. But the strat is just the workhorse that delivers the lager every time.
I'm all about building a great guitar instead of trying to buy a perfect one. It's much more cost effective. The Sterling Cutlass CT50 HSS in firemist silver I modded the shit out of, has everything I need and more! Everyone who picks it up is blown away by the looks feel and most importantly, the tones that come from it! With a little elbow grease you can put together some good guitars for under a grand.
I run a small shop in NH, and a year ago a loyal customer of mine brought in 3 strats for me to part out to make his "dream" strat. In lue of payment he gave me the leftover parts. From which I made the best strat I ever have owned. US Artist series body, US performer neck, and Lindy Fralen electronics.
He has since sold his dream strat and I have a #1 that is on par with any new or vintage strat I've ever played. Moral of the story, the best ones you don't look for, they come to you.
Olympic white + rosewood finger board + tortoise pick guard is the nicest looking Strat ever. 👍🏼
my tele is white/tort/rosewood - looks great
Well then you've never seen my Relic'ed Daphne Blue +maple finger board + tortoise pick guard 😂
@@STRATMAN1969 a torty always looks the business
@@frankcarter6427 Damn strait .I would even go so far as to propose a NO white pick guards ever policy lol.
@@STRATMAN1969 no, the peasants should stick with their guards so we can feel superior
Nice. Loved Jeff commenting about 'cheap stuff'. Got some.
First, Crafted in USA Peavey Predator DX, Turbo. Great HSS switching. $249 with a gig bag new.. '94
It could cover almost anything, Heck, i used it for band practice in the mid '00s.
Still rox.
Next, a private label DeltaTone. Homely head stock but loved the look, sorta a CSB with TS and blk parts.
$75.00 new just over 10 years ago. FM212 and some Schenker. Rocked.
oh, i miss my '75 SB HT. Bought in '76. man, should have fixed the broken '64 SG. Strat was nice.
So who is the pickguard company?
Another great video, thanks. I still have a lovely blue maple neck from Roland (1980) that came with their GR300 guitar synth (I think Ibanez made the guitar for them). It has served me well - classic Strat sounds, plays beautifully! I tried an American Ultra last week - rosewood neck with the S1 thing - the 2 extra settings were both superb, the neck + bridge was a treat! Same as the one you have there - cream with tortoise-shell pick-guard. I can definitely see it in my future!
I’ve always been puzzled too why people think rosewood board are “warmer”. I too have always found it the complete opposite. While I thinks it’s more so the pickups, every 60s style strat I’ve play has been more aggressive and snappy and may a bit “darker” but not exactly warmer. 50s style on the other hand have always felt smoother, creamier and a bit more mellowed out.
It comes from the '60s. As I'm sure you know, Fender switched to rosewood boards during '59 and the Strat tone changed slightly. What doesn't get talked about is that they switched to 3 ply guards and put an aluminium, full size grounding plate under the scratchplate. That grounding plate changes the tone of the pickups in a relatively big way, like pickup covers on humbuckers, but you couldn't see it, so if you didn't know, you assumed it was the fingerboard. They stopped putting them on in '67, around the time they started fitting maple boards, and when the pickup specs changed... Guess what? The tone changed again. Must be that fingerboard, right?
In most cases, guitarists are good at talking, not so good at thinking.
I used to think rosewood was warmer as well. I briefly had a strat with an all rosewood neck, and it was probably the brightest guitar I’ve ever played. Not at all what I expected.
I own two pre CBS Strats. A '63 and a '64. I have played Originals from the Fifties too. They respond quicker. My Strats go booiiing, while the Fifties Strats I have played go pinggg!😆 And the Mids are different.
I'm really late watching this, but as always I really enjoyed the show. I really like that you guys showed Squires some love. I have an 89 Squire. The only parts that are original is the body, neck, and pick guard. Thanks Keith
Thanks Keith and Jeff
That Charvel Jake E Lee!!!!! Great playing and insight from Jeff!! Love that HH masterbuilt too. I thought it was sacrilege when I put a DiMarzio Utopia HSH set in my 2008 AM Deluxe but it's way more versatile than I thought.
Stratocasters are the best guitars in the world. If i had to choose a single guitar for the rest of my life, the choice is easy
Hard to argue with that! Even though my LP is my go-to guitar my Strat is the only guitar I'd never sell.
I wholeheartedly agree 😍
Hi Keith, I'm watching you from London England. Great Show.
Nice!
I Strat guy… I don’t understand when people say “that they are not”. The years have so much to do with it. In the late 90’s the standards are some of the best strats ever made. I played several in that era that I’d play over some pre-CBS models.
Great video fantastic insights. I've gone through a lot of gear trying to sound better or like someone else. Great advice @1:04:48 Practice on one guitar and minimal gear and get better at playing. Onto practicing...
Since originally watching this video , i weighed my 99 US Standard and its just a touch under 7 and a half pounds , which i find just perfect . The Les Paul I used to own was nearly 9 and the Custom was heavier than that but I dont know its exact weight . I really loved the look and sound , but it was so uncomfortable to play seated and too heavy standing . I have Arthritis, a bad back and calcium deposits on my left shoulder , so weight is an issue for me .
Cool show! I've only got a couple of Strats but I wouldn't get rid of them. My old late 90s MIM and my late 20teens MIC. I don't need a custom shop or anything like that. Why bother when both of these sound great, play great and didn't cost me much.
Mario Martin makes amazing strats. Highly recommend. Necks are the best playing I've ever felt including custom shop.
I love the music in the intro! Who is that...where can I get that? Absolutely beautiful!!!
That's on Jeff McErlain's first record.
@@fivewattworld I found it "Highlands" Thank you! Really love what you do, bringing me back to my discovery of music. Your history videos have helped me understand why I am the musician that I am.
The current state of Fender, including Charvel guitars 🎸 is that I got rid of them all for a Tokai Japanese Strat! Gone are the days of incremental improvements period! This Tokai is Exceptional in every way and now I'm looking forward to getting a "love rock" Tokai! 😁 F Fender!!!
I wish 7.25 and soft V’s on a rosewood slab were possible to find in a Fender replacement neck. And I wish Fender sold unfinished bodies. But then I guess I would never be tempted by AVII’s and Custom shops. When all is said and done, you have to thank Leo for giving everyone the possibility to put together their almost perfect Fender.
I was never happy with Strats and overdrive especially in the 2 and 4 positions. I still have to find that “wow” Strat. I don’t like humbuckers, 2 point or Floyd Rose bridges, and heel contours either. The new Fender AV2 looks good.
Great show, I really enjoyed it….
Would prefer that we communicate via email. I understand that Telegram has a significant amount of scam activity… thank you
I just weighed my late 50's reissue: 6.8 lbs. Awesome
I own Squiers, Mexican made, American, vintage American. All can be used to achieve great music making. Stratocasters forever ❤️🔥
A friend gave me a Squier Strat (Indonesia) a few weeks back..
i weighed it after watching this video, it came in at 5 1/2 pounds all up
I think I have a unicorn
Hot-rodding the pickups are in the near future
Many Squier Affinity strats are in that weight range. The Squier bodies are not alder or ash as Fenders are, but are some softer/less dense wood
@@Ninjametal Bass wood ? also thinner bodies = less lbs
@@STRATMAN1969 Indeed the newer Squiers use basswood, (I have an old Korean Squier that has a plywood body) and you're absolutely right about thinner bodies weighing less. Good point there!
"Strat-shaped objects." I love it! Elegantly avoid the question of whether a Silver Sky is a strat?
I have a Tele-shaped object that I like well.
Am I the only one who wonders what Hendrix' white strat weighed? Or clapton's black strat, or the ones Ron Wood uses or ... so many others. No, I even wonder whether they ever weighed them at all.
The thing I love about Hendrix is he was playing new strats that Fender had given him. No holy grail "late '56" nonsense for Jimi, :).
@@fivewattworld We have become far too spoiled. :-) We are the generation that can nitpick about weight, slab board, pickup winding, sound differences that the audience will never notice. They picked up their gear in the store, took it round the world and recorded classic records with it. Hank Marvin did not even test his fiesta red strat before Cliff gave it to him. Why do we bother? Because ...it is so much fun! :-)
i wanted a hard tail strat with a thick maple top and a mahogany back witch i found out had never ben done by fender, so i made my own! the guitar weighs in at 6 pounds 14 ounces and has a chimey tone i swear i couldn't have bought for less than a small fortune! it helps that i used real vintage hardware and electronics. geez looking back ive ben playing this guitar for over 20yrs now! and i did it well enuf that no one knows i made it lols! im planing to make a telecaster with the same setup and woods but i have to find a couple antique peaces of furniture to re use the wood as the quality is important. the top on my strat is crazy flame quilt with alot if grain that kinda makes the whole thing pop. i opted for a hand rubbed oil finish with a flash coat of amber nitro looks great now that its aged 20 some odd years. i love my strat! so much it needs a re fret!
Jeff’s master built with the two humbuckers hay there’s some validity for the original Fender Lead 2 I love stats still. like to get a E.J. Someday
50s Strats [reissues] for me and all 2-tone/maple. Have three and they all play and feel differently.
Where can we find this version of Highlands that you played in the intro?
I thought you said TrueFire but that one from 12 years ago where he’s playing a Marshall is not the one.
Would you please let us know.
Thanks for all you do.
That from the Umbria Blues Festival three years ago. It’s killer.
Are you there? David Denver
Oly white, rorty and rosewood My fave Strat color scheme too!
Ish guitars Syracuse NY !
To be quite honest, I'm shocked. Keith's been banging on all year about stripping everything down to the basics - to get all zen. So, I expected to see a G & L s-type guitar, a Pod Go, a pair of speakers bought at a car-boot sale. Instead, he's build a 20-acre extension to house his Strats.
The last for what I do right now turns out to be someone else’s a whole lot I guess.
It's tough to try before you buy when you are a lefty. Of my eight guitars, 5 were bought online without trying.
😎 Thanks Mac Keith ⚓️
No thank you "Mac Keith"! You just need the hat...to look like Stan Laurel as someone put in the comments, like I did.
Greetings from the Stratcave .This was awesome .I've built three part strats .My main two both have MIM Roadhouse necks Satin finish, big headstocks ,12" radius ,and maple fret boards with 6105 wire .I wish I could find another one for a new build ,but it looks like I'm going to have to go with a American Special with 9.5 radius ,and 6150 jumbo frets .I hope this doesn't radically effect my technique ,comfort ,and over all playing .Plan B thinking about getting a custom shop '69 neck for the one with '69 p-ups ,and using that Roadhouse on the new build .That would be more than a $1,000 difference .Anyone have any advise ?
Boy if that ain't the CCR snare drum sound I don't know what else is!
Less Laminate = Looks vintage sooner AND sounds better quicker.
Old guitars somehow sound and look better (after many hours of play even better than the one hidden under the bed/sometimes), but once they are "road-worn" they are more desirable. Murphy Labs for example. And, it took a 60's whatever so many years to reach that point, because they put a heavy layer of lacquer on it. Cool either way. A great looking and sounding guitar is a beautiful thing.
Keith You are always Great! WooF!!
Hi , great video thanks 😊 and great channel ! I'm going to be putting BK pickups (sss) on my Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster. Do you think fitting base plates to the pickups is a good idea 💡🤔 ?
I ‘ve no idea, sorry. Try the TDPRI forum for advice. One of the best out there.
I can see you Keith!
Strats feel like home.
what a great stream intro, can`t wait to watch this
I’m admittedly biased due to repeated experience with them but how could Mario Martins not get a mention? Fabulous light weight strats and teles.
I have been through a lot of guitars always come back to a Strat
A 59 or a 54 won't make you a better player, that's the sad truth.I wish it did.
I am by no means a man of means but I don't think $30k is too crazy for a 60/61 player grade strat.
13:36 It's probably not a super light weight piece of wood but 8 lbs isn't terrible when you factor in what I believe to be a cold-rolled steel trem block in the American Vintage II Strats.
Love the hip new look, but I do miss the denim vibe.
I hope you get to keep the Strat!
Teles are the girls we should marry, Strats are the girls we dream about.
Ha!
Those Tele girls get it done though
I thought you weren’t a strat guy? Glad to see Strats back
I enjoyed that
I've been playing the since late sixties and still have my 57 - 18250 and my 60- 53271. Never found better sounding strats, And I bought them when when they were going for £200 to £300. Sold #82300 blue which well could have been Lenon's one.
Jeff McErlain is just so easy to listen to…his speaking voice…I think his calm demeanour carries over into his playing.
I completely agree. Good to have such knowledgeable friends.
Let it grow, back gain Keith!
I’ve played since 82’ born in 72’ so you know the type of classic music we all Love from my generation. I share a B-Day with (R.I.P.)Jimi Hendrix which we all Love along with Clapton,Beck,Gilmour,SRV,Perry,(R.I.P.)EVH🎸👑,&Vai,(R.I.P.)RobbinCrosby,DeMartini,Knopler, & so many more. These guys got me playing guitar getting my first real guitar in 89’ Ibanez RG 570 (JB) I still play with Steve Vai being my influence of coarse and gifted myself the 20’ Ibanez RG 550 (NP) “Genesis” just a fan of the RG look, style, and sound!#🎸✨🔥🤘🏻🔊
Hey, could someone explain please what's the deal with 'SS' frets?
If I heard correct, you're talking about stainless steel frets right? I've never been aware that this was an issue, one way or the other, but now I realise it must be, since you guys mentioned it a lot.
I never really gave it much thought, but I had always assumed that the frets on my yamaha SG were ordinary steel, but with a chrome/nickel plating. They look nice, kind of 'satin' finish, but they don't look like stainless, which normally polishes to a very bright finish.
So what's the deal? Is it a subjective thing, or are there objective reasons why one type is better over the other?
Just my own view and understanding.....they say SS never wears out and others say they think they alter the sound of notes from nickel. I play everyday but have not worn out any nickel frets although some players do. I have SS on one strat and bending strings is super smooth. I think they are like most guitar related things. You gotta decide for yourself where something lands on your playing landscape. I have and like both nickel and SS.
I think this is really interesting because like Shawn below I don't seem to wear frets particularly. But my good friend Dan Lurie at FYD ...just does.
@@fivewattworld I like this convo. I've been thinking about ss ,until I just heard the difference on this vid. I was like WHOA ! Maybe NO !
Glad I got my 2019 fender American original strat for $2000 AUD before ever skyrocketed. Now they are 3699. Talk about inflation.
A video about Strat Plus’ would be sweet!?!
The weight comment and "keeping the lighter wood for the custom shop" makes a lot of sense. It's been a couple years since Fender had light(ish) Strat/Teles in their normal product lines. Big fail IMO. Plus, Fender doesn't like SS frets. Big fail.
I love doing warmoth and mjt tele builds.
My ideal Strat might not exist.
Roasted maple neck, rosewood board, 12inch radius, Jumbo SS frets, vintage tuners, Suhr v63 pups, 5-way, tone to bridge, vintage mod bridge, 1pc alder body, thin satin poly finish body, tung oiled neck.
Boy Suhr builds guitars pretty darn close to that spec. Don't look at the special runs they do for Humbucking Music, you might end up one Strat like object poorer.
@@fivewattworld yeah they do get close but there is no way I could justify the price. For reference the Scott Henderson signature is 7k here in Australia and a MIM Strat can be had for just over 1K.
The Strat is the perfect guitar nothing feels like it.
I agree .Absolute pure perfection !
I see you
I've spent many vacations in Encinada, Mexico... And I can testify that there is no way in hell that "the Fender factory CAN BE SEEN FROM SAN DIEGO!!!" WOW!! you must have Nikon P-900 eyeballs!!!
The current state of Strats: you can get still get one. Thank you.
Interesting show fellas thanks. I can't reconsile dream and dog guitars, one man's meat etc. Surly it's everyone's perception it doesn't matter what they look like, feel yes a wee bit, sound is all 👍👍🥃Respect to you fellas.
Man, with no mustache and a bit of beard stubble, Keith bears a striking resemblance to Detective Murdoch from the Murdoch Mysteries!
The current state of Fender Strats... they are "WAY" overpriced. I bought my 1st strat in 77', and have purchase countless other (10+) over the years. I really like Fenders, but really $2600+ for a strat with S/S frets, other USA that were $900 a couple of years ago now $1300+, a MIM strat for over $1000, and even the offshore 40th Squire $600. Honestly Fender, you're nuts, people will go elsewhere, i.e. Ibanez AZ line, for $1300 you at least get a "roasted" neck and S/S frets or countless others that are a "bargin" compared to today's strats.
It was sad when MIM went over 1k. The latest Epiphones are 1k+ How long before the classic vibe is over 1k.
Get an inflation calculator. These USA guitars are priced the same as the Strats that were made in the 50s and 60s. based on inflation. In some cases Fender is under priced based on inflation.
@@bonedale Agree! The guitars coming out of Indonesia are outstanding. China has really improved their quality. I bought a MUSI from Amazon - China, basically to give it a shot. Amazing for the price, under $350, S/S Frets, Locking tuners, Roasted maple neck, mahogany body, bone nut, very decent pups. Better than anything I've seen in the price range up to $1100. Once they restock on Amazon I'm buying another, they are honestly that good. Keep Rock'in
I was saying that the current prices are less when adjusted for inflation.
@@mwrable In less than 24 months the avg increases to strats by fender have been unhinged, try 20%. Do the research I'm right. That's more than 2x's the CPI for the same period. Today these things are mass produced by CNC, sprayed by robotics, pups mass produced, and wood is still damn cheap. In the 50's -60's all guitars made by Fender or Gibson were made by hand in small batches, so yeah they were pricey "back then" - very labor intensive. The body was hand cut, neck hand routed, the paint sprayed one at a time by hand, and oh yeah the PUPS were wound by hand... a bit labor intensive? Today you're not paying for labor or materials, rather a fat cat at FMC. There is no comparison to a unit charge in the 50's to 2022. The way you should look at it, the first computers available to the masses in the 80's... they were $2k plus , today for $400 you can buy one that is off the charts better and doesn't crash ever 2 hours.
I own a 62 Fender Stratocaster which has very thin paint job which will flake off if you look at it WRONG!
My best Strat was an Austin so hey lol 😂