Are Fender Custom Shop Guitars Really Better?

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Fender Custom Shop Strat vs. Fender American Original Stratocaster - Is there a difference?
Check the guitars out here:
►Sky Music - bit.ly/3SuJD0k
►Fender Custom Shop - imp.i114863.net/kDvKd
►Fender American Original - imp.i114863.net/ey20z
(affiliate links)
Are Fender Custom Shop Guitars Really Better? That's the topic and comparison for today's video. I am comparing a Fender Custom Shop '57 Stratocaster versus my Fender American Original 50s Stratocaster.
The Fender Custom Shop Guitar is just under AUD 5000, and the American Original is roughly $2500 (approx).
I own the American Original, and the Custom shop is on loan from Sky Music!
skymusic.com.au
Timestamps:
0:00 - My Statement
0:45 - Tone Comparison
3:56 - First Impression
5:26 - Isolated Clean Tones
7:08 - Clean Tone Impressions
7:41 - Isolated Dirty Tones
9:04 - Final Thoughts
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Please note: I do not take a cash payment from guitar companies, nor have I been paid by Fender or Sky Music to produce this video. If you want to help support the channel, please use the affiliate links to Sweetwater or Thomann. Many thanks!
-
►Patreon: / intheblues
►My Socials - linktr.ee/intheblues
►My Sweetwater Gear Page - imp.i114863.net/intheblues
►intheblues Merch - bit.ly/2KLR5CV
(Links to Sweetwater, Thomann, Amazon, B&H, Artist Guitars, and Walmart are affiliate links.
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#fendercustomshop #guitars #intheblues ‎
This RU-vid channel participates in Affiliate programs. These programs are designed in a way for the channel to earn an income by using the links provided in the description or pinned comment section. Please note: Not all links on this RU-vid channel are affiliate links.

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15 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 496

@jeremybearden444 3 года назад

The Custom Shop sounds a little more resonant to me, but Shane looks more satisfied playing the American Original. Player satisfaction = what matters most.

@danielfritz954 3 года назад

The CS sounds like it has more mojo :)

@coupe-lee 3 года назад

I bet the lighter weight helps with resonance for sure. Shane says it sounds thinner, but I thought the CS sounded thicker (using good headphones)?!

@honnaconna7312 3 года назад

The original is his so he’s used to playing it 🤣

@coupe-lee 3 года назад

@@honnaconna7312 excellent point.

@michaelzschoche2746 2 года назад

He loves that American original.

@paulcaskey 3 года назад

The lush tonality of the gold hardware is evident in the mid-range.

@intheblues 3 года назад

🤣🏆

@youssefkasim7556 3 года назад

You’re the best

@markmcmyn8967 3 года назад

I thought I was the only one that heard that!

@artamussumatra6286 3 года назад

Yes! Those parts are pure tone metal, lovingly hand forged by Master Craft Elves in a magic tree, with Fairy dust sprinkled on for good measure. Much better than the low rent nickel junk the commoners use. And it will sound even better when the gold plating starts to wear off, only CS relics have “That” tone....😆

@litteldave 3 года назад

The gold hardware is made of the purest unobtainium.

@SeaOrcRonnie 3 года назад

The custom shop just has something of a bright sweetness to it that makes you go..yeeaahhh 👍

@jonimrbusiness4060 3 года назад

Scatter wound custom shop pick up win, so if u wanna costum shop feel in MIM Fender just use scatter wound pick up

@iagobroxado 3 года назад

Also heard the CS as being a little warmer, more compressed and lower in volume than the AO. It was easier to notice a difference during the intro than during the clean demo.

@kennygardner5041 3 года назад

I like the Amer. original tone wise. Warmer and tighter mids. Less splatty with overdrive.

@WesPaul2000 3 года назад

I listened to this video with eyes closed and could not hear a difference. I couldn't tell when you switched. Your playing on this video, with either guitar, was fab. Even Jimi looks like he's digging it in the background. Well done!

@miltonfmn 3 года назад

The diference isn't proportional with the prices!

@midnite_in_november 3 года назад

The law of diminishing returns. Eventually the more u spend the less differences there are. But market value is always decided by how much someone is willing to pay they can only sell em that expensive because ppl are paying that much

@lllULTIMATEMASTERlll 3 года назад

Even if all guitars were priced appropriately, we would still expect this to be the case.

@mrjamesgrimes 3 года назад

Price is disproportionally higher because a CS is literally custom. You pick all the specs so someone builds you a one off guitar versus a production model on a assembly line.

@tronellefsen5519 3 года назад

Nice playing! Some say it’s the quarter sawn neck that gives it a bit more chime, and snappy sound. I am perfectly happy with my AO.

@saddle8bag 3 года назад

Great playing and equally great editing that together.

@sammyj.d6101 3 года назад

A couple of months ago I bought a 50s AO Strat (same ash body/blonde finish, but RH) and it is absolutely FANTASTIC! The wood is lovely to look at, the fat soft-v profile neck is comfy and the pickups sound incredible. Smells good too!!

@Liamjholland 3 года назад

I was hoping to find that they both sounded alike, but the custom shop just sounds so nice, so smooth... not saying the other one sounds bad, it doesn’t, it also sounds amazing... but the custom shop sounds even better

@ESANANIKONE 3 года назад

To me the custom shop sounded like my favorite albums with a strat do.

@cmkilcullen8176 2 года назад

different pups...?

@Dante-xf1mu 2 года назад

I could barely hear any difference. Especially nothing worth 4500$.

@mjf4394 Год назад

@@Dante-xf1mu In the defense of the original that’s a > $2k guitar. Also custom shops are essentially professionally built where they’re hand picking the woods for each piece ensuring you’re getting the highest of the highest quality. Not to mention hand wound pickups.

@Dante-xf1mu Год назад

@@mjf4394 That's not a defence imo. Wood of highest quality is used by other brands too, but the charge is nuts. Are you telling me that the value for money is correct?

@Apocarion 3 года назад

To me the custom shop had a more "vocal" sound, which I typically associate with vintage strats.

@geofflines60 3 года назад

Both sounded great. And yet again great playing Shane. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference in a packed out gig. Now I compare both of them with the classic Vibe series. Then we can hear the difference, maybe !

@jimmylimohello2538 3 года назад

Beautiful playing Man ! Thanks for this ✌🏼

@Louis_Velliotes 3 года назад

Great video! I totally agree with you. Have had a 2006 62 reissue for a lot of years.

@ColonelRPG 3 года назад

I really love the blonde finish on the custom shop, gorgeous guitar.

@danstaification 3 года назад

I don’t know if you’ve been improving or I’ve not been paying enough attention, but your playing is phenomenal

@DennisJPolson 3 года назад

Great stuff, Shane! That thumbnail though... 😂😂

@jasong546 3 года назад

Shane in ‘19 I got a new American Strat and I felt like I found the best strat since I started in ‘99. But this year, through a fluke of pricing I got a new custom shop ec strat, and although the American is everything I could want, the custom shop version feels lighter and straighter, more sleek and precise. I know I got lucky to have these 2 amazing strats , the difference being this more exacting feel in the angles and neck shape. I couldn’t decide which to sell! Great video man!

@tonymarinelli7304 3 года назад

By the way, you sound fantastic as ALWAYS! Excellent feel

@sparkyguitar0058 3 года назад

I always kinda wondered about this since I own a 94 Amer Deluxe Plus I've had since 96. When I bought this, magazines described this guitar as close to custom shop as Fender makes. Lace Sensors pups, Fender/ Floyd Rose bridge, TBX pot, Hipshot Tremsetter. It has all the tricks to be a great guitar. And now with 25 yrs of real-life relic damage. J K. But the look of the body wear and maple neck wearout is from real use. Might need new frets now but would be 1st replacement parts EVER.

@homeboyjon4885 3 года назад

@intheblues, Shane, that opening track was incredible!! Nice, nice playing!!

@mattjackson7859 3 года назад

They both sounded great. I thought I noticed a difference in tone/ sound in a couple of spots, but very close. When I bought my tele, I tried a couple of similarly priced models that they had in the shop. In the end it came down to the pickups and the look, because they all felt the same to play. The one I chose had Fender Texas Special pickups and they sounded better to my ear. I’m not sure a Custom Shop guitar would be worth the price. I just play 3 chord rock on my dirty channel anyways.

@matthewf1979 3 года назад

The American Original guitars really are fantastic. They are functionally equivalent to the team built Custom Shop guitars. Where the CS guitars stand out to me is the pickups, neck shapes and the fit and finish. Buy a used, team built CS guitar if you can swing it. I highly recommend the “Journeyman” line, the light relic lets you play the guitar without worrying about scratches and dings.

@LuckyInCards 3 года назад

The playing is everything. And you're top notch here.

@GamerPastHisPrime 3 года назад

They do both sound very good. The only time I definitely preferred the custom shop was the neck pickup. Other than that it could go either way for me... and yeah, it’s nice to still have 3k in your pocket. Great video.

@agusg.t.8950 3 года назад

I have 3 fender USA and one Custom Shop, and being all amazing the CS is the best

@jamalabdul2009 3 года назад

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

@markdakel9253 3 года назад

Great chops, awesome tone from both strats,

@yankeepeters2270 3 года назад

I kind of collect Stratocasters . I currently have nine of them. All different iterations. Custom Shop, American, MIM, Japanese, and partscasters. All are different and good, but my favorite is the Custom shop. The neck is perfect for me, and the pickups sound great. But the argument could be made that “ yeah, I like it the most because it was three times the cost of the others “. I guess it comes down the the neck profile and the pickups, plus fit and finish. I think any Strat can be great, if you’re lucky enough to find the one that has that “ magic mojo”. Cool video Shane. As usual your playing is excellent.

@zosojstro 3 года назад

I think the tone on the white strat sounds great. You made them both shine well done

@GuitarHouseLima 3 года назад

Guy in the shop: American Original or Custom Shop? Me: Yes

@cathalwhelehan 3 года назад

I absolutely love my 50s Original (I have the two-tone sunburst one) and, as nice as that semi-transparent finish looks, I didn't hear very much in that clip to convince me the CS one is any better - at least definitely not in the magnitude of 1000s of dollars/euro better.

@jonathanhandsmusic 3 года назад

They both sound exactly like Strats, mostly the same. The difference is the mind of the beholder. They also tend to reflect the financial shape of the players. The CS models are very expensive to anyone who has a regular job.

@carlitobrigante330 2 года назад

That, is one thing nobody can argue with - if nothing else.

@DanDjurdjevicplus 3 года назад

Man, I don’t know about any difference between the guitars but your playing was sublime.

@stevec.1802 3 года назад

These RU-vid CS comparison demos are as different as the presenters that demo them. I appreciate your honesty without disparaging one over the other. 🎧🎸

@carlitobrigante330 2 года назад

I love the searing treble of the bridge pickup on the Custom Shop model, but both guitars sound excellent.

@bjrnjohannessen1862 2 года назад

I have 2 Fender Stratocaster orginal 50 s one 2CSB and one WB. And they are both SUPER good guitars and sound absolutely amazing and they are also absolutely amazing to play on. Bsst Regards Bjørn

@keithwind4945 3 года назад

Hi Shane, would you know the thickness at the first fret of the AOL verses the CS. Great phrasing as usual

@FransJCMartins 3 года назад

Tasty! Well played Bro!

@bartlettpsj 3 года назад

C/S sounded more precise and a little richer and more resonant (I could hear overtones). But both were very nice. FWIW my approach is always to buy a cheapish good playing Strat that I like and change the pickups to C/S pickups ($199) (69's or Fat 50's), pots and tuners.

@DMSProduktions 3 года назад

BOTH sound great, as trad Strats go! However I thought the CS had a bit sweeter sounding pick ups. But apart from that there was LITTLE in it! DID the CS SOUND $3K better? NO way! The playing experience is still paramount! Nice 1!

@everettlethem6747 3 года назад

People want to think the more expensive guitar is better but it’s really not always the case as seen here.

@DMSProduktions 3 года назад

@@everettlethem6747 TOO true!

@brandonlesko3126 3 года назад

Pickups are pretty easy to swap out so it becomes a question of: Upgrade or no upgrade? For me it's almost always get a well made import and then mod/upgrade as I see fit. Seems to be the better way to go for me.

@MusicZtorm 2 года назад

Thanks for the comparison. On the AO being on the heavier side, this model is made of ash ... As this CS, but I'm wondering if this particularity increase the difference in weight : Is an AO Strat made of alder would have that big of difference in weight compared to a CS Strat made of alder ?

@MH-fd1jb 2 года назад

Shane, I was ready to purchase one of those ASH 50's Original models, but then saw a youtube video that showed (only yhe white ash model), is in fact weight relieved under the pickguard! Hollowed out??? Havent changed my mind, but will opt for a sunburst model made of alder (and NOT) hollowed out. Love your videos, your face always gives away your true thoughts about a guitar as you're playing it! Keep them comming, M.K.

@toddsteele72 3 года назад

Those custom shop guitars look fantastic. A reminder that I need to go get a couple of my guitars set up.

@jorgerst 3 года назад

IMHO heavier strats usually have a thicker tone, which I prefer, especially on overdrive. This video shows it very well. American Original wins for me :)

@retalt 3 года назад

I love my American Origonal strat. It's exactly the same as yours and also came from Sky. Having said that I had to replace the harness in it immediately as it was horrible. I also love the sound of those custom shop pickups, more the the originals. I may have to look into new pickups now lol.

@brandonlesko3126 3 года назад

In my experience with expensive guitars, that little bit extra you get in feel - and also the part you continually try to convince yourself of - is not worth it for the majority of players. I've owned some expensive guitars and they end up being like what happens if and when you meet your heroes. They just don't live up to it. But, it's your money to spend. Hopefully the pricey guitar inspires you to play more and you get your money's worth.

@VintageRadius 3 года назад

I think there are three main reasons why you would buy a custom shop: 1. You want the feel of a well-loved guitar straight out of the box. Fender custom shop does fantastic relic work from light to heavy. 2. You want a true heirloom guitar that you think you will feel more connected to and inspired by. 3. You have the means and desire to buy a guitar that can be truly customized to your specifications. Bonus reason: there are some great stories of master builders that have been at Fender for decades who pour their heart, soul and artistic vision into making guitars to the highest possible standard :) That said, I’m perfectly happy with my Original 60’s series Tele in Lake Placid Blue. But maybe one day....

@i.r.theofficial 3 года назад

American Original Series is a Custom Shop conveyor assembly series :). My favorite guitar, I also have '50s!

@scottreynolds6317 3 года назад

They both sound fantastic!!! I have the custom ‘69 pickups in my American Professional Strat and love them as well. Now, if only I could play as well as you! LOL!!!

@thedoodl38ug 3 года назад

Great comparison. I think one area where custom shop stands apart is if you want a heavy relic vintage look. You just can't get that otherwise and you can always go second hand for a better deal 😉

@YTPartyTonight Год назад

You could buy an '50s AO Strat, send it to MJT to get relic'd, then send it one of the top luthiers in the country for a pro setup, buy and swap in Custom Shop pickups, and still spend less than what the Custom Shop Strat would cost. Otherwise, you could skip MJT and just play it for 20 or 30 years. Who is to say which one instrument is better or worse? It's largely subjective. Furthermore, whatever differences may be would be random differences, most of all due to the natural randomness of wood. Any other differences would likely be vanishingly tiny.

@stevep1941 3 года назад

I had a CS Strat back in the 2000s- I had high hopes, but it just didn't do it for me as a live axe- sounded meh. I later on bought a MIJ '62 reissue and it was great- just an overall better guitar than CS. Also bought a CS Tele some years back, and it had an annoying sticky lacquer neck finish, and I thought a pretty ordinary paint job- it did have nice CS Broadcaster pickups, but my friend made me a parts Tele with Brierley pickups and it is just so much better than the CS Tele was. I now have a MIM Player Strat and it is one of the best Strats I have had regardless of price- sounds killer through my Twin Reverb. Good review Shane!

@artamussumatra6286 3 года назад

Once you remove the prestige factor from the equation, it’s a whole ‘nother ball game! 😉👍

@jorgschlenger4254 3 года назад

I own a AO 50ies and a CS 61 Reissue - both lefthand. The CS has not only 350g less weight, it also has real lefthand pots installed (revers taper) whereas the AO 50 is equipped with regular taper but wired reversed, which leads to an incorrected taper curve. Guess that‘s the reason why Shane notice the differences in the usuability of the volume taper (tone as well). I swapped the original pots for CTS reversed tapers (or say lefthand pots) to get it correctly. The neck is indeed some sort of chunky but no issue if you got big hands, although I like the shape of my 61 Reissue better (oval 60ies). The CS also has more string separation in the tone, which may not only be an effect due to different pick-ups but although the higher quality of the selected woods? Anyway, both are fine instruments.

@SimpleManGuitars1973 3 года назад

I've got the production model of the Jimmy Page Mirror Tele and it's amazing and I don't see how the Custom Shop version could be THAT much better but after watching this video I bet the Custom Shop version would probably be even better. That's insane.

@fabienv1146 3 года назад

More harmonics for the CS, but both are greats guitars! Very good test. Thanks from France.

@proteus2103 3 года назад

They both sound great, and I like the sound of the custom shop more if that means anything.

@thejoshbtv 3 года назад

During the jam I heard no difference between the two. When you were doing the individual tones, the CS definitely has more spank to the pickups. I do like the blonde-ish finish on the CS. I love seeing wood grain on guitars.

@gabesandholm 3 года назад

Sounding great regardless of the guitar. Loving the playing vibes in this video.

@BrentAdams 3 года назад

What about the fret work....the edges of the fret board and fret ends? Is there the same attention to details like that between the two? THX!

@ScottyBrockway 3 года назад

I don't think there is any better here, just different and player taste. The pickups sound a bit different in the custom shop, but you can buy those separate.

@PHeMoX 3 года назад

Yeah, that's actually what surprises me sometimes. I recently saw some Fender Tex Mex pickups for like 100 bucks, a full telecaster set. And did some searching what guitar had those originally, only to find out that used to be a $1700 guitar! Something like a Fender Custom Shop Texas Special tele pickup set is between 150 and 200 bucks where I live. So, if it's just the pickup sound you're looking for, it's possible to mod a guitar to sound extremely similar (if not virtually the same).

@ColtonAnderson1258 3 года назад

I think the only reason it is better is you get to customize it yourself and make it your own

@Silkaz7 3 года назад

Having owned both a custom shop and a mim, the biggest difference for me is the feel something you can't show on a video. The sound you can get with a simple pick up swap. It's up to you to determine if the great feel when you play is worth those extra thousand dollars.

@yestoES355 3 года назад

What’s the song in the outro? Great playing as well?

@phillipholt6005 3 года назад

I'm happy with the Strat HSS I already have!

@actionjacksondan Год назад

I finally stepped up and got a custom shop tele, was skeptical but I get it now, it is a "better" guitar which you hear and feel. It is the law of diminished returns, only worth it if you happen to have extra money and you are willing to spend. I have a 2006 highway one, Jason Isbell tele and now the Custom shop. The neck on the Custom feels great and the hand wound pickups are fantastic, is it twice as good as those others? No, but its rad.

@cpk313 3 года назад

What it sounds like is the AO's pickups are a little hotter the the CS. How both sets of pickups are adjusted also could be a factor. It would be interesting to try two things: 1 adjusting the pickup heights on the AO to see if it gets it closer to the CS and vis-versa and 2 a pickups swap, though seeing as the guitar is a loner that the shop I'm sure wants to sell that's probably a no go. I don't know if it's new recording gear or technique but your guitar tone sounds great the last 6-8+ months

@BrerRabbit73 Год назад

Hi Shane. Can you please also compare the original 50s strat with new vintage 2 57 strat ?

@jlguitarman 3 года назад

I prefer the standards rounder thicker tone but would be happy with either guitar🤘

@raceface_m2579 3 года назад

The CS was definitely cutting through the mix. But the Am sounded fatter and better in the one on one comparison.

@lathspell87 3 года назад

Also, all CS guitars can be so different. I had played so many US tele, and never liked them much. Then one day, I picked up this CS tele at my local shop and just couldn't believe my ears and hands. Best playing and sounding Tele I have ever played. Bought mine new for $3,250.

@montag4516 2 года назад

Glad to hear that. Which model/version of the CS Tele did you get?

@lathspell87 2 года назад

@@montag4516 Mine is a super heavy relic, gold sparkle '63 tele

@montag4516 2 года назад

Excellent. I've been perusing the videos heavily. Seems a 62 or 63 neck would be my choice. But I love and favor the heavy relic jobs on these. It's not pretending anything, it's both a look and comfort that's there for those who want it. I bet it keeps getting better on both accounts the more it gets played. Cool, Gold Sparkle Tele with heavy relicing.

@montag4516 2 года назад

Oh, and do they relic the bridge plate and control plate as well? From the photos and videos it's hard to tell.

@jayseb 2 года назад

oh! that playing... my Saturday is now complete. I own a Fender Strat CS - 57 Lake Placid Blue Relic - Thought it sounded great until I got my Paoletti Stratosphere. Now this one signs. Better build in general.

@arnolddealiii4259 3 года назад

Perhaps if weight is an issue you can do what I did. I bought an aluminum bridge block for my strat. I have been experiencing back pains wanted to try to reduce the weight. I went from a 1 pound block to 3.5 ounces. This made my 8 pound guitar 7.5 pounds. By trimming 2/3rds of the block weight I am able to play longer with less pain. It’s not much but it helped!

@sixbladeknife44 3 года назад

My Ame. Pro Strat II was flawless out of the box, where as my more expensive Ame. Original Strat had a number of issues from the factory. Sometimes it comes down to the individual guitars regardless of price point or particular series, including the custom shop stuff. Of these two, I thought the custom shop sounded that much better, but the Ame. Original is certainly no slouch.

@frankstephenson1746 2 года назад

Yes I believe your right I bought a rental pro 1 and it’s perfect. I’m obsessed with it

@sixbladeknife44 2 года назад

@@frankstephenson1746 I also have a Pro I along with the Pro II and an Original. The Pro I is my daily driver, great guitar.

@ganaorganador 3 года назад

I bought the american original limited Mary Kaye, which would be the mix of both guitars in the vid. To my surprise the ash body is CHAMBERED!!! I just discovered that with my guitar tech and we were so intrigued and blown away. So I don't know if that's a constant spec on the ash bodies for american originals, but yes, it was surprisingly lighter right out of the case. And yes, it has a kinda chimey tone and overtones. For me the only down side for the american originals is that gloss nitro finish in the whole neck and the vintage tall frets ( or what otherwise we can call "all-time tiny low frets") get very sticky, and I mean, it's the most sticky neck finish I played in my life. Even though it's a beautiful vintage non-slip finished expensive neck. Maybe it's not a concern for a lot of people, but if you have big hands and big fingers maybe you would want bigger profile frets, and if you have kinda sweaty hands, well... You can go Warmoth or get tne neck satin-ized and refreted (which I'm neglecting to do as it is new and sweet smelling still).

@doogledog1740 3 года назад

I noted the CS Strat as coming across as less gainy and a little more thin sounding. Heard in isolation it would likely not be quite so noticeable. I do like the look of the CS body, but it's really that from a distance the semi-translucent finish just looks off-white and aged, a little creamy. Anyway, it was interesting to see and hear the comparison. Thanks.

@honkytonkinson9787 3 года назад

I've had a high end American strat for almost 20 years. Also have had the pleasure of trying out several master built custom shop strats. They're all nice but aren't better than my strat which cost half, or less, than the custom shop guitars That said, my guitar had some drips on the finish that probably shouldn't have been acceptable on a standard model. You probably won't get that on a custom shop model

@RodrigoRockChannel 3 года назад

It's not only about how it sounds but also about how it feels. Seems to me if you're playing mostly at home or in a studio, the custom shop might be more interesting. But for live usage, the least expensive makes more sense due to security. Most people wont be able to tell the difference in a live situation anyway.

@themodusops 3 года назад

I am not a guitar expert, but If you are buying a Custom Shop guitar off the rack I think the main difference is the wood...hand selected vs. you get what you get. You can always change the electronics and the hardware, but the wood is what make a particular guitar unique, in my opinion. If you care about the details like grain, flame and weight...that's where the Custom Shop will usually be a step above a regular production model. Of course, you can always get lucky and find a "good wood" regular production guitar at the weight you like. To me, weight is a huge part of a guitar's "feel." And like you, I prefer lightweight guitars. I hope that weight difference isn't your Original Strat's downfall.

@user-or3gv6wp1g 3 года назад

Iv got a player tele and tried the American standard and I preferred the player series but its all down to personal preference really. The thing I did like better on the American was the fret edegs felt slightly nicer but not enough to justify more then double the price.

@TheTeddydog1 3 года назад

Hi Shane. I prefer your strat to the custom shop. I like the thicker tone without all the high pitched chime, and prefer the true white paint, pickguard, and knobs/covers, to the slightly aged and yellowy CS. I have a Mexican standard, and have been enjoying it for years. A more expensive guitar, wont make me a better player. Cheers.

@cchavez248 3 года назад

In the recording, the CS strat had a bit more clarity; all the notes in a chord were easier to hear than with your strat. Without a side-by-side, no one would be able to easily tell the difference though....

@petermarkovic8837 2 года назад

I love my Fender American Original Stratocaster, the neck could be a little thinner, but the neck it comes with isn't a deal-breaker. I'm feeling good about the fact I got the right guitar. It's a keeper.

@gerritcuypers 3 года назад

Great Playin' Shane! The American Original sounds very good but the Custom Shop sounds warmer and has more body. The question is, is the custom shop worth the money? For me original price, no but in second hand price, yes. In second hand you can buy a custom shop at the price of a new original and you'll have that extra in quality of construction and better sounding pickups. But there also are lots of custom builders all over the world who will build you the same custom shop quality for a fraction of the price. I myself have a number of hand-built guitars ( European and USA built ) like Maybach, Haar, Gosia-Steffsen, Nash and they all are custom shop quality.

@Schlumpf.Meister 3 года назад

Everything you mentioned, maybe w/ the exception of weight, is a matter of preference. A Strat is pretty much an industrial product, I suppose that the main difference lies in the amount of attention put in during assembly and setup, which can be perfectly offset by selection of the best upon purchase. And we should not be sentimental - the custom shop is a business too, it must spit out guitars by the hour, and I have come across many expensive instruments from all major brands in stores that just sucked. I personally think that selection is important, custom shop is not. Great playing as always Shane!

@jeffshuck3125 3 года назад

I "watched" with my eyes closed and slightly preferred the sound of the CS, but only slightly

@maxhelli4218 3 года назад

it’s in the fingers not the tool. great playing mate

@stevesmith4956 3 года назад

I own a Fender American Original. I could tell a big difference between mine and some of the lower models in both tone and fit and finish, at least I thought I could. I’ve not tested mine vs a custom, but at least on your RU-vid video I couldn’t hear much of a substantive difference between the two.

@moyleeppelstun638 3 года назад

Man o man I love it when you roll the opening number like that thank you, and actually, is the lighter wood and small tonal difference worth that much extra? only if that's the one flipping tone that's stuck in ya wee brain and ya can not find it, mate Id kill to have one of them gorgeous cases for my vintage white SX! but that wouldn't make much sense either .

@voxshall 3 года назад

I went Hondo, JV Squire, Mexican, Customshop then sold off all my customshop strats once I got a vintage 64 strat, the differences are all very subtle and come out more when you own the better instrument long term and then compare it.

@10sassafras 3 года назад

I heard the same differences that you did. Very little in it and were we simply hearing the generic difference between lighter and heavier guitars, regardless of price?

@hotblackdesiato3451 3 года назад

Very interesting video. It would've been great if you could've added a Vintera Road Worn to the mix!

@seanthomasmusic 3 года назад

The levels for both guitars don't sound the same. Is that because of the pickups or any difference in micplacement/preamp settings? I think the Custom Shop sounds calmer regardless... less volume, not as punchy.

@IvorThomas 3 года назад

I would be surprised if either of those sounded or played better than my $1100 Eric Johnson sig thinline. It has a great soft V neck, staggered tuners, very light, and no trem tuning issues. Couldn't be much better as far as Strats go.

@imCurveee 3 года назад

Both sound like my Player strat 😄 But seriously though, you can get great tone with any half decent guitar. Your amp, pedals, speaker and pickups are more important than the build of the guitar, and those can all be changed/modified. The build of the instrument has more to do with playability and tuning stability, but anything around or above $1k (CAD for me) and you're likely to get a well made guitar that'll do whatever you need it to do. I personally don't see why I'll ever need anything more than my Player strat. More money in my pocket to try out different pedals :)

@artamussumatra6286 3 года назад

You nailed it! 😁👍

@benweekes2797 3 года назад

I have 3 custom shops (two teles, one Strat), one of which being master built and I prefer the sound and feel of my American Original Strat. Which upsets me more than it should...

@artamussumatra6286 3 года назад

Don’t worry about it, just enjoy the one you love. You can’t put a price on Mojo. 😉

@nsbomb 3 года назад

Dude I prefer the American Original so much more, 100%!!! It sounds much more full and alive to my ears. Love your AO Strat! I built my own to Fender specs and with Fender hardware. I wonder how it would compare to an AO from the store. :) Thanks for the vids mate, cheers!!

@tommynovak6399 3 года назад

There's a difference in tone. But that can happen with any 2 guitars. It would depend on feel rather than sound.

@pdbordelon 3 месяца назад

I have two Fender CS guitars, a Tele and a Strat GT-11 and rest assured there is an amazing mojo the CS guitars have compared to the standard line. Are they worth more than twice the price? Probably not objectively, but I think they are worth every penny and can't put them down! So if it they make me play more thats invaluable! If you buy one you will be spoiled and cant go back to a "regular" Fender so proceed with caution! If you have the money or just want to thin the heard and buy something special you wont regret it! Is in necessary? No - but life is meant to be enjoyed and these CS guitars are works of art that inspire!!

@grahampotter742 3 года назад

I think the AO is head and shoulders or should I say neck and body above the CS. It's warmth and depth of tone sets it apart from all the other models out there. It can do those classic Fender tones but so much more as well which is why I bought one as well after listening to every model out there including some 60's vintage strats I had access to. The body weight and fatter neck I'm sure contributes to the tone.

@nonrevnosnibormetalbeerrev6251 3 года назад

You could make a broom handle sound amazing brother but I knew you would have loved your guitar better cause you obviously have the feel for it, by the way have you ever tried a super cheap strat from chord guitars, I think it is the cal90 or something like that, it would be nice to hear you give an honest opinion on it from a beginners perspective. Peace out and greetings from Northern Ireland 🤘

@lawtt 3 года назад

What PU's in the CS and the American Original?

@heymrguitarman7637 3 года назад

You have to understand how the custom shop works. Yes regular custom shop guitars are still production line instruments. However those working in the custom shop have more experience m does that make them better? Maybe, maybe not. The custom shop also gets first choice of all the wood meaning they get the better stuff. Does that matter to you? Maybe, maybe not. I'm a guitar builder myself and I understand what really matters to making a guitar good and you can do that at any price point. But, with custom shop you are getting a potentially superior product. But whether the differences matter to you is up to you and they may not be noticeable when it comes to tone