I've said it before. I'll say it again. I don't think Lee realizes how good of a host he is. He sets the tone of silly, light-hearted, sarcastic, and informative better than anyone on RUclips. I think it's genius and I look forward to it everyday.
Rob has shown over the years that he has an amazing ability to know what he's playing/listening to; way beyond just dumb luck. This was a great video and very clearly illustrates just how good the MIM stuff has become over the years. There's never been a better time to be getting into guitar because at basically any price point you can get a very decently made instrument. Thanks guys!
I can’t relate to Rob’s playing except for the past couple of years or so since he’s started exploring a lot of the cleaner territories demoing guitars, but when you’re right you’re right. The man knows guitars. Also, I’ve also seen a lot of touring musicians use MIM Fenders more and more, especially ones priced like these Players - which aren’t too cheap or too expensive. They’re reliable, sounds good, replaceable or easily fixable on the road.
Always fun to see you together guys! What I like to keep in mind is, unless you’re going to play your guitar blindfolded, you have to love the look too.
I think this just goes to show that especially since the introduction of the "player series" a few years back, these Made in Mexico Fenders really do compete head-on with the American Fenders in terms of finish quality, playability, and hardware/component quality.
Just switch out the capacitor and pots (if it's 250k pots in a HH, which they for some reason do on the MIM Fenders) The capacitor is 100% a weird value compared to what would normally be found in a SS-SSS-HH guitar Pickups would go too.
Goes to show that if you pay at least a grand, you're going to get something that sounds and plays very well, and that there's basically a cap to quality. That's why people are so concerned with their quilt tops and whatever else, because the sound can't be improved upon after a certain price point, just the dainty little color details.
Robert Cray stratocasters are wonderful instruments, if you get a good one. I love the pickups on mine, with a flat-pole bridge pickup that sounds like a telecaster. I've never liked strat bridge pickups much, but this one I like. The neck is perfect, even if it is a poly finish. One of the few (only?) hardtail options, other than custom shop.
This seems like a non sequitur but there's a book by Jonathan Haidt called "The Righteous Mind" where he outlines research that suggests the brain always Intuits first, then rationalizes second. Your demo seems to confirm this, as Rob's intuitions were different with and without the blindfold. When he could see which guitar was more expensive, his intuition led him to rationalize why it's more expensive. Anyways it's always cool to see how far guitars have come and that it honestly doesn't matter what you get as long as you like it!
@@juarka2 ...right. The point is that under certain circumstances Rob's intuitions led him to opposite conclusions, suggesting that, like the Captain said, we tend to buy things with our eyes and rationalize it later.
Haidt wasn't the first psychologist to say that - it just was a great explanation to his general point. But nevertheless your association is correct, this is called affective priming. It's also widely discussed in terms of other types of priming or ideomotor effect.
@@alexlubinski7795 thanks for the added context. Definitely fascinating! This aspect of psychology is widely applicable, imo, and has helped me understand my own thought processes better!
Great video guys. I have a 2020 Strat Ultra which i love to bits but recently came to the conclusion after doing my own back 2 back, that my Partscaster is actually better (mainly due to the neck - US replacement). Hard to take due to the difference in cost 😲 Keep doing what you're doing. Love these challenges.
I bought a Player Plus the other week and I can 100% guarantee that's the best Fender playing experience I've had my whole life ('though I never tried an Ultra). I wasn't even planning on buying a guitar that day, but despite that I brought home that very Strat displayed in this video.
I tried a Player Plus Telecaster vs an Ultra in a shop and basically didn't think I could reliably tell the difference. I prefer the finish on the ultra but didn't think that was worth twice the price. I've since bought a Player Plus.
@@MrSmoothasf unless it's a Silver Sky SE, you should never regret a PRS 😎 (Not that I think that the SS SE is a bad guitar, but that's the only comparable to this one)
Great experiment! It seems to me that once a factory (in any country) has been making guitars for a decent number of years, they will have experienced guitar builders, and a Mexican builder with 10 years' experience should be as good as a US one with 10 years' experience. My favourite among my guitars is a Japanese build (the recent MIJ Tele Deluxe with tremolo), I'd place that above my American Original. And I'd put my Mexican Player above the American Performer.
The real value in the Ensenada plant is that they get the gear that was used in the Corona plant when they upgrade, and the stuff from Ensenada is sent to the Chinese factory. So Fender MIM gear made now is on par with Fender US from 5 years ago.
Well done! This is very good to see how it played out. I like Rob’s idea as well to rate them with all of the sound removed and blindfolded for feel only. Rate them and move to this test and rate them again. Finish with all senses and rate. Really good idea!
Definitely the best music channel on RUclips. I’d love to see another diminishing returns video especially in light of the new releases by Fender and Gibson
Rob's reaction at the end was hilarious, but I actually prefer the sound of the MIMs. I've listened on three different systems now and it's been the same each time. It was fascinating how Rob changed his opinion 180 degrees when he could actually see the guitars, but (for me, at least) it was totally understandable why he chose the MIMs when blindfolded if things sounded the same in room as on RUclips.
Absolutely Fantastic! This shows you the differences between the senses of sound, sight and touch. It's funny because I always HATED the Vintage Fender SC Noiseless pickups, since they came out. In fact, I never liked any of the Noiseless Pickups, Maybe, because they are stacked HB's and not real SC's. However, I just bought I Player Plus HSS (I also MUCH prefer SSS), and I absolutely love it now. Why? Probably because tastes and perspectives can change over time.
Great video fella’s. Like the old days, the rapport is still there and some useful information with a larrikin twist. The only difference from the old days (except the Kemper videos)……. Rob was stumped. Good to see you both together lately. And I suppose I am also showing my age by calling them videos. Well done.
I thought the pickups on the Ultra strats didn't sound great, they were hotter and less clear to my ears. I'd wager the sound had a much greater effect on Robs decision blindfolded than the feel did, once he took the blindfold off the feel and sight took over a bit. You can clearly see him change his decision on the 2nd strat after playing it even though initially he had it right from feeling the neck.
Yep, that was my take too. Noiseless pickups on both which I know a lot of people don’t like. I presume the “Player Noiseless” are supposed to be a budget option but they sounded better to me.
The Ultra Strat in the video is using the Hot Ultra Noiseless pickups. I have the Ultra Vintage version and I don't use the volume and tone pots past 6 for a more regular Strat sound and response. Believe it or not, the Ultras have a place in high gain applications more than you might expect.
This is absolutely fascinating, and a fantastic video. It's not only a ringing endorsement of the Player Plus series, but an interesting illustration of how the human mind perceives value. We always see the number on the price tag as the most important factor when determining quality. Rob, you shouldn't feel embarassed by the outcome of the challenge, as literally everybody does this. When you knew you were playing the more expensive guitars, you were inevitably going to pick them as the better quality ones. You picking the less expensive guitars first serves to highlight this unconcious bias, and the fact that you are an expert in the field making a considered guess proves that this bias exists. Also, the number 1 in the face or number 2 in the lap joke made me snort coca-cola out through my nose.
Ive had a ton of different guitars and finally picked up a Fender strat. Ive got a USA Bullet deluxe bass as well but we are talking guitars. Anyhow, I found the one for me. It is a 08 Mim Stratocaster, one year only electron blue with a rosewood board and it just does all the right stuff. However, comparing it to my other guitars left me intrigued. My first ever electric that I've still got is a 2012 metallic orange Squire bullet HH strat with a Bill Lawrence Bridge pup, a peavey Wolfgang neck pup, and lots of nicks and dings. Ive also got a genuine Fender bridge and trem block in it and they feel very close to the same set up properly. You can feel the fender neck has a lot more tender loving care on the carve. Also, the body on the Squire is noticably thinner overall making a lighter guitar which is definitely not a bad thing. I wouldn't hesitate to grab the Squire for a gig or rehearsal while I keep my lovely Fender at home. Both get the job done.
I love that Rob got them wrong. I actually had an experience like this recently. I innately presumed that mexi fenders were by definition worlds better than any Squier. Picked up that paranormal baritone Tele Squier and was BLOWN AWAY by it. It's super resonant and plays fantastically. So I had to take it home. Never thought I'd own a Squier after my very first instrument but their stuff has gotten dramatically better over the past 15 yrs
@@bazitube390 the older 'made in China' 50s cv strat has the bigger neck on it! I just recently lucked out and picked up a used one at my local shop. Might be worth hunting one down
@@bazitube390 I definitely get that. I'm a fan of baseball bat necks myself. I might look into getting a warmoth replacement at some point but for now I can certainly live with the neck profile.
Another great vid - I just love blindfold comparisons (we're all subconsciously enticed by the "the more expensive the better" myth), and Andertons are up there with the best. Thanks Lee and Rob (and not forgetting the behind-the-camera folk).
I have a Mexican Baja Telecaster, and I find it my most playable guitar. I just love (especially the custom shop designed pickups with the ‘s’ switch) this guitar.
i feel you Rob. when buying my first Fender last year, I was choosing between the Player P and American Pro I. in terms of feel and build quality there's not much difference except the specific unit of the Player P in the store has a scratchy volume pot (but there are other units lol) anyway, I ended up with the AmPro I precision just because, i want to say i have an american fender. but if I let my hands and ears do the thinking, instead of my ego, I'd definitely go with the Player P.
What the actual... wow.. such an interesting result on this experiment. I am definitely going to close my eyes when I try out tube amps in a couple of months.
I go by hearing alone when making my purchases. I ended choosing a Fender Pro 2 over the player series and ultra series and noiseless pickups because it sounds light years better. At least the guitar I picked out compared to the other ones. Fun video to watch though.
Fabulous Job - You have definitely outdone yourselves! Now the philosophical question: Which one of the two types of playing experiences is the more authentic one?
What I really respect about Lee's videos is that even if they're detrimental to his bottom line he still posts them and totally loves the results. The moral of the video is that the Ultra's aren't so much better to the Player Plus's that you'd pick the Ultra over the PP...thus buy the cheaper guitar. For a dealer to do that is extremely commendable.
Wowzers! Rob always gets these things right blindfolded, even down to the brand of pickups most of the time. Those Player Plus guitars must be really nice to have fooled him.
You definitely have NOT lost your touch, mate! They're just made that good now, literally anyone, other than the makers themselves would have a difficult time, not impossible, but very difficult time trying to simply hear the difference. You still rock, buddy!
I remember an old tale about Jimi hating all his Muff pedals, then the crew would bring back the first one, telling him it's a new one, been checked and spec'd, and so on, and he would now like the sound
Great video as usual. Is it me, I always seem to miss where they talk about what amp they're using as this is as important as anything. At least Lee got up and made an adjustment on the Bad Cat. Most of the time I don't know what amp(s) they're using outside of amp shootouts.
I had cheap Squier strats over the years and never liked them. I AM generally much more of a Gibson fan anyway, but I bought a MIM Player Strat a couple of years ago and it is actually a fantastic guitar. I LOVE it, especially since I got it used for about £300! Must admit I did change the ceramic pickups for Texas Specials just to get a cleaner, chimey tone, but the originals were fine.
I would like to agree with them but the biggest issue with the cheaper (mim) Fenders has been inconsistent quality control. I’ve played some of the new players series that play great and sound just as good as the American strats, but I’ve also seen an entire wall of new Players series MIM strats with the most fret sprout that I’ve ever seen on a major brand guitar. Even the Squiers in that store had better feeling necks. Basically the most important thing to remember when buying a guitar is go to an actual store and play what you want to buy. Buying online can be a roll of the dice.
The player plus series is honestly ridiculously good! I honestly prefer that player plus telecaster to some custom shop teles. Of course there are custom shop teles that are something truly special, but that player plus tele for me beats some custom shops I’ve tried. For me anyway 🙏 those player plus guitars are absolute gems 💎
I own a Pro 2 and a Player and let me tell you that I grab the Player 80% of the time and REALLY considering selling my Pro2. I think that as players sometimes we think higher quality instruments will make a guitar sound to our liking, but I find that some of my favorite tones come from the lower end models, but to each their own! 😂🤓
So true what we see really influences the way we hear things. Even just watching I automatically thought the Amercan mades sounded better, but I bow to Rob's superior ear. Great vid guys keep 'em coming.....
I spent ages in the shop comparing the Ultra Strat v the Player Plus Strat and there was so little difference, that I couldn't justify the extra £1000 despite already owning 3 other USA Strats and being a bit of a Strat snob. Well done Fender...this is a great guitar with a fantastic spec for the cash. Nice to see Rob back in the studio too.
Resell on USA fenders is much better than mx. Mx will only hold value, USA will actually appreciate. If the mx strats continue with the current standard, then this might change, but people will still want made in USA regardless. It took Ford 60 years to be priced lower than Toyota, despite Toyota being exponentially better from the get go.
I went back and re-watched this 1 year later. True proof of human nature. We pick with our eyes, food, clothes , guitars - this has to be the best blindfold test ever!!
YES! This is the best blindfold video you have done since the first Kemper video where you incorrectly picked the Kemper every time as the real amp. Don't judge with your eyes, folks!
Just proves we listen with our eyes. Chappers is a good sport for even doing this stuff. Good on ya, Rob. :D I am kicking myself for buying an American Pro II Strat when even in the store I liked the Player Series HSS better. The awesome green flamed veneer and great tone lost out to "Made in USA" and honestly also really great tone, just different. But it cost half as much. I over-spent. :p
Hang on to it and keep it in good condition and it will gain in value. The MIM not so much. USA built will always have the prestige and resale value covered.
I kinda have a similar buyers remorse on their Gibson sg special olive drab USA SME/andertons exclusive. Although I know it will most likely hold value or will appreciate, I couldn't justify it again when my epiphone les paul standard pro for about 1/3rd the price, while its not the same type, I tend to still throughly enjoy the epi more over then the SG. Probably should have bought a Gibson Les Paul right?! 😂
The quality of instruments is so high right now. I bought an Epiphone V and it's incredible. For reference, I also have an American Strat and a Japanese Ibanez (which are also both amazing).
I sort of take exception to the term "cheap" when it comes to the player series. They are still 700-800 bucks. That is nothing to sneeze at. Not like they are beginner kit guitars or something.
Player series strats are instruments that any pro musician can pick up and record with. I'm yet to see a review where people say they received a dud and are going to get it replaced or anything. The craftsmanship seems to be very consistent too. Gotta get one now.
@Andertons Music Co - I'll be honest, not being blindfolded, i preferred on both cases the cheaper ones, specially on the Stratocaster, the more expensive one had a "scratchier" sound which i did not find very pleasing. Also i gotta say that recently bought a Fender Telecaster Vintera 60's with the S1 system, MIM and it beats, in my honest opinion, any higher range Telly. When i look back to then i first started playing guitar, how the prices were, the guitar offer available back then and what it is now, it's just mind blowing. I reckon in this day and age, there's no better time to start learning an instrument. I simply love this comparison videos, blindfolded with Rob, ever since from the start (when your videos had an amazing video quality and the background was clearly made by professionals xD). Keep it up for many more years! \o
I think this shows how much once we *know* a guitar is more expensive or "higher end" we will pretty much feel that difference psychologically as much as anything else
Walked into my local shop yesterday. I plucked around on the strings to tune them up, then strummed and listened. Then I strum to feel the vibration in the body. I want to be able to feel the vibration. I paid no attention to the stickers. Out of over 120 Fender Strats, plus a handful of 50's and 60's Classic Vibes(I was aware of the Squier vs. Fender), I narrowed it down to 6 guitars that I felt suitable based on what I like. I had them unlocked, tuned, and brought to me to play unplugged. I had 2 Player series, 1 Squier Classic Vibe 50's, 1 American Performer, 1 Player Plus, 1 Ultra and a 50's Vintera Road Worn in the ugliest(in my opinion) Sea Foam Green. I was handed each guitar at random with my eyes closed to feel them being played and to hear the acoustics of each. I eliminated one Player and the Classic Vibe. I then went around the corner and had the salesman play. I listened closely for about 10 minutes as he cycled through each at random. The first guitar eliminated on sound alone was the Performer. Then, the Player Plus. Then, there was a head to head. I couldn't see the guitars, but the sonic qualities were vastly different. Both appealing, but different. I said #2. I then went and played the two plugged. I knew based on the sound, which was which. I also knew that the fretboard had smoother edges on the Ultra. I was slightly heavier, and overall, a bit more refined. But, it lacked that certain something. After playing a bit, he said, "you chose the Vintera Road Worn in each of your criteria". I paid for it. Had it adjusted slightly, and took it home to play the crap out of it. Honestly, there wasn't $100 worth of difference in the feel of either of those chosen. The MIM stuff is solid. So is the Classic Vibe line. You just have to be patient. Not every guitar in any price range feels or sounds the same. You've really got to let the guitar pick you.
I have several guitars now and I'm sure I have to change my playing style, however subtle, and warm up to another guitar just to get comfortable enough to play like I want to.
I have a MIM Player HSS Strat and a U.S Ultra SSS Strat and can tell the difference just by playing them. The USA one comes with an excellent set up and the MIM comes with the radius done and that is the end of the set up.
I've said it before. I'll say it again. I don't think Lee realizes how good of a host he is. He sets the tone of silly, light-hearted, sarcastic, and informative better than anyone on RUclips. I think it's genius and I look forward to it everyday.
Completely agree. He owns this format and the guitar world is so lucky to have him.
Agreed, the vids without him are just not the same
Plus he makes us laugh all the time!
Yes, makes it look easy but it’s not. His The Captain Meets interviews are absolutely excellent too. More of those please sir.
yes, chappers can go though uhh.
Rob has shown over the years that he has an amazing ability to know what he's playing/listening to; way beyond just dumb luck. This was a great video and very clearly illustrates just how good the MIM stuff has become over the years. There's never been a better time to be getting into guitar because at basically any price point you can get a very decently made instrument. Thanks guys!
Couldn't agree more!
Let's be honest this is no ordinary MIM, this guitar costs almost €1000. So it's great that it does it's job at that price point of course!
I can’t relate to Rob’s playing except for the past couple of years or so since he’s started exploring a lot of the cleaner territories demoing guitars, but when you’re right you’re right. The man knows guitars. Also, I’ve also seen a lot of touring musicians use MIM Fenders more and more, especially ones priced like these Players - which aren’t too cheap or too expensive. They’re reliable, sounds good, replaceable or easily fixable on the road.
What?..he had them all backwards! 😂
Even the best players get fooled by their eyes.
First, Rob’s blindfold playing is truly amazing, and second, this is a testament to how good “lower-end” guitars have become.
Hardly lower end at $1100 US.
@@Anjohl Dude, I put it in quotes. ;) Also, weren't these just $999 last month??
It’s impossible to not hit the craved neck heel on the ultra and not know which is which…
Was hoping you guys would do a video along these lines and it didn’t disappoint. Excellent stuff.
Kudos for honest comparisons I love that the Integrity of the show matters more than the results. Great job Andertons.
Always fun to see you together guys! What I like to keep in mind is, unless you’re going to play your guitar blindfolded, you have to love the look too.
There is just some chemistry between the two of you that makes your videos the greatest.
Thank so much for them.
Best. Blindfold. Challenge. Ever. Having him take off the mask and play them again was a brilliant idea. This made me so happy! lol
I think this just goes to show that especially since the introduction of the "player series" a few years back, these Made in Mexico Fenders really do compete head-on with the American Fenders in terms of finish quality, playability, and hardware/component quality.
I have a vintera series Telecaster and can honestly say its one of the best guitars i have in my collection. Mexican made Fenders are great
Both are made by mexicans... difference between those two is 150miles that separates those two factories.
Just switch out the capacitor and pots (if it's 250k pots in a HH, which they for some reason do on the MIM Fenders) The capacitor is 100% a weird value compared to what would normally be found in a SS-SSS-HH guitar
Pickups would go too.
Goes to show that if you pay at least a grand, you're going to get something that sounds and plays very well, and that there's basically a cap to quality. That's why people are so concerned with their quilt tops and whatever else, because the sound can't be improved upon after a certain price point, just the dainty little color details.
Robert Cray stratocasters are wonderful instruments, if you get a good one. I love the pickups on mine, with a flat-pole bridge pickup that sounds like a telecaster. I've never liked strat bridge pickups much, but this one I like. The neck is perfect, even if it is a poly finish. One of the few (only?) hardtail options, other than custom shop.
This seems like a non sequitur but there's a book by Jonathan Haidt called "The Righteous Mind" where he outlines research that suggests the brain always Intuits first, then rationalizes second. Your demo seems to confirm this, as Rob's intuitions were different with and without the blindfold. When he could see which guitar was more expensive, his intuition led him to rationalize why it's more expensive. Anyways it's always cool to see how far guitars have come and that it honestly doesn't matter what you get as long as you like it!
That's like the meaning of intuition.
@@juarka2 ...right. The point is that under certain circumstances Rob's intuitions led him to opposite conclusions, suggesting that, like the Captain said, we tend to buy things with our eyes and rationalize it later.
I love price/performace of MIM guitars.
Haidt wasn't the first psychologist to say that - it just was a great explanation to his general point. But nevertheless your association is correct, this is called affective priming. It's also widely discussed in terms of other types of priming or ideomotor effect.
@@alexlubinski7795 thanks for the added context. Definitely fascinating! This aspect of psychology is widely applicable, imo, and has helped me understand my own thought processes better!
Great video guys. I have a 2020 Strat Ultra which i love to bits but recently came to the conclusion after doing my own back 2 back, that my Partscaster is actually better (mainly due to the neck - US replacement). Hard to take due to the difference in cost 😲 Keep doing what you're doing. Love these challenges.
I bought a Player Plus the other week and I can 100% guarantee that's the best Fender playing experience I've had my whole life ('though I never tried an Ultra). I wasn't even planning on buying a guitar that day, but despite that I brought home that very Strat displayed in this video.
Trust me ....i bought an American Ultra and hated ...replaced for an America PRO I ...not II but the I because i hated the PRO II too .
I tried a Player Plus Telecaster vs an Ultra in a shop and basically didn't think I could reliably tell the difference. I prefer the finish on the ultra but didn't think that was worth twice the price. I've since bought a Player Plus.
It's looks and sounds so good its making me regret my recent prs purchase...
@@MrSmoothasf unless it's a Silver Sky SE, you should never regret a PRS 😎
(Not that I think that the SS SE is a bad guitar, but that's the only comparable to this one)
@@xzn1989 I love my prs, I've always had fenders so this one just made me lust after her.
theses blindfold challenges are iconic! keep doing them!
Great experiment!
It seems to me that once a factory (in any country) has been making guitars for a decent number of years, they will have experienced guitar builders, and a Mexican builder with 10 years' experience should be as good as a US one with 10 years' experience.
My favourite among my guitars is a Japanese build (the recent MIJ Tele Deluxe with tremolo), I'd place that above my American Original. And I'd put my Mexican Player above the American Performer.
The real value in the Ensenada plant is that they get the gear that was used in the Corona plant when they upgrade, and the stuff from Ensenada is sent to the Chinese factory. So Fender MIM gear made now is on par with Fender US from 5 years ago.
The dynamic duo! My heart warms each time i see these 2 chaps in the studio, such great personalities, great tone, and amazing playing.
That was awesome!!! By far my favorite blindfold challenge. I always said that your eyes tell you everything. Great seeing Chappers back.
Great comparison and interesting results. I’d also like to see you do the same thing with a 60s Vibe Squire Strat and a MiM Fender Strat.
Well done! This is very good to see how it played out. I like Rob’s idea as well to rate them with all of the sound removed and blindfolded for feel only. Rate them and move to this test and rate them again. Finish with all senses and rate. Really good idea!
I totally adored those clean sounds from the MiM strat's neck. So bright and just lovely. Honestly really preferred it to the American one.
Definitely the best music channel on RUclips. I’d love to see another diminishing returns video especially in light of the new releases by Fender and Gibson
Rob's reaction at the end was hilarious, but I actually prefer the sound of the MIMs. I've listened on three different systems now and it's been the same each time. It was fascinating how Rob changed his opinion 180 degrees when he could actually see the guitars, but (for me, at least) it was totally understandable why he chose the MIMs when blindfolded if things sounded the same in room as on RUclips.
Absolutely Fantastic! This shows you the differences between the senses of sound, sight and touch. It's funny because I always HATED the Vintage Fender SC Noiseless pickups, since they came out. In fact, I never liked any of the Noiseless Pickups, Maybe, because they are stacked HB's and not real SC's. However, I just bought I Player Plus HSS (I also MUCH prefer SSS), and I absolutely love it now. Why? Probably because tastes and perspectives can change over time.
Christmas has come early! Keep the blindfolded Chappers vids coming!
Great video fella’s. Like the old days, the rapport is still there and some useful information with a larrikin twist. The only difference from the old days (except the Kemper videos)……. Rob was stumped. Good to see you both together lately. And I suppose I am also showing my age by calling them videos. Well done.
Great video! Waiting for my local dealer, Yupangco, to have the Player Plus HSS Belair Blue in stock!
I thought the pickups on the Ultra strats didn't sound great, they were hotter and less clear to my ears. I'd wager the sound had a much greater effect on Robs decision blindfolded than the feel did, once he took the blindfold off the feel and sight took over a bit. You can clearly see him change his decision on the 2nd strat after playing it even though initially he had it right from feeling the neck.
Yep, that was my take too. Noiseless pickups on both which I know a lot of people don’t like. I presume the “Player Noiseless” are supposed to be a budget option but they sounded better to me.
The Ultra Strat in the video is using the Hot Ultra Noiseless pickups. I have the Ultra Vintage version and I don't use the volume and tone pots past 6 for a more regular Strat sound and response. Believe it or not, the Ultras have a place in high gain applications more than you might expect.
Ther noiseless pickups are bad, always have been. I can imagine a cheaper set would actually sound better.
Yep, I sold a MIM Lonestar Strat and later bought an American Pro. The MIM was every bit as good and I actually preferred it. Great video gents.
This is absolutely fascinating, and a fantastic video. It's not only a ringing endorsement of the Player Plus series, but an interesting illustration of how the human mind perceives value. We always see the number on the price tag as the most important factor when determining quality. Rob, you shouldn't feel embarassed by the outcome of the challenge, as literally everybody does this. When you knew you were playing the more expensive guitars, you were inevitably going to pick them as the better quality ones. You picking the less expensive guitars first serves to highlight this unconcious bias, and the fact that you are an expert in the field making a considered guess proves that this bias exists.
Also, the number 1 in the face or number 2 in the lap joke made me snort coca-cola out through my nose.
I agree..That is the best Experiment you folks did so far..Incredible how the eyes/brain follow branding...
Ive had a ton of different guitars and finally picked up a Fender strat. Ive got a USA Bullet deluxe bass as well but we are talking guitars.
Anyhow, I found the one for me. It is a 08 Mim Stratocaster, one year only electron blue with a rosewood board and it just does all the right stuff. However, comparing it to my other guitars left me intrigued. My first ever electric that I've still got is a 2012 metallic orange Squire bullet HH strat with a Bill Lawrence Bridge pup, a peavey Wolfgang neck pup, and lots of nicks and dings. Ive also got a genuine Fender bridge and trem block in it and they feel very close to the same set up properly. You can feel the fender neck has a lot more tender loving care on the carve. Also, the body on the Squire is noticably thinner overall making a lighter guitar which is definitely not a bad thing. I wouldn't hesitate to grab the Squire for a gig or rehearsal while I keep my lovely Fender at home. Both get the job done.
Hot take: it's been this way for 20 years, the MIM stuff just has better pickups now. My 2001 MIM strat is still my fav.
I agree. I have several MIMs from the late 90s and early 00s and they are phenomenal.
I know right? I’m GAS-ing over the 60’s Vintera Jazzmaster in Olympic white. It’s such a good guitar, but it’s also a bit pricey for my wallet.
My favourite is also a 2001 MIM
It looks like you like ceramic pickups..
@@blaymight definitely not. I changed those out immediately for Alnico. Not that they're bad, they just don't sound enough like a classic strat
I love that Rob got them wrong. I actually had an experience like this recently. I innately presumed that mexi fenders were by definition worlds better than any Squier. Picked up that paranormal baritone Tele Squier and was BLOWN AWAY by it. It's super resonant and plays fantastically. So I had to take it home. Never thought I'd own a Squier after my very first instrument but their stuff has gotten dramatically better over the past 15 yrs
the squier CV lines are also killer professional grade guitars. shame i just dont get along with the typical slim c neck ...
@@bazitube390 the older 'made in China' 50s cv strat has the bigger neck on it! I just recently lucked out and picked up a used one at my local shop. Might be worth hunting one down
@@bazitube390 I definitely get that. I'm a fan of baseball bat necks myself. I might look into getting a warmoth replacement at some point but for now I can certainly live with the neck profile.
Another great vid - I just love blindfold comparisons (we're all subconsciously enticed by the "the more expensive the better" myth), and Andertons are up there with the best. Thanks Lee and Rob (and not forgetting the behind-the-camera folk).
Absolutely crazy, just wow. Rob just done what most of us do. It’s unreal. Well done Fender 👏
I have a Mexican Baja Telecaster, and I find it my most playable guitar. I just love (especially the custom shop designed pickups with the ‘s’ switch) this guitar.
This has got to be the coolest humbling video ever. Thank you Both for an ear opening lesson. :-)
I bought the belair blue Player plus strat from andertons a couple weeks ago.
Absolutely shreds. Love it.
i feel you Rob. when buying my first Fender last year, I was choosing between the Player P and American Pro I. in terms of feel and build quality there's not much difference except the specific unit of the Player P in the store has a scratchy volume pot (but there are other units lol) anyway, I ended up with the AmPro I precision just because, i want to say i have an american fender. but if I let my hands and ears do the thinking, instead of my ego, I'd definitely go with the Player P.
Same experience here but I feel my American guitars will be worth money when I sell them and I enjoy owning them much more
What the actual... wow.. such an interesting result on this experiment. I am definitely going to close my eyes when I try out tube amps in a couple of months.
I go by hearing alone when making my purchases. I ended choosing a Fender Pro 2 over the player series and ultra series and noiseless pickups because it sounds light years better. At least the guitar I picked out compared to the other ones. Fun video to watch though.
This makes me feel so good about my Stratocaster Hss plus! I know great tone when I hear it!
very interesting indeed. great comparison and video setup
What an amazing result! To Rob's defence, high end MIM Fenders are INSANELY GOOD. Loved this video.
really the eyes overruled everything. great insight. my favorite blindfold comparison yet
Fabulous Job - You have definitely outdone yourselves! Now the philosophical question: Which one of the two types of playing experiences is the more authentic one?
I bought my first player plus HSS strat a week ago and found this video. Great great great experiment 😁
What I really respect about Lee's videos is that even if they're detrimental to his bottom line he still posts them and totally loves the results. The moral of the video is that the Ultra's aren't so much better to the Player Plus's that you'd pick the Ultra over the PP...thus buy the cheaper guitar. For a dealer to do that is extremely commendable.
Wowzers! Rob always gets these things right blindfolded, even down to the brand of pickups most of the time. Those Player Plus guitars must be really nice to have fooled him.
Best VS video you guys have made !
You definitely have NOT lost your touch, mate! They're just made that good now, literally anyone, other than the makers themselves would have a difficult time, not impossible, but very difficult time trying to simply hear the difference. You still rock, buddy!
what about the standard series strats? like 2014? same thing?
I remember an old tale about Jimi hating all his Muff pedals, then the crew would bring back the first one, telling him it's a new one, been checked and spec'd, and so on, and he would now like the sound
Great video as usual. Is it me, I always seem to miss where they talk about what amp they're using as this is as important as anything. At least Lee got up and made an adjustment on the Bad Cat. Most of the time I don't know what amp(s) they're using outside of amp shootouts.
Amazing blind comparison. Well done!
I had cheap Squier strats over the years and never liked them. I AM generally much more of a Gibson fan anyway, but I bought a MIM Player Strat a couple of years ago and it is actually a fantastic guitar. I LOVE it, especially since I got it used for about £300! Must admit I did change the ceramic pickups for Texas Specials just to get a cleaner, chimey tone, but the originals were fine.
I would like to agree with them but the biggest issue with the cheaper (mim) Fenders has been inconsistent quality control. I’ve played some of the new players series that play great and sound just as good as the American strats, but I’ve also seen an entire wall of new Players series MIM strats with the most fret sprout that I’ve ever seen on a major brand guitar. Even the Squiers in that store had better feeling necks. Basically the most important thing to remember when buying a guitar is go to an actual store and play what you want to buy. Buying online can be a roll of the dice.
this was excellent !
thank you guys
I have a MIM 2007 Deluxe player’s stratocaster and a upgraded 13 standard tele, and I love them
Thank you for the video. I still love my Texas Tee Ultra Tele :) Hope Fender will release Player Plus Jazzmaster
Just got a player plus yesterday and I love it!
The player plus series is honestly ridiculously good! I honestly prefer that player plus telecaster to some custom shop teles. Of course there are custom shop teles that are something truly special, but that player plus tele for me beats some custom shops I’ve tried. For me anyway 🙏 those player plus guitars are absolute gems 💎
I own a Pro 2 and a Player and let me tell you that I grab the Player 80% of the time and REALLY considering selling my Pro2. I think that as players sometimes we think higher quality instruments will make a guitar sound to our liking, but I find that some of my favorite tones come from the lower end models, but to each their own! 😂🤓
So true what we see really influences the way we hear things. Even just watching I automatically thought the Amercan mades sounded better, but I bow to Rob's superior ear. Great vid guys keep 'em coming.....
I spent ages in the shop comparing the Ultra Strat v the Player Plus Strat and there was so little difference, that I couldn't justify the extra £1000 despite already owning 3 other USA Strats and being a bit of a Strat snob. Well done Fender...this is a great guitar with a fantastic spec for the cash. Nice to see Rob back in the studio too.
Kinda makes me wonder why anyone would want the more expensive model even if they had the money, besides different colors.
One says US on the headstock, and the other says MX. That's it.
Resell on USA fenders is much better than mx. Mx will only hold value, USA will actually appreciate.
If the mx strats continue with the current standard, then this might change, but people will still want made in USA regardless. It took Ford 60 years to be priced lower than Toyota, despite Toyota being exponentially better from the get go.
I went back and re-watched this 1 year later. True proof of human nature. We pick with our eyes, food, clothes , guitars - this has to be the best blindfold test ever!!
Blindfold videos are the best and are really useful :)
BRILLIANT video guys!
The white dove riff is still one of my favorite things that Rob plays during these demos
I love the editing 😍 Oz is passing the torch from Rory. Godspeed Oz!
Well done.. Brave experiment.
love my MIM Strat btw, it was one of the last 60s line produced there with a rosewood fretboard in 2017/18
There's something about the 3 colour sunburst strat with the white pickguard that will always remind me of my Squire Bullet Strat.
Great stuff! To be honest, I preferred the sound of the Players.
YES! This is the best blindfold video you have done since the first Kemper video where you incorrectly picked the Kemper every time as the real amp. Don't judge with your eyes, folks!
Just proves we listen with our eyes. Chappers is a good sport for even doing this stuff. Good on ya, Rob. :D
I am kicking myself for buying an American Pro II Strat when even in the store I liked the Player Series HSS better. The awesome green flamed veneer and great tone lost out to "Made in USA" and honestly also really great tone, just different. But it cost half as much. I over-spent. :p
But you didn't, you got what you liked better!
Hang on to it and keep it in good condition and it will gain in value. The MIM not so much. USA built will always have the prestige and resale value covered.
Personally, I'm not kicking myself, because right next to my desk I have my cosmic jade Player Plus HSS which I purchased one hour ago.
I kinda have a similar buyers remorse on their Gibson sg special olive drab USA SME/andertons exclusive. Although I know it will most likely hold value or will appreciate, I couldn't justify it again when my epiphone les paul standard pro for about 1/3rd the price, while its not the same type, I tend to still throughly enjoy the epi more over then the SG. Probably should have bought a Gibson Les Paul right?! 😂
I'd love an ultra without the noiseless pickups. The Texas tea color is just so great.
Great to see Rob back on the show !
The quality of instruments is so high right now. I bought an Epiphone V and it's incredible. For reference, I also have an American Strat and a Japanese Ibanez (which are also both amazing).
Yep, I have a cheap Ibanez Jem Jr and play it more than my American PC-1. Cheapo guitars, or middle range at least, are great now!
cool test and emotions, keep it up :)
I really enjoyed this video awesome 😎
I sort of take exception to the term "cheap" when it comes to the player series. They are still 700-800 bucks. That is nothing to sneeze at. Not like they are beginner kit guitars or something.
awesome video!!!
Always love it when Chappers and the Captain get together! Great vid and demo guys!
Nice bit of Extreme at 16.50, not heard that riff in ages!
Glad I bought both the Strat and Tele Player Plus versions :)
So good to see the chappers and the captn!
Player series strats are instruments that any pro musician can pick up and record with. I'm yet to see a review where people say they received a dud and are going to get it replaced or anything. The craftsmanship seems to be very consistent too. Gotta get one now.
This is why I love blind tests the most. When we don’t have the visual cues to tell us something is “better”, we aren’t skewed by bias
Man you guys are still doing this schtick lol To be fair I watched the whole thing and I still love it.
@Andertons Music Co - I'll be honest, not being blindfolded, i preferred on both cases the cheaper ones, specially on the Stratocaster, the more expensive one had a "scratchier" sound which i did not find very pleasing.
Also i gotta say that recently bought a Fender Telecaster Vintera 60's with the S1 system, MIM and it beats, in my honest opinion, any higher range Telly.
When i look back to then i first started playing guitar, how the prices were, the guitar offer available back then and what it is now, it's just mind blowing. I reckon in this day and age, there's no better time to start learning an instrument.
I simply love this comparison videos, blindfolded with Rob, ever since from the start (when your videos had an amazing video quality and the background was clearly made by professionals xD).
Keep it up for many more years! \o
I think this shows how much once we *know* a guitar is more expensive or "higher end" we will pretty much feel that difference psychologically as much as anything else
This was great!
Walked into my local shop yesterday. I plucked around on the strings to tune them up, then strummed and listened. Then I strum to feel the vibration in the body. I want to be able to feel the vibration. I paid no attention to the stickers. Out of over 120 Fender Strats, plus a handful of 50's and 60's Classic Vibes(I was aware of the Squier vs. Fender), I narrowed it down to 6 guitars that I felt suitable based on what I like. I had them unlocked, tuned, and brought to me to play unplugged. I had 2 Player series, 1 Squier Classic Vibe 50's, 1 American Performer, 1 Player Plus, 1 Ultra and a 50's Vintera Road Worn in the ugliest(in my opinion) Sea Foam Green. I was handed each guitar at random with my eyes closed to feel them being played and to hear the acoustics of each. I eliminated one Player and the Classic Vibe. I then went around the corner and had the salesman play. I listened closely for about 10 minutes as he cycled through each at random. The first guitar eliminated on sound alone was the Performer. Then, the Player Plus. Then, there was a head to head. I couldn't see the guitars, but the sonic qualities were vastly different. Both appealing, but different. I said #2. I then went and played the two plugged. I knew based on the sound, which was which. I also knew that the fretboard had smoother edges on the Ultra. I was slightly heavier, and overall, a bit more refined. But, it lacked that certain something. After playing a bit, he said, "you chose the Vintera Road Worn in each of your criteria". I paid for it. Had it adjusted slightly, and took it home to play the crap out of it. Honestly, there wasn't $100 worth of difference in the feel of either of those chosen. The MIM stuff is solid. So is the Classic Vibe line. You just have to be patient. Not every guitar in any price range feels or sounds the same. You've really got to let the guitar pick you.
The salesman must have been glad when you left lmao ;-)
@@StevenAMckayAuthor One of those high maintenance customers the sales dude hides from on return visits. lol
Jesus, what a pain in the ass you must have been to that store. Good lord, talk about demanding.
I always love when Rob plays white dove! 🤘😘 such an awesome song
I honestly bought that strat for it's looks, and I kind of like the pick-ups, but it's not the same for position 4 as two single coils
I have several guitars now and I'm sure I have to change my playing style, however subtle, and warm up to another guitar just to get comfortable enough to play like I want to.
That blue Tele is sharp and love the binding!
Well executed episode, plenty of fun :)
Lee had a lot of fun with this…..love it
Chapman that’s freaking hilarious! Awesome video…. I guess you can never tell when eyesight is gone!
I have a MIM Player HSS Strat and a U.S Ultra SSS Strat and can tell the difference just by playing them. The USA one comes with an excellent set up and the MIM comes with the radius done and that is the end of the set up.