After a year of saving, my pro 2 darknight strat is finally arriving on Tuesday and i cant wait. Jumping from a player series to a full fat American. Been watching vids all day 😁😁
You have just done an outstanding review of one of my favorite Strats. (I have an SSS, ordered by mistake in my haste to try to order an HSS but no way in Hell was I going to return it when it came in, and the HSS both in Dark Night, and the Mercury SSS I ordered on purpose. I am crazy about all 3!) I'm glad you brought attention to the middle pickup because it has always been one of my favorite pickups on Strats. You also mentioned Hum Cancelling which is why I see zero reason for me to spend any extra $$$$ on Noiseless Pickups. I "am Crazy" about the sound of the American Professional II Stratocasters...both SSS and HSS. Great Video Shane and please keep them coming!!!
I'm torn between this and the texas tea ultra, pickups arnt an issue as they can be changed, just wandering if I'd miss the bridge not being a humbucker
I have one of these in the 3 tone sunburst. It’s an AMAZING guitar. The VMod 2 pickups are such an improvement from previous pickups. The treble bleed tone circuit and the volume circuit work very well to retain tone. I had an Ultra Strat for a few months, but just couldn’t bond with it. The neck is just slightly thicker than the Ultra, but like half a millimeter, feels very similar to my 60’s LP Standard. Seriously can’t say enough good things about this guitar. The only thing I changed out was the tuners for locking Fender Tuners.
I have the 2021 75th anniversary Fender American pro ll 3 tone sunburst ...it came with a turtoise pick guard...i replaced the pick guard with a Fender parts mint 3 ply and i replaced the standard tuners with Fender locking tuners now i have the guitar ive wanted. Since i was a teen ...now im 63
I picked up one of these in February in Mystic Surf Green with Maple neck. I came up from a Squier "Standard" Strat. I agree, the neck is among the best part - nice rounded edges, good thickness to it. Very comfortable. But I really love two other features: 1) the lower tone control also controls the bridge pickup (many Fenders do that, but not the classic vibe). 2) The push-push knob to add the neck in. If you are in the 4th position (bridge/middle), it activates all three pickups for a unique sound as well. But the Neck/Bridge combo is key. I absolutely love my Pro 2. I would highly recommend for anyone. It comes in a lot of great colors.
I made a long trip to Sweetwater back in April because they had this, the 60s, 50s, and Ultra on the shelf. For us lefties that is rare. The Dark Night sung to me and I bought it on the spot
Im glad you doubled back and checked this out after the release hype. I much prefer these organic reviews over the ones made as part of the corporate machine, those release days are rough.
Great video review! I own the same Dark Night AM PRO II Strat with HSS. That humbucker in the bridge is a killer option to have on it. It sounds amazing clean or dirty or overdriven. It's my favorite Strat to date. The neck and rolled edges make it feel worn in and very comfortable.
I‘ve got her sister in Olympic White. Now my absolute favorite Guitar and maybe my last ever purchased one 😉 great neck, great sound, surely costly but for me totally worth. Great Video as always 🙏🏻
Great review and I love this guitar. The only thing you left out was that you can use the push/push in position 2 as well to utilize all 3 pickups at the same time.
Yeah i dig the Pro 2’s. I have an older American Standard and I’m tempted to just buy one of the replacement necks. Really like the thicker profile, rounded edges and satin back. Feels great
My buddy has 2 older american standards and it's night and day difference. When he plays my pro 2's he just keeps on being amazed by how fluent they are
The first Fender Stratocaster made in Moonburst (this color) was the Southern Cross model, made by Giannini (a brazilian brand) in 1992. This color was invented by Carlos Assale, the master builder in charge of the brazilian Fenders.
I bought this on launch, got the maple fingerboard. I did my own setup and lowered the action to my personal taste. Been tempted to change a few small details; black socket bay, black screws all round & black bridge cover, as I feel there's just a little too much chrome.
I walked into guitar center yesterday went to the platinum room and there she was, as I looked around I tried to ignore this beautiful guitar but is was calling out to me, so I bought it
I've got the HSS in Sienna burst with the roasted Pine body. It's so light and resonant!!! Played 25 different Strats in the store that day and this was the winner by a mile! I usually don't like maple fingerboards, but mine plays so easily!! Looks, tone, playability, and really light!! I'm on the hunt for a SSS now!
I got the Dark Knight. I put on a black pearl pickgard, changed the neck and bridge pickups to Seymour Duncan hot rails and had the first tone knob coil spilts. And put on Fender locking keys. It kicks ass now with all kinds of sounds.
I just purchased one:without even knowing it had push push.Deep C nech was the clntcherfor me plus I got a &190 off .price: $1560 bran new ! OTD. As a huge fan of my C shaped 7.25 radius 62 AVRI this was the best feeling and fast neck.its a winner.signed a player since '68.
I got this dark night strat a couple months ago. came with a high fret and horrible set up from the factory. Fender should be ashamed. I still need to shave the fret down, but after tweaking the damn thing for a month and getting the trem in perfect floating position, it is an awesome guitar. and stays in great tune with locking tuners. the neck is the best thing about it and the v-mod pickups . also, Fender gives you one nice case with this. One of the best cases I've ever had. PS...I always love your playing.
@@Rummy73 true, sweetwater isn't as great as people always say it is. I swear a lot of the reviews are done by employees always touting how great their "personal" salesman is.
Agree on the sub par quality control from Fender, first US Fender that showed a lot of issues for a guitar in this price range (holes under fretwire, badly seated fret on my JM), things seem to have changed from 2005 to 2021...and not for the better. Of course a lot of those in review videos are the pick of the litter.
@@sixslinger9951 This could possibly be why? "In August 2021 it was announced that Rhode Island private equity firm Providence Equity had purchased a majority share of Sweetwater."
Two years ago i bought a 3ts Player Fender HSS Strat, it came out of the box with a nearly perfect setup, low string action, intonation, floating trem, all was ok. A flawless guitar, i absolutely love it! The Mexicans did a great job. 👍
I am definitely getting one! Was not sure about the color and wanted one in the color Mystic surf, but then I saw one in Miami Blue. Very nice, but this color is absolutely amazing! Beautiful guitar!
I've been considering the HSS in Mercury with a rosewood; board. It's just calling me. I've heard pros and cons on the Pro II, but isn't that nearly the case with all guitars? Great review Shane 👍
I have one of these in the Miami blue w/ a rosewood board, terrific playing and sounding Strat. I also have a Pro I, I like those pickups in that one just fine, just a slightly different flavor…the difference between the 1&2 pickups isn’t huge. My Ame. Original Strat is a different animal but also excellent.
I wasn’t a fan of that color and the black pick guard but the more I look at it, the more I like it. Great tones as well as a good refresh of the classic Stratocaster design. It’s just enough to please traditionalist as well as folks who want a modern design. I prefer the vintage 50s/60s specs on a Strat, however if I ever buy a proper lefty Strat, the Professional or the Ultra models might be what I’d buy.Cheers 🎸🎸🎸🎸
The color, pick guard & pups are about the only things I do like. Then again, I am a Gibson/Epiphone type guy. I like Michael Kelly & G&L guitars too. Blues On....💙
Hey Shane, between this and and an American original strat what would be your pick? It’ll be my only strat and i already have an original 60’s tele. Want something they plays it all and so far I’ve just heard the original strat be a blues/classic rock monster but nothing straying from that.
Great demo Shane, as always. With the trem pulled down those tuning issues go away. Would love to hear an HSS model. I'm rrally considering buying one... cheers
Mine is in Olympic white with a rosewood board. I did put Fender locking button tuners on it as Fender went cheap with regular tuners which I think is a crappy move for what they charge. Other than that it’s a nice bit of gear. 👍🇦🇺
The "Thumbnail" was GREAT!!!! LOL! I prefer to be able to "see" the wood through the finish on my guitars, but this does look (..and sound) very nice. (not sure what is causing it....but the pickups seem .... maybe ... "Hotter" than what I would prefer in my 3-single-coil guitars. It could just be your settings... Don't know but I'm not hearing that clear glassy tone that I enjoy.)
I love this guitar and your playing Shane. If I were to get a new strat, I would want a rosewood board one (I have a few maple fenders) and I really like this colour. Fender missed a trick by not offering a lefty HSS in my opinion.
It's part of the royalty free catalog from RUclips's audio library. I have no idea which one it was mate, sorry. I downloaded about 200 of them to use in videos. It's a pretty cool tune.
I've owned 2 already. In different colors and 1 has and the other sss. Personally I love the v-mod ii pups, very versatile. With that and the rolled fingerboard edges and the fret treatment whats not to love. I had to sell them both due to financial problems.
I wish they made it an option to have a maple fretboard with this dark night finish. I went for the always classic 3-tone burst but had to change the pickguard to a mint green - always a compromise lol. BTW, Shane, did you notice that Fender uses proper left handed pots on their MIA guitars? the pots on these are supposed to be reverse-C pots.
Interestingly Clapton's been using the middle pickup on his Strat more in the past 10 years and my understanding is that it is a three way switch only on the signature models he uses.
Great Vid, thanks for the brilliant info. Been binging on all your content. Would absolutely appreciate your input on something if you do have the time. I have the following: Fender American Pro 2 strat PRS SE 245 Standard Tobacco. The PRS SE considering the price holds up well against the Fender and the two together gives me a good range in terms of sound. But there is just something missing in the 245, don’t know if it’s the lack of flame maple that makes a PRS a PRS or perhaps just the muddy neck pick up or because it’s not made in the states. Perhaps a combination of the above However I can’t decide if I should let the PRS SE245 go and get an S2 McCarthy or just add another guitar with filtertrons to the team. (Probably a gretsch 5230/5232). Seeing that you have played a Harley Benton with Roswell flt and a gretsch and have an PRS SE, where would your money go? Also, I play through a Marshall DSL40CR, Your vids helped a great deal when I decided to get the Marshall and love absolutely every time I use it. Thanks again for all the great content
I returned mine (in dark night) immediately--had the noisiest single coils I'd ever heard (except obviously in the 2 and 4 positions). It otherwise looked great.
I've never been a strat fan and I find them very vanilla in a way but this model has definitely peaked my interest in trying another strat. Sounds nice clean and dirty and the switching is definitely different. Nice job.
Gutted I had to return one of these. I got one in a lefty and it had been wired up incorrectly. All the pick up selections with the push push in up position were wrong. I returned it. I had already had 2 duff Pro ii Jazzmasters that had to go back. I was done after that. I emailed Fender, they tried to blame the retailers for not checking the guitars. Pretty pathetic really. I just don't believe they take QC control seriously especially with left handed guitars. I won't buy another production run Fender sight unseen new or otherwise.
With a Fender, it's a hit or a miss. I have to touch, feel & play a few before I decide which one comes home. I never will buy a Fender or Gibson online.
@@adhaskym.a9536ye pretty sad state of affairs isn't it. Even without the current issues I rarely get chance to try a lefty in a store, not without traveling miles.
@@adhaskym.a9536 I thought I was safe buying from Sweetwater but they still sent a horribly setup RIGHTY Pro II to me. So much for their 55 pt inspection? That being said, I also ordered a Gibson LP and it was perfect.
Beautiful guitar! Great video! Sorry but I’m over both Fender and Gibson these days! Too many design changes to keep up from year to year! I’m past enuff is enuff!!
I like this guitar - I was considering getting one of these recently but changed my mind. I'm a bit wary of all the complex electronics on this and I'm always a bit concerned about push/pull stuff. The other thing was the chunkier neck which isn't for me. These are awesome guitars, and something different from Fender which is welcome, but I suppose I'm too set in my ways so anything too different puts me off.
is it a 43mn wide at nut? In my experience it's the real problem to me, even fat neck feels really good but with vintage 42mn Also for some reason that 1milimetre makes a HUGE difference in look too ahah Seems like 42mn scream grab meeeyy
Its 42.8mn but when I tried the fender ultra the neck felt really good thanks to that Bevel/rolled edges Have you tried it in a store? maybe it feel good even if marketed as chunky
I have an American Standard, black with maple neck. Neck and Bridge Pickups are Seymour Duncan Little 59s, middle pickup is stock fat 50s. Its a great guitar.
After a year of saving, my pro 2 darknight strat is finally arriving on Tuesday and i cant wait. Jumping from a player series to a full fat American. Been watching vids all day 😁😁
Possibly the best thumbnail ever. Killer tones and great demo Shane!
You have just done an outstanding review of one of my favorite Strats. (I have an SSS, ordered by mistake in my haste to try to order an HSS but no way in Hell was I going to return it when it came in, and the HSS both in Dark Night, and the Mercury SSS I ordered on purpose. I am crazy about all 3!) I'm glad you brought attention to the middle pickup because it has always been one of my favorite pickups on Strats. You also mentioned Hum Cancelling which is why I see zero reason for me to spend any extra $$$$ on Noiseless Pickups. I "am Crazy" about the sound of the American Professional II Stratocasters...both SSS and HSS. Great Video Shane and please keep them coming!!!
I'm torn between this and the texas tea ultra, pickups arnt an issue as they can be changed, just wandering if I'd miss the bridge not being a humbucker
I have one of these in the 3 tone sunburst. It’s an AMAZING guitar. The VMod 2 pickups are such an improvement from previous pickups. The treble bleed tone circuit and the volume circuit work very well to retain tone. I had an Ultra Strat for a few months, but just couldn’t bond with it. The neck is just slightly thicker than the Ultra, but like half a millimeter, feels very similar to my 60’s LP Standard. Seriously can’t say enough good things about this guitar. The only thing I changed out was the tuners for locking Fender Tuners.
I have the 2021 75th anniversary Fender American pro ll 3 tone sunburst ...it came with a turtoise pick guard...i replaced the pick guard with a Fender parts mint 3 ply and i replaced the standard tuners with Fender locking tuners now i have the guitar ive wanted. Since i was a teen ...now im 63
@@jeffrey7663 better late than never 👍
I picked up one of these in February in Mystic Surf Green with Maple neck. I came up from a Squier "Standard" Strat. I agree, the neck is among the best part - nice rounded edges, good thickness to it. Very comfortable. But I really love two other features: 1) the lower tone control also controls the bridge pickup (many Fenders do that, but not the classic vibe). 2) The push-push knob to add the neck in. If you are in the 4th position (bridge/middle), it activates all three pickups for a unique sound as well. But the Neck/Bridge combo is key. I absolutely love my Pro 2. I would highly recommend for anyone. It comes in a lot of great colors.
Great intro, Shane! I am THIS close to buying one of these in Miami blue with the rosewood board. This review is doing my GAS no favors!
I teetered between this and the other blue. Ended up with the Dark Night but that Miami Blue is spectacular.
Saw the miami blue with maple and it was superb
Got the Miami blue . It really is a nice colour that changes in different light .
I would love to have this guitar. Great intro jam as always Shane
I made a long trip to Sweetwater back in April because they had this, the 60s, 50s, and Ultra on the shelf. For us lefties that is rare. The Dark Night sung to me and I bought it on the spot
Im glad you doubled back and checked this out after the release hype. I much prefer these organic reviews over the ones made as part of the corporate machine, those release days are rough.
Great video review! I own the same Dark Night AM PRO II Strat with HSS. That humbucker in the bridge is a killer option to have on it. It sounds amazing clean or dirty or overdriven. It's my favorite Strat to date. The neck and rolled edges make it feel worn in and very comfortable.
I‘ve got her sister in Olympic White. Now my absolute favorite Guitar and maybe my last ever purchased one 😉 great neck, great sound, surely costly but for me totally worth. Great Video as always 🙏🏻
The thumbnail on this one.... well done mate.
Great review and I love this guitar. The only thing you left out was that you can use the push/push in position 2 as well to utilize all 3 pickups at the same time.
Yeah i dig the Pro 2’s. I have an older American Standard and I’m tempted to just buy one of the replacement necks. Really like the thicker profile, rounded edges and satin back. Feels great
My buddy has 2 older american standards and it's night and day difference. When he plays my pro 2's he just keeps on being amazed by how fluent they are
that whole series is hot!
Especially the tele you have !
The first Fender Stratocaster made in Moonburst (this color) was the Southern Cross model, made by Giannini (a brazilian brand) in 1992. This color was invented by Carlos Assale, the master builder in charge of the brazilian Fenders.
There's an extra 2 sounds as in position 2 you get all 3 pickups on!
I think Shane completely missed this.
I got the exact one he’s playing I’ll try that 🤘🏻
Wow! Best thumbnail ever man!!
Amazing color, looks great! 👍
Excellent review Shane wouldn't say no to 1 of these 🎸🎸🎸
I bought this on launch, got the maple fingerboard. I did my own setup and lowered the action to my personal taste. Been tempted to change a few small details; black socket bay, black screws all round & black bridge cover, as I feel there's just a little too much chrome.
I walked into guitar center yesterday went to the platinum room and there she was, as I looked around I tried to ignore this beautiful guitar but is was calling out to me, so I bought it
I've got the HSS in Sienna burst with the roasted Pine body. It's so light and resonant!!! Played 25 different Strats in the store that day and this was the winner by a mile! I usually don't like maple fingerboards, but mine plays so easily!! Looks, tone, playability, and really light!! I'm on the hunt for a SSS now!
Hey Shane. Do you mind if I use that tuning stability thing as a reason for why almost all my notes when playing sound wonky?
I got the Dark Knight. I put on a black pearl pickgard, changed the neck and bridge pickups to Seymour Duncan hot rails and had the first tone knob coil spilts. And put on Fender locking keys. It kicks ass now with all kinds of sounds.
@@Rummy73 I wanted the dark knight color.
I just purchased one:without even knowing it had push push.Deep C nech was the clntcherfor me plus I got a &190 off .price: $1560 bran new ! OTD. As a huge fan of my C shaped 7.25 radius 62 AVRI this was the best feeling and fast neck.its a winner.signed a player since '68.
I got this dark night strat a couple months ago. came with a high fret and horrible set up from the factory. Fender should be ashamed. I still need to shave the fret down, but after tweaking the damn thing for a month and getting the trem in perfect floating position, it is an awesome guitar. and stays in great tune with locking tuners. the neck is the best thing about it and the v-mod pickups . also, Fender gives you one nice case with this. One of the best cases I've ever had. PS...I always love your playing.
I don’t think fender even do quality checks on their guitars anymore
@@Rummy73 true, sweetwater isn't as great as people always say it is. I swear a lot of the reviews are done by employees always touting how great their "personal" salesman is.
Agree on the sub par quality control from Fender, first US Fender that showed a lot of issues for a guitar in this price range (holes under fretwire, badly seated fret on my JM), things seem to have changed from 2005 to 2021...and not for the better. Of course a lot of those in review videos are the pick of the litter.
@@sixslinger9951 This could possibly be why? "In August 2021 it was announced that Rhode Island private equity firm Providence Equity had purchased a majority share of Sweetwater."
Two years ago i bought a 3ts Player Fender HSS Strat, it came out of the box with a nearly perfect setup, low string action, intonation, floating trem, all was ok. A flawless guitar, i absolutely love it! The Mexicans did a great job. 👍
Nice review Shane. Thanks !
Blues On....💙
Great playing!! I had a 1989 malmsteen painted in this color scene I liked it so much!
Great guitar by the way! Nice playing!
I have the mercury silver version with the maple neck and fingerboard...which I believe is only available to us lefties!!! 👍 Awesome job Fender
Great playing!
Nice looking and sounding guitar. Really like the color.
Always love royal flush 😌 the best drive for lead solo
Hey bro! LONG time no see!
I am definitely getting one! Was not sure about the color and wanted one in the color Mystic surf, but then I saw one in Miami Blue. Very nice, but this color is absolutely amazing! Beautiful guitar!
I've been considering the HSS in Mercury with a rosewood; board. It's just calling me. I've heard pros and cons on the Pro II, but isn't that nearly the case with all guitars?
Great review Shane 👍
I really like the looks and sound of this one.
Good video Great playing
What a nice video! From japan❤
Great video! Did that guitar have 9-42 strings? Sounds buzzy expecially with overdrive.
Awesome review. I would love one of these with the HSS design guard chrome plate HB. Set it right off. Awesome series here.
Nice review. Can you do a review of the American Pro 2 Jazzmaster?
Hey Shane, very curious did the guitar stay in tune using the tremolo without locking tuners?
I have one of these in the Miami blue w/ a rosewood board, terrific playing and sounding Strat. I also have a Pro I, I like those pickups in that one just fine, just a slightly different flavor…the difference between the 1&2 pickups isn’t huge. My Ame. Original Strat is a different animal but also excellent.
I wasn’t a fan of that color and the black pick guard but the more I look at it, the more I like it. Great tones as well as a good refresh of the classic Stratocaster design. It’s just enough to please traditionalist as well as folks who want a modern design. I prefer the vintage 50s/60s specs on a Strat, however if I ever buy a proper lefty Strat, the Professional or the Ultra models might be what I’d buy.Cheers 🎸🎸🎸🎸
The color, pick guard & pups are about the only things I do like. Then again, I am a Gibson/Epiphone type guy. I like Michael Kelly & G&L guitars too.
Blues On....💙
Hey Shane, between this and and an American original strat what would be your pick? It’ll be my only strat and i already have an original 60’s tele. Want something they plays it all and so far I’ve just heard the original strat be a blues/classic rock monster but nothing straying from that.
0:51 nec
0:31 1:51 nec&mid
1:58 bri&mid
2:08 bri
2:39 bri&nec
4:26 nec
4:47 nec&mid
5:14 mid
6:01 bri&mid
6:26 7:09 bri
6:39 7:21 bri&nec
8:35 9:16 nec
7:46 8:24 9:43 bri
8:01 10:09 bri&nec
Great demo Shane, as always. With the trem pulled down those tuning issues go away. Would love to hear an HSS model. I'm rrally considering buying one... cheers
Love the Tele-like tones from the additional pickup position! Great playing as always!
Mine is in Olympic white with a rosewood board. I did put Fender locking button tuners on it as Fender went cheap with regular tuners which I think is a crappy move for what they charge. Other than that it’s a nice bit of gear. 👍🇦🇺
I want it, not even because the color particularly attracts me, but just because it’s called Dark Knight
To my eyes that "Dark Night" finish is just a cooler name for "Blue Pearl" Fender had in the '90s.
That sounds great. Maybe one day I will afford it.
I have this exact guitar left handed. I also have the American original 60s strat and the pro ii neck feels smaller to me. Love this neck!
I'm torn between those two guitars, which one do you prefer more and why? Thanks!
I have one in building on, and I'm debating whether to go with gold or black hardware? Any input fellas?
Just ordered one. Same Color. I was gonna wait for the maple fretboard one but I just couldn’t
Im gonna get a lefty HSS!!❤
thank you Master 🇧🇷🙏👏🎸🤟
The "Thumbnail" was GREAT!!!! LOL! I prefer to be able to "see" the wood through the finish on my guitars, but this does look (..and sound) very nice. (not sure what is causing it....but the pickups seem .... maybe ... "Hotter" than what I would prefer in my 3-single-coil guitars. It could just be your settings... Don't know but I'm not hearing that clear glassy tone that I enjoy.)
I love this guitar and your playing Shane. If I were to get a new strat, I would want a rosewood board one (I have a few maple fenders) and I really like this colour. Fender missed a trick by not offering a lefty HSS in my opinion.
What was the track in the very opening of this video? Was that your own music?
It's part of the royalty free catalog from RUclips's audio library. I have no idea which one it was mate, sorry. I downloaded about 200 of them to use in videos. It's a pretty cool tune.
The bridge and neck together sound great!
I've owned 2 already. In different colors and 1 has and the other sss. Personally I love the v-mod ii pups, very versatile. With that and the rolled fingerboard edges and the fret treatment whats not to love. I had to sell them both due to financial problems.
Omg.... Selling guitars for finance is like a nightmare 😢
I hope you will soon buy some better ones!
@@Aniki82 unfortunately I'm still selling off my collection because of financial problems
hope things get better for you mate!
@@Headknocks thank you. I appreciate it.
For someone looking for their first and only strat for a while would you recommend this or the 60’s American original?!
be sure to check out the Japanese original & hybrid series.. they produce some amazingly crafted and sounding strats too
@@LLSicilia thanks!
Wow beautiful ❤🤘🏻🤘🏻
Are these better value guitars than the player plus? Feel like the noiseless pickups and locking tuners should really be on the more expensive guitar…
Robin Trower made a living off that middle pickup! 🙂
Hey, for a Tele guy, you cut it pretty good on a Strat!. I've got the Pro1 model... Great guitars!
Do you feel like upgrading ? I have a pro 1 aswell and wondering if I should upgrade
I wish they made it an option to have a maple fretboard with this dark night finish. I went for the always classic 3-tone burst but had to change the pickguard to a mint green - always a compromise lol. BTW, Shane, did you notice that Fender uses proper left handed pots on their MIA guitars? the pots on these are supposed to be reverse-C pots.
that is an option though
@@derekuhm Not on left-handed models. Maple is only on Mystic Surf Green and Mercury finishes. The rest are all rosewood fretboards.
well for sure that upgrade in video quality (few months ago?) really show with such a cool finish ahah
It's just perfect :) :) :)
The Strat that has many tele sounds in it. Wow! V-mod pickups?!!!! Very bright n spankee.
Sounds spangly like a Tele with the extra tone position, is that the idea?
Oh hell YESSSSSSS
I can't decide between this colour or texas tea
Nice! Is this why you sold your Gibson? Lol I almost got one of these. I went with the MIM roadhouse deluxe and had it plek’d at sweetwater
Sharp looking axe !
Interestingly Clapton's been using the middle pickup on his Strat more in the past 10 years and my understanding is that it is a three way switch only on the signature models he uses.
I was also going to point out that Clapton has used primarily the middle pickup for years now as well🎸🎸
Great Vid, thanks for the brilliant info. Been binging on all your content. Would absolutely appreciate your input on something if you do have the time. I have the following:
Fender American Pro 2 strat
PRS SE 245 Standard Tobacco.
The PRS SE considering the price holds up well against the Fender and the two together gives me a good range in terms of sound. But there is just something missing in the 245, don’t know if it’s the lack of flame maple that makes a PRS a PRS or perhaps just the muddy neck pick up or because it’s not made in the states. Perhaps a combination of the above
However I can’t decide if I should let the PRS SE245 go and get an S2 McCarthy or just add another guitar with filtertrons to the team. (Probably a gretsch 5230/5232). Seeing that you have played a Harley Benton with Roswell flt and a gretsch and have an PRS SE, where would your money go?
Also, I play through a Marshall DSL40CR, Your vids helped a great deal when I decided to get the Marshall and love absolutely every time I use it.
Thanks again for all the great content
It’s got a badass paint job but your original 50’s blows it away. IMO
Nice finish
I knew it would happen. Fender finally built a guitar for Bat Man.
I returned mine (in dark night) immediately--had the noisiest single coils I'd ever heard (except obviously in the 2 and 4 positions). It otherwise looked great.
I've never been a strat fan and I find them very vanilla in a way but this model has definitely peaked my interest in trying another strat. Sounds nice clean and dirty and the switching is definitely different. Nice job.
Gutted I had to return one of these. I got one in a lefty and it had been wired up incorrectly. All the pick up selections with the push push in up position were wrong. I returned it. I had already had 2 duff Pro ii Jazzmasters that had to go back. I was done after that. I emailed Fender, they tried to blame the retailers for not checking the guitars. Pretty pathetic really. I just don't believe they take QC control seriously especially with left handed guitars. I won't buy another production run Fender sight unseen new or otherwise.
With a Fender, it's a hit or a miss. I have to touch, feel & play a few before I decide which one comes home. I never will buy a Fender or Gibson online.
@@adhaskym.a9536ye pretty sad state of affairs isn't it. Even without the current issues I rarely get chance to try a lefty in a store, not without traveling miles.
@@adhaskym.a9536 I thought I was safe buying from Sweetwater but they still sent a horribly setup RIGHTY Pro II to me. So much for their 55 pt inspection? That being said, I also ordered a Gibson LP and it was perfect.
@@sixslinger9951 Yeah I was about to ask you about Sweetwater.
Mine came from them as expected but it was a gamble.
Beautiful guitar! Great video! Sorry but I’m over both Fender and Gibson these days! Too many design changes to keep up from year to year! I’m past enuff is enuff!!
I like this guitar - I was considering getting one of these recently but changed my mind. I'm a bit wary of all the complex electronics on this and I'm always a bit concerned about push/pull stuff. The other thing was the chunkier neck which isn't for me. These are awesome guitars, and something different from Fender which is welcome, but I suppose I'm too set in my ways so anything too different puts me off.
is it a 43mn wide at nut?
In my experience it's the real problem to me, even fat neck feels really good but with vintage 42mn
Also for some reason that 1milimetre makes a HUGE difference in look too ahah
Seems like 42mn scream grab meeeyy
Its 42.8mn
but when I tried the fender ultra the neck felt really good thanks to that Bevel/rolled edges
Have you tried it in a store? maybe it feel good even if marketed as chunky
@@Aniki82 the pro ii has a rolled neck...it's really the best thing about the guitar
@@sixslinger9951 yes I guess they could have put some "premium" saddle too
The plain ones that feel better when palm mutting
@@Aniki82 oh yeah, without a doubt! the vintage style saddles chew up your palm!
Strats sound so thin after using only humbuckers for a while
get the HSS...best of both worlds
The middle position is the stratiest position on a Stratocaster.
I like the guitar overall. I'm really not a fan of the reverse fade though. It just seems wrong.
Guitar is blue. You play the blues. It all makes sense :)
The color is neat it’s likes a burst-in reverse…
I miss when you used to mic the speaker
I want this guitar or a Gibson. Never played a strat only gretsch and epiphone les paul
Thanks, Shane. it is a good looking and sounding guitar. At this price level, though, I would expect it to come with locking tuners.
I prefer the old american standard series....
I have an American Standard, black with maple neck. Neck and Bridge Pickups are Seymour Duncan Little 59s, middle pickup is stock fat 50s. Its a great guitar.
You getting IN to COSPLAY these days Shane?
You could pull Batgirl with that guitar.
👍🏻👍🏻
Dananana dananana dananana dananana ....Stratman!
This is the guitar shane deserves but not the guitar he needs.....