Ron is probably the most honest person ever. Being the man in charge at fender while also loving a squire and giving honest opinions about Gibson is amazing. You can always rely on a truthful and thoughtful response from this man. Much respect for him.
@@Soldano999 I was reading about the Squier guitars made for Courtney Love around 1999 for Hole's Celebrity Skin album, and those Squiers were made in Japan too. When did Squier stop making their guitars in Japan?
@@Soldano999 it doesn't matter the make, it doesn't matter the country of origin, if you have a nice guitar that plays great in your hands,then you have an awesome guitar. The King of Cheap Guitars 🎸
It’s funny how machine manufacturing was made to eliminate the human error and variability between products. Now it’s a luxury for hand made or variances
@@mdaibm4770 My guess is that the neck pickup has a more fatter bassy rounded sound and 80's kids were all about shredding and copying famous shredders so it was all about the bridge pick up. I mostly only play acoustic these days but now that i think about it i did use the neck pick up alot less but its definitely not useless ha.
Andy Summers of the Police used his bridge pickup on his telecaster almost exclusively while with the Police. He relied heavily on all of the sounds he developed in his custom made pedal board.
@@mdaibm4770 Remember he's a Master builder. I think he's implying it doesn't change the sound very much compared to some of the fenders. He's used to toggling through 5 position switches on strats I'm guessing.
I could be wrong about this in the context of his strat, but the early Japanese Squires are really good and sought after. I have an early Japanese Strat that is old school specs and build. The electronics sucked though, those almost always need to be swapped out on the early Japanese Strats.
I had just saved up $5,000 for a custom shop fender. After listening to Mr Thorn talk for 2 minutes I've decided to purchase a Squier Affinity instead. I'm going to spend the rest on Kobe beef and a sous-vide machine.
Yeah he seems more approachable than John Cruz but I did play a Cruz one about 15 years ago and it was the greatest Strat I've ever had in my hands. It was also 7 GRAND!
I sold Ron a Guild Nightbird. Years later I got to meet him when I moved to SoCal and he treated me a tour of his shop. You will not meet a nicer person in your time spent on Earth than Ron. And you will also not likely find anyone who would disagree with that opinion.
I am fortunate enough to have worked with Ron on making a custom Thorn Rune - there is not a nicer guy in the industry. And his talent speaks for itself. Mine: imgur.com/a/nWBUl (I did the dye job on the top, Ron did the rest)
I have one of each, a 2006 Fender Strat HSS and a 1996 Gibson Les Paul and if my house was on fire and I could only save one guitar it would be hands down the Gibson. The Fender is a jack of all trades guitar, is very versatile and is great if you have small hands. The Les Paul is a thing of beauty and is so much easier to play due to it's short scale neck and sounds incredible when cranked up with so much more sustain than my Fender. My Les Paul cost 4 times that of my Strat and for good reason the build quality, ease of play and sheer weight of the mahogany through neck design justifies the price tag. I would say the Les Paul is a single minded beast and is probably more suited to rock than any other style of music whilst the Strat can do most things well especially that legendary clean tone. But again if I could only have one guitar for the rest of my days it would be my Gibson.
@@paulnjoo to each their own. I love my 87 Les Paul custom, amazing guitar. But in those circumstances I'd save my 61 Telecaster. And I paid half the price for the fender than the Gibson. Both are absolutely amazing. And preferably I'd save both (my other 3 guitars are cheap so easy to replace) but yeah, the tele is my favorite
@@billyhodges4200 I have both my Strat and my Les Paul on wall hangers in my lounge and when I feel like noodling I instinctively take the Gibson down and start playing. I have to deliberately make myself play the Fender because I sub consciously know it's not as easy or pleasurable to play. But as you rightly say "to each their own" They are both wonderful instruments which will outlive us and be played for many many years to come. As we know we don't really "own" these instruments we're just looking after them for the next person!!
Too bad for the volume knob on the strat,makes them absolutely unplayable for me,I sold mine after the neck warped twice ,that and the volume. Never had a Gibson neck bow like that American strat did,I could have used it for hunting.
You can absolutely love both Gibson and Fender!!! It's not like Chevy or Ford and definitely not Democrat or Republican. A real guitar lover will love all guitars!!!!!!!
@@johndutton5881 I ended up rewiring my strat to have 1 volume and 1 tone, and I moved the knobs away from the strings a bit. It's probably my favorite guitar now.
Ron knows just how to finesse his answers so that neither regular fenders or custom shop fenders are not undermined, and even manages to give a Gibson Les Paul review without sounding negative about the competition.
Gabriel Fernandez with this profession I imagine there’s a big level of camaraderie among the different guitar makers on an individual level. People making custom shop guitars are high level craftsmen so there’s going to be a lot of respect for the instrument.
He should represent the Custom Fenders with pride and conviction. There is no need to parse words to not insult the other Fender models. I would respect his views more if he were more realistic and less political
@@ikigai47 plus its not like hes necessarily lying, elctronic wise they are not crazy better. its the fit and finish , fine tuning , and craftsmanship. your paying to know that you had hand selected top grade materials, and tuned to perfection when it arrives. its the whole bang for you buck thing. at a certain point you are getting diminishing returns
I've followed many videos of Principal Master Builder Ron Thorn and one thing that always stands out about him is his humility, simplicity and honesty. I have plenty of respect for a guy like him. Wish to someday meet with him. Wish him all the best in his endeavors.
Thank you, Ron Thorn and Fender, for being part of this event. It really adds a quality of authenticity to the entire proceedings! Ron is actually humble(and honest) to a fault, if such a thing is possible.
Lemme tell you whippersnappers somethin. Back in my day, when i first started, $150 would get you some no name guitar made of plywood. Great days to play guitar, these days
@@BeefheartLynch even though that was a good chunk of money back then, that's still an extremely low price. God, I wish I could get my hands on stuff with prices like that now. I need to go to more yard sales and stuff 😂
@@APolishPlayer It seemed like a lot of money back then. Especially for a 13 year old whose income consisted of mowing neighbors lawns for 5 or 10 bucks a pop. However, I used to go into this guitar shop a lot and became friendly with the staff. I think the felt sorry for me. Ha. They were asking, if I can trust a 40+ year old memory, 300 for the SG. The amp hadn't hit the floor yet, but I asked if they had any decent cheap amps. Told me about the Princeton and said it needed work. I had $280 in my pocket and offered $250 for both and they accepted. Then I gulped, realizing 250 bucks in 1977 for a 13 year old is a whole lot of money! I wish I still had that SG.
I am a lefty with a lefty Strat and lefty LP. I love them both. The contours of the Strat make it an amazing comfortable guitar to play. And the unique sounds of each remind me how happy I am to own both. Great interview...
Watch the video of Yngwie looking at the Custom Shop relics of The Duck - the "play loud" guitar. Watch the expressions on his face and the tone in his voice and it's one of bewilderment and amazement. That's how good those recreations are. Making a guitar look period aged is actually fairly easy if you think about how those guitar got in that state and you're prepared to put in the hours doing it. Even the best guys at the Fender Custom Shop spend many many hours doing a good relic, not the hatchet job that is often seen on RUclips.
Agreed, hard to believe people pay money for a new guitar made to look old and used. Not something that will ever be in my inventory. But like you said, to each his own....
How was that response "natural"? I mean the guy is a top level Fender employee. Of course he's going to toe the company line. Like I said in other posts it's probably just a coincidence that all the guitars he owns are Fender products lol.
Ron day job is in guitar factory which means he is surrounded by guitars all day long. When he goes home, he sees all of his guitar collections. I can't imagine whether it is exciting or boring.
@@destianpatrianagara1119 I don't believe him. I think he's forced to say that. Finally he says that nothing sounds like this, holding up the Les Paul. Do you really believe he doesn't have a few Gibsons?
filip hendrickx I’ve owned at least 50 guitars including at least 10 Gibson’s and the Gibson’s are some of the best I’ve owned. Name a brand and I either own it or have owned it.
I saw Dickey Betts about 20 years ago. One of the nicest guitar tones ever. He played a Les Paul on most of the tunes and used only the neck pickup the entire time.
He has a funny look on his face as he holds the Les Paul. It's almost like sleeping with the enemy, as he says "he can't get with it." To me, Custom Shop Fenders and Gibsons are just the best. I know there are many luthiers out there, but we live in a kind of golden age of high quality choices.
Ron Thorn has to be the nicest Luthier in Earth. Seen a lot of his interviews and he’s the most gracious person ever and knows the heck out of his craft. Awesome Fender has chosen him as a Public Spokesperson of sorts to tour around and spearhead they’re Marketing...excellent choice Fender!
Mike Sutton too true. Thorn is a great representative. Gibson has chosen Mark Agnesi. Honestly. If they didn’t make the Les Paul, would Gibby be relevant anymore at all?
I'm a Fender guy first and foremost, but the in-between position on an SG or Les Paul is unbelievably good. I guarantee most people don't realise THAT is actually the sound on the early funk records by the Meters!! I always thought it was a strat but it was a gibbo
The neck pickup is definitely not useless...you just have to know how to use it! A les Paul's neck pickup is the only reason I dont play juniors or single pickup superstrats and I came from the school of EVH.
One thing I love about Ron and many other guitar professionals.. They don't pretend that every competing item is trash compared to their product. They come off as genuine instead of seeming like a cheesy sales rep. JHS pedals does a great job of this. The guy actually highlights Behringer pedals in a complimentary fashion which made me discover his channel. Which made me like the guy and his company. Which made me want to buy the JHS Muffuleta. Seeing Fender (or whichever company) experts giving a truthful and fair opinion about products is what makes me tune in. If it were just a sales pitch I don't think I'd watch the content.
He seems like a cool guy but he's definitely a company man, or did you not notice all the brands he claims to own are Fender products? I mean come on.............
He is a perfect spokesperson for Fender. Knows how to tastefully handle all kinds of questions. I have a 79 Strat, 2022 Gibson SG and a Squire Bullet that I love after a Luthier shaved down the frets.. Love all three.
I'm with Ron. Give me a Strat, or some other single coil, where the neck pickup gets that nice, hollow, airy sound when you put *just* the right amount of 'verb on it. You're suddenly in a whole new dimension of playing (Dimension C will really open up the sound, as well), really get some neat tones. Try a '66 Vox Bulldog in the neck. Nothing out there even comes close to what it can do in that regard. It's just bleeding great.
@@diego2112gaming - Agree. Comparing a strat neck pup to a humbucker neck pup, just no comparison. One has soul, the other sounds like a bridge humbucker with a blanket thrown over it
Chaplin If that is your opinion of humbucker pickups , you possibly have not listened to really nice paf types. Listen to a BK stormy Monday and get back to me. Also my favourite single coil pups I have were made by Fury guitars and Evans, both Canadian made and pretty hard to find.
@@kirarittberg5088 - Be honest. Have you tried Dimarzio Area pickups? (area 58 and/or area 67). It's fine if you haven't. I previously went on a pickup quest and tried soooo many (haven't tried Fury's/Evans), and for me nothing comes close for neck/mid single coil style. If you have tried them, and still prefer Fury or Evans, then looks like I'll have to check em out. Yeah I'd have to imagine there's a neck humbucker out there I'd like but I've tried many and never fell in love like a single coil neck
I understand where he’s coming from saying les Paul’s just aren’t his thing (keeping in mind he works for fender though of course), but I could not disagree more with him saying the neck pickup is “a little useless”. That is THE Clapton Cream sound. Amongst countless others
Japan is so honored Ron loves his '85 Squier Stratocaster, this was from a time when Fender was not making guitar parts & building guitars in America! That's a Fujigen Gakki instrument like many of the best ones from Japan, or anywhere. Also I think I have that same guitar he does. 85 MIJ Squier Strat. Basic and incredibly solid.
What a gentleman to be handed a Gibson and not immediately trash it and its reputation. I started as a Fender player but now I go more for my 90’s Epiphone SG. Nothing sounds like it in my opinion. As is always said, tone is subjective! Find what you like and make it yours.
I play a Gold top. The only thing i agree with is having to almost relearn how to play higher than about the 14th fret. Where the neck and body meet is extremely fat. That's the beauty of art, there is no right or wrong, better or worse. Just opinions, he was humble none the less!
Nah, reading between the lines I got "my paycheck comes from Fender". It's probably just a coincidence that all the brands he says he owns are Fender products.
When I get my custom shop I’m making sure I have Ron as the master builder, this guy is amazing and such a humble guy who doesn’t feed you any bullshit.
He talks about Eric Gales being the “current” Hendrix. Well let me tell you this much... if you haven’t heard of Eric Gales or seen his videos then you absolutely need to check him out. He is on another level.
I am Amazed that Ron Said that his number one guitar from his collection is his 1985 Squier .Wow I have the 1984 Squier with the Bullet truss rod in black with a Maple neck I will never sell this guitar its in mint condition
I'm laughing here😂 I've got a silver series black strat maple neck ...it's epic! and it stays in tune jeff beck style...my fiancé's son thinks he's keeping it on loan lol...gave him my '70 tele blonde and he begged me for the Squire. ..kids these days lol
QueeferSutherland he probably doesn’t build them, he may be doing the fine adjustments and correcting all details that makes a custom shop build better
moi même I select the wood, program and operate the CNC, hand shape and final sand, fret, assemble and set-up. If you’re ever in Corona, stop by - I’ll give you the tour.
RON THORN man you do way too much for the knowledge you got, you should have assistants to do most parts of that work and take care of the final details. More people should buy fender customs, they are good for life, I own a sienna sunburst american fender standard strat and I love it, any part is replacable, it’s worth every dollar I paid. Unfortunately, I am too poor to buy custom shop but I’d like to. 😀 one thing is, I am quite sure in no time I’ll be fortunate enough to afford one of these guitars. You do great work there in Corona, I would be glad to take that tour 😀
you know what’s crazy is that Leo Fender apparently hated when things got old and worn looking. That was the total reason for going with rosewood fingerboards as opposed to maple which showed marks after a while. Now “worn” is Fenders most pleasing aesthetic feature. Just bizarre
I've been playing a Fender limited custom Telecaster FMT HH for about a year and a half. Absolutely LOVE it. I'll be picking up a couple more so I always have one. My Ibanez is awfully lonely now.
@@ejoey64 Even if I had the $20,000+ for a pre-CBS Strat I would opt to buy something else. I recently played a couple in the $25- 40,000 range at the last Orlando guitar show. I'll pass, thanks. PS: That's where and when I bought the MIK 1990 Squier II of legend. It simply played better and only set me back $120.
@@yargnadfollow the vintage trails man..if you're not lazy enough. I owned a few pre cbs fender not even reach 3000 usd. I had one late 65 strat the first owner give it to me for free..do you think the guitars show got them for 20k and sell it later for 20k? No way man..it's their trade secret as some peoples say..
@@ejoey64 There are only a limited number of them to begin with which makes them even more rare now. They are obviously far more common out West than they are in the Southeast, where I live. Plus, like I said, I didn't like them playability-wise.
My number one is also a '85 MIJ Squire Stratocaster. I don't know how many guitars I've owned, but I've been a stratocaster fanatic since I got my first one in 1980. I got my '85 Squire in '93. I love my Squire. For nearly 30 years my Squire has been the one guitar that I truly love to play.
He was polite, professional. Didn't mention that Gibson haven't learned how to design a headstock and a volute in 60 years, and still charge something like 2+ grand for their flagship model. We'll let it slide.
A lot of Gibsons have volutes, I have a 2013 EB bass that has a volute. The LP doesn't have a volute because the customers didn't want a volute on their LP because the originals didn't have a volute. Gibson did put volutes on LP for years, I had a 78 Deluxe with a volute, players didn't want the volutes. Gibson charges 2 grand for their "flagship" model? Fender charges close to that for a plank of wood with a bolt on neck lol. I guess you haven't noticed American labor is expensive? I mean I just looked and Fender is charging $900 for MEXICAN Strats lol. But you guys are going to act like Gibsons are outrageous? The cheapest new USA Strat on Guitar Center's site was $1,050. The Cheapest USA Les paul is the DC Junior which starts out at $900 and the LP Tributes which start out at $1,200. So....why is it that you don't call out Fender for it's over 1K USA models but you do Gibson for their USA models which start out well under 1K? I'll let it slide.
When were you shopping for a Les Paul? 2030? A standard is the flagship, and it's the same price as a proper USA Strat. Gibbo actually make cheaper USA guitars than Fender do with their Studio range - all the sound, none of the cosmetic stuff, SOOOOO sort of like all Fender guitars, where your lot is a piece of wood and a paint job! Not a criticism, I have a couple of Fenders and love them - let's just be real, they're all expensive, but none to the point of excess - unless you want it.
check 03:05 , he is talking about squier, the new ones, I watched the video when he plays the new squiers and he was amazed with the sound of the affinity and contemporary. So everyone should buy an Affinity at least.
Wait wait wait. The dependability of a fender. I wasn't looking to say something rude on such a nice video. But did you really just say the "dependability of the fender". What kinda nonsensical bullshit is that. Like do you even think before you speak? Like literally I wasn't intending on being rude to anyone but I saw your comment and do you even understand how dumb of a thought that is? Sure the fender is a reliable guitar. But please you tell me what guitar isn't trustworthy or to be counted on. Sure one guitar may be better than another or cost more than another for various reasons. Build quality, materials chosen, craftsmanship-special touches like the fake aging seen on this guitar here. But at the end of the day you used the word dependability. Which means the exact God damn same thing as reliability. Are you trying to say a Gibson les Paul is unreliable or prone to failure of sorts?? Lmfao. We are not talking about firearms here that will jam up and your life depends on it. Neither guitar will fail you in any way unless it is mishandled. Both cost at a almost identical price point. Fuck a $100 piece of shit guitar is just as "dependable" as a $1000 guitar. I've owned a squier Stratocaster made in 2005. I have thousands of hours playing on the Damn thing. I've never had it serviced in anyway. It's been beat to heck. And it still plays like the day I purchased it. Are there better guitars out there? No shit there are. Better pickups, nicer woods, better craftsmanship may lead to marginally better tones. (Do a blindfold test if your a gear snob). My $100 15 year old squier is as dependable as any guitar on the planet. Now we're talking about American made Stratocaster vs American made Gibson les Paul. Both run for around $1000. And I guarantee you a special or "custom shop" version of either guitar are also of similar prices. I'm just upset because your comment makes 0 sense at all. If you have a bias towards the fender because it means something to you for some reason that's great I'm glad it does. But it surely isn't "more dependable" than a Gibson. I have a friend who bought a 70's tribute American made Gibson sg in 2013 for just over $800 which was the absolute cheapest American made Gibson sg he could find that was not used. So clearly there are nicer sg's out there. But I played it just a few nights ago and it sounded a million bucks to me. I'm sorry for bitching but please don't make ignorant remarks. Both guitars are awesome. Neither one are more dependable than the other and that is obvious. If you have a personal preference towards one or the other please understand that is subjective and there's nothing wrong with that. But please don't try to talk about a gibson les Paul in a way that you seem to insist it will fail eventually or be unreliable. Which is exactly what you implied. Just Google the definition of dependability if you must. I'm completely right
Again I'm sorry for being mean lol. But this is an awesome video I figured everyone would just sit back and enjoy. No people have to go out claiming the stars and the moon. Like its obvious neither guitar is better. That's like asking someone about 2 books and asking which is better. Or having them try 2 flavors of ice cream and asking them which is better. NEITHER!!! I'm not trying to be an asshole lol but you have to have known that is opinion. You can't throw us a made up fact about dependability. You like fender better than gibson? Okay that's completely fine. But please give us a legitimate reason because I guarantee you you could not tell me one single way a fender is more dependable than a Gibson. You even say you acknowledge the Gibson has good tone. But ahggggggghhhhh what's up with that word choice dependability. Please just tell us why the fender is more personal to you and means more. I love a good story. Telecasters are awesome guitars too bro!!! So tell us why tele's mean something to you lol dependability has nothing to do with it
cj stibitz Get a fucking grip dude the tone, your dissertation is over the too. The quality of a Les Paul is undeniable and yes more craftsmanship goes into the build but there are MAJOR design flaws. If you factor in scale length and the angle of the strings from nut to headstock that’s where the tuning instability comes into play. You know how many products are out there to aid in changing the angle from Nut to headstock? There’s tons of them obviously there’s an issue. Simply ask any legitimate luthier. Knock over a Gibson and you will crack the neck you’re out of business knock over a Fender changing the neck can be done very quickly yes it’s a cheaper design but It can with stand more abuse. I was a touring musician and yes smart ass I work with Many very well-known recording artists I took both Gibson and Fender on the road with me try keeping the Gibson in tune for more than three or four songs with Fender that is never a problem Or a few climate changes going from state to state or country to country.
I love watching Ron on video - his honest enthusiasm always shines through, and the way he says his #1 is a Squire! (He doesn't simply plug high-end Fenders.) I can't help but laugh when he admits the nearest thing he owns to a Gibson is a korina 'V which he built himself - if only we could all do that... I definitely agree about Eric Gales! Simply phenomenal!
Wow I didn't expect him to say Eric Gales. I'm a life long Memphian and Eric has been around since I was a kid in the late 80s/early 90s. It's wild that he's just starting to see more success in the last few years. Cheers from Memphis!
I’ll never understand the divide between these two guitar companies. I use Mac & PC. I also use Gibson & Fender. Never limit yourself because of brand loyalty.
I have a 96 Strat and 96 Les Paul. They are both amazing guitars. I love the tone of them equally but I prefer the feel of the Les Paul neck. It just suits my hands perfectly.
Don't worry, he hasn't learned yet that you can EQ an amp to suit the guitar you are playing. Maybe he hasn't heard comments that 50's Gibson pickups sound like a Tele on steroids, or maybe he just doesn't like Gibson's or he would have at least one in his collection. I have both and like both!
Wish i could work in Fender.. I love working on guitars, i used to work in a instrument store when i was 17 in 1998. There i learned to set up guitar, fret dressing, create a new nut, tremolo setup and other minor things. Would love to become a more apprentice luthier. Fender is life.. Fender factory is family where all workers are seen as artists and can have a good career opportunity.... Gibson on the other hand...
Well, for me guitar is like a book. You could to write it's history by yourself, but reading some kind of fiction also kinda interesting. Every custom shop master is kinda writer that writes his own history and there is peoples who really appreciate this pieces. *Thanks for reading my opinion*
And he put it down for a Tele, right? Just kidding. I have an amazing ‘79 LP Custom that plays and sounds incredible, (especially considering that year model), and I love my Strat too, but a good Tele never fights you. And a Tele can be configured for any style of music. Leo really got it right the first time, IMO.
Yeah and Strat lovers will tell you that he got it right with the Strat. I just watched a documentary on the Strat's creation and it basically came from people complaining about the Tele and Leo (and company) designing/building a model to fix those issues. I prefer Telecasters over Strats too, but it's all opinion.
This guy looks old and young at the same time... My guess is he's a young guy who's been reliced
Parallax lmao
*net worth increases exponentially*
Doing something you love keeps you young
Well put.
Half-elf ;)
Ron is probably the most honest person ever. Being the man in charge at fender while also loving a squire and giving honest opinions about Gibson is amazing. You can always rely on a truthful and thoughtful response from this man. Much respect for him.
Absolutely true!
1985 squiers were made in japan.
They're some of the best strats ever produced.
@@Soldano999 I was reading about the Squier guitars made for Courtney Love around 1999 for Hole's Celebrity Skin album, and those Squiers were made in Japan too. When did Squier stop making their guitars in Japan?
@@madhatter8508 i don't think they kept making mij squiers after 2000. Never seen one. I would have bought one if they did...
@@Soldano999 it doesn't matter the make, it doesn't matter the country of origin, if you have a nice guitar that plays great in your hands,then you have an awesome guitar.
The King of Cheap Guitars 🎸
It’s funny how machine manufacturing was made to eliminate the human error and variability between products.
Now it’s a luxury for hand made or variances
That's why I like PRS' approach. Let the machine do what they do best, and let hands do the rest
@@ezer0923 so most mass produced squiers?
They use CNC in the customshop though.
Mmm not really it was because it's more cost efficient
Indonesia with the Squiers....
You know you’re dealing with an 80’s kid when the neck pickup on a Les Paul is “a little useless” 😂. Great piece here.
mind explaining why?
@@mdaibm4770 My guess is that the neck pickup has a more fatter bassy rounded sound and 80's kids were all about shredding and copying famous shredders so it was all about the bridge pick up. I mostly only play acoustic these days but now that i think about it i did use the neck pick up alot less but its definitely not useless ha.
@@NailedDownClick thanks for explaining!
Andy Summers of the Police used his bridge pickup on his telecaster almost exclusively while with the Police. He relied heavily on all of the sounds he developed in his custom made pedal board.
@@mdaibm4770 Remember he's a Master builder. I think he's implying it doesn't change the sound very much compared to some of the fenders. He's used to toggling through 5 position switches on strats I'm guessing.
The master builder says his favorite is a Squier. That's kick ass!
There's another video where he talks more about it.
@@Fullofpies Do you have the link for this video?
@@magnuspleshardt8786 Its on phillip McKnight channel ...Jon Cruz picks thru squiers and then mentions it in the video.
Not jon Cruz. My bad. RON THORN I MEANT
I could be wrong about this in the context of his strat, but the early Japanese Squires are really good and sought after. I have an early Japanese Strat that is old school specs and build. The electronics sucked though, those almost always need to be swapped out on the early Japanese Strats.
I had just saved up $5,000 for a custom shop fender. After listening to Mr Thorn talk for 2 minutes I've decided to purchase a Squier Affinity instead. I'm going to spend the rest on Kobe beef and a sous-vide machine.
They are great. I have one too. Just give it a good setup.
Just be aware the Squier he's talking about from the 80s is in a completely different league to anything they put out now
They really are great guitars for the money though.
JOEYS GEAR dude
I picked up an affinity squier tele for 180 $ US and it’s beautiful
Ron seems like a good dude, seen a bunch of videos with him, hoping too see more
Yeah he seems more approachable than John Cruz but I did play a Cruz one about 15 years ago and it was the greatest Strat I've ever had in my hands. It was also 7 GRAND!
I sold Ron a Guild Nightbird. Years later I got to meet him when I moved to SoCal and he treated me a tour of his shop. You will not meet a nicer person in your time spent on Earth than Ron. And you will also not likely find anyone who would disagree with that opinion.
I am fortunate enough to have worked with Ron on making a custom Thorn Rune - there is not a nicer guy in the industry. And his talent speaks for itself.
Mine: imgur.com/a/nWBUl (I did the dye job on the top, Ron did the rest)
"let me move over so that Jimi can take over." Just epic.
FIRE 🤘
Sick rhyme.
How do you feel about the Gibson?
“It’s not a fender”
well he's right
Couldn't give a better answer than that
I have one of each, a 2006 Fender Strat HSS and a 1996 Gibson Les Paul and if my house was on fire and I could only save one guitar it would be hands down the Gibson.
The Fender is a jack of all trades guitar, is very versatile and is great if you have small hands. The Les Paul is a thing of beauty and is so much easier to play due to it's short scale neck and sounds incredible when cranked up with so much more sustain than my Fender.
My Les Paul cost 4 times that of my Strat and for good reason the build quality, ease of play and sheer weight of the mahogany through neck design justifies the price tag.
I would say the Les Paul is a single minded beast and is probably more suited to rock than any other style of music whilst the Strat can do most things well especially that legendary clean tone.
But again if I could only have one guitar for the rest of my days it would be my Gibson.
@@paulnjoo to each their own. I love my 87 Les Paul custom, amazing guitar. But in those circumstances I'd save my 61 Telecaster. And I paid half the price for the fender than the Gibson. Both are absolutely amazing. And preferably I'd save both (my other 3 guitars are cheap so easy to replace) but yeah, the tele is my favorite
@@billyhodges4200 I have both my Strat and my Les Paul on wall hangers in my lounge and when I feel like noodling I instinctively take the Gibson down and start playing. I have to deliberately make myself play the Fender because I sub consciously know it's not as easy or pleasurable to play.
But as you rightly say "to each their own" They are both wonderful instruments which will outlive us and be played for many many years to come. As we know we don't really "own" these instruments we're just looking after them for the next person!!
It's nice that there are both brands.
It is a pleasure to play a Strat, it is a pleasure to play a Les Paul.
I don't want to miss either of them
This!
Too bad for the volume knob on the strat,makes them absolutely unplayable for me,I sold mine after the neck warped twice ,that and the volume. Never had a Gibson neck bow like that American strat did,I could have used it for hunting.
You can absolutely love both Gibson and Fender!!! It's not like Chevy or Ford and definitely not Democrat or Republican. A real guitar lover will love all guitars!!!!!!!
@@johndutton5881 I ended up rewiring my strat to have 1 volume and 1 tone, and I moved the knobs away from the strings a bit. It's probably my favorite guitar now.
This guy seems old and young at the same time
he is relic master builder
His hair makes him look like he's in his mid-60s, but just looking at his face, you'd think he was in his late-30s or early-40s.
He looks like Joshua Malina in a wig. In the best way.
He was born in 1969
@@navsnipe so hes 50 cool
Both custom shops are fantastic. They both build instruments that put a smile on your face every time you play them.
8:33 is what you came for.
Exactly right. The first guitar Ron's parents bought him was an imitation Gibson V.
U da real MVP.
Damnit I looked at the comments late..
Bless you
The hero we need, but don't deserve
Ron knows just how to finesse his answers so that neither regular fenders or custom shop fenders are not undermined, and even manages to give a Gibson Les Paul review without sounding negative about the competition.
Gabriel Fernandez with this profession I imagine there’s a big level of camaraderie among the different guitar makers on an individual level. People making custom shop guitars are high level craftsmen so there’s going to be a lot of respect for the instrument.
He should represent the Custom Fenders with pride and conviction. There is no need to parse words to not insult the other Fender models. I would respect his views more if he were more realistic and less political
@@keithferris9574 - It's not like he owns the company. Hard to be brash when you're representing Fender and have bosses to answer to
@@ikigai47 plus its not like hes necessarily lying, elctronic wise they are not crazy better. its the fit and finish , fine tuning , and craftsmanship. your paying to know that you had hand selected top grade materials, and tuned to perfection when it arrives. its the whole bang for you buck thing. at a certain point you are getting diminishing returns
Competition? You don't go shopping for a Fender and then accidentally buy a Gibson. Unless you're new to playing - then you don't shop for either!
It's crazy how different everyone hears things,the neck pick up on a Les Paul is my favorite,so thick and just sings with crazy sustain
Good communicator. Knows his stuff. Treats it as a passion, not a competition.
I've followed many videos of Principal Master Builder Ron Thorn and one thing that always stands out about him is his humility, simplicity and honesty. I have plenty of respect for a guy like him. Wish to someday meet with him. Wish him all the best in his endeavors.
09:38 "there's a little flat spot there but that's alright.... Just like the original I'm sure"
Saucer of milk for table 2
Thank you, Ron Thorn and Fender, for being part of this event. It really adds a quality of authenticity to the entire proceedings! Ron is actually humble(and honest) to a fault, if such a thing is possible.
Guilds are highly underrated- not surprised he has several.
Love how humble he is. One of better known Fender luthiers but is still so fast so give other people credit. No ego with this guy! 🤘🏼
No one that goes by the name ' Principle Master Builder' could be called humble.
Lemme tell you whippersnappers somethin. Back in my day, when i first started, $150 would get you some no name guitar made of plywood. Great days to play guitar, these days
Back in my day, I bought a used, but very clean Gibson SG Custom and a used but working Fender Princeton amp. $250 total. Roughly 1976-'77.
@@BeefheartLynch even though that was a good chunk of money back then, that's still an extremely low price. God, I wish I could get my hands on stuff with prices like that now. I need to go to more yard sales and stuff 😂
@@APolishPlayer It seemed like a lot of money back then. Especially for a 13 year old whose income consisted of mowing neighbors lawns for 5 or 10 bucks a pop. However, I used to go into this guitar shop a lot and became friendly with the staff. I think the felt sorry for me. Ha. They were asking, if I can trust a 40+ year old memory, 300 for the SG. The amp hadn't hit the floor yet, but I asked if they had any decent cheap amps. Told me about the Princeton and said it needed work. I had $280 in my pocket and offered $250 for both and they accepted. Then I gulped, realizing 250 bucks in 1977 for a 13 year old is a whole lot of money! I wish I still had that SG.
BeffheartLynch
In today's dollars guitars are less expensive then in 1976 even Gibson's
@@BeefheartLynch In 1991 I bought a 77 gibson les paul custom for $500. Saved up money working the buffet station at the Ponderosa steak house.
I am a lefty with a lefty Strat and lefty LP. I love them both. The contours of the Strat make it an amazing comfortable guitar to play. And the unique sounds of each remind me how happy I am to own both. Great interview...
It's good to see David St. Hubbins is still in the music industry.
I love Gisbons and Fenders. There's room for both in my stable, and I'm proud to have them and put them to use.
I love Gisbons and Fedners too. But also Abinez and RSP.
what a nice and humble person! love that guy!
The neck is my favourite part of the les Paul pickups! It’s so bold and warm. Crazy talk!!!!
Can’t believe how far Ron Thorn has come since he was building his own guitars with his Dad.
I didn’t know Ben franklin builds fenders?
Bahahaha this comment is underrated
And he builds electric ones at that....
Dork
Hahhahaha
Obviously lost some weight... he lookes good
Dude looks like Joe Satriani with hair
Haha, exactly! Even sounds a little like him
There's some Southern European in this boy for sure.
Dork
Dude I think he looks like Kirk Hammett :/
For me, he looks like Dave Murray from Iron Maiden lol
I have yet to see a relic job that you couldn't tell at a glance was a relic job.
I'll relic your guitar for free 😂
How many of Custom Shop relics have you seen in person?
Watch the video of Yngwie looking at the Custom Shop relics of The Duck - the "play loud" guitar. Watch the expressions on his face and the tone in his voice and it's one of bewilderment and amazement. That's how good those recreations are.
Making a guitar look period aged is actually fairly easy if you think about how those guitar got in that state and you're prepared to put in the hours doing it. Even the best guys at the Fender Custom Shop spend many many hours doing a good relic, not the hatchet job that is often seen on RUclips.
Philip Merrihew
Exactly.
Every guitar I own, has wear made by me, through playing.
It’s personal.
Agreed, hard to believe people pay money for a new guitar made to look old and used. Not something that will ever be in my inventory. But like you said, to each his own....
Always a thumbs up when Rob Thorn is in any video!!!
It really is amazing how far budget instruments have come over the last 20 years
Flipping the glasses back:
'It is a Goldtop !'
A very funny video, I like him. LES
Ron’s a class act and always seems so authentic and laid back. Great, natural response when put on the spot with the Lester.
How was that response "natural"? I mean the guy is a top level Fender employee. Of course he's going to toe the company line. Like I said in other posts it's probably just a coincidence that all the guitars he owns are Fender products lol.
9:45 casually says he has 40-50 guitars
Yet none of them are gibson :))
Ron day job is in guitar factory which means he is surrounded by guitars all day long. When he goes home, he sees all of his guitar collections. I can't imagine whether it is exciting or boring.
Richard Deem don’t we all?
@@destianpatrianagara1119 youre right none are gibson, nearly all are fender yet his favorite is the 85 squier bullet
@@destianpatrianagara1119 I don't believe him. I think he's forced to say that. Finally he says that nothing sounds like this, holding up the Les Paul. Do you really believe he doesn't have a few Gibsons?
Ron is the man! Recommend look after his craftsmanships! Beyond awesome!
Love Ron’s enthusiasm
A les Paul neck position pickup with the tone knob slightly rolled back sounds fantastic.
Thank you
yeah, on 1 out of 50 Gibsons you try out... on the other 49 it sounds like "useless".
Slash knows exactly how and when to use both LP pickups e.g. when he switches to the bridge one mid-solo in Sweet Child o Mine
@@pittbrat7963 Have you tested 50 in a row, from the same batch?
Shut up.
filip hendrickx I’ve owned at least 50 guitars including at least 10 Gibson’s and the Gibson’s are some of the best I’ve owned. Name a brand and I either own it or have owned it.
that's the dang ol' best JuneTeenth EVER...!! Happy New Year OL' Les... keep on rockin' in the... Clouds...
I saw Dickey Betts about 20 years ago. One of the nicest guitar tones ever. He played a Les Paul on most of the tunes and used only the neck pickup the entire time.
Ron builds the most killer 335's called the Grantura. He's no stranger to Gibson stuff.
True, his own brand is more inclined to Gibo style and design.
"I better move over, let Jimi take over" 👏👏 Epic mate, just epic.
He has a funny look on his face as he holds the Les Paul. It's almost like sleeping with the enemy, as he says "he can't get with it." To me, Custom Shop Fenders and Gibsons are just the best. I know there are many luthiers out there, but we live in a kind of golden age of high quality choices.
Ron Thorn has to be the nicest Luthier in Earth. Seen a lot of his interviews and he’s the most gracious person ever and knows the heck out of his craft. Awesome Fender has chosen him as a Public Spokesperson of sorts to tour around and spearhead they’re Marketing...excellent choice Fender!
Mike Sutton too true. Thorn is a great representative. Gibson has chosen Mark Agnesi. Honestly. If they didn’t make the Les Paul, would Gibby be relevant anymore at all?
I'm a Fender guy first and foremost, but the in-between position on an SG or Les Paul is unbelievably good. I guarantee most people don't realise THAT is actually the sound on the early funk records by the Meters!! I always thought it was a strat but it was a gibbo
In between pickup positions in general sound amazing.
The neck pickup is definitely not useless...you just have to know how to use it! A les Paul's neck pickup is the only reason I dont play juniors or single pickup superstrats and I came from the school of EVH.
His personality reminds me of Kirk Hammett...nice guy...
Ron is cool af. Kirk is a massive douchebag
@@ikigai47 how so, if you don't mind me asking?
I’d say there’s a little Rick Moranis mixed in there.
Love it. Wants a particular guitar. Makes it himself.
One thing I love about Ron and many other guitar professionals.. They don't pretend that every competing item is trash compared to their product. They come off as genuine instead of seeming like a cheesy sales rep. JHS pedals does a great job of this. The guy actually highlights Behringer pedals in a complimentary fashion which made me discover his channel. Which made me like the guy and his company. Which made me want to buy the JHS Muffuleta.
Seeing Fender (or whichever company) experts giving a truthful and fair opinion about products is what makes me tune in. If it were just a sales pitch I don't think I'd watch the content.
Very well said.
Great to see you again, Ron, if only on here. Happy New Year to you and Pilar! Miss you guys... ~ Ridge.
There is no best, all are different . The one that feels like home and makes you want to play is the best winner for a person.
Plot twist: He specializes in Basses
OMG!
@@Tomislav_B. EPIC
What's up S L A P P E R S ?
@@jesseclaborn749 I mean they still are but Squiers from the 80s are just amazing... like USA made amazing
@@thomaspatrickparker6648 OMG
He seems like a really cool guy. No corporate fanboy BS. Just a genuine passion for the instrument.
He seems like a cool guy but he's definitely a company man, or did you not notice all the brands he claims to own are Fender products?
I mean come on.............
He is a perfect spokesperson for Fender. Knows how to tastefully handle all kinds of questions. I have a 79 Strat, 2022 Gibson SG and a Squire Bullet that I love after a Luthier shaved down the frets.. Love all three.
Different strokes I guess. It's the sound of the neck pickup that made me buy a Les Paul. Lol
I play Blue Jean Blues on the neck, it drops panties every time. Every time. I gotta start wearing briefs...
I'm with Ron. Give me a Strat, or some other single coil, where the neck pickup gets that nice, hollow, airy sound when you put *just* the right amount of 'verb on it. You're suddenly in a whole new dimension of playing (Dimension C will really open up the sound, as well), really get some neat tones. Try a '66 Vox Bulldog in the neck. Nothing out there even comes close to what it can do in that regard. It's just bleeding great.
@@diego2112gaming - Agree. Comparing a strat neck pup to a humbucker neck pup, just no comparison. One has soul, the other sounds like a bridge humbucker with a blanket thrown over it
Chaplin If that is your opinion of humbucker pickups , you possibly have not listened to really nice paf types. Listen to a BK stormy Monday and get back to me. Also my favourite single coil pups I have were made by Fury guitars and Evans, both Canadian made and pretty hard to find.
@@kirarittberg5088 - Be honest. Have you tried Dimarzio Area pickups? (area 58 and/or area 67). It's fine if you haven't. I previously went on a pickup quest and tried soooo many (haven't tried Fury's/Evans), and for me nothing comes close for neck/mid single coil style. If you have tried them, and still prefer Fury or Evans, then looks like I'll have to check em out. Yeah I'd have to imagine there's a neck humbucker out there I'd like but I've tried many and never fell in love like a single coil neck
I understand where he’s coming from saying les Paul’s just aren’t his thing (keeping in mind he works for fender though of course), but I could not disagree more with him saying the neck pickup is “a little useless”. That is THE Clapton Cream sound. Amongst countless others
Japan is so honored Ron loves his '85 Squier Stratocaster, this was from a time when Fender was not making guitar parts & building guitars in America! That's a Fujigen Gakki instrument like many of the best ones from Japan, or anywhere.
Also I think I have that same guitar he does. 85 MIJ Squier Strat. Basic and incredibly solid.
I own one, bought it in 86, it’s been my main player ever since
I got a 86 e series Squier as well as many Greco stratocasters !
What a gentleman to be handed a Gibson and not immediately trash it and its reputation. I started as a Fender player but now I go more for my 90’s Epiphone SG. Nothing sounds like it in my opinion. As is always said, tone is subjective! Find what you like and make it yours.
‘it looks like an Olympic white finish’ Guy in post: Oops, shouldn’t have boosted that red channel in color correction
I really got the feeling he was struggling to justify spending the money on his masterbuilds.
I bought a squire strat in 1985. He ain’t kidding. Will never get rid of that guitar. it’s that good.
I'm a Strat guy and have been forever....that said there really is something magical about a great Les Paul that a Strat can't duplicate.
9:06 bruh he got us
Reading between the lines when given the Gibson; “Thanks, but no thanks”
I play a Gold top. The only thing i agree with is having to almost relearn how to play higher than about the 14th fret. Where the neck and body meet is extremely fat. That's the beauty of art, there is no right or wrong, better or worse. Just opinions, he was humble none the less!
Nah, reading between the lines I got "my paycheck comes from Fender".
It's probably just a coincidence that all the brands he says he owns are Fender products.
When I get my custom shop I’m making sure I have Ron as the master builder, this guy is amazing and such a humble guy who doesn’t feed you any bullshit.
I can listen to Ron talk guitars all day
He talks about Eric Gales being the “current” Hendrix. Well let me tell you this much... if you haven’t heard of Eric Gales or seen his videos then you absolutely need to check him out. He is on another level.
i havn't, and will take your suggestion and give the man a listen this evening when i get some time to myself.
ThE new "somebody" ....means a bad copy of this "somebody".
I am Amazed that Ron Said that his number one guitar from his collection is his 1985 Squier .Wow I have the 1984 Squier with the Bullet truss rod in black with a Maple neck I will never sell this guitar its in mint condition
I'm laughing here😂 I've got a silver series black strat maple neck ...it's epic! and it stays in tune jeff beck style...my fiancé's son thinks he's keeping it on loan lol...gave him my '70 tele blonde and he begged me for the Squire. ..kids these days lol
So good to hear they’re selling guitars at mass.
I love this dude and the premise of this video. Someday, hopefully I can do it before he retires, I'd like to order a guitar built by him.
QueeferSutherland he probably doesn’t build them, he may be doing the fine adjustments and correcting all details that makes a custom shop build better
moi même I select the wood, program and operate the CNC, hand shape and final sand, fret, assemble and set-up. If you’re ever in Corona, stop by - I’ll give you the tour.
RON THORN man you do way too much for the knowledge you got, you should have assistants to do most parts of that work and take care of the final details. More people should buy fender customs, they are good for life, I own a sienna sunburst american fender standard strat and I love it, any part is replacable, it’s worth every dollar I paid. Unfortunately, I am too poor to buy custom shop but I’d like to. 😀 one thing is, I am quite sure in no time I’ll be fortunate enough to afford one of these guitars. You do great work there in Corona, I would be glad to take that tour 😀
you know what’s crazy is that Leo Fender apparently hated when things got old and worn looking. That was the total reason for going with rosewood fingerboards as opposed to maple which showed marks after a while. Now “worn” is Fenders most pleasing aesthetic feature. Just bizarre
It hasn't been Leo's company for a very long time. He had at least two companies after Fender.
I got a rosewood instead of a maple fretboard for exactly this reason. They only look good if you don't play them.
"At the blacksmith's home, wooden knives", this is my closest translation of this time proven Puerto Rican proverb.
It would actually be “At cutler’s house, wooden knifes.” (En casa de herrero, cuchillo de palo.)
In Russia we got similar proverb - "Bootmaker without boots")
@@Not.The_Gallery IN our Spanish version is Herrero=Blacksmith. So now I know the English equivalent, thanks!
I've been playing a Fender limited custom Telecaster FMT HH for about a year and a half. Absolutely LOVE it. I'll be picking up a couple more so I always have one. My Ibanez is awfully lonely now.
Nothing sounds like this.
Damn right!
His no1 are Squire?? Custom shop please start making them now!! Lol
My #1 is a 90 Squier II Strat. Almost the cheapest guitar I own.
@@yargnad i came across 83 Squire strat back then..but my #1 still from those pre cbs era strat
@@ejoey64 Even if I had the $20,000+ for a pre-CBS Strat I would opt to buy something else. I recently played a couple in the $25- 40,000 range at the last Orlando guitar show. I'll pass, thanks.
PS: That's where and when I bought the MIK 1990 Squier II of legend. It simply played better and only set me back $120.
@@yargnadfollow the vintage trails man..if you're not lazy enough. I owned a few pre cbs fender not even reach 3000 usd. I had one late 65 strat the first owner give it to me for free..do you think the guitars show got them for 20k and sell it later for 20k? No way man..it's their trade secret as some peoples say..
@@ejoey64 There are only a limited number of them to begin with which makes them even more rare now. They are obviously far more common out West than they are in the Southeast, where I live. Plus, like I said, I didn't like them playability-wise.
hand wound by Josefina. Mexico for the Win!
Well... the sun shines on a dog's ass every once and a while.
Daniele Milazzo tadeo Gomez is legendary
He shaped those early necks Sooo beautifully
@@enkiea8322 sun shines on dog's asses all over the entire planet fucko
Enki Ea maybe it’s lost in translation. I don’t get it.
"My Number One is an '85 Squier Strat, believe it or not, and I've had it since 1987." --Fender Custom Shop Principal Master Builder
I wonder how much he's tweaked it himself.
My number one is also a '85 MIJ Squire Stratocaster. I don't know how many guitars I've owned, but I've been a stratocaster fanatic since I got my first one in 1980. I got my '85 Squire in '93. I love my Squire. For nearly 30 years my Squire has been the one guitar that I truly love to play.
He was polite, professional. Didn't mention that Gibson haven't learned how to design a headstock and a volute in 60 years, and still charge something like 2+ grand for their flagship model. We'll let it slide.
A lot of Gibsons have volutes, I have a 2013 EB bass that has a volute. The LP doesn't have a volute because the customers didn't want a volute on their LP because the originals didn't have a volute. Gibson did put volutes on LP for years, I had a 78 Deluxe with a volute, players didn't want the volutes.
Gibson charges 2 grand for their "flagship" model? Fender charges close to that for a plank of wood with a bolt on neck lol. I guess you haven't noticed American labor is expensive?
I mean I just looked and Fender is charging $900 for MEXICAN Strats lol. But you guys are going to act like Gibsons are outrageous?
The cheapest new USA Strat on Guitar Center's site was $1,050. The Cheapest USA Les paul is the DC Junior which starts out at $900 and the LP Tributes which start out at $1,200.
So....why is it that you don't call out Fender for it's over 1K USA models but you do Gibson for their USA models which start out well under 1K?
I'll let it slide.
And they still suck at making Les Pauls with better access than a classical guitar
When were you shopping for a Les Paul? 2030? A standard is the flagship, and it's the same price as a proper USA Strat. Gibbo actually make cheaper USA guitars than Fender do with their Studio range - all the sound, none of the cosmetic stuff, SOOOOO sort of like all Fender guitars, where your lot is a piece of wood and a paint job! Not a criticism, I have a couple of Fenders and love them - let's just be real, they're all expensive, but none to the point of excess - unless you want it.
2+ grand for there flagship model? Try 2+2+ 😂
check 03:05
, he is talking about squier, the new ones, I watched the video when he plays the new squiers and he was amazed with the sound of the affinity and contemporary.
So everyone should buy an Affinity at least.
I love his voice and accent. And he always smiling. Nice guy
He’s been an LA guy since he was 10. I had to look it up to make sure but being from California myself, I could tell
I was thinking Eric gales right when the guy asked about the "new" hendrix. That's so cool he gets the respect he deserves
Quel “ciao” alla fine lol
Infatti a me sembrava italiano l'intervistatore 🇮🇹🤙🏻
Ahahahah ciao belli 🇮🇹
Stavo cercando il commento italiano infatti 😂
I love the tone of a Gibson but prefer the dependability of a Fender. I’m a tele man.
I'm proud youre not a strat man! Keep Rockin with your Tele bro!
Wait wait wait. The dependability of a fender. I wasn't looking to say something rude on such a nice video. But did you really just say the "dependability of the fender". What kinda nonsensical bullshit is that. Like do you even think before you speak? Like literally I wasn't intending on being rude to anyone but I saw your comment and do you even understand how dumb of a thought that is? Sure the fender is a reliable guitar. But please you tell me what guitar isn't trustworthy or to be counted on. Sure one guitar may be better than another or cost more than another for various reasons. Build quality, materials chosen, craftsmanship-special touches like the fake aging seen on this guitar here. But at the end of the day you used the word dependability. Which means the exact God damn same thing as reliability. Are you trying to say a Gibson les Paul is unreliable or prone to failure of sorts?? Lmfao. We are not talking about firearms here that will jam up and your life depends on it. Neither guitar will fail you in any way unless it is mishandled. Both cost at a almost identical price point. Fuck a $100 piece of shit guitar is just as "dependable" as a $1000 guitar. I've owned a squier Stratocaster made in 2005. I have thousands of hours playing on the Damn thing. I've never had it serviced in anyway. It's been beat to heck. And it still plays like the day I purchased it. Are there better guitars out there? No shit there are. Better pickups, nicer woods, better craftsmanship may lead to marginally better tones. (Do a blindfold test if your a gear snob). My $100 15 year old squier is as dependable as any guitar on the planet. Now we're talking about American made Stratocaster vs American made Gibson les Paul. Both run for around $1000. And I guarantee you a special or "custom shop" version of either guitar are also of similar prices. I'm just upset because your comment makes 0 sense at all. If you have a bias towards the fender because it means something to you for some reason that's great I'm glad it does. But it surely isn't "more dependable" than a Gibson. I have a friend who bought a 70's tribute American made Gibson sg in 2013 for just over $800 which was the absolute cheapest American made Gibson sg he could find that was not used. So clearly there are nicer sg's out there. But I played it just a few nights ago and it sounded a million bucks to me. I'm sorry for bitching but please don't make ignorant remarks. Both guitars are awesome. Neither one are more dependable than the other and that is obvious. If you have a personal preference towards one or the other please understand that is subjective and there's nothing wrong with that. But please don't try to talk about a gibson les Paul in a way that you seem to insist it will fail eventually or be unreliable. Which is exactly what you implied. Just Google the definition of dependability if you must. I'm completely right
Again I'm sorry for being mean lol. But this is an awesome video I figured everyone would just sit back and enjoy. No people have to go out claiming the stars and the moon. Like its obvious neither guitar is better. That's like asking someone about 2 books and asking which is better. Or having them try 2 flavors of ice cream and asking them which is better. NEITHER!!! I'm not trying to be an asshole lol but you have to have known that is opinion. You can't throw us a made up fact about dependability. You like fender better than gibson? Okay that's completely fine. But please give us a legitimate reason because I guarantee you you could not tell me one single way a fender is more dependable than a Gibson. You even say you acknowledge the Gibson has good tone. But ahggggggghhhhh what's up with that word choice dependability. Please just tell us why the fender is more personal to you and means more. I love a good story. Telecasters are awesome guitars too bro!!! So tell us why tele's mean something to you lol dependability has nothing to do with it
cj stibitz Get a fucking grip dude the tone, your dissertation is over the too. The quality of a Les Paul is undeniable and yes more craftsmanship goes into the build but there are MAJOR design flaws. If you factor in scale length and the angle of the strings from nut to headstock that’s where the tuning instability comes into play. You know how many products are out there to aid in changing the angle from Nut to headstock? There’s tons of them obviously there’s an issue. Simply ask any legitimate luthier. Knock over a Gibson and you will crack the neck you’re out of business knock over a Fender changing the neck can be done very quickly yes it’s a cheaper design but It can with stand more abuse. I was a touring musician and yes smart ass I work with Many very well-known recording artists I took both Gibson and Fender on the road with me try keeping the Gibson in tune for more than three or four songs with Fender that is never a problem Or a few climate changes going from state to state or country to country.
Too
I love watching Ron on video - his honest enthusiasm always shines through, and the way he says his #1 is a Squire! (He doesn't simply plug high-end Fenders.) I can't help but laugh when he admits the nearest thing he owns to a Gibson is a korina 'V which he built himself - if only we could all do that... I definitely agree about Eric Gales! Simply phenomenal!
Wow I didn't expect him to say Eric Gales. I'm a life long Memphian and Eric has been around since I was a kid in the late 80s/early 90s. It's wild that he's just starting to see more success in the last few years. Cheers from Memphis!
I’ll never understand the divide between these two guitar companies. I use Mac & PC. I also use Gibson & Fender. Never limit yourself because of brand loyalty.
They have radically different feel and tone. Usually, you like one over the other
I have a 96 Strat and 96 Les Paul. They are both amazing guitars. I love the tone of them equally but I prefer the feel of the Les Paul neck. It just suits my hands perfectly.
Idk they are completely different guitars... Hense the divide..
"The neck pickup in a Les Paul it's prety useless"
What?!
Don't worry, he hasn't learned yet that you can EQ an amp to suit the guitar you are playing. Maybe he hasn't heard comments that 50's Gibson pickups sound like a Tele on steroids, or maybe he just doesn't like Gibson's or he would have at least one in his collection. I have both and like both!
I love my Thorn R/S. Best guitar in my collection.
"I'm gonna move over and let Jimi take over.' 🤣🤣priceless
Wish i could work in Fender.. I love working on guitars, i used to work in a instrument store when i was 17 in 1998. There i learned to set up guitar, fret dressing, create a new nut, tremolo setup and other minor things. Would love to become a more apprentice luthier.
Fender is life.. Fender factory is family where all workers are seen as artists and can have a good career opportunity.... Gibson on the other hand...
I literally see no point paying thousands more to make it look beaten up, use it and get your own marks and scratches so it has a story.
The Baby Faced Viking: it’s just as stupid as buying worn out jeans.. :)
Well, for me guitar is like a book. You could to write it's history by yourself, but reading some kind of fiction also kinda interesting. Every custom shop master is kinda writer that writes his own history and there is peoples who really appreciate this pieces. *Thanks for reading my opinion*
@@henrikforsberg683Well, sometimes they are actually a bit stylish.
That's what I plan to do with my '15 Les Paul
The Baby Faced Viking
Doesn’t cost thousands for relicing . About 300 to 400 dollars more for that treatment.
Ron Thorn was on a Phil McKnight video on how he would choose a Squier Strat and it was incredibly informative. This is going to be a good video
Out of the 30-40 guitars and his number one is an ‘85 Squier.
Those old Squiers are indeed some of the best mades.
Silly question to ask him about another company’s guitar, he would never pan the competition sorta like don’t throw rocks in glass houses.
And he put it down for a Tele, right? Just kidding. I have an amazing ‘79 LP Custom that plays and sounds incredible, (especially considering that year model), and I love my Strat too, but a good Tele never fights you. And a Tele can be configured for any style of music. Leo really got it right the first time, IMO.
Yeah and Strat lovers will tell you that he got it right with the Strat. I just watched a documentary on the Strat's creation and it basically came from people complaining about the Tele and Leo (and company) designing/building a model to fix those issues.
I prefer Telecasters over Strats too, but it's all opinion.
Relic work. Yes please have me spent another grand on making me look like I've had the guitar for ever.
Guild guitars - I see he's a man of culture.
9:04
He got us