You could buy two of the new Fesley fst1000 strats for the price and they have roasted maple quarter sawn necks, wilkinson bridge and pickups, grover machines, stainless steel ball end frets etc. totally destroy this junk for half the money.
I mean... Over the holidays Costco had a cort acoustic guitar with a spruce top for like a couple of hundred bucks.... This might be lesser than a Costco guitar. 😂
Phil they are made in different factories by different companies the Strats are made by Cort and the Tele’s by Samick. Look at the serial numbers IC on the Strat and IS on the Tele.
I just bought a 2017 Squier Standard Series tele used, like-new last weekend for $110. Full thickness body, rosewood fret board, Steel block saddles...made in Indonesia (It was $379 when new). I think Fender underestimated the intelligence of the larger audience. Sure, they will catch some buyers that are too lazy or inexperienced to look deeper - but they are definitely not making friends with the players and they are trashing the used market.
@@PlayGibsonYep, my Indo Strat from '03 cost me $125. Near excellent condition. Best playing Strat I've owned. Indo's are hit or miss, but I've had no issues with these guitars (4) at all and for Way less expensive. Even my Jem is from there, just had the cheaper bridge issue but it's worth modding it because of the cost. 👍🏻
Man - I love the demo room. I pointed it out in your Fender tele video you just did - but there was something about the new room that I couldnt put my finger on and I just figured it out - the difference is the focus you have brought forward. In this new room, I am completely dialed in to the playing demo. In the previous videos when you had the demo in your studio, I was distracted by all the guitars in the background and trying to check them out while you were playing. I feel like I am taking in and remembering the sound demo much more clearly in your new room. WINNING!
Phillip your videos have been crucial in my guitar playing. I started at 8 years old and am now 26, and until I came across your channel I was NEVER taught how to properly set up a guitar. Thanks so much, you’ve made my collection play its best.
I love the way Phil treats every instrument with both honesty and seriousness. This is a product that would push my buttons big time, but Phil keeps it objective and professional.
Yeah, if they took a Classic Vibe, put the gold decal (black decal looks Bullet Strat cheap) on it, I might give them a $100 bump. But at THIS price, for THIS guitar? That’s a hard pass for me.
Yep! I built my own body, but have a real nice Fender 67 reissue neck from the early '90's. Vintage style 6 screw bridge, CTS pots, Dimarzio 5-way switch, switchcraft jack, and Fender 50's vintage series pups, bone nut, etc. I did all the work myself, and look forward to playing everyday.
Buy your Fender Player II this weekend before the new 25% tariff on Mexican goods is expected to go into effect on Monday (2/3) in the U.S. If they go into effect, I expect Player IIs to jump up to roughly $1k MSRP. Hope I’m wrong, but it doesn’t look that way at the moment.
My first thoughts about this new line was related to those tariffs. Perhaps they planned this after things that were stated before/during the election; maybe it's just a coincidence. But yeah... gonna be bad for guitarists
Thanks for another fine video! A couple of years ago I picked up a new Affinity strat at a garage sale. I stripped off everything down to just the body, neck. and bridge. Replaced everything else with great parts. Fit a hardwood block in the trem cavity and put about an hour on the fretts, etc. Now it looks and plays great and I am still way under the price of the guitar you are reviewing. Plus, doing all the work myself was easy and I learned a lot.
I miss the days of $350 MIMs and $700 MIAs, but that’s the world we live in today. I have a poplar partscaster Strat that sounds amazing. Mine is surf green. Poplar is “paint grade” wood for sure.
Great break down as usual. Haven't watched many of your videos over the last couple years because I've been travelling Asia. The biggest change in your videos is your playing. Much better! You have improved in a big way! Great video AND great playing!
These remind me of my 90's "Squier Series" Strats I have or have had (owned multiples MIM,MIK). Sometimes the necks were good, sometimes they were odd but the one thing they all shared was the bad electronic components and the lack of that "stratocaster" sound. They make good mod platforms, though.
Phil just taught me that I already have a better playing Fender Strat than the one reviewed here. I got used for around $250, mine just happens to say Squire on the headstock 😂 (2010 CV w quarter sawn maple neck).
@@Jonontoast idk, I also have a 2010 CV Strat. When compared to the 2018 MIM Standard I also had at the time, I preferred the Squier. It simply played better. There's nothing in this review that tells me this new Standard would be any better than my old MIM Standard, which didn't stand up to my CV. It's all subjective, but in my case as well as @drew335 's, we're not missing out on anything. Are you sure *your* reply wasn't the confirmation biased cope? 🤣
@@uncle_ike Yeah I'm sure the people who haven't played the guitar would fit my description better. You would know that too if you stopped to think, before replying. You can't just say "no I'm not, but you are" to everything you know? 😂
Philip, you are the most knowledgable and reliable evaluator of guitars out there. Thanks as always for your honesty, and expertise. This guitar leaves so much to be desired.
Unfortunately.....Philip's guitar reviews have now become the worst in youtube. Too much bias enters into his reviews. Too much personal likes and dislikes. And has started to sound like the "typical" guitar collector snob.
@@Mexxx65 Download the data sheet. Who else is giving you that kind of detail? I taught luthiery and I've yet to see any bias that he doesn't talk about.
This is BY FAR the greatest guitar channel on youtube! Love the no BS approach, knowledgeable reviews, honest opinions and tasteful playing. I love Fenders but this strat might be a dud. IMO they are cheapening the brand name. Guitar sounds fine, sounds like a strat. But like you said there are better options in that price range. There's no shame playing a Squier strat but playing a Squier strat with a Fender logo slapped on the headstock on the other hand... I'll just stick with my modded Affinity strat for now.
Fender slapping their logo on a Squier was inevitable. The irony is delicious and validates every guitarist who ever said about Squier, "It's as good as any Fender."
I'm sorry to tell you that those same satin finished block saddles were standard on alot of old American standard strats also. Some came with traditional bent saddles but the ones that had block saddles looked exactly like that. Chrome Bridge with satin finished block saddles.
Yeah, a Squier, with a bigger trem block, and a big price. I'd take a Classic Vibe 1st, or something used. For this price it's quality should match a PRS SE or a Sire, and you can get off-brand decent Strats with roasted necks and Stainless steel frets for under $300. Add $300 to buy a Fender decal apparently...
The Squier CVs also come with Alnico pickups and a bone but for an actually somewhat authentic Fender sound. Fender should’ve let this idea die in the conference room, what an embarrassment to call this the “standard” for an otherwise great brand.
Great first review of the new Standard. It sounds good but it looks like they've made some savings in manufacture. One of the best sounding and playing Strats I've owned was a MIJ Squier from 1984. I prefer it to a MIM Standard with a Fender logo.
I bought a Squier Strat Deluxe in 2017 and it has incredibly similar specs. It's not only my favorite guitar, it's the one that my kids all want to have when I'm out of this trip on Earth. They all own Fenders and Gibsons. It's SO easy and comfortable to play.
Those Deluxes were like Squier's version of the American Standard: 9.5" neck radius, 2-point Synchronous vibrato, and a 22-fret neck w/skunk stripe. I also liked the Contemporary Strat that came out prior to the current version..
Considering what The Harley Benton's & Firefly's of the world are giving you at a much lower price point I believe you are spot on with your analysis of this Fender series. Thanks Phil
I've already gotten offers for these brand new on Reverb for $533. The early reviews haven’t been too kind, but I can already see the future titles on here when prices drop "Unbelievable Fender for $450!" "Overlooked Fender for $500!" "Great Inexpensive Fender for Under $500??" "$400 FENDER??" Etc, etc...
Yes, that look on inexpensive poplar sunburst finishes is distinctive, Phil. It's an oversaturated burst with dark grain filler highlighting the tight straight grain. Not bad in itself, perhaps, but it's unlike alder bodies, and is a reason I would opt for solid colours. Thanks for the review, and I would ask if you could also look at the new Standard Acoustasonics. Perhaps as those aren't trying to copy anything traditional they are less controversial (?) in an Indonesian build.
If someone wants a good value import the $430 Squier Classic Vibe has better specs, if someone wants the Fender branding the Fender Player Series 1 can still be had for $700 and also has better specs while being made in Mexico too. This is an import like the Squier classic vibe, is priced almost the same as a Fender Mexican Player series and has worse specs than both. It’s a total flop in my mind. Too bad a lot of less informed buyers will see the logo & prob fall for this.
Poplar is not an issue for me. Squiers have had them for years & we like them. Also PRS SE Silver Sky has poplar & no one is complaining. My daughter got a 90s Mexican Tele that’s poplar. They used it before moving to Alder.
I just posted a video about the new Ibanez Standard AZ22S1F HSS and Ibanez (wisely) took the opposite approach from Fender. It is loaded with features like stainless steel frets, locking tuners, roasted maple neck, and alnico single coils (with a ceramic humbucker). It was well-made, looks, sounds, and plays great, and the fact it's made in China does not matter to me at all. You can see where they saved money, such as the cheap (but fully functional) electronics and the most sloppily applied shielding paint I've ever seen, but I'd much rather than that then the most boring Fender ever (and I say that as someone loves Fender has owned probably over 30 Fender/Squier guitars in my lifetime). I'm excited to see your videos on the HH version of the Ibanez and the G&L Tribute as well.
What's the bridge post spacing. I've learned the hard way that the squiers have a smaller spacing on the 2 point trems from being built under metric measurements overseas which makes upgrading the bridge very difficult.
I have an American Standard Strat that I bought 1987 with the silly "little spring "that everyone promptly lost. Eventually I put in a Callaham tremolo block, tremolo arm and GraphTech saddles and nut. Overtime I put in some truly excellent Pickup Wizard pickups from Canada (where I'm from). I play it often and enjoy it. Is it an exceptional guitar? I can"t say but it sounds terrific and all my friends (including my guitar )teacher love it. In the end, a Stratocaster is a Stratocaster. Some personalization may be in order, but I love this version of the American Standard Stratocaster.
It looks really cheap even in this video on my phone. The pickups also sound similar to a Squier since the Affinity’s uses ceramic pickups too and that doesn’t 100% mean they are always worse but I don’t like them compared to Fender MIM ones Like I said in the Tele video, go for a used Fender MIM or a Squier CV and mod it with a much better guitar body
@@jefb3705Yes, and like I said Ceramic doesn’t mean it’s worse. It’s ultimately a preference and there are some really great sounding ceramic pickups just like there are really great Squiers in a sea of many dud Squiers. However, the ones in the sound samples of this guitar outside of this video sound like leftover Squier single coils pickups that weren’t used on their affinity line
I think Fender's problem is they're trying to shoehorn this line in between the Squiers and the MIMs, but realistically, there are many good strat and tele offerings in the low range from the likes of Harley Benton, Donner, Eart and others. Really, with that competition and with the possible exception of a few models like their CV series and guitars like the J Mascis Jazzmaster, the Squiers need to go DOWN in price. Significantly. What they should have done is promote the CVs to a full Fender nameplate, call it the Standard series, up the price by maybe $50-$75 more just for doing that and slightly reduce the price of the remaining Squiers to compete with the other Asian made stuff.
Hoping that this is not an excuse to downgrade the build quality and specs of the Classic Vibes, Affinity’s, and Paranormals, while keeping the prices the same and then pushing people towards these to continue getting what they got with the Squiers. This seems like a backdoor guitar version of shrinkflation. They could have followed PRS’s or G&L’s lead but instead Fender chose to emulate Gibson and Epiphone. Right move for short term profitability but long term bad move for player loyalty, and therefore, long term profitability. Not sure why PRS is able to do things right coming out of the same factory but Fender can’t. Maybe it is by design. But I’ll try to give them the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to the fact that these are early runs and they are still in the steep part of the learning curve. Hopefully the feedback will be loud and clear that rebadging something for a 40% premium with little to no differentiation is not fooling anyone. I can understand that yes there should be some premium attached to using the Fender logo, but there also should be a premium that is earned by upping the content a little bit. Slightly better cuts of wood and fewer pieces, even if it’s still Poplar, and better hardware is not too much to ask. The pickups are less of an issue because they are the easiest thing to change, is subjective, and there isn’t anything inherently wrong with ceramic. But there is no excuse for a four piece body of a cheaper wood on a $600 guitar. Again, if PRS can do better in spite of less volume and economies of scale, then so should Fender. 🤷♂️
Fender made the choice to risk putting their name on what could have been a really nice Squier at $429 because they saw a chance to bring their margins up or maybe just not drop off either way it's a NO for me at this price point
I think the differences you’re noticing in the neck carve is due to the factory. Not sure if you noticed but the Strats are coming from Indonesia Cor-Tek (ICF prefix) & the Teles are coming from Indonesia Samick (ISF prefix). That seems to be a consistent difference even on the CV Squiers from Cor-Tek & Samick.
A friend got the telecaster, he came to play on my 20 years old squire with japanese slightly flamed maple neck, and he almost cried from deception he went from excited to feeling ashamed he bought on internet without trying before, that guitar is going back to where it came from 🤔
Having watched this and the Standard Tele video, I’m glad I got my Squier CV Tele a few years ago. Same or better and components and Qc for less money from what I can tell.
...That's just false. I'm sorry. Source: I own lots of them. See the Fender factory tour where they talk about how the block saddles are individually polished by hand and always have been.
@@iancurrie8844 Incorrect. They are powder coated steel and satin. Not the stamped saddles. The block saddles. Its not false. Its a fact. Go to sweetwater, look up the Fender American Series Strat Tremolo Bridge Assembly - Chrome and tell me what you see. You're wrong. Period.
@Aceroxx : Sorry mate but you're just spouting-off innacuracies here... IanCurrie is right : I also own SIX Stratocasters from NEW (x 5 are USA) Four (USA) came BRAND NEW with chromed (NOT satin) block saddles & they still are today : All those were of the 2000-2006 "American Series" groupage My 2005 Ash Cherry Burst came from new with the older type bent saddles, which personally, I don't like anywhere near as much (even tho' they are 'traditional') & the other Strat I mentioned (non USA) is an Indonesian 1999 Squier Stratocaster, again, with the older less liked bent saddles. For me, Fender USA really did hit a high point with the 2000-2006 "American Series" as they contained everything that I wanted in a Stratocaster & several other casual observers have gone on record to say the same thing. But the block saddles on mine ARE ALL CHROMED & not 'satin' = FACT 1, = Black / Maple from 2000 2, = Olympic White from 2003 3, = Olympic White from 2006 In addition, my Ash Deluxe was from 2005 & has a slightly thicker neck My Son has a 'Satin Strat' (MIM) from 2002 & that has satin block saddles
@@WizDawg yeah I wonder if this is their way of stemming losses from the old MIM Standards competing with the current Players. Which…is just another marketing exercise.
I respect that he can actually play well too, (when people speak authoritatively and then demonstrate poorly in practice, it really undermines the credibility of their opinions). Phil proves he has real experience.
I don't like the flat surface from the nut to the headstock. It does not fall off fast enough to suit me. The problem is that the low E string can rub on that wood surface behind the nut. I suppose you could wrap the string above the string hole in the tuning machine. Don't know why they did not just cut the drop off a couple mm closer to the nut. 🤷♂️
Phil, that strat body has coarse grained wood and north American poplar lumber doesn't look like that. Our commercially sold poplar is fine grained and resembles something in between cherry and soft maple as far as the grain patterns go. I suspect the Indonesian factories are playing games with the wood species that they're actually using in this new line of guitars. In other words if they run out of actual poplar, they're still going to continue building with whatever wood they have on site or can get quick. If it happens to be agathis or okoume, I'd bet they use it until more poplar gets delivered.
The guitar sounds OK, and Poplar is a good wood for the body - It is about 25% harder than Basswood. But, because Poplar often has funky grain, the body should usually be painted.
This Fender series should not be called Standard. They made a big mistake. This is an insult to my Made in Mexico Fender Standard Stratocaster. I hope that the similar names will not affect the prices of used Mexican-made Standard guitars.
Just a thought: Do you think Fender could be doing one of the following: - Planning to roll upper tier Squier models into the fender line (Classic Vibe) - Preparing for potentially having to move production of Fenders from Mexico to Indonesia if the Trump tarrifs come into effect?
Love your vids Phil. A couple questions & comments, as an owner of one myself and a fellow reviewer. How are satin chrome steel block saddles & a full size block not better than a Squier? Aren't they a thin pot metal. I know this isn't stainless steel, but isn't is still a notch up? This nut width is matched with the Fender AUII, the Player II & Squiers are narrower, so this is Fender width. My neck edges, relief and action are fabulous, but I know qc varies, but it was as good or better than all my 4 Squiers, all 4 Players (1,II,70th & Plus) & my Vintera II. This neck profile feels closer to a Player series than an Affinity to me, well really a cross of the two, and definitely better fit and finish than the Affinities. The electronics are pretty standard for Fender MIM's and the pups are like the older MIM ones. Even the tuners are like the old MIM. Hard not to call this a Fender. I know it's poplar and laurel. Though I believe they have done poplar before, in some MIJ models, right? I agree about a used MIM over this for the money & can see why one might still buy an Affinity just for the $$ savings. However, neither of my Affinities nor my CV feel better than this. But like you said, we're all different. Thank you for all you helpful info over the years.
I’ll pass, especially cuz u can get used player for less money. That being said, some kid is gonna get this guitar as their first fender and it’s gonna mean everything to them. So u can’t hate it that much
I dumped Fender at AP2! It wasn't a 1700.00$ guitar and this one is basically an affinity series with a fender logo! I will not be getting another Fender; a G&L? Oh yeah a G&L ASAT!
Because of the multi piece bodies, the original American Standard used a veneer on sunburst finishes. Also the saddles are very similar to the old American Standards.
I still believe the USA standard strat and the Mexican strat was best. The black or tweed hard case where all your cool, stickers went. Yeah you walked into the pub with your black or such and metal fender screwed inn. People knew you had a most probably a nice USA strat with all better quality under the hood and tuners with more than likely a nice bone nut for that rounders sound, ie my 62 reissue or Wayne’s world Strat. Kept the 3 way switch and never out bent a bend on the 7 1/4 radius. Yet the new age of fluffy people not happy with standard. Now we get parts of a complete USA Strat spread over 5 new Strats and Tele each year. With all these names just made an easy excuse for fender to farm out of USA. All have one thing that is cheap or not to par for a player that will not need a failure 1/2 way through a set and selector goes crap. Was so much easier with standard USA then custom shop or go. Mexico and grow or straight up squire and understand parts will fail. Yet all up no hard cases unless right tip end of dollar. The soft cases went cheap then semi then stitching bits. When yep hitting mid 50’s and vets pension wife kids left lost mum and trooper service dog last year. My guitars and a really empty lonely house, which this 22nd dec birthday and Xmas day and new years mobile as broken screen waiting on new one so no texts received. I have still not heard even hi dad you ok. As told them till phone comes I can only get calls where old days people talked into those plastic things with screens you all type on. So my guitars and some photos is all I have. So the hard cases, yeah take up some room, yet always felt better knowing it’s in its house, but hey also you buy something nice kinda felt good that you would hear hey wonder what fender has in that case or even some silly stickers I had over years. Sorry to take up space. Also right with ya Phil on the poplar wood showing it looks very cheap and even low class of squire. Yet just my opinion as I will always keep my 50’s Classic vibe Squire it’s super light and sustain un plugged resonates through her.. she my little Daphne blue, they just nailed those classic vibes. Lt sure think told fender sucked them back into the fender name and dissolved them slowly from market. Was a great overview mate, thanks. Sorry been awol from some Friday lives. My vertebrae in neck has gone out and causing some pain. Yet large crack while stretching 🤞🏼it’s back in place. The prices we pay 🤷♂️. Still the channel I not on,y enjoy and even get a smile but learn something from Phil or community. I can’t give a lot but I get a lot and feel like a community I can hang out with and shoot the shit about guitars and just guitar stuff with some great stories thrown In from Phil’s experience.. Thanks mate for what you bring with your channel to what can be a jungle of 💩 pushing channels out there who care for number one and that’s it.. (Respect ) you deserve it, so I’m giving you the straight up. Your a good man with an open personality that I’d love to one day, meet up to have a drink and shoot the shit, chat on life guitars and guitars ohh crap amps , and did I put guitars Laugh My Arse Off!! 🫡🪖🇦🇺 stay strong. KYG team and community (Thanks to all for showing me not everyone is out there to crap on others trying to become better people, as I’ve seen on social media…
With my ‘03 MIM Strat I very slowly replaced the pickups as I shaped the guitar for what I needed it to do. The stock pickups held up for a long time tone wise even though they don’t have a bottom plate or anything like that.
having fender on the headstock used to mean something, now it just means you have a 4 piece poplar body costco guitar with a squier neck from indonesia. I feel insulted as a long time fender fan, as if my high quality fender guitars have lost value in a way with the dilution of the overall brand... the Fender name sure as hell doesnt mean what it used to...
Bro, by now you really deserve your own signature line of pantyhose :)
😂🤣
😂😂
lol
@@gregdude92 haha classic but tree … eggs back in the day mum would buy those …
Should really call the segment pantyhose and g strings
Phil said it looked like a Costco guitar
🤣
He's right. It just gives off that utterly cheap child's guitar vibe.
You could buy two of the new Fesley fst1000 strats for the price and they have roasted maple quarter sawn necks, wilkinson bridge and pickups, grover machines, stainless steel ball end frets etc. totally destroy this junk for half the money.
@@zaphodrahja Harley Benton too.
Not having a Fender logo saves a LOT of money, as well as top notch build quality and playability on the HBs.
Costco is a SCAM!
I mean... Over the holidays Costco had a cort acoustic guitar with a spruce top for like a couple of hundred bucks.... This might be lesser than a Costco guitar. 😂
Phil they are made in different factories by different companies the Strats are made by Cort and the Tele’s by Samick. Look at the serial numbers IC on the Strat and IS on the Tele.
Very interesting!
oooh that's a very good catch.
I just bought a 2017 Squier Standard Series tele used, like-new last weekend for $110. Full thickness body, rosewood fret board, Steel block saddles...made in Indonesia (It was $379 when new). I think Fender underestimated the intelligence of the larger audience. Sure, they will catch some buyers that are too lazy or inexperienced to look deeper - but they are definitely not making friends with the players and they are trashing the used market.
@@PlayGibsonYep, my Indo Strat from '03 cost me $125. Near excellent condition. Best playing Strat I've owned. Indo's are hit or miss, but I've had no issues with these guitars (4) at all and for Way less expensive. Even my Jem is from there, just had the cheaper bridge issue but it's worth modding it because of the cost. 👍🏻
..and yet my 2024 Squier Affinity Tele is an ICS🤷♂
Hi Phil! Thanks for doing these two videos. Very informative.
Man - I love the demo room. I pointed it out in your Fender tele video you just did - but there was something about the new room that I couldnt put my finger on and I just figured it out - the difference is the focus you have brought forward. In this new room, I am completely dialed in to the playing demo. In the previous videos when you had the demo in your studio, I was distracted by all the guitars in the background and trying to check them out while you were playing. I feel like I am taking in and remembering the sound demo much more clearly in your new room. WINNING!
Phillip your videos have been crucial in my guitar playing. I started at 8 years old and am now 26, and until I came across your channel I was NEVER taught how to properly set up a guitar. Thanks so much, you’ve made my collection play its best.
I love the way Phil treats every instrument with both honesty and seriousness. This is a product that would push my buttons big time, but Phil keeps it objective and professional.
In the dictionary, next to the word professional, is the KYG logo.
This line makes me more thankful than ever that I got my MIM Standard Strat back when you could still find them for $350.
Back when they were made better.
What year did you buy it
For fucking real...
I got the same in 2005 for $450. Those days are gone, I guess.
@@profile2047 2021
Crazy that they didnt even make them as nice as a classic vibe.
Classic Vibe’s are better than a lot of Fenders. Especially the original alder ones made in china.
@@Acemechanicalservices Yes. My Pine 50's Tele is great. I have 3 CVs and I love them all. Would only buy a CV if I wanted a Fender-style guitar.
Yeah, if they took a Classic Vibe, put the gold decal (black decal looks Bullet Strat cheap) on it, I might give them a $100 bump. But at THIS price, for THIS guitar? That’s a hard pass for me.
@@captainkirk70
I have the old 50’s strat and the tele custom CV’s. Great guitars!
@@AcemechanicalservicesJust wrong, but I'm glad it makes you feel better. 😂
Phil, you are truly a treasure for the guitar community. Keep up this awesome content!!
Looking at this, makes me very happy I got my Fender Player II strat for $650 over the holidays.
Thanks!
I appreciate Phil’s honesty and Fender is why I build my own guitars now.
I like the screen name!
@ Thanks dude!
Yep!
I built my own body, but have a real nice Fender 67 reissue neck from the early '90's.
Vintage style 6 screw bridge, CTS pots, Dimarzio 5-way switch, switchcraft jack, and Fender 50's vintage series pups, bone nut, etc.
I did all the work myself, and look forward to playing everyday.
Same here.
LoL 👍
Buy your Fender Player II this weekend before the new 25% tariff on Mexican goods is expected to go into effect on Monday (2/3) in the U.S. If they go into effect, I expect Player IIs to jump up to roughly $1k MSRP. Hope I’m wrong, but it doesn’t look that way at the moment.
My first thoughts about this new line was related to those tariffs. Perhaps they planned this after things that were stated before/during the election; maybe it's just a coincidence. But yeah... gonna be bad for guitarists
Soon its cheaper to go to Mexico to get that MiM
Great vid! Still have my American Strat I bought in '92 for $750. Plays as nice today as ever.
Nice, I have a '91 I still play.
That's around $1700 in today's money, so about the same as the current American Professional II. Not much has changed.
'89 USA Strat+ here, lace sensors. cost $850 back in 2003
Thanks for another fine video! A couple of years ago I picked up a new Affinity strat at a garage sale. I stripped off everything down to just the body, neck. and bridge. Replaced everything else with great parts. Fit a hardwood block in the trem cavity and put about an hour on the fretts, etc. Now it looks and plays great and I am still way under the price of the guitar you are reviewing. Plus, doing all the work myself was easy and I learned a lot.
I miss the days of $350 MIMs and $700 MIAs, but that’s the world we live in today.
I have a poplar partscaster Strat that sounds amazing. Mine is surf green. Poplar is “paint grade” wood for sure.
@@rockthebeef yeah, and this is the reason i've always search for used fenders and squiers..
Great break down as usual. Haven't watched many of your videos over the last couple years because I've been travelling Asia. The biggest change in your videos is your playing. Much better! You have improved in a big way! Great video AND great playing!
Thank you Phil, always like to see the latest Standard Sunburst 3 pickup Stratocaster. Like seeing a new baby in the family.
These remind me of my 90's "Squier Series" Strats I have or have had (owned multiples MIM,MIK). Sometimes the necks were good, sometimes they were odd but the one thing they all shared was the bad electronic components and the lack of that "stratocaster" sound.
They make good mod platforms, though.
Phil just taught me that I already have a better playing Fender Strat than the one reviewed here. I got used for around $250, mine just happens to say Squire on the headstock 😂 (2010 CV w quarter sawn maple neck).
Sounds like confirmation bias based cope, right? 😂
A lot of that about at the minute! 😂
@@Jonontoast idk, I also have a 2010 CV Strat. When compared to the 2018 MIM Standard I also had at the time, I preferred the Squier. It simply played better.
There's nothing in this review that tells me this new Standard would be any better than my old MIM Standard, which didn't stand up to my CV.
It's all subjective, but in my case as well as @drew335 's, we're not missing out on anything. Are you sure *your* reply wasn't the confirmation biased cope? 🤣
@@uncle_ike Yeah I'm sure the people who haven't played the guitar would fit my description better. You would know that too if you stopped to think, before replying.
You can't just say "no I'm not, but you are" to everything you know? 😂
If it says "Squire" on it then it's a fake. If you have a "Squier," then you're all good.
I appreciate so much what you do. You really take the guesswork out of the way for me every single time.
Philip, you are the most knowledgable and reliable evaluator of guitars out there. Thanks as always for your honesty, and expertise. This guitar leaves so much to be desired.
Unfortunately.....Philip's guitar reviews have now become the worst in youtube.
Too much bias enters into his reviews. Too much personal likes and dislikes. And has started to sound like the "typical" guitar collector snob.
And that's the point, knowing what the expert say @@Mexxx65
@@Mexxx65 But we respect his opinion.
@@Mexxx65 Download the data sheet. Who else is giving you that kind of detail? I taught luthiery and I've yet to see any bias that he doesn't talk about.
@@mark.guitar I'm a big boy now. I can find and read full specifications for any new guitar these days.
Thanks for the analysis Phil. Now I'm curious about the Acoustasonic version, I think that's the only one of the bunch that might be worth it.
The 90's MIM with Sunburst had Laminated Alder on the back and top which it was painted black on the arm curve and the tummy cut.
They video I have been waiting for. So thats a friday morning surprise. Will grab a coffee; watch and enjoy
We made way too many squires.
How do we sell these?
Slap Fender on the headstock call it a standard.
Hold my beer.
Sheeit. You may be on to something here.
😂😂😂😂
Pretty much, its weird. It used to be "squire made by fender" now it's "fender made by squire"
@@PerpetuallyTiredMusician The. Name. Is. SQUIER.
Squier.
Awesome run through. I watch your channel because you speak to how you see it. Very rare around here!
This is BY FAR the greatest guitar channel on youtube! Love the no BS approach, knowledgeable reviews, honest opinions and tasteful playing. I love Fenders but this strat might be a dud. IMO they are cheapening the brand name. Guitar sounds fine, sounds like a strat. But like you said there are better options in that price range. There's no shame playing a Squier strat but playing a Squier strat with a Fender logo slapped on the headstock on the other hand... I'll just stick with my modded Affinity strat for now.
Fender slapping their logo on a Squier was inevitable. The irony is delicious and validates every guitarist who ever said about Squier, "It's as good as any Fender."
Even though, I am not interested in buying one. I still LOVE watching just for your Geeky Stuff deep dives. VERY informative. Thank you Phil!
I'm sorry to tell you that those same satin finished block saddles were standard on alot of old American standard strats also. Some came with traditional bent saddles but the ones that had block saddles looked exactly like that. Chrome Bridge with satin finished block saddles.
*a lot. It's two words, not one.
I really like the enhancements to "the geeky stuff". Neat new format.
Yeah, a Squier, with a bigger trem block, and a big price. I'd take a Classic Vibe 1st, or something used. For this price it's quality should match a PRS SE or a Sire, and you can get off-brand decent Strats with roasted necks and Stainless steel frets for under $300.
Add $300 to buy a Fender decal apparently...
The Squier CVs also come with Alnico pickups and a bone but for an actually somewhat authentic Fender sound. Fender should’ve let this idea die in the conference room, what an embarrassment to call this the “standard” for an otherwise great brand.
Great first review of the new Standard. It sounds good but it looks like they've made some savings in manufacture. One of the best sounding and playing Strats I've owned was a MIJ Squier from 1984. I prefer it to a MIM Standard with a Fender logo.
Putting together your own strat is far better.
Thanks - Sooo many Fender Strat models ..... Your playing is a bonus
“Looks like a guitar from Costco” 😅
Thanks Phil. Always look forward to your videos 😎👏👏
I bought a Squier Strat Deluxe in 2017 and it has incredibly similar specs. It's not only my favorite guitar, it's the one that my kids all want to have when I'm out of this trip on Earth. They all own Fenders and Gibsons. It's SO easy and comfortable to play.
They know they can still find them at stores and don’t need to wait for you to die, right?
I play my 2020 CV 70s Strat the most also. It is just a great little guitar
Squier Standard and Deluxe seem to go under the radar. I think they are really nice guitars.
@@hamburger-n5pit’s their DAD’s guitar- it’s not about the literal model JFC lol
(What do you expect to hear from gear heads though…)
Those Deluxes were like Squier's version of the American Standard: 9.5" neck radius, 2-point Synchronous vibrato, and a 22-fret neck w/skunk stripe. I also liked the Contemporary Strat that came out prior to the current version..
Great video thanks for the deep dive. 👍
I mean damn, Alder is a really cheap wood. They can't even make it a 4-piece alder body? I'd rather have my Classic vibe.
It's not grown in Indonesia, so it isn't as cheap over there are poplar. And fender don't want their "lesser" tiers using "higher" tier components
Considering what The Harley Benton's & Firefly's of the world are giving you at a much lower price point I believe you are spot on with your analysis of this Fender series. Thanks Phil
Firefly s are. Way better quality SS frets bone nut ect. ❤
Apostrophes are not used to pluralize words.
I've already gotten offers for these brand new on Reverb for $533. The early reviews haven’t been too kind, but I can already see the future titles on here when prices drop "Unbelievable Fender for $450!" "Overlooked Fender for $500!" "Great Inexpensive Fender for Under $500??" "$400 FENDER??" Etc, etc...
Yes, that look on inexpensive poplar sunburst finishes is distinctive, Phil. It's an oversaturated burst with dark grain filler highlighting the tight straight grain. Not bad in itself, perhaps, but it's unlike alder bodies, and is a reason I would opt for solid colours. Thanks for the review, and I would ask if you could also look at the new Standard Acoustasonics. Perhaps as those aren't trying to copy anything traditional they are less controversial (?) in an Indonesian build.
If someone wants a good value import the $430 Squier Classic Vibe has better specs, if someone wants the Fender branding the Fender Player Series 1 can still be had for $700 and also has better specs while being made in Mexico too. This is an import like the Squier classic vibe, is priced almost the same as a Fender Mexican Player series and has worse specs than both. It’s a total flop in my mind. Too bad a lot of less informed buyers will see the logo & prob fall for this.
Old ones, newer aren't that good.
Exactly. This is just a money grab from ignorant customers.
I got the player ii brand new for 679. This new standard is ridiculous.
Thank you, Phil! Very insightful as always.
Poplar is not an issue for me. Squiers have had them for years & we like them. Also PRS SE Silver Sky has poplar & no one is complaining.
My daughter got a 90s Mexican Tele that’s poplar. They used it before moving to Alder.
because prs fanboys are nuts. prs makes a strat copy made in Indonesia that costs even more and nobody (or very few) complains
I just posted a video about the new Ibanez Standard AZ22S1F HSS and Ibanez (wisely) took the opposite approach from Fender. It is loaded with features like stainless steel frets, locking tuners, roasted maple neck, and alnico single coils (with a ceramic humbucker). It was well-made, looks, sounds, and plays great, and the fact it's made in China does not matter to me at all. You can see where they saved money, such as the cheap (but fully functional) electronics and the most sloppily applied shielding paint I've ever seen, but I'd much rather than that then the most boring Fender ever (and I say that as someone loves Fender has owned probably over 30 Fender/Squier guitars in my lifetime). I'm excited to see your videos on the HH version of the Ibanez and the G&L Tribute as well.
What's the bridge post spacing. I've learned the hard way that the squiers have a smaller spacing on the 2 point trems from being built under metric measurements overseas which makes upgrading the bridge very difficult.
I have an American Standard Strat that I bought 1987 with the silly "little spring "that everyone promptly lost. Eventually I put in a Callaham tremolo block, tremolo arm and GraphTech saddles and nut. Overtime I put in some truly excellent Pickup Wizard pickups from Canada (where I'm from). I play it often and enjoy it. Is it an exceptional guitar? I can"t say but it sounds terrific and all my friends (including my guitar )teacher love it. In the end, a Stratocaster is a Stratocaster. Some personalization may be in order, but I love this version of the American Standard Stratocaster.
It looks really cheap even in this video on my phone. The pickups also sound similar to a Squier since the Affinity’s uses ceramic pickups too and that doesn’t 100% mean they are always worse but I don’t like them compared to Fender MIM ones
Like I said in the Tele video, go for a used Fender MIM or a Squier CV and mod it with a much better guitar body
Some MIM have ceramic pickups too
@@jefb3705Yes, and like I said Ceramic doesn’t mean it’s worse. It’s ultimately a preference and there are some really great sounding ceramic pickups just like there are really great Squiers in a sea of many dud Squiers. However, the ones in the sound samples of this guitar outside of this video sound like leftover Squier single coils pickups that weren’t used on their affinity line
Thanks for a great and fair review.
It feels like something made to be sold on Amazon.
The Two-point block saddles were satin on the 90's American strats.
My 1986 American Standard has satin saddles
Mine does as well.
Those were really nice, I do not know if the ones on more affordable guitars are the same, I would hope they are.
My buddy's 94 does also.
Thnx; I absolutely love my Squire Classic Vibe and at $375 on sale what a bargain! I wondered after your tele video how it would stack up.
IF you love it so much, then you'd notice that both the headstock and the neckplate say "Squier," not "Squire."
I think Fender's problem is they're trying to shoehorn this line in between the Squiers and the MIMs, but realistically, there are many good strat and tele offerings in the low range from the likes of Harley Benton, Donner, Eart and others. Really, with that competition and with the possible exception of a few models like their CV series and guitars like the J Mascis Jazzmaster, the Squiers need to go DOWN in price. Significantly. What they should have done is promote the CVs to a full Fender nameplate, call it the Standard series, up the price by maybe $50-$75 more just for doing that and slightly reduce the price of the remaining Squiers to compete with the other Asian made stuff.
🎯💯
Hoping that this is not an excuse to downgrade the build quality and specs of the Classic Vibes, Affinity’s, and Paranormals, while keeping the prices the same and then pushing people towards these to continue getting what they got with the Squiers. This seems like a backdoor guitar version of shrinkflation. They could have followed PRS’s or G&L’s lead but instead Fender chose to emulate Gibson and Epiphone. Right move for short term profitability but long term bad move for player loyalty, and therefore, long term profitability. Not sure why PRS is able to do things right coming out of the same factory but Fender can’t. Maybe it is by design. But I’ll try to give them the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to the fact that these are early runs and they are still in the steep part of the learning curve. Hopefully the feedback will be loud and clear that rebadging something for a 40% premium with little to no differentiation is not fooling anyone. I can understand that yes there should be some premium attached to using the Fender logo, but there also should be a premium that is earned by upping the content a little bit. Slightly better cuts of wood and fewer pieces, even if it’s still Poplar, and better hardware is not too much to ask. The pickups are less of an issue because they are the easiest thing to change, is subjective, and there isn’t anything inherently wrong with ceramic. But there is no excuse for a four piece body of a cheaper wood on a $600 guitar. Again, if PRS can do better in spite of less volume and economies of scale, then so should Fender. 🤷♂️
But the the fender logo is too expensive, the fender logo alone cost $200 for the black label. The gold one cost more.
@@oneanother1 😂😂😂😂😂!!! There’s real gold in dem der ink!!!
Fender made the choice to risk putting their name on what could have been a really nice Squier at $429 because they saw a chance to bring their margins up or maybe just not drop off either way it's a NO for me at this price point
I think the differences you’re noticing in the neck carve is due to the factory. Not sure if you noticed but the Strats are coming from Indonesia Cor-Tek (ICF prefix) & the Teles are coming from Indonesia Samick (ISF prefix). That seems to be a consistent difference even on the CV Squiers from Cor-Tek & Samick.
A friend got the telecaster, he came to play on my 20 years old squire with japanese slightly flamed maple neck, and he almost cried from deception he went from excited to feeling ashamed he bought on internet without trying before, that guitar is going back to where it came from 🤔
Also, the slope of the tremolo unit floating affects string height when the intonation is adjusted.
I think I'd rather have a MIM or a Squier. If I'm paying that match for Indo made, I'd rather have a G&L Tribute. Appreciate the video, though!
???Phil, how does the body thickness compare to real Fenders? I meant to ask after the Tele video. So a Fender by Squier? Got it!! Thanks!
Having watched this and the Standard Tele video, I’m glad I got my Squier CV Tele a few years ago. Same or better and components and Qc for less money from what I can tell.
The American block saddles have been satin since the 80's. Look into it.
...That's just false. I'm sorry. Source: I own lots of them. See the Fender factory tour where they talk about how the block saddles are individually polished by hand and always have been.
@@iancurrie8844 Incorrect. They are powder coated steel and satin. Not the stamped saddles. The block saddles. Its not false. Its a fact. Go to sweetwater, look up the Fender American Series Strat Tremolo Bridge Assembly - Chrome and tell me what you see. You're wrong. Period.
@Aceroxx : Sorry mate but you're just spouting-off innacuracies here...
IanCurrie is right : I also own SIX Stratocasters from NEW (x 5 are USA)
Four (USA) came BRAND NEW with chromed (NOT satin) block saddles & they still are today : All those were of the 2000-2006 "American Series" groupage
My 2005 Ash Cherry Burst came from new with the older type bent saddles, which personally, I don't like anywhere near as much (even tho' they are 'traditional') & the other Strat I mentioned (non USA) is an Indonesian 1999 Squier Stratocaster, again, with the older less liked bent saddles.
For me, Fender USA really did hit a high point with the 2000-2006 "American Series" as they contained everything that I wanted in a Stratocaster & several other casual observers have gone on record to say the same thing.
But the block saddles on mine ARE ALL CHROMED & not 'satin' = FACT
1, = Black / Maple from 2000
2, = Olympic White from 2003
3, = Olympic White from 2006
In addition, my Ash Deluxe was from 2005 & has a slightly thicker neck
My Son has a 'Satin Strat' (MIM) from 2002 & that has satin block saddles
Thanks for your honest opinion.
A $300 guitar with a $300 sticker on the headstock.
One of the more cynical branding/marketing plays I’ve ever seen, in an industry full of them.
Complete money grab that devalues the brand overall kinda imo. I’m confused why the called this the “Standard”.
@@WizDawg yeah I wonder if this is their way of stemming losses from the old MIM Standards competing with the current Players. Which…is just another marketing exercise.
@@WizDawgNot the first time Fender has pulled this stunt either. History repeats itself 🤦♂️
My guess, this is made for the Asian market, and suddenly trades to rest of the world..?
thats a perfect description of this guitar line!
I respect that he can actually play well too, (when people speak authoritatively and then demonstrate poorly in practice, it really undermines the credibility of their opinions). Phil proves he has real experience.
I also wonder about future resale value for these on the used market.
$175?
Like any other Indonesian import.
The same as Epiphone set necks, no resale value future
There's almost nothing of value in that entire build. I'd say $100 for the Fender logo and $50 for everything else.
soo...MIM prewire on a squire body, got it. Appreciate the video!
Thank you for your honesty
I don't like the flat surface from the nut to the headstock. It does not fall off fast enough to suit me. The problem is that the low E string can rub on that wood surface behind the nut. I suppose you could wrap the string above the string hole in the tuning machine.
Don't know why they did not just cut the drop off a couple mm closer to the nut. 🤷♂️
Phil, that strat body has coarse grained wood and north American poplar lumber doesn't look like that. Our commercially sold poplar is fine grained and resembles something in between cherry and soft maple as far as the grain patterns go. I suspect the Indonesian factories are playing games with the wood species that they're actually using in this new line of guitars. In other words if they run out of actual poplar, they're still going to continue building with whatever wood they have on site or can get quick. If it happens to be agathis or okoume, I'd bet they use it until more poplar gets delivered.
Well does it look like Indonesian Poplar? Who says theyre using North American poplar? Not arguing, i know nothing about wood lol
Great honest review!
The guitar sounds OK, and Poplar is a good wood for the body - It is about 25% harder than Basswood. But, because Poplar often has funky grain, the body should usually be painted.
Correct, poplar does not stain well, does not have any real woody character grainwise and is best finished in a solid colour.
Plus it hides the fact that there are 4 pieces.
I have seen a few sub $250 Squiers with much better wood grain. Most of these I have seen are ugly
Got it! So this is a Fender by Squier
This Fender series should not be called Standard. They made a big mistake. This is an insult to my Made in Mexico Fender Standard Stratocaster. I hope that the similar names will not affect the prices of used Mexican-made Standard guitars.
Why would they want to make this the new standard that sucks
Are you waiting on a profit from a Mexican Strat?
Mexican Fender snobbery .. lol I remember people being mad at a Fender being made in Mexico.
I think it will have the opposite effect on MIM Standards
I hope your mim loses value cause I want more guitars
good work Phil👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 we trust your insights
I really appreciate your videos. Honestly, that bridge looks exactly like the one on a Squire I bought used for $150.
Like the bridge on my 2006 agathis SE Squier . Got it for EUR 170 . Plays as nice as my 1.700 Tokai , at least nearly
*Squier
Great review. I'll take the Sire for this price, or a Fire Fly for much, much less.
$600 for a rebranded Squire? I dont think so. I'd rather get the high end Squire.
Hey Phil, watch for the cease and desist letter from Fender😂
$599 for these is a no-go for me. If I really had to have the Fender logo on a Squier budget, I'd replace the Squier logo with a Fender decal.
That is not a smart response a better response would be that this should be under$500.
Plenty Fender in the used market … for far less than $599…
Shit, you can find plenty of Mexican Fenders with an extra $200-300 worth of upgrades on reverb for the same price lmao
Sounds like a wannabe Fender… by Fender!😅
that’s a super lame thing to do, like somehow an insult to both. Don’t put a Fender logo on your Squier
Just a thought:
Do you think Fender could be doing one of the following:
- Planning to roll upper tier Squier models into the fender line (Classic Vibe)
- Preparing for potentially having to move production of Fenders from Mexico to Indonesia if the Trump tarrifs come into effect?
Basically a Squier with a Fender logo. Overpriced junk.
Dude you’re insulting squier.
What an original comment.
...It's not junk, probably still a great guitar, the guitar itself isn't the problem here. it's how fender has marketed it; inauthentically
Hahah brilliant 😂🤦🏻♂️
Love your vids Phil. A couple questions & comments, as an owner of one myself and a fellow reviewer. How are satin chrome steel block saddles & a full size block not better than a Squier? Aren't they a thin pot metal. I know this isn't stainless steel, but isn't is still a notch up? This nut width is matched with the Fender AUII, the Player II & Squiers are narrower, so this is Fender width. My neck edges, relief and action are fabulous, but I know qc varies, but it was as good or better than all my 4 Squiers, all 4 Players (1,II,70th & Plus) & my Vintera II. This neck profile feels closer to a Player series than an Affinity to me, well really a cross of the two, and definitely better fit and finish than the Affinities. The electronics are pretty standard for Fender MIM's and the pups are like the older MIM ones. Even the tuners are like the old MIM. Hard not to call this a Fender. I know it's poplar and laurel. Though I believe they have done poplar before, in some MIJ models, right? I agree about a used MIM over this for the money & can see why one might still buy an Affinity just for the $$ savings. However, neither of my Affinities nor my CV feel better than this. But like you said, we're all different. Thank you for all you helpful info over the years.
People rip Gibson for being overpriced, meanwhile Fender slaps their name on any pile of gargage
Would love to see a review of the standard jazz bass
I’ll pass, especially cuz u can get used player for less money. That being said, some kid is gonna get this guitar as their first fender and it’s gonna mean everything to them. So u can’t hate it that much
100%
Totally agree!
Thank you for the honest review, Phil. You are a brave man!
Again give me a Classic Vibe over any of these and the mexican stuff.
The body and finish looks kinda like my $60 Donner open-box special, which (surprisingly perhaps) is a pretty decent guitar!
Squiers are too good for this guitar to be a realistic proposition.
So, Fender in name only. Thanks for the heads up! 🤘
I dumped Fender at AP2! It wasn't a 1700.00$ guitar and this one is basically an affinity series with a fender logo! I will not be getting another Fender; a G&L? Oh yeah a G&L ASAT!
Because of the multi piece bodies, the original American Standard used a veneer on sunburst finishes. Also the saddles are very similar to the old American Standards.
I still believe the USA standard strat and the Mexican strat was best. The black or tweed hard case where all your cool, stickers went. Yeah you walked into the pub with your black or such and metal fender screwed inn. People knew you had a most probably a nice USA strat with all better quality under the hood and tuners with more than likely a nice bone nut for that rounders sound, ie my 62 reissue or Wayne’s world Strat. Kept the 3 way switch and never out bent a bend on the 7 1/4 radius. Yet the new age of fluffy people not happy with standard. Now we get parts of a complete USA Strat spread over 5 new Strats and Tele each year. With all these names just made an easy excuse for fender to farm out of USA. All have one thing that is cheap or not to par for a player that will not need a failure 1/2 way through a set and selector goes crap. Was so much easier with standard USA then custom shop or go. Mexico and grow or straight up squire and understand parts will fail. Yet all up no hard cases unless right tip end of dollar. The soft cases went cheap then semi then stitching bits. When yep hitting mid 50’s and vets pension wife kids left lost mum and trooper service dog last year. My guitars and a really empty lonely house, which this 22nd dec birthday and Xmas day and new years mobile as broken screen waiting on new one so no texts received. I have still not heard even hi dad you ok. As told them till phone comes I can only get calls where old days people talked into those plastic things with screens you all type on. So my guitars and some photos is all I have. So the hard cases, yeah take up some room, yet always felt better knowing it’s in its house, but hey also you buy something nice kinda felt good that you would hear hey wonder what fender has in that case or even some silly stickers I had over years. Sorry to take up space. Also right with ya Phil on the poplar wood showing it looks very cheap and even low class of squire. Yet just my opinion as I will always keep my 50’s Classic vibe Squire it’s super light and sustain un plugged resonates through her.. she my little Daphne blue, they just nailed those classic vibes. Lt sure think told fender sucked them back into the fender name and dissolved them slowly from market. Was a great overview mate, thanks. Sorry been awol from some Friday lives. My vertebrae in neck has gone out and causing some pain. Yet large crack while stretching 🤞🏼it’s back in place. The prices we pay 🤷♂️. Still the channel I not on,y enjoy and even get a smile but learn something from Phil or community. I can’t give a lot but I get a lot and feel like a community I can hang out with and shoot the shit about guitars and just guitar stuff with some great stories thrown In from Phil’s experience.. Thanks mate for what you bring with your channel to what can be a jungle of 💩 pushing channels out there who care for number one and that’s it.. (Respect ) you deserve it, so I’m giving you the straight up. Your a good man with an open personality that I’d love to one day, meet up to have a drink and shoot the shit, chat on life guitars and guitars ohh crap amps , and did I put guitars Laugh My Arse Off!! 🫡🪖🇦🇺 stay strong. KYG team and community
(Thanks to all for showing me not everyone is out there to crap on others trying to become better people, as I’ve seen on social media…
Thanks for sharing 👍 Think I'd rather buy a G&L or Sire, or just a Squire as a last resort.
You can get a firefly for under 300 bucks and get a better guitar.
With my ‘03 MIM Strat I very slowly replaced the pickups as I shaped the guitar for what I needed it to do. The stock pickups held up for a long time tone wise even though they don’t have a bottom plate or anything like that.
having fender on the headstock used to mean something, now it just means you have a 4 piece poplar body costco guitar with a squier neck from indonesia. I feel insulted as a long time fender fan, as if my high quality fender guitars have lost value in a way with the dilution of the overall brand... the Fender name sure as hell doesnt mean what it used to...