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5 Guitars to Try BEFORE Buying a Fender!
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- Опубликовано: 13 авг 2024
- Don't want to pay for that name on the headstock? Here are 5 of my favorite alternatives!
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SQUIER STRATS:
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YAMAHA PACIFICA:
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IBANEZ:
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SCHECTER:
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VOLA GUITARS:
Discount code: DARRELL (US, Canada, Mexico)
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PAOLETTI STRATOSPERIC:
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D'ANGELICO BOB WIER:
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FENDER PLAYER STRATS:
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SOLI DEO GLORIA!
Which of these guitars was your fav?
Do you guys have any other "Strat" alternatives that represent a really good value without paying for a name?
Enjoy :)
I’ve really been considering checking out an Ibanez. But, I really like my Fenders. I’ve got 4!
Hey Darrell, why didn't you put the "Shijie" on that list?
It's an AMAZING strat style guitar and you also said that she've been treated better than your fenders.
guitar with roasted maple neck and flame maple skunk stripe mann think about the price that fender will take for something like that.
I actually have the Pacifica and it plays and sounds nice. Good deal
a brand that comes to my head is G&L, i just love those guitars
Sterling Cutlass
My goal in life is being as happy as Darrell always looks.
Not possible... but don't let that stop you from trying. :-)
Step 1: be Canadian
Step 2: There is no step 2
😂😂😂
Happy and not happy is up tp you.
If we have as many guitars as he is, we'll be happy!
This should be a series of guitars to try out before buying a brand! I love it man!
Ditto my dude
I agree
Yes
Agreee!!!
Thank you everyone!
So glad the pacifica got a spot on the list. My first guitar was one of the higher end pacificas. Absolutely awesome as a beginner guitar, and 5 years later it's still one of my favorites, and I now have 16 guitars. They need all the recognition they can get
My first guitar was a 112V and I still haven't really found another guitar in that price range that's objectively better, besides maybe the Ibanez AZES. Plus, the 612s are beasts in terms of feautures, its honestly kind of insane. I'm planning on modifying my original 112 to the 612 specifications as a project to learn how to modify guitars
Buy a Strat FIRST. Then buy the other 5. That way if you are let down by any of them, you have a great guitar to go back to.
I think this is good advice, provided you have the financial means. It immediately stops your chasing that tone you think you don't have with your cheaper guitar. You can then look at every other guitar for what it is and not what you wished it was.
i actually did the other route. i bought cheap ones then recently bought a Vintera 60s. i think your idea is better provided that you have the cash to do it.
Eric - Just get yourself a Firebird and you will not be let down!
I first bought the squier for like €120 and than bought a fender (musicmaster) still very happy with my choice, and guitars ofc. I wouldn’t go buying cheap guitars over €200 tbh for them to eventually buy a fender anywY
I just got into playing guitar. I've been going at it for a month. Im a super beginner. But my first guitar is a Fender American Performer Strat HSS in surf green. And i love it!! Enjoying every minute of it.
I would have thrown in G&L. They are like Fender 2.0 when it comes to vintage design and are way more affordable.
Jack Bradbury yeah but they have the ugliest headstocks though
(In my opinion, anyway)
Agreed 100%
@@ZaneDalton Their headstocks are fine, there are WAY worse ones out there lol. And besides, does it affect how they sound and play??
Zane Dalton Any headstock with straight stringpull to the tuners, is a good headstock!
I have the Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Strat and 50’s Tele. It 150% satisfies my need for anything Fender-y. I’m generally a Gibson guy, and I’ve tried several Fender instruments and honestly never have been happy, but I am loving the current Classic Vibe stuff, which is testament to how great of a job Squier is doing in that line.
Been playing Yamaha guitars, Pacifica to be more precise, for over 20 years and never felt the need to purchase a Fender. In terms of sound and playability, they're far more versatile than any Fender guitar I've ever played and with the right pedals, you can switch from a death metal high gain sound to a smooth jazz tone in the blink of an eye.
What? No G&L guitars (George Fullerton and Leo Fender) ! :(
Yes..also no talman series 🙄
I agree. The G&L Tribute series are great guitars!
Mexican Fenders are the best value for money I got a Hank Marvin Strat a standard Tele and a Mustang with p90 have been Playing them for years no complaints happy camper here
He doesn't have one.
Exactly what I was thinking. A Legacy Tribute can be had for one bump up from Squier money.
I looked at a lot of different Fender strat types, but I finally settled on and got a Godin RG-3
I was not disappointed, very well made and a pleasure to play. Plus it’s made in Canada.
I have 12 guitars and although the neck on it quite slim ..which does make it fast it sits on a stand beside 8 others yet it never needs a set up. The neck is a stable as rock!
I’ve only tried one Godin (a Session SSH) and that was a real player guitar! Kinda like the ultimate mix between Tele/strat and a humbucker guitar!
Perhaps this should have been titled “5 guitars to try before buying a Strat”? I am looking forward to the Tele version.
Schecter PT Special is also pretty cool
It’s pretty much the same video lmao best is squier
Vola vasti. Amazing tele style guitar. Tone is awesome. And neck is very comfortable to play
The squier classic vibe telecasters are amazing
A good bit of companies sell strats
I have to say, I have bought, traded, and sold many Fender-style guitars, and when it's all said and done I really like Fenders. Exceptions: the Harley Benton T-styles are fantastic, and the Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar is excellent, and both are very inexpensive.
No G&L Legacy? Whether it's a Tribute, Fullerton, or custom-built, G&Ls are competitive with any Fender at any price point.
My thoughts exactly!
G&L... Fender on steroids. 👍🏻
Hey are you a GnL owner? is it just me or are the GnL MFD pickups really noisy? I don't know if it's a ground problem cause when I'm in contact with metal pieces the hum goes away, but if not super noisy. (Specifically mines the GnL asat classic) appreciate some feedback y'all!
@@Caleb13M Sounds like you might have a problem with your string grounding...
@@schmoemi3386 string grounding?
god those paolettis are beautiful. i’ve played their dual p90 tele models and wept.
G&L tribute lines are worth a shout too! lots of guitar for the money, and most models have a hot/more modern voices pickup option as well as the classic alnico
Right on!
My g&l tribute premium s500 is so awesome
@RDE Lutherie Before he started G&L he started Musicman.
I've been looking at that Tele P90 as well. I also like their HSS leather top Stratospheric.
@@JoshuaC923 I have a tribute Comanche and its great.
+1 for G&L S-500. I owned the G&L Tribute Series S-500 and it crushed a friend's Fender Robert Cray Strat (the $900 one, not the super expensive one). G&L pickups had more headroom - to get fender tone, just dial it back to 8. Wider and flatter fingerboard (which works for me - ymmv). And the G&L uses that third knob as a bass cut -- which is such an awesome idea. The middle knob functions like a typical tone cut knob - affecting all pickups - totally typical. But the ability to use that third knob to cut out bass is wonderful - easy to keep super clean at low volumes and also to dial in the Nile Rodger's icy funk rhythm (or lead) tone is such a nice touch. Oh yeah and one of the knobs is push-pull to allow for pickups 1&3 and 1&2&3 options. Why did I sell it? I'm too impatient to tune a guitar with a trem and was too lazy to block it - - I should probably re-think that...
Best guitar channel so far, and without stirring any controversy, I truly enjoy your personality and demeanour (as opposed to other more popular channels)
Actually love the Pacifica so frequently over looked
Yep, played 2 of them my buddy has, both knocked my mij fender out of the water. Very underrated for sure.
I have one ! A cerramic pickup one. Imo it plays very different from the fenders i've tried, but it sounds way warmer too, it's my fav guitar i have. It can do so many different sounds too.
When I tried it out it was great!
True. Yamaha always carries the "beginner guitar" stigma wth it, which is a shame cause they have some really good models :(
I have one and it sounds so good
Some excellent choices here, Darrell. I've had a bunch of other brands over the years - and still do - but I keep coming back to the Strat. I guess I'm just built that way. One brand I thought you might have mentioned is Godin... They have S-type guitars across a fairly wide price range and they are joint Canada / US built instruments. Cheers.
I’ve played fenders before and I recently bought a squier classic vibe 70’s Hss stratocatser. I can’t tell the difference and it’s amazing
I’m a big fan of G&L. I picked up an ASAT Classic Bluesboy on the stupid deal of the day for $299 and it was instant love. I now own seven G&Ls. I love their feel, their build quality and their sound. I feel they are an excellent alternative to Fender.
Hey! Since you own a bunch of GnL's do you mind helping me out? is it just me or are the GnL MFD pickups really noisy? I don't know if it's a ground problem cause when I'm in contact with metal pieces the hum goes away, but if not super noisy. (Specifically mines the GnL asat classic) appreciate some feedback y'all!
@@Caleb13M I have not had that problem with mine. Actually I have always thought that they were surprisingly quiet from what I had heard about single coils. The only time I have actually had an issue was running more than 4 pedals. I added a buffered pedal and noise went away. I play through a Fender Tonemaster Twin, Peavey Vypr Pro 100, Marshall DSL40c and they sound great.
@@shawnreed9016 oh that's interesting, what guitar are you using? Has it been shielded? And do you know which year your guitar is? I'm guessing that mines pretty old, I bought it secondhand and so I thought maybe the pick-ups has since been upgraded by GnL but I'm not sure.. do you happen to know if GnL ever did upgrade their MFD pickups?
@@Caleb13M they were all new overseas made 2019,2020, and used 2018 USA model I find myself playing the $399 limited edition Legacy the most. Comes in black or white. Musicians Friend or Sweetwater
Just got an ASAT Special by G&L. Was between that and a Fender Tele Ultra. I am SO glad I went for the G&L; it's a beast!
Just picked up the G&L asat deluxe, I know it's dual humbuckers but I love it
I’m a huge G&L fan. They’re great guitars.
what are the differences tho? Between the G&L and the Fender one?
Heitor Nolla different pickups for sure, actually Darrell reviews them in a video, they‘re called mfd (magnetic field design)
Is that G&L in the same, expensive, price point as the Fender Ultra?
Can you do the same thing for a Fender Telecaster?
I too would like to see this
Yes I three..,
@@SouthSideScotty47 And me.
Same here please
Agreed.
Younger players may not realize this. But the Fender "Custom Shop" guitars pretty much used to be their standard, off the shelf, guitars. It's the same with the "boutique" hand wired amps, or the "Custom Shop Pickups".
There's a lot of hype that goes into that price tag.
Wrong... not even close to accurate. I suggest you go get some real education on the Custom shop guitars... how and why they came into being, who their target audience was and what made them worth the extra cash. Yes they carry a premium price but if you honestly think a custom shop and a standard are or were the same I am afraid you are not sure what you are looking at or what you are looking for. I’m not even going to entertain the hand wired comment, again and uneducated statement. There are a ton of reference materials for this topic... or you can post this exact comment at Strat-talk or TDPRI and just sit back and wait.
@@IAM_Reedy Feel free to think what you like. Fender sales depend on people just like you.
Good work.
ravenslaves I actually prefer Suhr to Fender but that doesn’t change my comment.
@@IAM_Reedy I'm not trying to be snarky or anything. I really want to know where you're coming from. How extensive is your experience with truly vintage gear? Guitars and amps mostly. Pre 1980, and for how long?
ravenslaves No worries. I don’t mean any offense, hopefully not taken that way. I’m 49 and have been playing and collecting for around 30 or so. Mostly Fender vintage. Never a Gibson, Vox or Marshall fan. My point is the Custom Shop fit and finish is way above the current American standard lines. Attention to detail is better and that’s what you pay for. Yes it’s true that the bodies and necks start out the same but that where it ends. The pickups which are hand wound are better. The point to point wiring is better, the blemishes are less, the fret work is way better, little things like that. All that said there are far better S and T styles guitars out there from smaller companies. Today if I purchase new I go to Suhr, Anderson or G&L custom.
The newer hand wired fender amps are way better then the PCB reissue counterparts that Fender tries to push.
As far as vintage. The late 50’s and early 60’s Fender gear is far superior then the crap from the 70’s, 80s and 90’s, with the exception of a few Telecasters which still maintain value. I have several 50’s and 60’s amps which can not be replaced by newer gear... my main guitar for gigs is a Custom Shop Strat because I won’t take out my 58’ Tele or 56’ Strat to a gig so I looked for a replacement I could trust. The standard models are junk, the Japanese Strats are way better in quality.
My parents just got me my first electric guitar (a squier strat) even though I dont have an amp yet, it was still the coolest thing ever. I swear i was going to puke from pure joy. Thanks for the recommendation dude. Btw your my favorite youtuber right now, ive been binge watching all your vids lol
Yamaha pacifica has such a nice clean sound. Actually really satisfying to listen to.
Sold one beautiful Pacifica recently, really great.
the most comfortable guitar to play, nice shapes and nice price
@@VideosSMZ haha i hate the pacifica. doesnt feel as smooth as you would think. But i mean.. if u wanna buy it go ahead. but id recommend u get a squier then
@@kaan61 sana pacificamla gülüyorum
@@kayzersoze8127 shahdhshhajajaj
I personally think you could never go wrong with an Ibanez. Fabulous guitars.
I second the Yamaha Pacifica. My dad bought one for me as my first ‘real’ electric guitar when I was a teenager, after having a very terrible used electric I learned on for a few months. We bought the Pacifica because the salesman said that it was the best beginner guitar he carried for the price, better than the Squier. My friend had a Squier and I thought it was so cool because it said Fender on it, so I wanted a Fender. But despite the Yamaha name on my guitar, I secretly loved playing my Pacifica. I truly enjoyed it. I don’t remember when I sold it exactly, but I eventually purchased some high quality guitars I love, including my American Strat. Still, the nostalgia is strong. Maybe I will buy a Pacifica for my son, just for kicks so he can appreciate the learning process too. ❤️
From Leo: You have done a great job with all choices. After a period of trading and buying, I found myself without a 3 single Fender Strat. I bought a Squier CV in 60's flavor. I though I would need to change the pickups, but I did not, it sounded just like any of my old Fenders. I never feel like it is an inferior instrument, even when I play it right after my Fender Strat.
I still haven't figured out why Darrell throws that poor guitar onto a roof.
...and runs for his life although nothing even happens.
Writer’s block.
@@FlorianGuitar85 Aw c'mon, Darrell, was that guitar really that bad?
Judging by the amount of snow on that roof, he just turned that into the "coolest" guitar in the neighborhood.
It ate his parents
Just had to send a 70's Classic Vibe Squier back, I couldn't believe how bad it was. The finish wasn't completed, large 2" areas still marred from sanding and lacquer-less areas on the neck. Cheap mini pots put a weird wavering in the volume, and buzzing frets! I'm going to assume these were the first post-Covid guitars to come out and probaably were built by substitute builders. I learned my lesson.
But secondhand with a gold lettering, not the current lame bronze one. Those were old school ones, properly made.
I've been a die-hard Strat and Tele guy for 35 years. However, I recently picked up a PRS Custom SE semi- hollow body with a quilted maple top. 85/15 buckers, coil tap. Awesome guitar. It will do almost everything the Fenders do except the Strat quack. Plus you get the humbuckers for gain. Wish I had tried one of these decades ago.
Another company to try before Fender is G&L. When Leo Fender sold Fender, he started G&L. I've played some really awesome G&L Teles.
Every Squier that I've owned got the pups replaced. Except the Squier Strat from about 1990 that was built in Japan. That one toured with me for 2 years. The great thing about Squiers is that you get a Fender neck. The body and pups lack that Fender magic. But the necks are good. But a pup upgrade is fairly simple if you have soldering skills.
I have an Gibson LP Standard 60s as my go to guitar. I wanted a single coil to mix things up, but I'm not in love with the Strat. I ended up having Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P90s put in my Schechter C-1 XXX. After a complete pro set up, restring, and intonation I'm so happy with the result! It's a beast! The SD P90s have that single / humbucker hybrid sound and is perfect for what I play and for adding another color. I didn't save any money doing it. That cost of the guitar and pick up upgrade puts me in the range of the cost of a Strat. My Advice: If you have a decent guitar already think about droping $300-$400 into upgrading it. You may be happier in the end, and maybe even something pretty unique to you and your sound. I doubt there are too many C-1 XXX with Phat Cat P90s.
I was guessing he'd have G&L in the 5. They are really awesome guitars.
And I'd say , the closest to a Fender.
Leo started Fender , but was only 1 half of G&L.
After 1968 iirc, Fender was 0% Leo lmao
When the Schecter looks really good but Darrell forgets to put in a clip of him playing it😖
You don't need to hear a Schecter to know it's good
Ihab H. Bouch I would’ve liked to hear it tho
@Gary Bowman LMFAO😂😂😂 So true.
@Gary Bowman Darrell is a good player, but "superfknhumam"..? Come on, now.
6:26?
When I was 17 back in 1997 my father gave me Yamaha Pacifica (one of the cheapest models) and it's still rocking. Although many years after I owned much more expensive guitars like LP and Strat Yamaha will always hold a special place in my heart
Vintage V6 Reissued strats are excellent for the money with Wilkinson vintage style hardware with unique tuning machines and WVS alnico pickups. These are great guitars.
THAT VOLA THOUGH!😱 What a sound! Amazing
I'm definitely suprised that the G&L Legacy didn't make it on the list. I love mine and its only a tribute!
„This is the greatest guitar in the world. Tribute“
@@krokovay.marcell Yeah I agree! other than the USA G&L's, I have 3 tributes, a legacy, asat classic (which I'm putting seymour duncans in soon because I'm not a huge MFD guy), a JB, and will hopefully add a comanche, LB-100, and l2500
Mitchell Spille I love the sound of the mfd’s, I have an ASAT Special, though.
I got myself a Pacifica as my first guitar, loved it so much rather than replace it I've just threw on a bunch of upgrades
I owned a Strat since I bought it open ‘79, played it all my life. 2 years ago I decided I wanted to try something new, I bought an Ibanez RG470DX from the first time I played it I fell in love with it. I ticks all the boxes I was looking for and it feels and sounds great, I love it.
Ive always had an excellent experience with Godin guitars!
Totally underrated! I have 2 and love both
Also came to say this. I love my Stadium 59. Better than the US Fender Teles I have played.
Yes and they are Canadian. 😁 I don’t own one but have heard great things. I may get one one day. My Strat is a Squire Standard series a step above the Affinity series.
I have a Godin session. Great guitar
I have a few Strat like Godin guitars (Session Hss, Progression) all of them extremely well made and sound great.
I think the Godin Progression Plus or Session and a G&L Legacy should be included.
I really want a jazzmaster but my only choices outside of buying a fender is a squier or warmoth partscaster
G&L is good but it doesnt have the jazzmaster trem
Have you tried the G&L Doheny?
Played an 08 American strat for 13 years. The best S style guitar I’ve played is my Suhr Classic S. And I’ve played most of the ones you featured in the video. (Theyre expensive but you’ll never need another strat)
Kinda surprised you didn't have a G&L in this list. I feel that the G&L guitars is the continuation of Leo's quest for creating the best guitars possible! I own a Tribute Comanche and it's a screamer. Another thing to note with G&L is all the Tribute guitars built overseas all come with American made G&L pickups installed stock!!!!
How cool would it be to have American Fender pickups installed stock in Squier guitars???
But before going with G&L you have to go with Music Man first... 😆
I own a tribute and it is one of my favorites. Smooth playing and the pickups are awesome.
That schecter diamond series in daphne blue stole the show for me.
Same man. I love Schecters so much. I don't think I could ever justify buying a name brand like a Fender or a Gibson while they make such high quality guitars for a lot cheaper (not to mention that I like flatter fretboard radii). I'm not one for brand based sentiment because I figure I'll be the one to make my own stories with the guitar, so there's no reason for me to pay for the name brand on the head stock.
Also top of my list
@@CC-ks3tj I bought a $700 dollar Schecter. The cr6 i believe here in the states. Anyway I thought the guitar was total crap. Even after a fret level it still buzzed terribly. i don't doubt they make good guitars but that right there made me never look at a Schecter again.
I just bought the new PT Fastback which is part of the Diamond series. Ridiculous quality for $600.
@@CC-ks3tj I have a custom-made fender Strat from warmoth that plays like a dream, a Gibson smartwood exotic because it’s a $700 Les Paul , and a few sweet epiphones, and I’ve ow Ed various other brands over the years. I want this shecter because it’s an amazing guitar. I agree with you, the brand name thing is for suckers, the best guitar is the one that speaks to you. Every company in the upper echelon makes some gems, you just have to find the best value for the money.
G&L tributes are great. If you go vintage... Early 80s Ibanez’s (Blazer, Roadstar 2 RS series) are a huge value & awesome alternatives to a Fender. Plus, affordable, MIJ, great build quality, and great tone & tuning stability (if it has a powerocker or strat style bridge). The necks on these are fantastic, too. I traded an MIM for a Comet Series RS135 last year.
Damn...too late! A year ago I walked out of a local Long & MCQuade with a Fender Strat Players Series HSS...black with a pau ferro fretboard...frickin gorgeous guitar to play.
I think alot of people underestimate Squier guitars. The $300 range Squiers are very impressive.
Butterscotch Cv tele is the only guitar I need lol.
Make sure you play them though. I have an older Classic Vibe Tele I love, bought a newer Tele Deluxe at the beginning of the year and it was not very good at all.
Really helpful! Thinking of an upgrade for my bday at the end of the month. I do want a strat... what about G&L? Cheers
SJWood G&L are great guitars. You won’t be disappointed.
@@santafemikez9694 Hey! Since you own a few GnL's mind if I ask something? is it just me or are the GnL MFD pickups really noisy? I don't know if it's a ground problem cause when I'm in contact with metal pieces the hum goes away, but if not super noisy. (Specifically mines the GnL asat classic) appreciate it!
@@santafemikez9694 that's true, all single coils do make some noise but mine is just much louder, if not twcie to three times just the regular single coil pickups. As for amps, yeah, every place I've been going to makes quite alot of noise, amps I've been through are like marshalls, roland and blackstars (granted they are the much cheaper ones for at home use). But when I'm out playing like on stage I'd go direct into my pedalboard, a cabsim and house and still lots of noise. Even at home if I'm just practicing with direct sound from pedalboard to my ears (no amps, just a cabsim) they make lots of noise, and when recording too. Not sure if my pickup routes are shielded properly but when my technician checked under the tone plate he said all was okay (I'm assuming that's ground wires too?). He did also say it's normal as long as the sound goes away when I touch the metal parts however I'm not sure if he's right.. went to my teacher and he does say that it's also an unusual amount of hum... I'mm not currently in the states right now so maybe I'd have to wait til I get there to check with a more proper technician? Do you happen to know how much it would cost to get my guitar shielded and fixing the possible grounding issue? (I'm assuming your guitar isn't making really loud noises so I guess it isn't that the MFD pickups are really loud). Really appreciate you replying man!
@@Caleb13M I own three and have had occasional problems with the selector switch being noisy, but that's not unique to G&L. I've never had any issues with the pickups themselves, on any G&L guitar I've ever owned.
@@SeveredLegs ah I see, thanks for letting me know! Might just be my guitar needing a trip to the guitar tech. Again, appreciate it!
I have a 60s classic vibe that I fell in love with. Glossy neck and all.. it’s my only sss guitar.. but my go to guitar , the one that never leaves the stand is a mim hss
Love your guitar reviews. Although I'm not looking to purchase a new guitar, I'm always "window shopping".
I love what D'Angelico is doing with their solid bodies and I think it's fun how fender introduces models with "new features" that it's just them trying to catch up with the other "strats" in the market. They still deserve some recognition for trying, unlike Gibson.
I’m very surprised Charvel didn’t make the cut, there owned but fender and play amazing my DK24 is just mind boggling how good it’s feels and the tone !!! 24 fret and trem system ! Super Strat for the win
Absolutely love Ibanez! Still dreaming of having a Fender someday tho, regardless of where it is made, I just love the overall look of the guitar with the Fender logo and headstock. It is such a different feel to play a real one for me.
That’s social engineering for you.
Darrell! Another great video. Your content is some of my very favorite in all of my subscriptions. Your production and editing are always excellent. You do a really good job of maintaining the pace or "flow" of your videos. You deliver the content without making the video feel rushed while also always moving forward, which pleases those of us with underdeveloped attention spans. You use of on screen text is excellent. I re-watched the "5 guitars before you buy a gibson" video and noticed what a great job you did there of always having whichever guitar was on screen labeled with on screen text. Thanks! I appreciate thoughtful detail like that. Your videos are excellent, and the work you put into them shows!
PRS SE Standard 24, coil split for single coil tones, great neck, beautiful guitar for $499.
Do the splits bring the vibe? So hard to find a single coil guitar that plays as well as my prs
@@zeusapollo8688 I like it, but i also tend to use moderate gain and a ton of reverb.
Going to keep looking for a prs soap bar
I am perfectly happy with the squire cv 50s tele.
The Ibanez SA series is great and often overlooked. Glad you mentioned it here.
Fender still uses single way truss rods, which most of the guitar brands don't use anymore. For example, Schecter's and Shijie's st guitars are dual way truss rod. I had asked Shijie whether they can make a St with a single way truss rod, while they avoid replying to me. How the curve groove in which the truss rod was put needs to be cut is a difficult thing for many new guitar factories to manage, so they just use dual way truss rods and milling straight groove. Also, single way truss rods add more pressure along the necks, so that a neck with a single way truss rod is more likely to get twisted or uneven string relief when the two necks are made of the same piece of wood. But because single way truss rods are tightly attached to the wood while the dual way truss rods are not, a guitar with a single way truss rod will sound better, more specifically, sounds fuller, and has more dynamic and details. For that reason, Fender and Gibson have not that much substitutions actually.
To add to the list
1. G&L
2. Ibanez AZ
3. Charvel DK22/24
Great video though Darrell. 😎
I'm surprised you didn't choose the Shijie.
They’re really hard to buy right now. I think they lost their USA distributor or something
Ness Earthbound possibly coming up and this Virus has almost stopped shipments into Australia,very had to get some like Squiers,expensive ones not so hard Squier Teles very hard to come across right now but I'm sure it will improve sooner or later
As always - awesome review. Thanks Darrell. But was a bit surprised as other mentions, you left out G&L for the 'cheaper' choice, but also what I actually ended up buying instead of Fender strat, the Godin Progression! That is one amazing guitar which is I think around the price tag of G&L and the mexico line of Fender, but much, much better. I have read several articles online about people that goes into a store to buy themselves a strat, but leaves the store with a Godin in their hands because they are just that much better in many ways, and cheaper. Of course you have the other more expensive brands like Suhr, MusicMan, PRS, John Page Ashburn, Dennis Fano guitars etc...but I'm not sure if you pay more for the brand at the headstock and credit than actual sound- and playability quality. But that is an individual opinion which no-one is to say what is right for other than themselves.
Anyway, please do a Telecaster version of this video and please try out and include the MusicMan Valentine guitar for that comparison, it would be really great to hear what you think about that guitar. And of course the G&L Asat I guess would be a natural choice....and what about the Godin Stadium and the John Page AJ classic series ...
But most importantly - keep up the good work Darrell, thanks for all your videos and reviews :-D
Another Fender alternative is the Reverend Jetstream 390. Great quack tones from P90 style single coil pickups. Priced near the American Performer series Fender’s.
Kinda wish when darell said "i hope you have a great day today" my day was actually great
I can also recommend the GnL tribute Comanche :)
A company called Moollon in South Korea makes guitars and basses that are faithful recreations of Pre-CBS Fenders. You might want to check them out sometime but it's just one luthier and the wait time is about a year at the moment.
That ibanez is a 3 humbucker guitar routed h-s-s (hot rails are tiny humbuckers) killer finish on it though. The vola looks/sounds like a winner too. I was hoping this was tele oriented im kinda off strats, cool vid though.
There's just something different about playing a real Fender Strat than these other guitars. Just holding a fender Strat makes me happy!
True story
Ditto!
G&L are great also 👍🏼
I just bought an all original and functioning 1958 Fender Stratocaster. It had been stored inside of its case since 1981. The second owner knew the original owner and bought it off of them. The second owner played it a few times and then stored it inside of its case, inside of a bedroom closet, until I bought it. The original owner bought the guitar in late 1958, to learn how to play, played it a few times and then also stored it until 1981, when his friend bought it. I’ve had numerous vintage experts check the guitar out in the buying process and all have said that the guitar is legitimate and all of them believe that the guitar is quite possibly, the most well preserved 58’ Strat and case in existence. The guitar is unbelievably preserved. Everyone that has seen it has said that it is a museum quality piece instrument.
I built a Yamaha pacifica for a friend, with Korean Squier singles and a Fender Player humbucker, Wilkinson vintage style trem and grover tuners. I liked it so much that I'm planning to build One for myself as well
Mexican Fender strats are more cheaper, with basically the same great quality. That would be my first option. Great videos!
Thanks for posting!
Yes. Personally, I don’t see a need to have a USA strat since Mexi strats are virtually the exact same
aside from a few minor things the differences isn't big
just get a set of pickups you like ( If the stock pickups don't have the ideal sound you like ) also upgrade the other electronics ( if you feel the need to ) then maybe a setup
and it will be close or better
the main " differences " outside of pickups is just the neck has 22 frets vs 21 on the mexican
honestly there's not too many reasons to buy a usa fender when a mexican made comes really close
maybe look in the used market and find a great deal there
You can find a used Fender Standard/Professional for a very reasonable price and I've never had a reason to try a copy of the classic. Granted, I decided about a year ago I would no longer buy new guitars.
I love this style of video. ACTUALLY insightful and honest. I would love it if you did one for bass! There are so many companies doing good things for less or equal to fender. (Lakland, sandberg, sire, and many other)
Great choices, Darrell, thank you! I particularly like the Pacificas as the best guitar at their price point. The sanding on their rosewood fretboards is just divine! The Schecters are a great choice too. I know you can't hit every brand on the market but I was hoping to see EBMM or even SBMM. The Cutlass and even the Albert Lee guitars give any strat a serious run for their money.
Obviously it’s impossible to include every guitar style and brand, but I’m surprised I didn’t see G&L! I’ve been itching to get one of their Legacy Tribute models
Really surprised you didn’t include G&L
Great shootout Darrell! You’re really making me think about a Schecter...I’m definitely not a shredder but the sounds you’re getting from them are amazing and right up my alley...plus you can’t beat the value for money!
Mike Cole Experienced Schecter player here. Go for it! Great instruments.
gravl123 thanks! What I really want is a Schecter PT SLS Elite...looks like an amazing T style guitar
I was glad to be pleasantly surprised at the end since I was thinking to myself that for the dark horse, Glarry was making a return!
My favorite quote from Walter Becker was to be found in a memo to his guitar tech prior to a Steely Dan recording session. It mostly comprised a list off what gear he wanted to have. "Stratocasters: Bring all 14, even the Fender one".
I liked all the selection but I was expecting a G&L.
Fantastic video man. Would have loved to see a Blade guitar in there too. Played a bunch of them and they can compete with anything from Fender with ease
When buying a bass. I picked a Schecter over fender due to longer 35 inch scale and flatter 16 inch radius. Not to mention better neck.
Love that schecter, such underated guitars
A friend of mine sold me his Banshee Extreme. Its an amazing(ly affordable) guitar! hss, great sound, from metal axe to soft cleans. Great playability. Gotta love it :)
You should try a Gibson guitar. They are an interesting newer brand doing a lot of innovative stuff.
With prices that roast my ass lol
Lol this guy...my chibson will arive any day now. Im gonna name it NESSI...
@@krijay1907 In my experience they are very affordable and have excellent quality control.
Look at FGN! Fujigen built a lot of guitars for other companies, including Fender.
I recently purchased a FGN Iliad Standard. It's the best T-style guitar I ever owned. It came with a Seymour Duncan APTL-3JD Jerry Donahue in the bridge and a '59 at the neck. It's an extremely playable guitar, and it was around half the price of a new American Professional Telecaster.
Kudos for the Ibanez SA mention!
I finally got one (an SA320, with piezos in the trem), and after fixing the nut on the G string, it is great. I can't do a divebomb and stay in tune, but I'll live. I can use it for Judas Priest and Iron Maiden and hit the bar, but not for Slayer. If I can have 2 Hughes & Kettner amps (1 for Priest and Maiden, and the other for Slayer), then I can have 2 guitars.
Too late! I just bought a custom Tele with a quilted maple top. Its gaawjus and I love it.
nice, I screwed up and bought a custom quilt with a tele guitar top and it is uuunnncomfortable, not one good nights sleep and my dreams now always seem to include roy clark and brad paisley.
I'd say G&L should be on the list.
Thanks for mentioning cost and nation of manufacture - those are very important to a lot of us. Cost is obviously relative for an international audience but I'd love to get nation of manufacture for every instrument.
Vola was my favorite.
Make one. It worked for Brian May. He did ok career wise using it too.
Also: the Jackson DK3 and the Charvel DK24 are great options! I know they’re both owned by Fender, but it’s worth the extra money for what you get compared to the player series!
G&L are the best options.
Thanks Darrel for your advice and a special thanks for support Paoletti and Italy. Your videos are always amazing. I bought my Tele (Shawbucker deluxe) after your comparison with a Les Paul. I was looking a H guitar with Fender tone. Thanks to you a found it! I wait for another video with 5 tele
You make guitar playing look easy.. I am having the worst time trying to get my arm to work with my fingers properly. After my accident I decided to try and play again. I love my Jackson Dinky JS34Q I picked up for dirt cheap. Your videos make me just want to play.
You don't pay for the name with a fender. You pay less because it's bolt-on, for a USA made iconic guitar that sounds awesome. Or you can get a Les Paul long scale or a Prs
Me who just bought a fender strat 2 weeks ago: 👁👄👁
Me who has seen this obnoxious meme 50000 times 🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽
My favorite s style i have found is the Sterling cutlass with the roasted maple neck. I payed like 499 on a sale and it plays like a 1500$ guitar. I got the hss version but they make an all single coil that honestly blindfolded i don't think anyone would be able to tell the difference in it and an American Fender. The locking tuners was a plus for me. And tons of tonal options with the 5 way. Great video as always man.
Ernie Ball Music Man is the evolved form of Leo's Fender's second guitar-making effort, and there's still a lot of Leo's influence visible there. The Cutlass, Albert Lee model, and Silhouette feature SSS or HSS layouts. Others have already mentioned G&L, so I won't ;-)