The Passing Lane button basically selects the bridge humbucker while bypassing the tone circuit. It makes no difference what position the five way switch is in.
Beautiful color. I just ordered a Mod Shop Professional with locking tuners, compound neck (C to D), 4th gen noiseless with HSS, maple fret board in Aged Cherryburst with turquoise guard.. Not an Elite, but almost. No passing lane switch, or modified heel at the base of the neck or the new, convenient truss rod adjustment.
I used to have the American Deluxe with the Passing Lane switch. I frequently used it at gigs. It was very convenient for going from rhythm to blazing solos and back with a touch of the button. I'm definitely going to buy an Elite here soon. Just trying to make up my mind as to which color...
AHHH, THOSE BELOVED " ELITE " FENDER GUITARS...IN MY OPINION, THE FENDER COMPANY IS SELLING & RE- SELLING & RE- RE SELLING THE SAME OLD QUALITY ELECTRIC GUITARS UNDER THE FLASHY NAMES AS : ELITE, CUSTOM MADE, SIGNATURE, PLUS, LIMITED EDITION AND ETC...MY POINT IS, THIS IS THE SAME PHUCKIN' FENDER ELECTRIC GUITAR WITH THE SAME BODY, SAME ELECTRONICS, THE SAME PAINT, THE SAME QUALITY UNDER THE DIFFERENT BUT VERY VERY FLASHY NAMES...MAN, GO GET A '76 OR '78 VINTAGE STRAT...NOTHING CAN BEAT IT....MIND YOU ! YOU CAN'T GET A BETTER GUITAR ( OR BASS ) BUT YOU CAN ONLY SPEND MORE :-) )
Cool guitar. The passing lane idea is a great one. I hate how much I like the tone of those noiseless pickups--especially the fact that one is a humbucker.... cannot deny the truth in what I hear.... killer
I think I'm half as good as you. About the guitar though. Awesome display of it. I'm getting one soon. Tomorrow actually. The limited edition green surf matching head stock rose wood board model : ) Going to be my 3rd strat. Second if you don't consider a music man starry night cutlass a strat as well lol.
Sadly the one I got was freakin broken lol. Don't know if it was the fault of the seller or just fender screwing up or what but once it was fixed it's freakin awesome. It had a bridge stability issue that made it go out of tune way too easily. It's fine now though and it's pretty boss. Still think music man cutlasses being put out today are better but this thing is still pretty sweet and has more tone options than a music man cutlass so that's a plus.
It's only for the humbuckers on the HSS models. It does not affect the single coils. Not matter what position the selector switch is in, pushing the button goes straight to no-load mode for the humbucker pup.
I have the previous Elite model and I love mine, it's the best guitar I've ever owned. I love the look of the newer one but why did they get rid of the skunk stripe on the back of the neck? They just seam less Fendery without it.
@@Ihateallgingers Quite possible. It could be a completely practical design. It just seems weird to me to see a Fender without the stripe. Not a deal breaker, just odd :)
Aren’t skunk stripes normally found on 1 maple necks to,allow the truss rod to be installed and replaced if necessary? Necks with separate fingerboard don’t need this as the truss rod goes in first then fingerboard on top.
@@gregs8685 Up until relatively recently, you'd find them on both all maple and maple with rosewood fingerboards. Whether it's need or not. It has been part of Fenders iconic look for decades, so to me, without one, it just doesn't seem right. Same as roasted maple, it just doesn't look right to me, though other people love them and that's cool :)
Hello, Congratulations on the tests. I would have to choose between a new STATOCASTER VINTERA 50 MAPLE NECK and a STATOCASTER AMERICAN ELITE MAPLE NECK ex demo (with guarantees) at the same price. Music genre: CLAPTON - GILMOUR - KNOFLER. I'll proceed to the tests anyway. Which would you choose? Thanks. I always follow you
Did you adjust the pickup height from the factory? If so can you give me an idea of their heights? My Elite sounds AMAZING, however the staggered pole on the D string seems to be slightly too close when I’m using high gain.
@@Rockandrollgeerage It was a decision we made because we were demoing the HSS strat, which offers totally different S-1 switching options than the SSS version. We opted to save the S-1 function differences on all the Elite models for another video. In hindsight, maybe we should have included it here too. Thanks for commenting!
@@MooreMusicGuitars I heard there was a new ultimate strat coming out...from what I read it doesn't seem any different from the elite? Do you know anything about this new strat?
A Strat like a Strat,elite shmelite,just another overpriced Strat.And those noiseless pickups sound like shit,real Strat single coils should have noise that's part of the mojo of it.And they took it away.Nice pickguard tough.But rally,how many strats doos one need?I say one is enough,get one good one and get a tele or something else.Don't go crazy about collecting huge amount of guitars,it's an never ending pit.
The Shawbucker is a lower output pickup with fatter tone, see more here shop.fender.com/en-US/accessories/pickups/shawbucker-2-humbucking-pickup/0992249002.html
Do these guitars have printed circuit boards? If so, does this make it difficult to change to after-market pickups without affecting all the switching options?
The answer is "yes", it is a printed circuit board. Fender discourages changing pickups, as it will likely void your warranty and could affect switching options.
You are right, sorry we totally missed the S-1 Switch and it's functions for this video. You may already know this, but if not, the S-1 Switch, on a Strat, offers an additional 5 pickup settings, for a total of 10. The S-1 switch offers five additional pickup wiring options when engaged: Position one: all three pickups wired in series Position two: bridge and middle pickups wired in series Position three: middle and neck pickups wired in series Position four: bridge and neck pickups wired out of phase, with a special tone capacitor Position five: bridge and middle pickups wired in series and out of phase, in parallel with neck pickup You can engage the S-1 by pushing in the carefully disguised switch on top of the volume knob. Thanks for watching! -rob
Can the chrome buttons from the telecaster be put on this guitar. I think the plastic ones it comes with just spoils the look of that great colour and the chrome ones would just add something to it.
Frank James. I agree with you Frank. I think the problem Is that there are so many guitarists that have no idea what to do When the over drive is turned off.
Here is a in depth review - Damn thing is already Discontinued, A 2 year life span pretty much says it Sucks! So I think that's what Fender learned, It's a Con Job!
AJ Ajoya buy one and change yours out...you're right, black would look sweet with that pickguard. Also, go to Fender Mod Shop webpage where you can design your own and have it built for the same price as buying one off the rack. Even if you don't buy one it's fun using the webpage to design your own!
Hey rob I have the model you are playing...I can't get the thing to stay in tune...i'm not even using the tremolo. Did you do anything special with that guitar? It's driving me crazy.
No special set up done prior to video. Sometimes, the nut slots can be cut a little rough, causing the string to get hung up when bending. Try some graphite powder on the nut, or better yet, a product I really like called Big Bends Nut Sauce. A little tiny dab in the nut slots really makes a difference.
@@robarnold1691 It's a good looking and sounding Strat. Nice playing too BTW. Disappointing to hear that QC issues (poorly cut/finished nut) still exist at this price point
The Passing Lane button basically selects the bridge humbucker while bypassing the tone circuit. It makes no difference what position the five way switch is in.
AWESOME !!!!!!!!!-!😀🎈😀🎈😀🎈😀🎈😀🎈😀🎈😀🎈😀🎈😀
"Every guitar player should own at least one Strat, if not twelve of them." lololololol worddd
Wow. Fender has just been nailing it too the wall with their latest gear. This thing sounds FANTASTIC
So... he doesn't know what the passing lane is lol. It's fun to watch him figure it out I guess. Almost demonstrates it better lol
Beautiful color. I just ordered a Mod Shop Professional with locking tuners, compound neck (C to D), 4th gen noiseless with HSS, maple fret board in Aged Cherryburst with turquoise guard.. Not an Elite, but almost. No passing lane switch, or modified heel at the base of the neck or the new, convenient truss rod adjustment.
I used to have the American Deluxe with the Passing Lane switch. I frequently used it at gigs. It was very convenient for going from rhythm to blazing solos and back with a touch of the button. I'm definitely going to buy an Elite here soon. Just trying to make up my mind as to which color...
The Elite does not have as much gain with the Shawbucker that the Deluxe had.
John Katz I bought the metaalic sky burst. It's a sweet color.
I have the same opinion, John.
sunburst
Red
AHHH, THOSE BELOVED " ELITE " FENDER GUITARS...IN MY OPINION, THE FENDER COMPANY IS SELLING & RE- SELLING & RE- RE SELLING THE SAME OLD QUALITY ELECTRIC GUITARS UNDER THE FLASHY NAMES AS : ELITE, CUSTOM MADE, SIGNATURE, PLUS, LIMITED EDITION AND ETC...MY POINT IS, THIS IS THE SAME PHUCKIN' FENDER ELECTRIC GUITAR WITH THE SAME BODY, SAME ELECTRONICS, THE SAME PAINT, THE SAME QUALITY UNDER THE DIFFERENT BUT VERY VERY FLASHY NAMES...MAN, GO GET A '76 OR '78 VINTAGE STRAT...NOTHING CAN BEAT IT....MIND YOU ! YOU CAN'T GET A BETTER GUITAR ( OR BASS ) BUT YOU CAN ONLY SPEND MORE :-) )
Thanks for the review. What do you think of the new ebony fretboard? Does it make the guitar sound harsher/brighter compared to a rosewood fretboard?
How come you didn't talk about the S1?
I was considering Godin stadium, but when i heard how lushy the sound is from elite, damn i decided right away! Fender ftw!
S-1 ??? Lol
Cool guitar. The passing lane idea is a great one. I hate how much I like the tone of those noiseless pickups--especially the fact that one is a humbucker.... cannot deny the truth in what I hear.... killer
Fact every humbucker is twice as cool as any single coil
Now this is a Authentic Stratocaster not PRS Silver Sky
The S-1 is great to carve yourself a lane in the mix. I love it.
best guitar ever
I think I'm half as good as you.
About the guitar though. Awesome display of it. I'm getting one soon. Tomorrow actually. The limited edition green surf matching head stock rose wood board model : )
Going to be my 3rd strat. Second if you don't consider a music man starry night cutlass a strat as well lol.
Let us know how you're liking yours.
Sadly the one I got was freakin broken lol. Don't know if it was the fault of the seller or just fender screwing up or what but once it was fixed it's freakin awesome. It had a bridge stability issue that made it go out of tune way too easily. It's fine now though and it's pretty boss.
Still think music man cutlasses being put out today are better but this thing is still pretty sweet and has more tone options than a music man cutlass so that's a plus.
This guy kicks ass!
the passing lane is perfect , it gives balls to the single coils, perfect !
It's only for the humbuckers on the HSS models. It does not affect the single coils. Not matter what position the selector switch is in, pushing the button goes straight to no-load mode for the humbucker pup.
hi. that harsher heavier sound is using a pedal? thank you.
I have the previous Elite model and I love mine, it's the best guitar I've ever owned. I love the look of the newer one but why did they get rid of the skunk stripe on the back of the neck? They just seam less Fendery without it.
Drew Rivers different truss rod?
@@Ihateallgingers Quite possible. It could be a completely practical design. It just seems weird to me to see a Fender without the stripe. Not a deal breaker, just odd :)
Truss rod is different now, that’s why.
Aren’t skunk stripes normally found on 1 maple necks to,allow the truss rod to be installed and replaced if necessary? Necks with separate fingerboard don’t need this as the truss rod goes in first then fingerboard on top.
@@gregs8685 Up until relatively recently, you'd find them on both all maple and maple with rosewood fingerboards. Whether it's need or not. It has been part of Fenders iconic look for decades, so to me, without one, it just doesn't seem right. Same as roasted maple, it just doesn't look right to me, though other people love them and that's cool :)
still the best guitar ever
awesome k. zildjian tattoo, brother.
RevolutionRock101 k
when i change middle pickup to bridge theres a noise . i found same problem in elite . thats ta big weak point of elite
I have the white pearl one and it's an amazing guitar. I have 3 singlecoils and I don't have that button
How long have you had you guitar?
Only the HSS models have the passing lane switch.
Think the last tone knob at 10 does the same bypassing the tone circuit?
Hello,
Congratulations on the tests.
I would have to choose between a new STATOCASTER VINTERA 50 MAPLE NECK and a STATOCASTER AMERICAN ELITE MAPLE NECK ex demo (with guarantees) at the same price.
Music genre: CLAPTON - GILMOUR - KNOFLER.
I'll proceed to the tests anyway.
Which would you choose?
Thanks.
I always follow you
Did you adjust the pickup height from the factory? If so can you give me an idea of their heights? My Elite sounds AMAZING, however the staggered pole on the D string seems to be slightly too close when I’m using high gain.
Did not adjust the pickup height from factory set up. Not sure what the factory spec is on that, but I will attempt to get that info and report back!
I appreciate that! Beautiful playing by the way! 👍🏼
great demo of this axe one of the best
Thank you!
@@MooreMusicGuitars why wouldn't you talk about the S1 button?
@@Rockandrollgeerage It was a decision we made because we were demoing the HSS strat, which offers totally different S-1 switching options than the SSS version. We opted to save the S-1 function differences on all the Elite models for another video. In hindsight, maybe we should have included it here too. Thanks for commenting!
@@MooreMusicGuitars I heard there was a new ultimate strat coming out...from what I read it doesn't seem any different from the elite? Do you know anything about this new strat?
no coil split for the humbucker? Strange !
Is there anywhere that still sells this model in 2021?
I absolutely 💯 % love my 2015 Elite
It would be nice to hear a demo with out effects. .
A Strat like a Strat,elite shmelite,just another overpriced Strat.And those noiseless pickups sound like shit,real Strat single coils should have noise that's part of the mojo of it.And they took it away.Nice pickguard tough.But rally,how many strats doos one need?I say one is enough,get one good one and get a tele or something else.Don't go crazy about collecting huge amount of guitars,it's an never ending pit.
Now let's not be a Kill Joy, we all need plenty of toys! And another good thing is, if you don't like it, don't buy it!
if these guitars are better than the one i have ill buy one tomorrow
Haven't been to Moore Music in years.
Am I the only person that doesn't like the aged plastics?
Too many fenders look so old style they need a revamp keep the sounds revamp it's style.
What’s the difference between the Shawbuker and the strat in this video?
The Shawbucker is a lower output pickup with fatter tone, see more here shop.fender.com/en-US/accessories/pickups/shawbucker-2-humbucking-pickup/0992249002.html
Do these guitars have printed circuit boards? If so, does this make it difficult to change to after-market pickups without affecting all the switching options?
Hey Neil, we don't know right at the moment but we are checking with Fender and we will get back with you.
Thanks, I’d really appreciate it.
I do not know...sending an email to Fender now! Sorry for the delay folks. -rob
The answer is "yes", it is a printed circuit board. Fender discourages changing pickups, as it will likely void your warranty and could affect switching options.
Same I believe
Isn't this the same guitar that Ichika uses?
Someone please tell me
Yes it is
Nice stratocaster.
Fruity
I want that guitar so bad....
and the S-1 switch ?
You are right, sorry we totally missed the S-1 Switch and it's functions for this video. You may already know this, but if not, the S-1 Switch, on a Strat, offers an additional 5 pickup settings, for a total of 10.
The S-1 switch offers five additional pickup wiring options when engaged:
Position one: all three pickups wired in series
Position two: bridge and middle pickups wired in series
Position three: middle and neck pickups wired in series
Position four: bridge and neck pickups wired out of phase, with a special tone capacitor
Position five: bridge and middle pickups wired in series and out of phase, in parallel with neck pickup
You can engage the S-1 by pushing in the carefully disguised switch on top of the volume knob.
Thanks for watching! -rob
does the elite have a treble bleed?
no maybe see the American pro series so not the Elite series but the Elite has the pure bypass tone and not the american pro series
please explain "pure bypass tone" a little further
There are no secret buttons on an elite strat. The S1 button exists.
yeah..but this guy forgot the S-1 ..too much breakup in the pickups.....
This one is $1,950. You can make a parts guitar cheaper. This does sound good, I think I 'd rather have a Suhr.
I have a Telecaster version, constantly tuning, drives me nuts as well.
Can the chrome buttons from the telecaster be put on this guitar. I think the plastic ones it comes with just spoils the look of that great colour and the chrome ones would just add something to it.
Either way regarding my previous comment I just ordered the SSS version of this guitar today.
@@markgowans how is it? :)
Matt Stevens love it. sounds great. I particularly like the tonal options the S1 switch provides.
what about the s-1 switching ???...too much info on the distorted ....by-pass.....no clean sounds........demo fails...
Frank James.
I agree with you Frank. I think the problem Is that there are so many guitarists that have no idea what to do When the over drive is turned off.
I want one!
Here is a in depth review - Damn thing is already Discontinued, A 2 year life span pretty much says it Sucks! So I think that's what Fender learned, It's a Con Job!
I just played one..the neck is amazing...sounds amazing..well worth $1400
@@Rockandrollgeerage Glad you like it, did you buy it?
I wish the black color has that pickguard as well.
AJ Ajoya buy one and change yours out...you're right, black would look sweet with that pickguard. Also, go to Fender Mod Shop webpage where you can design your own and have it built for the same price as buying one off the rack. Even if you don't buy one it's fun using the webpage to design your own!
I DON'T THINK FENDER OFFERS A BLACK ELITE IN A STRAT BUT THEY DO IN A TELECASTER.
They sadly discontinued the mystic black elite strat and it's kind of pricey and hard to find now : (
What model amplifier ?
Victory RD1 Head
www.mooreguitars.com/victory-v212vr-cabinet/
the amp was wrong..a cleaner amp should have been used....
Just curious, does anyone know why they did away with the metal roller-nut for the newer elites? is the traditional bone nut better??
wondering the same thing
Metal nut sounds different. Kinda brighter and thinner.
Sadly the elites don't have real bone just synthetic bone.
Hey rob I have the model you are playing...I can't get the thing to stay in tune...i'm not even using the tremolo. Did you do anything special with that guitar? It's driving me crazy.
No special set up done prior to video. Sometimes, the nut slots can be cut a little rough, causing the string to get hung up when bending. Try some graphite powder on the nut, or better yet, a product I really like called Big Bends Nut Sauce. A little tiny dab in the nut slots really makes a difference.
@@robarnold1691 It's a good looking and sounding Strat. Nice playing too BTW. Disappointing to hear that QC issues (poorly cut/finished nut) still exist at this price point