Fender Sent me a Guitar - American Vintage ii 57 Reissue 

5 Watt World is tremendous. Your viewership will grow to Rhett and Mary’s levels. Be patient. We dig what you do.

You’re probably one of the most honest guitar reviewers on RU-vid. People want honesty in their reviews. You give viewers what they want and your viewership increases. Your viewership increases, Fender sends you a guitar. Fender knows what they’re doing. Pretty much half of any guitar review is subjective anyway, right? It’s just as valuable to them for people to be seeing and hearing their stuff played well and sounding good, no matter what the reviews say, so there’s really no downside to an honest review. It’s win/win for everyone.

I wouldn't feel bad about it. You deserve it. You're a beast-player.

Story from an somewhat old timer: I was 22 years old in 1988. *Fender has just announced they were gonna start making re-issues for the first time ever in history* a few years before. 1985 I believe?...after factory hiccups Fender was having etc etc But this news was HUGE to us players. Finding a real Fender strat back then was very hard. You had to make phone calls, travel and search and go to swap meets, flea markets etc....when you lived in the country like I did. Back then finding a REAL strat wasn't easy. Music stores were scarce and usually sold Japanese copies. I immediately bought the 62 re-issue. I paid a whopping $899.00 which was a lot back then....but nothing compared to now. It was gorgeous. Came with the original 3 selector switch and a 5 point one in the tweed case if you wanted to swap. I already had a used 1977 Telecaster (black with maple neck and dual humbuckers...........Keith Richards had one so I just _had to_ have one too!).... (all original with case)..and a all original 1969 used Fender Twin Reverb.....I paid for 300 bucks to a coworker for both. Learning songs wasn't easy either. You gotta remember...there was no internet. You had to slow albums down to learn your favorite songs. "Guitar for the Practicing Musician" magazine had just came out in the early 80's and had 5 songs in TAB in each issue. You prayed they'd have something good....and not Huey Lewis crap like they did that one issue.......smh. My point of all this rambling is that you kids today got it made with youtube and guitars. You have TABS everywhere and backing tracks, PC VST's, Helix etc etc. Basically I'm jealous as f*** of you kids today with all the tools and resources you have. (I'm on my 4th beer so sorry if this sounds all confusing)

What comes through in your videos is your authenticity. It’s a strength. Also, your work ethic and output is tremendous ( quality and quantity).

Man! Your playing is exquisite and your tone is beautiful.

When it comes to guitar reviews, you are one that I click easily coz aside from amazing intros, your views are unbiased and honest plus you’re that kind of guy who I can listen all day just talking. Not much people has that .

I don’t have a Stratocaster….but when I watch your videos I always think about getting one. You really play really really well and bring to us the best sounds of those guitars. Thank you for the video.

That guitar is obscenely pretty, it should be in an art gallery.

Not thought about this before but yes, I do like that most of the gear you play, use and talk about are things you've bought and want to use. It does make it all more realistic and relatable.........that and the dogs obviously. But I'm happy for you to be in a position that Fender sent you a Strat!

Don't feel bad giving manufacturers negative feedback; they need your insight for their business to remain competitive. Don't feel bad for viewers; gear is an easy avenue for new audiences, for most of us that was your helix vids, but for others that will be Fender vids, or whatever is next. The people who stick around are probably here for you and your music, use the sponsorships to fund the authenticity and promotion of your own ventures.

Hi John. Perhaps take what ever sparks your interest mate. You're a great communicator and always come across as dignified and honest. I'm sure any worthy manufacturer would welcome constructive criticism to help them improve. Reviewing free stuff wouldn't compromise your integrity in the slightest. Your channel is ace by the way! Love your playing. All the best.

Someone at Fender is watching and sees what we all already know: that it's in very capable hands.

if anyone at Fender's watching or reading, I legit bought my 57 ash strat after watching your couple posts with your 57. Mine was ALSO a fair bit heavier than what people look for in a strat these days (thanks to @briansguitarsCT for being super helpful and informative!), but when I plugged it in it was exactly the sound and feel I was looking for out of a old-style strat. Doesn't hurt that you made it sound extra good lol, but as someone who'd put off buying a custom shop or AVRI strat for awhile, that was the push and the inspiration that I needed. Thanks!

Your playing is beautiful man

You keep real and honest! That's what I like, thank you! Always enjoy your playing.

This is why I follow this channel, impartial

Awesome playing John and I love your honesty. They sent you that guitar because you are an unbelievable player. I can’t get over your phrasing and touch.

The guitar sounds Beautiful!

Great playing John, Congratulations for getting sent an American Vintage II

Hi John, I have the Fender Strat Ultra and also have the Tele Ultra. Both with Rosewood necks. The thing I love about both of them is the compound neck radius. I find it to be the most comfortable neck of all the guitars I have. I also think that they have been able to succeed with the noiseless pickups sounding like a Strat/Tele should sound. I think it is the third iteration of the noiseless. I am happy to see you getting more recognition and I do like your approach to how you do not want to end up being someone just playing things you were given. I have confidence in you that will not be the case. God bless and as always I appreciate what you do for us guitar guys.

Man I thought I was having dejavu when this one popped up…. I freaked out more when I remembered all those plastiky things came out right around the same time and I don’t think I could go through that again.

Hold on to your integrity with both hands. I don’t think that reviewing gear you are sent is itself a problem. Just remain brutally honest and accept this might be the last thing you are sent. But my guess is that integrity will bring credibility and that’s the best way to long-term success. Appreciate your care in all videos.

Fender makes ‘things’ crafted by people out of mostly wood. So a perfect one of their ‘things’ would take a huge effort and cost a bundle. A few minor blemishes are well within my tolerances. And the fact that they hoped you’d play it and talk about it honestly was likely a good marketing decision. It sounds great, looks cool and I’d buy one of these if I didn’t already have a great strat. I do appreciate your honesty and forthrightness.

One thing to note, though I do love your K-Line videos and have looked them up myself, they are a bit out of reach. While this Vintage series Fender isn't exactly "cheap", it's something that a lot more of the people who watch your channel at least have access to (as in, drive to a local store and actually play one). Something to keep in mind. It's why I found your channel, as I was moving towards removing stage volume from my rig your HX Stomp pedal vids have been very insightful. Since it's a piece of gear most players at least can think about getting, it can connect directly. So many times we watch videos of players with instruments that are totally out of reach, like look at this Gibson Murphy Lab that costs more than your car.

I can appreciate the wrestling that you are having with how this gift fits with your larger aesthetic of having a channel that wrestles with "the choice" rather than "the gear." And I can appreciate that this emerges out of your friendship with Keith. By the way, I found you through his short history of Mesa Boogie...in case you're trying to track...aloha from Hawaii

Always love JNC’s perspective and honesty

Yep. Shortage of more mature, old growth wood. 👍 Keep up the amazing playing. Always inspiring!

You’re an honest man -Fender and anyone can tell watching your videos. Personally, I think it’s a wonderful guitar: it has the vibe, the looks… and, above all, the sound! I hope it grows on you so we can see it more often in your channel; if not, you can send it to me -I will be paying for the shipping. Best regards.

when the percussion hits. damn. love the vibe!

Really appreciate your honest and down to Earth comments and review of gear and guitars. Love your work and extraordinary playing, thank you.

You have a great channel- be proud 🎉 Daphne Blue from the lighting you have.

It looks like the older EJ signature. If it were sea foam of course. Sounds amazing. So glad they hooked you up, most deserving RU-vidr 🙌

I love lightweight guitars. Music Man does a great job at having lots of guitars right around 7 pounds.

JNC signature model coming!

Fender went nuts with the laquer on some of them maple boards, especially the AVII 70’s Tele It’s like a thick coat of plastic 😂

Just a beautiful sounding guitar JNC, very cool!

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a 8lb Stratocaster .. we’ve been programmed by boutique builders that 7.5 is ok but 8 is bad .. the weights of the originals from Leo’s factory back in the day.

9:26 that phrasing is amazing

Not a catch. You get a free guitar, you play it on your channel and someone will say "oh, I want that". In fact, the way you play and your range of tones will make most people think we can play at your level if only we buy this guitar. I can't speak for the guitar, but the sound is so nice that I'm tempted to buy some Fender pickups and install on my Ultra. So yes, the marketing worked. PS. Nice to see the Mateo Asato mini-licks showing up!

I had a bad experience with a vintage reissue Fender Tele. Never again. Hopefully they’ve improved!

Love the tone on that one but not sure how much different it is than my Vintera 50's Strat. My MIM Vintera was perfect out of the box as was my Vintera 50's Mod tele.

Haha man everytime you kill it with these intros and it makes me want to grab my guitar and go jam 🤟🤟🤟🤟

Congratulations

It certainly does sound great, JNC. Can you tell us what modeler and preset you were using?

Would you cover those harp harmonics in a tutorial video?

Still holding out on getting a 61 until I can find one that is around 7.5 lbs and doesn’t have a gap between the top horn and the neck. The QC is lacking, especially when my MIM Player Strat doesn’t have fitment issues.

I have a ‘99 MIM that looks identical but with a soft v neck.

I won one of these, but two color burst, and I'm already thinking about hitting the back of the neck with some fine sandpaper once I get it. I'll try it first but I usually don't like glossy necks. I've thought of doing the same to my Les Paul Standard but it's easier to consider doing it to a guitar that didn't cost anything. You might want to think about doing the same. What could it hurt? I really like the 2006-2011 Highway One Stratocasters. I hope I can like the '57 as much.

Good lord. I just wanted a review on this guitar and instead I got a guy rambling on about getting sent stuff. Can I have my 11 minutes back?

That intro tune….. Based on tone, I closed my eyes and I was hearing Gilmour.

Oh yeah! Nice one!

You need to loosen the neck screws and tilt the neck back slightly to get at the truss rod adjustment. It's a pain and a bit of a design flaw, probably the only one really.

Nice vid, John. Just got a fabulous British amp that's been around a few years...that's extraordinary. Hamstead Artist 20+RT combo. Son got one used...now I must have one too. Heard of it?

hello john, looks like the colour of my latest staying fancy pedal: Vertex Dynamic Distortion V2, thers a deal half price here in Finland..., guitarwise Im soo happy with my 5 Yamaha PacificA 112Vs: I have them whole octave down with my light touch..., John, you really should try the VDDV2 pedal, its not only dynamic, but it goes inside your well my fav pedals instead of gluing itsel f on top...! I mean after my many ods darkly set for jazz it continues the theme, kinda like a preamp ..., and I have one od after it ( Irin Taichi) , and the tone just changes a bit strattier, sorry for rambling but: IVE NEVER encountered a pedal like this Vertex, not mingling with others but working with them like old pals! Ive thought about the Maxon SD9/ or the Scott Henderson TWA? , but this Vertex stays for me ! most Videos demo it all alone, but it really shines with other ods, that has been said abou the Mad Prof Little/ Big Green Wonder, and dot get me wrong the Mad Prof Simble is my Always on ped, but: I can see you in my minds eyes setting your settings, and: stomping the lagoon blue Vertex on! I prefer lagoon blue to sea foam, cause my first tattoo was/is lagoon blue, scribbled on me skin by Londons most famous t artist, one gent... P.S. I wrote a thank you review to Vertex, and got a thank you message from Mason himself...., P.s.s. John, work hard but not too hard! love Kimmo yt3.ggpht.com/-sC8wj6pThd7FNdslEoJlG4nB9SIbrJG3CRGh7-bNV0RVfcrJuwiWHoUZ6UmcVs7sQjxTg4=w48-h48-c-k-nd

Would recommend trying an American Ultra. Modern appointments on a classic. Pickups polarise opinions because they're noiseless, but I love them ... since you tend to roll off top end a fair bit anyway, the slightly less bright top end might work. I have one that hangs with a Suhr Classic S custom order. I bought the Ultra having tried and been impressed with a Silver Sky ... the Ultra was as good, but 25% less on price.

I think experienced marketing people know RU-vidrs are always content hungry so they knew it would appear.

Seafoam green, only authorized Strat to be played in Miami

You deserved that guitar. I watched you play it and bought a used 1961 VINTAGE II Fiesta Red. Unfortunately, my guitar has not had minor issues like yours. While it is beautiful, the neck needs work. I've had it set up by 3 different luthiers who all say the neck is perfectly straight, but it still buzzes annoyingly in multiple locations. The second set up got the "sitar" mostly out, but the action went way up. Third set up brought the action down but still buzzing. I understand that this may need to be shimmed or frets leveled (or something else), but for $2,000 no one should have to deal with this. I love the way it looks and enjoy the pick-ups, but it's not playable at the moment.

Issues aside, it sounds incredible 🎸

No whammy bar? That's 1 of the reasons I love my deluxe plus Strat with the Fender Floyd Rose bridge. Added a Hipshot Tremsetter, set up to move up and down 26 yrs ago and haven't touch it since.

They sent me one as well. Except it was the '61. Straight swap for £2k in crisp 20s. To say it was a horrendous dog would be a bit of an understatement. Close to £180 of pro setup was required - frets, neck, nut...the lot. It now plays beautifully but I can definitely see why a lot of these got sent back and are now knocking about stores under the guise of "B Stock".

appreciate the honesty John. I think for that price point the fingerboard should be perfectly playable throughout. good looking and sounding guitar though. also think that the nitro finish should not be that delicate. this winter I also had some finish checking to a gibson les paul deluxe i have, and frankly thats not on. thats cheap nitro they are using

The catch was... it gave me an opportunity to be the first comment.

I think the wonky launch was a purposeful tactic on Fender’s part as a means of generating a false sense of scarcity and FOMO as a means of countering the seeming decline of the post-Covid guitar sales spike. People were selling guitars hand over fist during the pandemic and that has fallen off and Fender has felt it.

"Lowly John" Cordy. That's gonna stick.

I'm with you. It would be an uncomfortable situation for me having a 2000-3000 guitar. Things that you get or by makes for a better video.

Sweet BT John, very emotive. Have you ever considered a Spotify Album?

15:43 Since you are a legato player I would have expected you like your action low. What string height/gauge do you prefer?

Generally the Fender AV II series is very good. Well exicuted and very good QC. But not all of them. Some can be overly heavy and have QC details.

I really hope they’ve gotten this neck pocket issue sorted out because I hear that complaint A LOT and for a $2100 guitar that is unacceptable. A little fret sprout from shipping or some small imperfections in the finish is one thing. The physical integrity of the instrument is another thing entirely. A poorly fitted neck pocket coupled with some of the insane weights can equal a far less resonant, far less fun-to-play guitar. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and prayers out to all the applicable gods, saints, spirits and ancestors because I have a ‘61 on order and I’d love for mine to be a good one at that price point!😂😢😅😊

My dear, wonderful, talented (not to mention handsome) Mr. Cordy...could you ask them to send me one, too?

I see that there are some blonde ones at Andrton's atmo.

You have built a channel that’s big enough and prestigious enough that Fender thinks it’s important for you to have one of their releases. That’s a good thing. And, you’ve done that yourself. Don’t let some cultural guilt rob you of the joy of a new guitar. Don’t let angry basement dwellers tell you that you aren’t worth it or that you’re a shill. They haven’t built anything. But, you have. Your hard work has earned you that guitar. There are many things you should never emulate that us dumb Americans do but one thing you should do a bit more of is be proud of your accomplishments. Your channel is great. You deserve that guitar. You are free to enjoy it. If the guitar truly sucks, then fair. But, you don’t have to hate it because it was a gift.

What were you playing there at the end? Sounds great.

15:50 Why would you shim it to make the action higher?

Can you get Keith to email Fender that I need one of those as well? 😜

Could the "shortage of wood" be related to the reduced availability of ash specifically because of ash die-back?

How,does the volume knob not get in your way?

15:39

These reissues tell me one thing.. that the larger guitar makers have been,through the years, tailoring their process towards making more profit by mass-producing instruments at the cost of quality.. I think they should have been trying to achieve more quality..

... no description of the neck ... what's w/ that?

How unique can a guitar with 3 single coils be for there to be thousands of models?

Put that sid b sid Squier 40th and tell me

I’m really on the fence about this guitar that being said, I always trusted you say. Don’t change that. I don’t care if you pay for it or not I always leave you.

Who wouldn’t send any “new to them” guitar to their own guitar set-up guy? Always £100 well spent, frets, neck, tension, action to preference. Everyone has their own preferences, why would a production guitar fit them all?

I think a "Beta Tester" approach is good for the company, tester, and consumer, as it allows for total honestly at every step. A good Beta Tester should be able to provid a critical review of the gear/guitar to the company without fear of being honest. The Company gets valuable feedback from someone skilled enough to know what they're talking about, and an opportunity to fix issues before release and set an appropriate sales price. And, the Consumer gets a product that meets their expectations. RU-vidrs need to be aware of how easy it is to damage their reputation as a trusted source. If I feel someone may be a shill, I stop watching that Channel. There's also the danger of being so skilled that you can make anything sound good, even when it's an inferior or somewhat defective product.

I am here not to see your reviews bit your phenomenon playing

As a bassist I have to laugh every time a guitarist complains about how heavy an 8lb Strat is. Try playing a 11lb ash Precision for four hours. You’re a bunch of babies!

This is dodgy. Was Fender really expecting you to switch it up knowing how you review guitars? Honestly a waste because I think your viewers already know how you feel about $/£/€2000+ guitars that have finish/QC issues. Yamaha/FGN/Sire wouldn't be as popular on your channel if it were any different.

Fender sent you a guitar and you put it in the closet for months. Now you don't know how to feel about it? You play and it sounds awesome, but nah, it's probably going into the closet again? Great. The worst "confess" video I've seen so far..."Fender sent me a guitar, I confess". Stop whining.

Thats not seafoam green more blue

How ungrateful lol

The last bit sounds really beautiful. Is it always the same Arpeggio Pattern? 1-9-5-3-9-j7-5-9-1-5-j7-3-5-9-3-5-1 diatonically shifted..?

Too many models. Seems like they change one thing and its a new model, or signature, or reissue, or custom.