I just ordered a ct50 in blue with the roasted neck. I'm pleased to say that I preferred it in this video. I have a tele but just cant seem to fall in love with it. Thanks for posting
Same. I just ordered mine used and I'm kinda excited. I don't like my cheap Squier strat and want setting that inspires me. I'm not feeling my Tele like I used to anymore.
I kind of liked the "older" sound the fender strat has. The CT50 sounds more bright wich is also nice. Such a difficult choice to make since I'm in the market for my first guitar.
If your having a fender or a CT50 as a first guitar your already doing very well haha. Both guitars are great and i enjoy owning both and will definitely have more of each too haha
Thanks for doing this video! I've been on the fence about both of these and after carefully listening with a good set of headphones and picking my favorites in each position, my preference was guitar "A" in all of the samples, except I did chose "B" for the middle sound at the 2:36 mark. I'll likely end up with the CT50 but in the HSS flavor. Thanks again!
Thanks for that video, I personally prefer the guitar A and was sure that was the Fender. So, you’re right: Eyes are fooling us 😢. I wanted a middle range strat sounding guitar, I know now where to go, for the features Sterling is the option. Thanks ❤❤
I think to be fair you'd have to use the same pickups in them both. I didn't care for the pickups in my CT50, as I'm not interested in recreating classic tones with it. I can tell you that after replacing all the electronics except the output jack, it's capable of tones like no S-type I've seen. Awsome mod platform. Much more comfortable than Fenders.
I actually own a fender player strat and sometimes the pickups are too bright and piercing. I'm buying a cutlass this week off of a local who has a used one. Can't wait.
@@Paul-D the seller changed his mind! I bought a Starcaster instead. Love it. The pickups are very clean sounding humbuckers. Thanks for the content! Subscribed!
If you are lucky enough to play in front of a live audience, they will not give a hoot what guitar you are playing. And with so many versions these days, even a Fender doesn't always sound like a Fender. The important thing is your bond with the guitar. If you love a blackie because Clapton played one, so be it.
if you're filming in low light you can use literally any free noise reduction filter to smooth out the grain. not all of us have high speed internet to stream at 1080p so it would be really cool if you could use a noise filter on your videos :)
I preferred guitar A on the neck and middle pickups and Guitar B on the bridge. It was pretty close but I think I liked A overall. I was surprised to learn that A was Sterling and B was Fender. I've always loved and wanted the MIM classic player model Fender strat. I've also liked and considered the current Player series Fender. But I'd be hard pressed to choose it over the CT50 that offers more features and upgrades for around $200-$300 less money. Not a big difference in sound but a big difference in price and features.
Couldnt of said it better myself. The advantage Fender have really is re-sale value. But thats down to personal circumstance wether or not that sways you. The CT50 is a great guitar. Although, the new player series is a considerable step forward to the older mim standard too.
@@Paul-D I agree on the resale value consideration. Fortunately that is rarely a concern for me because I buy guitars I want to play and tend to own them for a long time. I usually know what I want before I buy. A couple of times I've regretted buying something and ended up not liking it as much as I thought I would. Then I had to sell them and try to get my money back out of them. So resale value should always be a consideration even if it's low on your list.
would u still buy the ct50 for 710 euros knowing that they sell them in usa for 499 dollars?. to me that's kinda bothersome. cuz i can't tell if the guitar is a 700€ guitar or a 450€ guitar. i could get the fender player series strat for like 650€ but like u said in the video i'm worried no matter what i play i'll sound like frusciante or hendrix, so wtf?. from other content i've seen seems like the ct50 is more suitable for other genres as well, plus i do love the roasted maple thing.
Excellent point raised. I am abit jelous there available in the states for $499 that seems like utter madness! However, they are amazing guitars and i will have some of the new ones the very second they land in the UK. Currently completely sold out so have to wait haha.
I hate to say it because I own the fender and love it but blindfolded I preferred the cutlass. More gentle woody tone in the high register and the fender sounded not as clear and kinda boomy and flabby on the bottom end
I'd still prefer the extra tone knob that the Strat has. However, I'd love the truss rod access to be situated where it is on the Sterling. But in reality , I'd save a little more and get a used American Strat. I play Strats and don't necessarily think of any mimicry of artists as I play.Since it is about writing and playing songs. I do think Fender should offer a wider choice of necks and neck radii.Along with a practical truss rod access At lower price points.
I really like both guitars honestly. I just meant the strat tends to lead me more to play other peoples music which is still cool haha. But the musicman just feels... less haunted? Is that a thing. I really like the master tone config of the cutlass but i know theres plenty of ways you can wire a strat too. I think the takeway from me is, i will definitely be getting in the new Cutlass guitars but ill also always be on the look out for more fenders too 😅
I did really like your video and what you had to say.I should have said that first! I just didn't think about the connection with different players Because I love Jimmy Page and Jonny Greenwood, yet I play mainly Strats.They are just so versatile and any preferences would be for neck thickness/radius and that truss rod access. It's silly how Fender still put that thing at the heel end on many of their guitars. So I will look into Sterling and Schecter.Thanks ! I also have a USA G and L Legacy.It has a lovely neck, with crystal clear beefy tones.But I still go back to Strats !? 👍😊
@@StratsRUs thankyou very much :) ahhh i have never played a G&L yet. i must fix that, i did nearly buy a bluesboy but then covid kicked in and sort of just forgot about it.
It was very obvious to me that the cutlass was A and strat was B.. I’ve played the sterlings a whole lot and there’s something unique about the way the strings bounce on the frets. I prefer the sound of the fender maybe because it’s a little more fresh to me.
Interesting point, i noticed they make absolutely no fuss about what the pickups are, who makes them etc etc. The pickups on my CT50 are some of the nicest strat pickups ive ever heard, they are very low output but i like that. I really want to get my hands on the 2021 models! Have you considered the CT30 HSS and with the extra money saved putting your own choice of pups?
@@Paul-D no not really, I want the dual action trusscrod, roasted maple, and locking tuners. Here the CT50HSS is $300 cheaper than a Player Strat in HSS though so I could upgrade PUs and still not pay more than the Player $$ I guess. I just wish I could try one out, I'm in conversation with our local Long&McQuade to see if I put a deposit down and don't like it can I backout.
Wow $300 difference thats crazy! The CT50 wont let you down im sure of it. I have nothing against fender and enjoy owning some myself. But the cutlass is a properly great guitar, i just hope the new ones are as good, too often the older ones are better lol.
Hey KH, I picked up the 2021 Sterling CT50 HSS in firemist silver. I think that color and the dark roast neck and even darker roast fretboard is by far the best looking new Cutlass, gorgeous! I've already ordered all new SD pups and DiMarzio controls for it with a Graphtech nut. Being brutally honest, the pups are pretty subdued, but not muddy. Quacky, in an odd sounding way that's just not for me. I play through 2 Boss Katana mkii 212s with a multi-wah and GAFC foot switch. Compared to my new Epiphone '59 Les Paul standard outfits in ADCB and ASFB or my 2020 LTD '87 Eclipse NT in pearl white, it just wasn't cutn the mustard. The CT50s feel and action after a personal setup is as good or better than "any" S type I've ever seen. It's probably the best S-type mod platform for $499 ever produced! Get one and make it your hammer of the GODS! I went with 2 SSL-6 Custom flat strat SCs and a Custom5 TB14. I'm gonna mod the piss outta mine!
Oh yeah, sounds oddly quacky on clean channel and just gets worse with any of the higher gain channels. Hey, maybe for jazz or blues its passable? For what I'm trying to do, it's just not up to snuff with its stable mates. Custom taper pots and a treble bleed curcuit with those SD pups outta get 'er howling at the moon!
Hi there! I’m planning to buy a CT 50 version and have a question: are these Sterling necks more thicker than the Strats? Asking because I have small hands and I play a Player Plus which as a tasty slimmer neck so that my big “?” regarding the Sterling Cutlass axes. Cheers!
Hmm tricky one because they are similar but I would say the CT50 is a little thicker, the one in this film is the old models that have a very different neck. Check my vid on the new vs old and I go into the neck there. It was an old vid but hope it helps
Headstocks sell way more guitars than tone does but only 1 in 100 would admit it. "Dude, speak for yourself. It may be true for you, but I've got an ear." Etc.
So if I could grab one of these on sale for 449 NEW... it would be a good deal ?????? looking for my first HSS set up....just learning b to play on 6 little ones instead on 4/5 LARGE ones after over 30 yrs ......So I am no newbie to GOOD gear and ....BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK!!!!!! Going to go trade some nice basses for a cpl GOOD guitars ....and in my book...PRICE OR NAME doesn't always dictate what is GOOD!!!!!! So PLEASE HELP and ole bass player turn into a ole Blues Man!!!!!!
Yeh 449 new is a good price, youll probably want to make sure it has a good set up if buying from a shop to make sure its spot on. Welcome to the club haha! Funny enough ive been eying up bass lately 😅
That took me by surprise! The Cutless sounded more stratty than the Strat!
CT50 is a good guitar - but caution advised as the new ones now are very very different to this one. I have a video comparing the 2 😁
I just ordered a ct50 in blue with the roasted neck. I'm pleased to say that I preferred it in this video. I have a tele but just cant seem to fall in love with it. Thanks for posting
Nice! I cant wait to try the new ones for sure
Same.
I just ordered mine used and I'm kinda excited. I don't like my cheap Squier strat and want setting that inspires me.
I'm not feeling my Tele like I used to anymore.
They were kind of similar, surprisingly I found B (Fender) to be thinner and a bit noisy on the low frequencies.
I heard the same. The fender has the stock custom shop 65 pickups that came with these 60s RIs. I still love owning both guitars though 😁
Imagine if the CT had say a set of Tone Rider p/us set...much less some Seymours!!!!!
I kind of liked the "older" sound the fender strat has. The CT50 sounds more bright wich is also nice. Such a difficult choice to make since I'm in the market for my first guitar.
If your having a fender or a CT50 as a first guitar your already doing very well haha. Both guitars are great and i enjoy owning both and will definitely have more of each too haha
Thanks for doing this video! I've been on the fence about both of these and after carefully listening with a good set of headphones and picking my favorites in each position, my preference was guitar "A" in all of the samples, except I did chose "B" for the middle sound at the 2:36 mark. I'll likely end up with the CT50 but in the HSS flavor. Thanks again!
I do have a vid on the Hss one if you’re interested.
@@Paul-D Thank you Paul! I'm subscribing and will be checking it out!
Cheers mate - worth noting the older cutlass model in this vid were fairly different to the ones you get now.
@@Paul-D Thanks! I just found your new vs old video and will be checking it out next!
Thanks for that video, I personally prefer the guitar A and was sure that was the Fender. So, you’re right: Eyes are fooling us 😢. I wanted a middle range strat sounding guitar, I know now where to go, for the features Sterling is the option. Thanks ❤❤
I think to be fair you'd have to use the same pickups in them both. I didn't care for the pickups in my CT50, as I'm not interested in recreating classic tones with it. I can tell you that after replacing all the electronics except the output jack, it's capable of tones like no S-type I've seen. Awsome mod platform. Much more comfortable than Fenders.
great philosophical overview ! nice work mate!
Recently I went to the guitar center and I tried both the strat and the cut less I love the strat but I think the cut less I felt was more comfortable
I actually own a fender player strat and sometimes the pickups are too bright and piercing. I'm buying a cutlass this week off of a local who has a used one. Can't wait.
Ah nice which one?
@@Paul-D the seller changed his mind! I bought a Starcaster instead. Love it.
The pickups are very clean sounding humbuckers.
Thanks for the content!
Subscribed!
@@MaTTheWish ah no way, well whats meant to be and all that, thanks for subscribing, a G&L S type up next maybe tomorrow haha
@@Paul-D cool, I've never played a g&l I'd like to hear your thoughts.
A, for sure. It sounds a little less hot, but lots more chime in the top end, where B is a fatter midrange.
B sounded better to me. Good video thanks.
If you are lucky enough to play in front of a live audience, they will not give a hoot what guitar you are playing. And with so many versions these days, even a Fender doesn't always sound like a Fender. The important thing is your bond with the guitar. If you love a blackie because Clapton played one, so be it.
Couldnt agree more 🤘
I only liked Fender middle pickup more, neck and bridge I liked Sterling more. Maybe I'll go with a CT50 HSS.
if you're filming in low light you can use literally any free noise reduction filter to smooth out the grain. not all of us have high speed internet to stream at 1080p so it would be really cool if you could use a noise filter on your videos :)
If you check out the newer videos - id hope there was abit of improvement. Its a learning journey this youtube lark haha.
@@DonnieDaise you sound like a triggered liberal
I preferred guitar A on the neck and middle pickups and Guitar B on the bridge. It was pretty close but I think I liked A overall. I was surprised to learn that A was Sterling and B was Fender. I've always loved and wanted the MIM classic player model Fender strat. I've also liked and considered the current Player series Fender. But I'd be hard pressed to choose it over the CT50 that offers more features and upgrades for around $200-$300 less money. Not a big difference in sound but a big difference in price and features.
Couldnt of said it better myself. The advantage Fender have really is re-sale value. But thats down to personal circumstance wether or not that sways you. The CT50 is a great guitar. Although, the new player series is a considerable step forward to the older mim standard too.
@@Paul-D I agree on the resale value consideration. Fortunately that is rarely a concern for me because I buy guitars I want to play and tend to own them for a long time. I usually know what I want before I buy. A couple of times I've regretted buying something and ended up not liking it as much as I thought I would. Then I had to sell them and try to get my money back out of them. So resale value should always be a consideration even if it's low on your list.
Amazing ! I love both 🤩 what gear are you using for that Frusciante "crunchy" tone ?
Its Neural DSP software. The Archetype: Plini, if im using an amp its generally the Boss Katana, brown mode gain all way down
would u still buy the ct50 for 710 euros knowing that they sell them in usa for 499 dollars?. to me that's kinda bothersome. cuz i can't tell if the guitar is a 700€ guitar or a 450€ guitar. i could get the fender player series strat for like 650€ but like u said in the video i'm worried no matter what i play i'll sound like frusciante or hendrix, so wtf?. from other content i've seen seems like the ct50 is more suitable for other genres as well, plus i do love the roasted maple thing.
Excellent point raised.
I am abit jelous there available in the states for $499 that seems like utter madness! However, they are amazing guitars and i will have some of the new ones the very second they land in the UK. Currently completely sold out so have to wait haha.
I hate to say it because I own the fender and love it but blindfolded I preferred the cutlass. More gentle woody tone in the high register and the fender sounded not as clear and kinda boomy and flabby on the bottom end
This cutlass is for sale at the moment too 😆
@@Paul-D I had one just like it just bought to resell. Never really played it. Oh well
Is the players 60s for sale?
@@joelhagenswold3625 not yet 🙂 maybe soon though im playing it less and less compared to some others and it weighs a tonne for a strat lol
I prefer guitar B it sounded warmer guitar A was too bright/clangy for my tastes
I'd still prefer the extra tone knob that the Strat has.
However, I'd love the truss rod access to be situated where it is on the Sterling.
But in reality , I'd save a little more and get a used American Strat.
I play Strats and don't necessarily think of any mimicry of artists as I play.Since it is about writing and playing songs.
I do think Fender should offer a wider choice of necks and neck radii.Along with a practical truss rod access At lower price points.
I really like both guitars honestly. I just meant the strat tends to lead me more to play other peoples music which is still cool haha. But the musicman just feels... less haunted? Is that a thing. I really like the master tone config of the cutlass but i know theres plenty of ways you can wire a strat too. I think the takeway from me is, i will definitely be getting in the new Cutlass guitars but ill also always be on the look out for more fenders too 😅
I did really like your video and what you had to say.I should have said that first!
I just didn't think about the connection with different players Because I love Jimmy Page and Jonny Greenwood, yet I play mainly Strats.They are just so versatile and any preferences would be for neck thickness/radius and that truss rod access.
It's silly how Fender still put that thing at the heel end on many of their guitars.
So I will look into Sterling and Schecter.Thanks !
I also have a USA G and L Legacy.It has a lovely neck, with crystal clear beefy tones.But I still go back to Strats !? 👍😊
@@StratsRUs thankyou very much :) ahhh i have never played a G&L yet. i must fix that, i did nearly buy a bluesboy but then covid kicked in and sort of just forgot about it.
It was very obvious to me that the cutlass was A and strat was B.. I’ve played the sterlings a whole lot and there’s something unique about the way the strings bounce on the frets. I prefer the sound of the fender maybe because it’s a little more fresh to me.
It takes a good ear to spot the subtle differences but your spot on
I am considering a 2021 CT50HSS to complement my 2020 Player Series Strat SSS. I am a little concerned about the Sterling PUs though.
Interesting point, i noticed they make absolutely no fuss about what the pickups are, who makes them etc etc. The pickups on my CT50 are some of the nicest strat pickups ive ever heard, they are very low output but i like that. I really want to get my hands on the 2021 models! Have you considered the CT30 HSS and with the extra money saved putting your own choice of pups?
@@Paul-D no not really, I want the dual action trusscrod, roasted maple, and locking tuners. Here the CT50HSS is $300 cheaper than a Player Strat in HSS though so I could upgrade PUs and still not pay more than the Player $$ I guess. I just wish I could try one out, I'm in conversation with our local Long&McQuade to see if I put a deposit down and don't like it can I backout.
Wow $300 difference thats crazy! The CT50 wont let you down im sure of it. I have nothing against fender and enjoy owning some myself. But the cutlass is a properly great guitar, i just hope the new ones are as good, too often the older ones are better lol.
Hey KH, I picked up the 2021 Sterling CT50 HSS in firemist silver. I think that color and the dark roast neck and even darker roast fretboard is by far the best looking new Cutlass, gorgeous! I've already ordered all new SD pups and DiMarzio controls for it with a Graphtech nut. Being brutally honest, the pups are pretty subdued, but not muddy. Quacky, in an odd sounding way that's just not for me. I play through 2 Boss Katana mkii 212s with a multi-wah and GAFC foot switch. Compared to my new Epiphone '59 Les Paul standard outfits in ADCB and ASFB or my 2020 LTD '87 Eclipse NT in pearl white, it just wasn't cutn the mustard. The CT50s feel and action after a personal setup is as good or better than "any" S type I've ever seen. It's probably the best S-type mod platform for $499 ever produced! Get one and make it your hammer of the GODS! I went with 2 SSL-6 Custom flat strat SCs and a Custom5 TB14. I'm gonna mod the piss outta mine!
Oh yeah, sounds oddly quacky on clean channel and just gets worse with any of the higher gain channels. Hey, maybe for jazz or blues its passable? For what I'm trying to do, it's just not up to snuff with its stable mates. Custom taper pots and a treble bleed curcuit with those SD pups outta get 'er howling at the moon!
Hi there! I’m planning to buy a CT 50 version and have a question: are these Sterling necks more thicker than the Strats? Asking because I have small hands and I play a Player Plus which as a tasty slimmer neck so that my big “?” regarding the Sterling Cutlass axes. Cheers!
Hmm tricky one because they are similar but I would say the CT50 is a little thicker, the one in this film is the old models that have a very different neck. Check my vid on the new vs old and I go into the neck there. It was an old vid but hope it helps
@@Paul-D Thank you mate! 🤜🏽✊🤛🏻
I prefer B. By a little bit.
I know it the Fender (pre- reveal)
The important thing is they sound it Good both of them 🎸🎸🎸🤓🤓🤓😅😅
u sure that the amp setting were the same on both?
100%
I'm really in a state of confusion as to which guitar to choose
Best thing to say is try both 🤟 If resale value was ever a concern the fender will always win that argument. But the CT50 is for sure as good.
Thanks for the detailed reply but I was just making a joke cause you were playing the "State of confusion" riff
Haha so long since i filmed this i forget 😅
B has some harsh noise after strumming, weird
Excelente...
Headstocks sell way more guitars than tone does but only 1 in 100 would admit it. "Dude, speak for yourself. It may be true for you, but I've got an ear." Etc.
It is true. Same can be said for lots of things i guess
I prefer A, I thought that is fender
So if I could grab one of these on sale for 449 NEW... it would be a good deal ?????? looking for my first HSS set up....just learning b to play on 6 little ones instead on 4/5 LARGE ones after over 30 yrs ......So I am no newbie to GOOD gear and ....BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK!!!!!! Going to go trade some nice basses for a cpl GOOD guitars ....and in my book...PRICE OR NAME doesn't always dictate what is GOOD!!!!!! So PLEASE HELP and ole bass player turn into a ole Blues Man!!!!!!
Yeh 449 new is a good price, youll probably want to make sure it has a good set up if buying from a shop to make sure its spot on. Welcome to the club haha! Funny enough ive been eying up bass lately 😅
A for me
guitar a
A on all settings by a mile
A
Me too
B