In 2004 I ordered the 54 Masterbuilt Strat for $3,000. When it shipped, you were not able to choose the builder. You got whatever was sent to you. When I opened mine up, my jaw dropped to the floor. It was masterbuilt by John English, one of the original Fender master builders. He made guitars for Clapton and other famous artists. Any John English guitar is rare and highly coveted. This guitar does not disappoint. It plays like magic. The pickups are all hand wound, supposedly at least supervised by Abby Ybarra, who wound the first pickups. This is the most accurate 54 Strat ever produced. It also has a very special meaning to me, as I was also born in 1954!
Sounds great. I think I feel about Masterbuilt guitars the same way I do about art-I often can’t tell the difference between a print and the original, but I understand why one of them is worth more.
I believe certain guitars just go with certain amps. Its a fish and chips thing. That Laney head had a lot to do with the sound - but its the feel and playability of the instrument that inspires...great chops guys.
Congratulations on your Custom Shop Stratocaster I just purchased a Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster These Custom Shop Stratocasters are Just the Ultimate Supreme Stratocaster At least my Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster is I wish you all the best Your a Proud owner of a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster Many Happy hours of playing your Beautiful Gorgeous Stratocaster Fantastic tone and playing Thanks
Thanks guys, you just let me know that my '85 MIJ even with no lacquer on the neck, pure rock 'n' roll ageing, dents, chips and time aged covers and knobs....sounds like crap. I really appreciate that! Great job, I look forward to your next video, when I'm sure you will destroy another of my delusions. ;}
I had a Greg fessler one (same model) I just couldn’t gel with it, beautiful looking, great feel to the neck but it was heavy and didn’t resonate. I so wanted it to work too. I gigged with it for a while but ended up passing it on. It was first and only Masterbuilt. Horses for courses I guess, no two guitars are the same ! Beautiful guitar
There's quite an irony in having the very best masterbuilders painstakingly recreate the work of semi-skilled Mexican migrants who worked in a primitive factory building guitars that were designed for utility and economy.
Nice axe! Probably almost as good, well playing & well made as the average G&L Legacy/S500 Fullerton (but often even the Tribute series) - not to mention their CLF Research series. 🤷🏼♂️😉
In 2004 I ordered the 54 Masterbuilt Strat for $3,000. When it shipped, you were not able to choose the builder. You got whatever was sent to you. When I opened mine up, my jaw dropped to the floor. It was masterbuilt by John English, one of the original Fender master builders. He made guitars for Clapton and other famous artists. Any John English guitar is rare and highly coveted. This guitar does not disappoint. It plays like magic. The pickups are all hand wound, supposedly at least supervised by Abby Ybarra, who wound the first pickups. This is the most accurate 54 Strat ever produced. It also has a very special meaning to me, as I was also born in 1954!
Sounds great. I think I feel about Masterbuilt guitars the same way I do about art-I often can’t tell the difference between a print and the original, but I understand why one of them is worth more.
I believe certain guitars just go with certain amps. Its a fish and chips thing. That Laney head had a lot to do with the sound - but its the feel and playability of the instrument that inspires...great chops guys.
Awesome sound from that Strat, interesting video, thanks guys !
James’s hair is the best thing about the 80’s!
Good to know your having a go about my hair, rather than my guitar playing.
Congratulations on your Custom Shop Stratocaster I just purchased a Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster These Custom Shop Stratocasters are Just the Ultimate Supreme Stratocaster At least my Fender Custom Shop Eric Clapton Stratocaster is I wish you all the best Your a Proud owner of a Fender Custom Shop Stratocaster Many Happy hours of playing your Beautiful Gorgeous Stratocaster Fantastic tone and playing Thanks
Thanks guys, you just let me know that my '85 MIJ even with no lacquer on the neck, pure rock 'n' roll ageing, dents, chips and time aged covers and knobs....sounds like crap. I really appreciate that!
Great job, I look forward to your next video, when I'm sure you will destroy another of my delusions. ;}
I’m sure you 85 sounds killer.
I had one of these, brand new, but mistakenly sold it. Not the custom shop version I might add. The two tone burst is amazing
James you need to play more on here your great 👍
I agree James should.
Alnico 3 in those pickups, slightly larger magnets as well !
I had a Greg fessler one (same model) I just couldn’t gel with it, beautiful looking, great feel to the neck but it was heavy and didn’t resonate. I so wanted it to work too.
I gigged with it for a while but ended up passing it on. It was first and only Masterbuilt. Horses for courses I guess, no two guitars are the same !
Beautiful guitar
I have a Greg Fessler Masterbuilt 2004 CS 50th Anniversary strat and I absolutely love it , best strat I’ve ever owned and played
Cheers 🎸
There aint much wrong with the initial Strat design, if well made. I have the 2014 AVRI 54 Strat that I love. Nice demo gents 👍
There's quite an irony in having the very best masterbuilders painstakingly recreate the work of semi-skilled Mexican migrants who worked in a primitive factory building guitars that were designed for utility and economy.
Looks and sounds superb - but which is more expensive, the guitar or the pedal? 😮
It's funny, as a rule I prefer Alder strats, but the majority of the very best ones I've heard are Ash.
Nearly had a breakdown when Paul was swinging the guitar around.. Must have been inches away from the amp
Lads, how does it compare to the recent '57 Vintage 2 Strat ?
If there was one there I would love to have compared it.
cmonnnnnnnn
That sounds incredible….please don’t make me look at the website…damn too late. 🔥🎸🤦🏻♂️😉
Which do you prefer, Paul - this or your 57?
The 57 has been touched by A guitar player called Larry North so the 57.
So you bought it, didn’t you.
No not me.
he cant afford it...whats wrong with u
Sorry! Sounds way too sharp for me!
Nice axe!
Probably almost as good, well playing & well made as the average G&L Legacy/S500 Fullerton (but often even the Tribute series) - not to mention their CLF Research series.
🤷🏼♂️😉
I suppose you can live in hope 😅