If you like my videos and would like to show your appreciation, you can do that by clicking the SUPER THANKS button or going to: www.buymeacoffee.com/philcaffrey . It will really help me to build the channel.
Have the Tele Pro II...marvelous all around...lefty. My Squier CV50 Tele with Lindy Fralin Blues Special is also a great sounding, BEST sounding, Tele I've owned of several including other USA, MIM, and FGN Iliad. Wanted another CV50 Tele...the Purple Danish Pete...but it's NOT offered in the US. So, I got one this week (arrived yesterday) from Andertons. Nice all around. Had to file high E nut slot to get rid of 'sitar' sound (2 of 3 CV's I've ordered had this issue). Ordered some brass saddles...and in a few weeks/months...will drop a set of Lollars to compare with Fralins. The Sire T7 is in my sights too...again, not offered lefty in US but can get from Andertons for about $140 less than an equiv righty in the US....including exchange rate!
Thanks, Phil. As you know, I was so impressed with the video demo that I went onto Anderton's site and grabbed one. In the current summer sale, right-handed versions are £299! Discriminatory for lefties, I know, but that's for another time! I also did a setup for my liking. The neck wasn't dead straight but the pickups were quite low. Some string height taking and you're right - it's absolutely amazing for the money. It will likely be my go to electric for recording, along side my Peavey Patriot.
This was a fun and interesting video. The recording sounds great. I have a t7 after a setup and honestly a nut it's a great guitar. I put a fralin in the bridge and mini humbucker in the neck. I love the guitar. I want a t3 and you've inspired me to leave it stock.
I recently bought a Sire S3 from Andertons for £299. I suspect it may have been ex demo because there was no protective film on the pickguard and no QC card from Andertons. Having said that I have no complaints at all. Set up was spot on and it plays like a dream. As for the pickups they suit me down to the ground. Much fatter and warmer than a typical Strat. Another thing worth mentioning is the weight---only 7.4lb. I used to have an American Standard Strat and I prefer everything about this Sire. I think a T3 is next on the list!
Wow. That's a bargain. I don't know how they make such good guitars for the money. The T3 won't disappoint either - I am the same with that as you are with the Strat. I enjoy the T3 more than my Am Proii Tele. Thanks for getting in touch!
@@philcaffrey Weird...lefty also with a Pro II (love it)...but I too get lots more joy (and spend 90% of my playing time, ignoring about 20 other guitars) noodling on my $300 Squier CV50 with Fralins. Sounds so good!! Prefer the Pro II neck...but tone is more important for me...especially after spending a mint for a used Hamstead Artist 20 combo, which has angelic tonal qualities.
Hi Phil! Great content from you as always! Sorry about the below-par customer service received by Fender (in this day and age it takes less than 24hrs to ship anything worldwide, if there's a will), and thanks for the review! I thought it would be like a too budget version of their T7, but I guess I was wrong.
@@philcaffrey Hi Phil! To be honest, yes, I'm guilty of keeping an eye on the second hand market. Since the T3 are fairly new I haven't seen them yet. The "7" series are available at reasonable prices though, pretty tempting.
10/10 for the pickup sounds, wow! Better than an American Pro 2, that is a bold statement, indeed! I love the colour! I get the setup and high marks for that, I find that even though you get a free setup with the purchase of most new guitars it's lacking at best! All fenders regardless of cost have monstrous fret sprout out of the box and most resellers don't even want to deal with it, even though as licensed resellers that is a paramount concern! I'm not even talking the imports, meaning the ones from Asia, I'm talking actual American made ones, the Mexican ones have been much better than addressing this I find as well over the American made guitars and I love them, but I hate the sprout on a guitar that costs upwards of $2000. would love to actually see you put it through it paces more as far as playing goes, do you have more videos of that, would love to see them! Thank you for the video!
Thanks you so much, and I'm glad you liked the cover. Check out Jason Isbell - my favourite album is Weathervanes. He is a rare talent. Thanks for being in touch. 👍
Hi. Them you so much. I haven't tried the Strat version - I really should give it a go? I find that intonation can be generally sorted by a bit of a set up, even on lower priced guitars like these. I think Sire and the like have really raised their game in recent years. Thanks for the comment - makes my day when I hear from fellow musicians. 👍👍
Hi Phil. Can you set that action of that guitar to low? Like below 2mm, considering it's got a 9.5 inch radius. I can't play a high action fretboard coz I got small hands. Cheers! Thanks for your review.
Hi. Thanks for getting in touch. I think HB are good guitars if you are on a budget - I actually have one of their Strat types that I picked up for £80 - I'm going to review it at some point in the near future. My impression at this point is that it's a playable guitar that does a reasonable job in all departments. The biggest downside for me is that the pickups are pretty basic and don't really have much sparkle or character. That said, it's still a perfectly useable and playable guitar that is well made, looks good and is a pretty good beginner guitar or for using on gigs where you don't want to take your expensive one out on the road. However, at this sort of level, I would still recommend a bottom end Sire over the HB. Hope that helps. Let me know how you get on. Happy practising.
I fell out with Fender when it was discovered they were selling £40 Bumblebee capacitors that were in fact ordinary 20 pence capacitors with a shrinkwrap Bumblebee cover.
The string break at the nut, especially the high e and B is too little and needs a string tree. The “sitar” sound from these strings was too much to take. Even with the string tree, there is a bit of the sitar sound there but much better. Otherwise, a 9 rating is spot on. Oh yeah, it’s a bit neck heavy and will dip on you with a slinky strap. Cheers!
Thanks Tom. String trees are very inexpensive so if more break is to your liking, I'd definitely go for it. My T3 doesn't have any issue with sitar sounds at the top end, so no need for me - cheaper guitars like this will be less consistent in the manufacture, so it can happen. As for the neck heavy observation, there are plenty guitars like this at all price points - just get a decent strap and you'll be fine. Thanks for being in touch.
@@philcaffrey I suspect the nut has something to do with it also. A well cut nut, like yours, may have a good enough break to avoid that situation. At any rate, it’s a great guitar endorsed and with a tone influenced by the great Larry Carlton.
I just got a Squier Custom Vibe 50 yesterday...CV #3 for me.....and it too (2 of 3) had that 'sitar' sound coming from high E string. I simply and gently file the nut at an angle (as it should be cut/filed in the first place) and it takes care of the issue.
In my opinion, learning to play left handed is not a great choice. If one is starting from scratch one won't know the difference anyway. Over time that player will have infinitely more choices in instruments. I mean, nobody makes lefty pianos or orchestral instruments.
I agree Mike. Being a lefty by nature isn't a choice, but I really do wish that I had chosen to learn to play guitar right handed. I also play keyboards and happily do all the complicated stuff with my right hand, so your point is a really good one. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
If you like my videos and would like to show your appreciation, you can do that by clicking the SUPER THANKS button or going to: www.buymeacoffee.com/philcaffrey . It will really help me to build the channel.
Have the Tele Pro II...marvelous all around...lefty. My Squier CV50 Tele with Lindy Fralin Blues Special is also a great sounding, BEST sounding, Tele I've owned of several including other USA, MIM, and FGN Iliad. Wanted another CV50 Tele...the Purple Danish Pete...but it's NOT offered in the US. So, I got one this week (arrived yesterday) from Andertons. Nice all around. Had to file high E nut slot to get rid of 'sitar' sound (2 of 3 CV's I've ordered had this issue). Ordered some brass saddles...and in a few weeks/months...will drop a set of Lollars to compare with Fralins. The Sire T7 is in my sights too...again, not offered lefty in US but can get from Andertons for about $140 less than an equiv righty in the US....including exchange rate!
Brilliant - sound like you've got the Tele game totally nailed there! Thanks for taking the time - love the interaction.
Thanks, Phil. As you know, I was so impressed with the video demo that I went onto Anderton's site and grabbed one. In the current summer sale, right-handed versions are £299! Discriminatory for lefties, I know, but that's for another time!
I also did a setup for my liking. The neck wasn't dead straight but the pickups were quite low. Some string height taking and you're right - it's absolutely amazing for the money. It will likely be my go to electric for recording, along side my Peavey Patriot.
This was a fun and interesting video. The recording sounds great. I have a t7 after a setup and honestly a nut it's a great guitar. I put a fralin in the bridge and mini humbucker in the neck. I love the guitar. I want a t3 and you've inspired me to leave it stock.
Thanks Tim. That T7 sounds like a very nice guitar. Thanks for being in touch and for your kind words.
I recently bought a Sire S3 from Andertons for £299. I suspect it may have been ex demo because there was no protective film on the pickguard and no QC card from Andertons. Having said that I have no complaints at all. Set up was spot on and it plays like a dream. As for the pickups they suit me down to the ground. Much fatter and warmer than a typical Strat. Another thing worth mentioning is the weight---only 7.4lb. I used to have an American Standard Strat and I prefer everything about this Sire. I think a T3 is next on the list!
Wow. That's a bargain. I don't know how they make such good guitars for the money. The T3 won't disappoint either - I am the same with that as you are with the Strat. I enjoy the T3 more than my Am Proii Tele. Thanks for getting in touch!
@@philcaffrey Weird...lefty also with a Pro II (love it)...but I too get lots more joy (and spend 90% of my playing time, ignoring about 20 other guitars) noodling on my $300 Squier CV50 with Fralins. Sounds so good!! Prefer the Pro II neck...but tone is more important for me...especially after spending a mint for a used Hamstead Artist 20 combo, which has angelic tonal qualities.
Hi Phil! Great content from you as always! Sorry about the below-par customer service received by Fender (in this day and age it takes less than 24hrs to ship anything worldwide, if there's a will), and thanks for the review! I thought it would be like a too budget version of their T7, but I guess I was wrong.
Hi Pablo. Thanks! Yes, shame about Gender, but the T3 was a really nice surprise - I'm very impressed. Are you thinking of trying one?
@@philcaffrey Hi Phil! To be honest, yes, I'm guilty of keeping an eye on the second hand market. Since the T3 are fairly new I haven't seen them yet. The "7" series are available at reasonable prices though, pretty tempting.
10/10 for the pickup sounds, wow!
Better than an American Pro 2, that is a bold statement, indeed!
I love the colour!
I get the setup and high marks for that, I find that even though you get a free setup with the purchase of most new guitars it's lacking at best!
All fenders regardless of cost have monstrous fret sprout out of the box and most resellers don't even want to deal with it, even though as licensed resellers that is a paramount concern!
I'm not even talking the imports, meaning the ones from Asia, I'm talking actual American made ones, the Mexican ones have been much better than addressing this I find as well over the American made guitars and I love them, but I hate the sprout on a guitar that costs upwards of $2000.
would love to actually see you put it through it paces more as far as playing goes, do you have more videos of that, would love to see them!
Thank you for the video!
Thanks for the straight forward review and really great playing, I just ordered one off of Reverb.
No problem at all - glad it was helpful. You'll love the guitar! 👍👍
Great review, loved your cover.
Thanks you so much, and I'm glad you liked the cover. Check out Jason Isbell - my favourite album is Weathervanes. He is a rare talent. Thanks for being in touch. 👍
Thanks for the review
My pleasure Shawn. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.
@@philcaffrey I could use a Tele, and the T3 looks like an outstanding value. Thanks again. Cheers
that song is really good.. have u looked up the start version too. was the intonation too bad?
Hi. Them you so much. I haven't tried the Strat version - I really should give it a go? I find that intonation can be generally sorted by a bit of a set up, even on lower priced guitars like these. I think Sire and the like have really raised their game in recent years. Thanks for the comment - makes my day when I hear from fellow musicians. 👍👍
Hi Phil. Can you set that action of that guitar to low? Like below 2mm, considering it's got a 9.5 inch radius. I can't play a high action fretboard coz I got small hands. Cheers! Thanks for your review.
Hi. Thanks for the question. I have the action set really low, which I my preference too, so I think you'll be fine.
@@philcaffrey that's great. No fret buzz even when set too low?
Great review! Thank you. I really appreciate it.
That's my pleasure!
I’m thinking of getting this guitar or a Harley Benton TE25th anniversary, what do you think of Harley Benton ?
Hi. Thanks for getting in touch. I think HB are good guitars if you are on a budget - I actually have one of their Strat types that I picked up for £80 - I'm going to review it at some point in the near future. My impression at this point is that it's a playable guitar that does a reasonable job in all departments. The biggest downside for me is that the pickups are pretty basic and don't really have much sparkle or character. That said, it's still a perfectly useable and playable guitar that is well made, looks good and is a pretty good beginner guitar or for using on gigs where you don't want to take your expensive one out on the road. However, at this sort of level, I would still recommend a bottom end Sire over the HB. Hope that helps. Let me know how you get on. Happy practising.
I fell out with Fender when it was discovered they were selling £40 Bumblebee capacitors that were in fact ordinary 20 pence capacitors with a shrinkwrap Bumblebee cover.
That's just crazy.
The string break at the nut, especially the high e and B is too little and needs a string tree. The “sitar” sound from these strings was too much to take. Even with the string tree, there is a bit of the sitar sound there but much better.
Otherwise, a 9 rating is spot on. Oh yeah, it’s a bit neck heavy and will dip on you with a slinky strap.
Cheers!
Thanks Tom. String trees are very inexpensive so if more break is to your liking, I'd definitely go for it. My T3 doesn't have any issue with sitar sounds at the top end, so no need for me - cheaper guitars like this will be less consistent in the manufacture, so it can happen. As for the neck heavy observation, there are plenty guitars like this at all price points - just get a decent strap and you'll be fine. Thanks for being in touch.
@@philcaffrey I suspect the nut has something to do with it also. A well cut nut, like yours, may have a good enough break to avoid that situation. At any rate, it’s a great guitar endorsed and with a tone influenced by the great Larry Carlton.
I just got a Squier Custom Vibe 50 yesterday...CV #3 for me.....and it too (2 of 3) had that 'sitar' sound coming from high E string. I simply and gently file the nut at an angle (as it should be cut/filed in the first place) and it takes care of the issue.
Thanks for the great content. Sub'd.🙂
Awesome thanks. It's my pleasure.
In my opinion, learning to play left handed is not a great choice. If one is starting from scratch one won't know the difference anyway. Over time that player will have infinitely more choices in instruments. I mean, nobody makes lefty pianos or orchestral instruments.
I agree Mike. Being a lefty by nature isn't a choice, but I really do wish that I had chosen to learn to play guitar right handed. I also play keyboards and happily do all the complicated stuff with my right hand, so your point is a really good one. Thanks for taking the time to get in touch.