Glad to see Fender bringing back the Blacktop series. Even if it's just as a limited edition. Anyway, I'd say it's for people who enjoy how the Strat feels and plays. But don't want the typical Strat sounds. Or at least feel they need something different. A Strat for rocking hard.
I just got this Strat a few days ago actually. All I can say is...it is a phenomenal instrument at the price point. Plays like butter. Just all around solid and quite a tonal variety between the two humbuckers with a 5 way toggle, something the les paul wont have. And it costs a grand less than a les paul 🤣
I’m looking at this guitar for my hard rock tones. My baby is an American Deluxe Strat with the standard SSS config. My humbucker machine is a PRS SE which is fine, but I love the feel of strats. Do you feel like this has enough fullness and output for higher gain stuff? I’m into 90s stuff like STP, Weezer, and the so-called grunge bands. Would this handle that kind of stuff well?
I had to choose between a blacktop and a normal strat 2 years ago. The blacktop just has this deep blues sound on the neck pickup and a nice twang on the bridge pickup. If you play the bridge pickup as a single coil it does a great impression of a tele. And it has a fast neck. A Perfectly different guitar
Hey Kris...I have a Blacktop Strat in Sonic Blue with a mint pic-guard. Rosewood neck and it rocks! The blacktop is because of the knobs typical of Blackface Fender amps!
Music Therapy Laz I have one in sonic blue too. Picked it up at guitar center. They had it priced wrong. I won’t brag,,, but I got it under cost. It’s a really good guitar. Stays in tune and once u pick it up it’s hard to put down. I d k why they aren’t more popular. If u don’t like the hum buckers , just get aloaded strat pickgaurd. It has the swimming pool routing.
They sound different, but the sound of that Blacktop has a unique thing to it that makes me want it, maybe longer scale length, trem and no maple cap gives it slightly less low end but more midrange and a smoother top but with more transients in the midrange, I think the Les Paul is more versatile sounding (and Im a fender guy) but the strat splits which adds difference sounds and versatility. I want one!
See… for me that’s their biggest strength compared to the Les Paul - but I play with the volume pot in the way you see beck do, with my pinky… depends on your style
Gibsons get such grief about "tuning stability" because of the string angle at the nut. I've never had a problem with that, but I did have problems with two string trees.
Hey Millie. I'm in Australia. Found a 2nd hand 1 for sale here for under $900 which would be around $700 US. The demos I've seen, it sounds really good! I was thinking of asking the guy if he would take $800. Also, I love my MX Fenders, 3 teles, a '16 Mustang 90 & a US 2009 STD Strat, brand new in its case! I had a Gibson '13 LPJ Les Paul that I didn't get on with & sold to my brother. Just interested to know how much they go for over your way. 👍
@@vaughan7835 which guitar are you chasing fenders or the les Paul's won't find a blacktop hard to find I got mine for $950 and mim stratocasters I'm getting them for $700 les Paul's are all over the place depending on model and luck from $1000 to $3000 average
Bought the exact blacktop 3 years ago. First guitar, didn't know how to play, was browsing internet for comparisons and stumbled upon this video. Thought damn, les paul sounds better. 3 years later, still can't play but heck I like fender more.
Higher output pickups than the Les Paul. I like them both but then I tend to go for lower output pickups. Overall I think I liked the sounds of the LP better. I hate the black headstock on the Fender. Strat seems more versatile.
homeandgear guitar I would change the strings first of all and make sure you stretch them out. Also check you have a maximum of 2-3 windings and that the strings are properly “locked” on by ensuring the first wind is going underneath and then the windings should coil neatly under each time. The check that your nut looks ok. Sometimes rubbing a pencil in the slots will help lubricate them and allow them to move in the slot freely. Check your intonation is good as it may be out in which case as you move up the string it sounds more and more out of tune. If you need some practical tips on how to diagnose and set up guitars check out Phillip McKnights channel on Sharpen my axe series.
Hey there, @UCagvdEK_n7e5T-YXQbV9vdw gave a crazy good answer already, so nothing more to say. Thanks Catherine!! If this issue does not go away please contact the thomann customer care. //cheers, Kris
Just by listening, I really can't distinguish a Blacktop from a Les Paul when played right with the right amp settings. All the difference is the player.
I have an *original* Blacktop Strat H-H that Fender came out with back in 2012 -- IT ROCKS! It's slightly different than this re-issue, the hardware is chrome, the body is Black on Alder, it has a Flyod Rose double-locking Trem and a Rosewood Fretboard. And w/ the PU Switch in 2 & 4 the Humbuckers split. btw, I went to the Fender website to look at the Specs and this new Blacktop re-issue isn't even mentioned??
Hmm, your instrument link leads to the Fender Blacktop and a Les Paul Std 50th, but you were playing (an older) Les Paul Traditional, didn't you? Not that it matters ;-)
Ha ha! Thanks a lot man! Yeah, it's so interesting to see how the player's sound comes through (no matter if good or bad). That's why it's funny if someone says "I wanna sound like Mark Knopfler". You need so much more than his rig for that. You need his fingers too. ha ha! //cheers, Kris
You could say the same thing if it was a $2800 Strat vs. the $800 Strat. LP's are simply more expensive to build. Different hardware, binding, maple cap, carved top, set neck, nitro finish, and the kicker, Made in USA. If Fender made that guitar it'd likely be $500-$1000 more. Considering it's $2500 just for a made in USA maple top Strat. And not a full 1" thick like a LP. Still bolt on, poly finish, and no binding. I'm not knocking Fender. Nice guitars, for sure. It's just that people need to understand the difference in materials and workmanship when they are comparing different priced guitars.
@@Relayer6a Obviously if you pay more is because of the hand work, the feeling of that instrument, I agree with that, but I mean, come on, 800€ for a Les Paul rip off that sound almost like a Les Paul and feels like a Mexi Strat is really nice
@Marius I had a strat with 2 Duncan SC stack pickups at the neck and middle, and a lil 59er at the bridge for a little les Paulish grunt, HSS, it looked pretty authentic strat (a super strat I guess), but it’s true the alder body gave it more of a strat frequency than a Gibson mahogany sound. Now I play a strat with SCs and a Les Paul with regular Humbuckers. Sometimes 2 guitars are better than One!
They don't sound THAT different through RUclips compression and earbuds, tbh....the difference is a bit more evident clean though... well done Fender but.. I hate the coloured headstock..
American guitars are TERRIBLE these days. They all play and sound like ass and the quality control is through the floor, yet they still try to charge you a few grand per guitar. They're nuts if they think anyone with common sense will pay that for such a substandard product. The best luthiers in the world these days are all in Asia. Indonesia especially. Indonesian guitars are the best in the world with the best quality control, AND they only charge you like $700 for a top of the range one
@@duffman18 Indonesian guitars and Asian in particularly are more mass produced than any other country . They have far more error ratio in Quality control and often use cheaper material . While blemishes can happen to any brand in any country, I've never returned an American PRS, Fender professional Strat or a USA custom Washburn. I have however returned many Indonesian epiohones, squires and esp guitars. Your comment seems more of a hatred and price and a need to justify your guitar purchases than it does reality. If your statement was accurate, the professional music world here in the states would be full of songs recorded from predominantly Asian mass produced instruments rather than USA custom made. By the way, Indonesia does not have their own quality control. That is set by the brands that contract them out not by the manufacturer themselves. So your Indonesian QC theory is that of the USA companies that hire them , which is why less consideration and detail is given to the lower line of production. Furthermore, you should distinguish hobby level guitars vs professional level guitars. Your argument falls even further apart .
Glad to see Fender bringing back the Blacktop series. Even if it's just as a limited edition. Anyway, I'd say it's for people who enjoy how the Strat feels and plays. But don't want the typical Strat sounds. Or at least feel they need something different. A Strat for rocking hard.
I just got this Strat a few days ago actually. All I can say is...it is a phenomenal instrument at the price point. Plays like butter. Just all around solid and quite a tonal variety between the two humbuckers with a 5 way toggle, something the les paul wont have. And it costs a grand less than a les paul 🤣
I’m looking at this guitar for my hard rock tones. My baby is an American Deluxe Strat with the standard SSS config. My humbucker machine is a PRS SE which is fine, but I love the feel of strats. Do you feel like this has enough fullness and output for higher gain stuff? I’m into 90s stuff like STP, Weezer, and the so-called grunge bands. Would this handle that kind of stuff well?
@@ViaticalTree the amp and it sEQ is what make the difference, also adjust pickup height
That’s gotta be one of the most beautiful looking Strats I’ve ever seen🎸
I had to choose between a blacktop and a normal strat 2 years ago. The blacktop just has this deep blues sound on the neck pickup and a nice twang on the bridge pickup. If you play the bridge pickup as a single coil it does a great impression of a tele. And it has a fast neck. A Perfectly different guitar
Hey Kris...I have a Blacktop Strat in Sonic Blue with a mint pic-guard. Rosewood neck and it rocks! The blacktop is because of the knobs typical of Blackface Fender amps!
Hey man, good for you. I'm sure it's a cool guitar you have there. Thanks for the info on the name. I actually didn't know that.
//cheers, Kris
Music Therapy Laz I have one in sonic blue too. Picked it up at guitar center. They had it priced wrong. I won’t brag,,, but I got it under cost. It’s a really good guitar. Stays in tune and once u pick it up it’s hard to put down. I d k why they aren’t more popular. If u don’t like the hum buckers , just get aloaded strat pickgaurd. It has the swimming pool routing.
They sound different, but the sound of that Blacktop has a unique thing to it that makes me want it, maybe longer scale length, trem and no maple cap gives it slightly less low end but more midrange and a smoother top but with more transients in the midrange, I think the Les Paul is more versatile sounding (and Im a fender guy) but the strat splits which adds difference sounds and versatility. I want one!
You're absolutely right, they're different animals and that's why we definitely need both haha // Guillaume
I'd buy the Strat instantly and even all the Strats of the world if it wasn't for the volume know placement... 😂
Nothing a drill and a router can’t fix lol
See… for me that’s their biggest strength compared to the Les Paul - but I play with the volume pot in the way you see beck do, with my pinky… depends on your style
Gibsons get such grief about "tuning stability" because of the string angle at the nut. I've never had a problem with that, but I did have problems with two string trees.
I also never had any problems with my Gibsons. I think a good nut material and proper string winding is the key.
//cheers, Kris
Music Nomad TUNE-IT made even my Firebird VII stable.
3:30 Hot Rod Lin...Fender
4:05 Kris almost makes a B stock blacktop :)
Actually it was on purpose but you wouldn't believe me, now would you? :)
//cheers, Kris
😂
Oh That Blacktop strat looks Great!
Looks like my home made Squier with Epiphone humbuckers... Love that guitar, that sound!
Why not buy several Strats - SSS, HSS, and now HH? Nice!
I'm getting that exact strat on Thursday found one brand new used can't wait 🙌 black gold colour looks amazing 😍
Hey Millie. I'm in Australia. Found a 2nd hand 1 for sale here for under $900 which would be around $700 US. The demos I've seen, it sounds really good! I was thinking of asking the guy if he would take $800. Also, I love my MX Fenders, 3 teles, a '16 Mustang 90 & a US 2009 STD Strat, brand new in its case! I had a Gibson '13 LPJ Les Paul that I didn't get on with & sold to my brother. Just interested to know how much they go for over your way. 👍
@@vaughan7835 which guitar are you chasing fenders or the les Paul's won't find a blacktop hard to find I got mine for $950 and mim stratocasters I'm getting them for $700 les Paul's are all over the place depending on model and luck from $1000 to $3000 average
Great demo of two beautiful Guitars But I must say the Strat HH is a lot cheaper :-) keep the vids coming but make them longer :-)
Bought the exact blacktop 3 years ago. First guitar, didn't know how to play, was browsing internet for comparisons and stumbled upon this video. Thought damn, les paul sounds better. 3 years later, still can't play but heck I like fender more.
I have a 2012 Blacktop in Sonic blue. My number one to this day.
U need to ditch negative nelly tone snob on the left....theyre amazing!
He's just playing a role..They're supposed to take sides here
My blacktop is alder i didnt even know they made mahogany ones.
You should try the same pickup sets
Higher output pickups than the Les Paul. I like them both but then I tend to go for lower output pickups. Overall I think I liked the sounds of the LP better. I hate the black headstock on the Fender. Strat seems more versatile.
I need that Fender guitar so bad!
Great demo and both sound great. U just can't do The Ace Frehley toggle switch method on the Strat
I just bought the fender blacktop in white at thomann. It does not stay in tune. Not even 2 minutes. Any advice?
Too many windings of the strings on the tuning post? Maybe the stock strings are SHITE
homeandgear guitar I would change the strings first of all and make sure you stretch them out. Also check you have a maximum of 2-3 windings and that the strings are properly “locked” on by ensuring the first wind is going underneath and then the windings should coil neatly under each time. The check that your nut looks ok. Sometimes rubbing a pencil in the slots will help lubricate them and allow them to move in the slot freely. Check your intonation is good as it may be out in which case as you move up the string it sounds more and more out of tune. If you need some practical tips on how to diagnose and set up guitars check out Phillip McKnights channel on Sharpen my axe series.
Hey there, @UCagvdEK_n7e5T-YXQbV9vdw gave a crazy good answer already, so nothing more to say. Thanks Catherine!! If this issue does not go away please contact the thomann customer care.
//cheers, Kris
So which makes the bigger difference: Timbers, Construction or Scale length?
All of the above + trem vs stop tail. It's like cooking: all ingredients matter. :)
//cheers, Kris
Well lp sounds better every time)) didn't expect that but thanks)
Won’t play the same due to scale length. String action is hard to compare with dissimilarity in scale length.
Blacktop strat has an alder body, not mahagony, am i right?
Just by listening, I really can't distinguish a Blacktop from a Les Paul when played right with the right amp settings. All the difference is the player.
We want a video with Fender stratocaster moghany body 3 humbackers Made in mexico !!!!!!!!
I have an *original* Blacktop Strat H-H that Fender came out with back in 2012 -- IT ROCKS! It's slightly different than this re-issue, the hardware is chrome, the body is Black on Alder, it has a Flyod Rose double-locking Trem and a Rosewood Fretboard. And w/ the PU Switch in 2 & 4 the Humbuckers split.
btw, I went to the Fender website to look at the Specs and this new Blacktop re-issue isn't even mentioned??
Hmm, your instrument link leads to the Fender Blacktop and a Les Paul Std 50th, but you were playing (an older) Les Paul Traditional, didn't you? Not that it matters ;-)
Stratocaster with ebony fretboard must sound insane.
I wanna review some Harley bentons for my channel, i use one all the time and it is riddiculously good and versatile for a budget guitar
Thats some sexi playing here
Ha ha! Thanks a lot man! Yeah, it's so interesting to see how the player's sound comes through (no matter if good or bad). That's why it's funny if someone says "I wanna sound like Mark Knopfler". You need so much more than his rig for that. You need his fingers too. ha ha!
//cheers, Kris
I like the Fender!
I really like the sound of the Gibson, and they sound really different, but for €2 thousand I would go for the €800 Strat
You could say the same thing if it was a $2800 Strat vs. the $800 Strat. LP's are simply more expensive to build. Different hardware, binding, maple cap, carved top, set neck, nitro finish, and the kicker, Made in USA. If Fender made that guitar it'd likely be $500-$1000 more. Considering it's $2500 just for a made in USA maple top Strat. And not a full 1" thick like a LP. Still bolt on, poly finish, and no binding.
I'm not knocking Fender. Nice guitars, for sure. It's just that people need to understand the difference in materials and workmanship when they are comparing different priced guitars.
@@Relayer6a Obviously if you pay more is because of the hand work, the feeling of that instrument, I agree with that, but I mean, come on, 800€ for a Les Paul rip off that sound almost like a Les Paul and feels like a Mexi Strat is really nice
@@Relayer6a It's just like buying a Music Man or a PS PRS, It's a hell of price, but every cent of the price is worth it
Not a Les Paul, the G string didn't go out of tune...
2 Lil 59ers and middle SC would do the same but still let the strat look authentic (almost).
@Marius I had a strat with 2 Duncan SC stack pickups at the neck and middle, and a lil 59er at the bridge for a little les Paulish grunt, HSS, it looked pretty authentic strat (a super strat I guess), but it’s true the alder body gave it more of a strat frequency than a Gibson mahogany sound.
Now I play a strat with SCs and a Les Paul with regular Humbuckers. Sometimes 2 guitars are better than One!
Gibson because of the arch maple tops.
I think the pickups in mine are alnico 4s
The fender sounds more crispy on distortion. I prefer the fender , the gibson sounds a little dead.
They don't sound THAT different through RUclips compression and earbuds, tbh....the difference is a bit more evident clean though... well done Fender but.. I hate the coloured headstock..
Video of the HHH please! 😁
Wait, but it's obvious it's gonna sound different with different pickups 🤣
The Gibson has it..for me
Two different beasts
I dare you to do a blindfold test!
Hear mine here > soundcloud.com/user735361361/my-axe-no-mercy-improv-by-dana. DanaE💫
I would love to see a demo of the three pick up version as well!
these people clearly forgot about Fender Master series guitars
Hey, Kris here. No we didn't forget about it. This video was simply about the latest mahogany Fender which is the new Blacktop. That's all.
Cheers!
Fender black top is the superior les paul imo
750€ Fender vs 2.298 € Gibson? Unfair.
@Marius No ...I don't see. I heard a thin Fender twangy sound vs a full throated growl from a Les Paul. I much prefer the Les Paul.
Fender sounds better and cuts better
They sound the sameeeeee
Your hairline is receding cap
Fender make a les paul but he hide it
They're different scales 🙄
🇺🇸Gibson Guitars🇺🇸Making Guitarist Great, One Guitar at a Time! Made in the Great USA 🇺🇸✌🏻️😎✌🏻
American guitars are TERRIBLE these days. They all play and sound like ass and the quality control is through the floor, yet they still try to charge you a few grand per guitar. They're nuts if they think anyone with common sense will pay that for such a substandard product. The best luthiers in the world these days are all in Asia. Indonesia especially. Indonesian guitars are the best in the world with the best quality control, AND they only charge you like $700 for a top of the range one
@@duffman18 Indonesian guitars and Asian in particularly are more mass produced than any other country . They have far more error ratio in Quality control and often use cheaper material . While blemishes can happen to any brand in any country, I've never returned an American PRS, Fender professional Strat or a USA custom Washburn. I have however returned many Indonesian epiohones, squires and esp guitars. Your comment seems more of a hatred and price and a need to justify your guitar purchases than it does reality. If your statement was accurate, the professional music world here in the states would be full of songs recorded from predominantly Asian mass produced instruments rather than USA custom made. By the way, Indonesia does not have their own quality control. That is set by the brands that contract them out not by the manufacturer themselves. So your Indonesian QC theory is that of the USA companies that hire them , which is why less consideration and detail is given to the lower line of production.
Furthermore, you should distinguish hobby level guitars vs professional level guitars. Your argument falls even further apart .
guy on the left is inarticulate
Terrible Strat: sounds darker, muddier and more unprecise than a LP ! What an achievement...