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.
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.
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)
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
@@slash196maybe so. I've got an American Deluxe that I've put Ultra noiseless into, and the pickups in my Squire that have Classic Vibe pickups in are "better". I'd say the best option is to get a Mexican model and put some real single coils in.
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.
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?! 😂
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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 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
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.
My first piece of advice is to play the guitar in the store. My local guitar store had a Player Plus Strat that I thought was awful compared to the Squier next to it. It's easy to watch these videos and just say that the MIM stuff is better when Its not always the case. Reading comments that say people bought the expensive American Fender when they enjoyed playing the cheaper MIM one is infuriating. Buy the guitar you like more. You're likely going to play it more and be a better player. But if you're like me and didn't like the Player Plus series then that's okay too. Just make sure you like the guitar and the way it feels to play.
This honestly. MIM guitars are hit or miss. There's always a 50% chance that it'll be bad or need work, specially with sharp frets. American guitars are usually better. My 2 cents before anyone throws a tantrum. I've also played Squiers that felt better than MexiFenders. At the end of the day, a good setup can make any guitar very playable.
@stirange I have a MIM Tele and the fret sprout is really bad right now during the winter. But my god does the guitar stay in tune better than any guitar I've owned. I want to sell it but I think I'm going to keep it just to have a Tele in the collection.
My favourite Fender Mexican Range is the Vintera Series, I’d take those over the player plus personally, eventhough as a person who occasionally gigs, noiseless pickups could be tempting, I’d still take a vintera
Rob,s such a good sport doing this. He knows his stuff and doesn’t often get it wrong which shows what a great job Fender have done with the Player plus series. Fun to watch.
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!!
I bet this video sold a lot of Player Plus models. This is exactly what you hope for when you conceive this idea of a blindfold challenge. Definitely my favorite of these!
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 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! 😂🤓
Hang on. First up it's brave of anyone to do this publicly. Secondly, we ALL make subconscious decisions based on our 5 senses, not 4. Some people are more sensitive in certain area's than others & Rob's done unusually well identifying pickups in the past. Take home message.....buy the one you want with confidence.
If you like the feel of the MIM Strat, but prefer the Ultra’s pickups, just get you a loaded Ultra pickguard. It’ll come with all the hardware and you swap them out. You will still have to solder the grounding wire to the plate where the springs of your tremolo hooks up to (can’t remember what it’s called off the top of my head) and, maybe, the wires to the output jack. Simple stuff.
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).
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!
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?
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 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.
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).
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 actually think that visual appeal is a *totally* valid part of why you would or wouldn't buy a guitar. At the price point both of these guitars are at, if you can objectively say something is *bad* about one of them, it's not worth the money. At that point, honestly the only reason to pick one over the other would be visual appeal - especially these two guitars, given they're so similar in spec (same neck profile, same rolled fretboard, same layout, etc), the only thing really separating them is the cosmetics and the prestige of having "Made in America" on your guitar. It's a fashion statement, which to some people is worth the money.
When the 2020 models were coming out, I went into guitar center with intentions to buy a 2019 American tele. I played the American standard, the American ultra, and the MIM player. The ultras neck felt the best, but imo the player sounded the best. I left with the player series. The bridge pickup from the players series sounded the best for rock/blues and in the classic middle position, it had that classic tele sound. Do not like the neck pickup from any tele. However, the American models sounded better for that classic country sound. So, imo, if like to play rock and blues get the player. If you prefer the traditional country style tele sound, buy the Americans. I just don't see spending over $1,000 for the Americans with that little of a difference. Keep in mind I went into the store planning to buy an American model.
Thanks so much for your objective comment! You make it simple to me: I''ll buying a Player plus Strat coming soon and someday I''ll break the bank account for a California Telecaster
As a newish guitarist an having watched a few of these Andertons videos I thought if Rob can’t tell the difference than nor will I so I have just bought a fully plek’ed Player Plus HSS from Port Mac Guitars in Australia
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.
It's all about the pickups. Rob liked the older ones. The players have older traditional pickups. The ultra has new pickups. Frankly, I agreed. I did notice he touched the heal on the first strat immediately, however he then let his ears tell him different about what he appears to realize already.
I think this is absolutely correct. The modern noiseless pickups still don't have the dynamic range of the traditional style. To my ears I thought the player series just sounded richer. Its just great news for players of all types that today with modern production machinery, expensive doesn't mean better. I would argue that the only reason to go for a USA fender is 1. you can afford it easily. 2. You're a gigging musician at larger venues where the noiseless pickups have a tangible benefit, 3. You care about resale value.
I bought an American Ultra Stratocaster this year, and it's resulted in developing a new love for Fender guitars. I've always pretty much used Musicman/Wolfgang, Les Paul, SG, and RG/Jem guitars. I always loved the Fender sound, but I hated the way they played. I had to grab some Strats and Tele's for my studio so I tried out the Ultra line. It took me a little time, but I'm hooked. Edit/Off topic: Every guitarist needs to get a compression pedal in their signal chain. It's a must if you're after that super polished album tone. Just Saiyan.
I read so many forums from "purists" hating on the Player Plus Strats. I purchased one and it's amazing.. this video sums it all up. Even the guys at my local music store said there is no difference in the sound between a MIM and USA Ultra.
Same here... I have two MiM Strats and 3 mid-80s MiJ Strats... The MiJs play the best (for me) but the MiMs are not far behind. While I don't currently own a USA Fender, I can't recall preferring any USA Strat over the imports I still have.
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.
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.
The Cap was so wrong. After Chappers received the sunburst strat guitar (the ultra) he said, "The other one (meaning the blue/white plus) was the cheap one. He was correct. The Captain then in the end said he was wrong on both choices. That is incorrect.
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.
Cheaper guitars can be surprisingly good, that's why it's always important to try before you buy. I was shopping for a Gibson SG years ago, had my heart set on one but decided to try out some SG copies as well, an Epiphone and a Jim Deacon. The £200 Jim Deacon SG was by far the best sounding. I guess sometimes you get lucky and pick up a cheap build that someone made on one of their best days.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
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.
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.
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.
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…
Best. Blindfold. Challenge. Ever. Having him take off the mask and play them again was a brilliant idea. This made me so happy! lol
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!
Kudos for honest comparisons I love that the Integrity of the show matters more than the results. Great job Andertons.
Was hoping you guys would do a video along these lines and it didn’t disappoint. Excellent stuff.
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.
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.
The dynamic duo! My heart warms each time i see these 2 chaps in the studio, such great personalities, great tone, and amazing playing.
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.
There is just some chemistry between the two of you that makes your videos the greatest.
Thank so much for them.
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
theses blindfold challenges are iconic! keep doing them!
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 totally adored those clean sounds from the MiM strat's neck. So bright and just lovely. Honestly really preferred it to the American one.
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.
@@slash196maybe so. I've got an American Deluxe that I've put Ultra noiseless into, and the pickups in my Squire that have Classic Vibe pickups in are "better". I'd say the best option is to get a Mexican model and put some real single coils in.
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.
Absolutely crazy, just wow. Rob just done what most of us do. It’s unreal. Well done Fender 👏
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.
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 agree..That is the best Experiment you folks did so far..Incredible how the eyes/brain follow branding...
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.
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.
Christmas has come early! Keep the blindfolded Chappers vids 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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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 has got to be the coolest humbling video ever. Thank you Both for an ear opening lesson. :-)
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
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.
My first piece of advice is to play the guitar in the store. My local guitar store had a Player Plus Strat that I thought was awful compared to the Squier next to it. It's easy to watch these videos and just say that the MIM stuff is better when Its not always the case. Reading comments that say people bought the expensive American Fender when they enjoyed playing the cheaper MIM one is infuriating. Buy the guitar you like more. You're likely going to play it more and be a better player. But if you're like me and didn't like the Player Plus series then that's okay too. Just make sure you like the guitar and the way it feels to play.
This honestly. MIM guitars are hit or miss. There's always a 50% chance that it'll be bad or need work, specially with sharp frets. American guitars are usually better. My 2 cents before anyone throws a tantrum. I've also played Squiers that felt better than MexiFenders. At the end of the day, a good setup can make any guitar very playable.
played squires that felt better than American ones. A nice setup squire with pups of your choice makes wonders.
@stirange I have a MIM Tele and the fret sprout is really bad right now during the winter. But my god does the guitar stay in tune better than any guitar I've owned. I want to sell it but I think I'm going to keep it just to have a Tele in the collection.
@stirange dude literally all the fenders in my guitar cerner have Terrible fret sprout. It’s embarrassing and unforgivable
Great video! Waiting for my local dealer, Yupangco, to have the Player Plus HSS Belair Blue in stock!
This makes me feel so good about my Stratocaster Hss plus! I know great tone when I hear it!
really the eyes overruled everything. great insight. my favorite blindfold comparison yet
After years of rarely being able to stump Rob, this was fantastic. Glad to know the Mexican Fender factory are busting ass!
My favourite Fender Mexican Range is the Vintera Series, I’d take those over the player plus personally, eventhough as a person who occasionally gigs, noiseless pickups could be tempting, I’d still take a vintera
Id love it if they made those in a left. Always seem good.
Same here!
The vintera 60s strat pickups are awesome. They also put those pickups on the 75th anniversary mexican fender strat
Just received mine today (50's), the guitar sound very good, good finition. All the best
Vintera is a super line. Mine have all been first class.
PLEASE Do vintage vs new/relic custom shop
Just got a player plus yesterday and I love it!
I'd love an ultra without the noiseless pickups. The Texas tea color is just so great.
Rob,s such a good sport doing this. He knows his stuff and doesn’t often get it wrong which shows what a great job Fender have done with the Player plus series. Fun to watch.
Nice bit of Extreme at 16.50, not heard that riff in ages!
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!!
I bet this video sold a lot of Player Plus models. This is exactly what you hope for when you conceive this idea of a blindfold challenge. Definitely my favorite of these!
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 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! 😂🤓
What an amazing result! To Rob's defence, high end MIM Fenders are INSANELY GOOD. Loved this video.
Hang on. First up it's brave of anyone to do this publicly. Secondly, we ALL make subconscious decisions based on our 5 senses, not 4. Some people are more sensitive in certain area's than others & Rob's done unusually well identifying pickups in the past. Take home message.....buy the one you want with confidence.
If you like the feel of the MIM Strat, but prefer the Ultra’s pickups, just get you a loaded Ultra pickguard. It’ll come with all the hardware and you swap them out. You will still have to solder the grounding wire to the plate where the springs of your tremolo hooks up to (can’t remember what it’s called off the top of my head) and, maybe, the wires to the output jack. Simple stuff.
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).
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!
I bought the belair blue Player plus strat from andertons a couple weeks ago.
Absolutely shreds. Love it.
There's something about the 3 colour sunburst strat with the white pickguard that will always remind me of my Squire Bullet Strat.
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?
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 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.
Good lookin on Ultra Magnus, RIP Robert Stack, still my favorite movie of all time, and favorite soundtrack of all time.
Rob that riff you play on the ultra telecaster... Love it. The OG riff. Is it one of your songs?
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!
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.
Great to see Rob back on the show !
Not a huge fan of telecasters in general but I would agree with Rob that the orange tele sounded better than the blue one
The white dove riff is still one of my favorite things that Rob plays during these demos
What’s the Les Paul model/finish sitting in the floor rack next to the Marshall? Looks sexy as hell.
Best VS video you guys have made !
I agree with the captain. Rob being literally mystical at this stuff makes this outcome both legit and eye opening. No pun intended.
love my MIM Strat btw, it was one of the last 60s line produced there with a rosewood fretboard in 2017/18
I actually think that visual appeal is a *totally* valid part of why you would or wouldn't buy a guitar.
At the price point both of these guitars are at, if you can objectively say something is *bad* about one of them, it's not worth the money. At that point, honestly the only reason to pick one over the other would be visual appeal - especially these two guitars, given they're so similar in spec (same neck profile, same rolled fretboard, same layout, etc), the only thing really separating them is the cosmetics and the prestige of having "Made in America" on your guitar.
It's a fashion statement, which to some people is worth the money.
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
When the 2020 models were coming out, I went into guitar center with intentions to buy a 2019 American tele. I played the American standard, the American ultra, and the MIM player. The ultras neck felt the best, but imo the player sounded the best. I left with the player series. The bridge pickup from the players series sounded the best for rock/blues and in the classic middle position, it had that classic tele sound. Do not like the neck pickup from any tele. However, the American models sounded better for that classic country sound. So, imo, if like to play rock and blues get the player. If you prefer the traditional country style tele sound, buy the Americans. I just don't see spending over $1,000 for the Americans with that little of a difference. Keep in mind I went into the store planning to buy an American model.
Thanks so much for your objective comment! You make it simple to me:
I''ll buying a Player plus Strat coming soon and someday I''ll break the bank account for a California Telecaster
I guess that proves the series is aptly named!
As a newish guitarist an having watched a few of these Andertons videos I thought if Rob can’t tell the difference than nor will I so I have just bought a fully plek’ed Player Plus HSS from Port Mac Guitars in Australia
I bought my first player plus HSS strat a week ago and found this video. Great great great experiment 😁
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.
Man you guys are still doing this schtick lol To be fair I watched the whole thing and I still love it.
It's all about the pickups. Rob liked the older ones. The players have older traditional pickups. The ultra has new pickups.
Frankly, I agreed. I did notice he touched the heal on the first strat immediately, however he then let his ears tell him different about what he appears to realize already.
I think this is absolutely correct. The modern noiseless pickups still don't have the dynamic range of the traditional style. To my ears I thought the player series just sounded richer. Its just great news for players of all types that today with modern production machinery, expensive doesn't mean better. I would argue that the only reason to go for a USA fender is 1. you can afford it easily. 2. You're a gigging musician at larger venues where the noiseless pickups have a tangible benefit, 3. You care about resale value.
I bought an American Ultra Stratocaster this year, and it's resulted in developing a new love for Fender guitars. I've always pretty much used Musicman/Wolfgang, Les Paul, SG, and RG/Jem guitars. I always loved the Fender sound, but I hated the way they played. I had to grab some Strats and Tele's for my studio so I tried out the Ultra line. It took me a little time, but I'm hooked.
Edit/Off topic: Every guitarist needs to get a compression pedal in their signal chain. It's a must if you're after that super polished album tone. Just Saiyan.
I see what you did there… just saiyan.. 😂👍
@@Bryan-kl5rr Super.
I love the editing 😍 Oz is passing the torch from Rory. Godspeed Oz!
I read so many forums from "purists" hating on the Player Plus Strats. I purchased one and it's amazing.. this video sums it all up.
Even the guys at my local music store said there is no difference in the sound between a MIM and USA Ultra.
I have a MIM 2007 Deluxe player’s stratocaster and a upgraded 13 standard tele, and I love them
I love my MIM and MIJ fenders.Incredible value for money.
Same here... I have two MiM Strats and 3 mid-80s MiJ Strats... The MiJs play the best (for me) but the MiMs are not far behind. While I don't currently own a USA Fender, I can't recall preferring any USA Strat over the imports I still have.
Always love it when Chappers and the Captain get together! Great vid and demo guys!
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.
Didn’t he play the strat ultra with the tone knobs not completely open? Also the neck joints gives it away 😅
Great demos. But, don't you guys have an A/B box hanging around somewhere you could use?
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.
Blindfold videos are the best and are really useful :)
The Cap was so wrong. After Chappers received the sunburst strat guitar (the ultra) he said, "The other one (meaning the blue/white plus) was the cheap one. He was correct. The Captain then in the end said he was wrong on both choices. That is incorrect.
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.
That was awesome!!! By far my favorite blindfold challenge. I always said that your eyes tell you everything. Great seeing Chappers back.
Cheaper guitars can be surprisingly good, that's why it's always important to try before you buy. I was shopping for a Gibson SG years ago, had my heart set on one but decided to try out some SG copies as well, an Epiphone and a Jim Deacon. The £200 Jim Deacon SG was by far the best sounding. I guess sometimes you get lucky and pick up a cheap build that someone made on one of their best days.
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