The Current State of Stratocasters: w guest Jeff McErlain 

Strats from parts is a parallel universe that doesn't get a lot of youtube time but I have been very happy with that option. You end up with a very personal instrument and there is nothing but endless pickups to try if you feel you need something a little different. And a hand burnished, unfinished, roasted maple neck is like glass.

Great show, Kieth. And it's really great that you have the great guy and player, Jeff McErlain on.

Hearing Knopfler play "Sultans of Swing" blasting out of my dad's stereo when I was five was a revelation to me. It set in my mind what great guitar playing sounded like. Not just the playing but the tone of the strat. It's just epic, earthy and powerful.

A great discussion as always! Really looking forward to coming on the channel Keith! 😎

I am a strat fan. Appreciate the attention to strats. Also appreciate, like my home office, the wall hangings get off level. ;)

Loved this. My big takeaway is, the less you feel like you have to mod your guitar, the happier you’re going to be with it. Which I believe more and more. Of course, that pretty much flies in the face of the whole idea and philosophy of partscasters, which my #1 Tele is. So…? And then…”none of it matters. Just practice.”

The Tokai strats are some of the best out there. I had a Aspen strat when I was thirteen I bought it 1979 by mowing lawns. It had the early 70's big head stock and the classic three way pickup selector. There were some nice Japanese gtrs at that time. Plus at a fraction of the cost compared to the American counterparts even then.

Loved this episode. Much of what you both are describing is why I just started building my own guitars. I control everything about them - pickups, wood, neck, hardware, neck ratio, all of it.

Really great to hear Jeff’s perspective on the guitars. Great video Keith!

I've played about a dozen strats in my life.. almost all fender and squier..best I've ever played is my mim 2020 player HSS in limited edition candy red burst. 2nd was a 1976 fender strat a jam buddy had..but side by side he agreed...player blew the strings off the 76.... interesting 🤔...great hang man 🤘😜🎸...was late to the show so watching reruns..lol

I've owned 10+ Fender American Stratocasters and one G&L Legacy. My all time fav was a 1983 Dan Smith 2 knob. It had a super thin neck, played like butter. I swear it had the best tone of any of Strat I've EVER played. Eventually I traded "2 knob" in on a brand new USA G&L Legacy that became my #1 from '90 to '95.

There are 3 models in the strat lineup I will always buy sight unseen cause they just always feel good, the EJ Strat and a Mexican or American Deluxe model they always hit the mark.

I bought my first pre CBS Strat in 1990. A '64 in Surf Green with Gold Hardware. I still have it. I went pro in '91 and used the '64 on every Record and on every Gig. In 2007 I bought another pre CBS Strat. A '63 in Sunburst. These two Guitars are used for 95% of my playing. They sound quite different. The '63 has Black Bottom Pickups and Stackpole Pots, the '64 has Grey Bottom Pickups and CTS Pots. All original. I really love the two old Workhorses. They feel like parts of my Body by now. My Son is a Guitar Player too. He will keep on playing them when I'll be gone some day. I own Gibson, PRS, Dean, even Ibanez Guitars, but Fender is the superior Design.

So stoked for the SRV episode!

I wish I could have hung live because I dig your videos and am Stratocaster obsessed but the delivery of stage 4 wound care surfaces took precedence this afternoon! 🤍🎸

Great chat, Keith! I kept thinking of your friend you mentioned in your How Many Guitars Do You Need video, way back when. You stated your buddy had been playing one strat for everything for many years, and when asked why he didn’t buy another guitar, he replied, “What for?” Jeff’s blonde strat with buckers sounds terrific. Not sure about sonic differences, but my Don Grosh strat with a rosewood slab board just looks cool as hell 😊 As much as I love Strandbergs, when you plugged that PRS ME in right after the Strandberg, the PRS sounded so much richer

The strat is still the perfect guitar for me. I've owned lots of guitars but the strat is always home base for me. Most of what I expect from a guitar comes from the strat. The ergonomics, the punch of single coils, the cry, the scream, the drama, the clean, floating tones. I feel most comfortable with strats. And I still love other guitars. I love a nice SG, Explorer, PRS, G&L, headless too. But the strat is just the workhorse that delivers the lager every time.

The new Fender American original strats are Amazing in my experience...I've not played a bad one yet. Ive sold all my older American Vintage Series and replaced them with American Originals and never looked back.. One cool thing I like is their finish is so thin they chip and relic just like the old ones.

I'm a bass player that hammers on a six string for fun, but i agree about the 7.25 fretboards. They just feel silky and comfortable to me, especially with a thicker neck. It's the same on basses too, the rounder and thicker, the better. Like a '54 P Bass.

Looking good coming in loud and clear here in California!

I'd be interested in the Waylon Jennings Tele history.

With gear acquisition syndrome it gets pretty easy. If you have a Les Paul or guitar with humbuckers it's a no-brainer that you absolutely have to get yourself a decent Strat or a Telecaster, but you got to get something decent with single coil pickups. In my humble opinion the top Strat Gunslinger at the moment is none other than the outrageous Michael Landau! No matter how many times I watch him, and I watch him constantly, he never ceases to amaze me not only with his phrasing and his tone but just the way he works the pickup selector switch is genius! There's a 14 minute video of him with Wayne Krantz and Jimmy Herring from The Allman Brothers that is an absolute must-see! It's right here on RU-vid so no excuses!

Like most guitars, Strats all have their own personality. You could play a mess of them, but it's special once you find the one you really click with.

Japanese 62 reissues are my favorite. I have 3 and really enjoy them.

I'm all about building a great guitar instead of trying to buy a perfect one. It's much more cost effective. The Sterling Cutlass CT50 HSS in firemist silver I modded the shit out of, has everything I need and more! Everyone who picks it up is blown away by the looks feel and most importantly, the tones that come from it! With a little elbow grease you can put together some good guitars for under a grand.

I’ve only ever had one Strat. A 95 American standard I bought new in 96. I liked it then and I still do. I know there’s a huge fandom for the vintage ones but I don’t have thousands of dollars. Mine works pretty good in surf green. Interesting video nevertheless. But Keith, you always say that you emphasize the best gear for the least money. I’ve noticed that you are focusing more on the most expensive stuff now. I guess that comes with success!

I run a small shop in NH, and a year ago a loyal customer of mine brought in 3 strats for me to part out to make his "dream" strat. In lue of payment he gave me the leftover parts. From which I made the best strat I ever have owned. US Artist series body, US performer neck, and Lindy Fralen electronics. He has since sold his dream strat and I have a #1 that is on par with any new or vintage strat I've ever played. Moral of the story, the best ones you don't look for, they come to you.

Didnt catch it live but enjoyed it nonetheless. Really liked that there was no price snobbery like I see on many guitar sites. Thanks for the show!

Olympic white + rosewood finger board + tortoise pick guard is the nicest looking Strat ever. 👍🏼

I Strat guy… I don’t understand when people say “that they are not”. The years have so much to do with it. In the late 90’s the standards are some of the best strats ever made. I played several in that era that I’d play over some pre-CBS models.

I’ve always been puzzled too why people think rosewood board are “warmer”. I too have always found it the complete opposite. While I thinks it’s more so the pickups, every 60s style strat I’ve play has been more aggressive and snappy and may a bit “darker” but not exactly warmer. 50s style on the other hand have always felt smoother, creamier and a bit more mellowed out.

Nice. Loved Jeff commenting about 'cheap stuff'. Got some. First, Crafted in USA Peavey Predator DX, Turbo. Great HSS switching. $249 with a gig bag new.. '94 It could cover almost anything, Heck, i used it for band practice in the mid '00s. Still rox. Next, a private label DeltaTone. Homely head stock but loved the look, sorta a CSB with TS and blk parts. $75.00 new just over 10 years ago. FM212 and some Schenker. Rocked. oh, i miss my '75 SB HT. Bought in '76. man, should have fixed the broken '64 SG. Strat was nice.

I'm really late watching this, but as always I really enjoyed the show. I really like that you guys showed Squires some love. I have an 89 Squire. The only parts that are original is the body, neck, and pick guard. Thanks Keith

I want that Fiesta Red Strat on your thumbnail. Apparently, they're selling fast.

Since originally watching this video , i weighed my 99 US Standard and its just a touch under 7 and a half pounds , which i find just perfect . The Les Paul I used to own was nearly 9 and the Custom was heavier than that but I dont know its exact weight . I really loved the look and sound , but it was so uncomfortable to play seated and too heavy standing . I have Arthritis, a bad back and calcium deposits on my left shoulder , so weight is an issue for me .

Another great video, thanks. I still have a lovely blue maple neck from Roland (1980) that came with their GR300 guitar synth (I think Ibanez made the guitar for them). It has served me well - classic Strat sounds, plays beautifully! I tried an American Ultra last week - rosewood neck with the S1 thing - the 2 extra settings were both superb, the neck + bridge was a treat! Same as the one you have there - cream with tortoise-shell pick-guard. I can definitely see it in my future!

That Charvel Jake E Lee!!!!! Great playing and insight from Jeff!! Love that HH masterbuilt too. I thought it was sacrilege when I put a DiMarzio Utopia HSH set in my 2008 AM Deluxe but it's way more versatile than I thought.

Hi Keith, I'm watching you from London England. Great Show.

Less Laminate = Looks vintage sooner AND sounds better quicker. Old guitars somehow sound and look better (after many hours of play even better than the one hidden under the bed/sometimes), but once they are "road-worn" they are more desirable. Murphy Labs for example. And, it took a 60's whatever so many years to reach that point, because they put a heavy layer of lacquer on it. Cool either way. A great looking and sounding guitar is a beautiful thing.

Thanks Keith and Jeff

Mario Martin makes amazing strats. Highly recommend. Necks are the best playing I've ever felt including custom shop.

I just weighed my late 50's reissue: 6.8 lbs. Awesome

So who is the pickguard company?

The current state of Fender, including Charvel guitars 🎸 is that I got rid of them all for a Tokai Japanese Strat! Gone are the days of incremental improvements period! This Tokai is Exceptional in every way and now I'm looking forward to getting a "love rock" Tokai! 😁 F Fender!!!

I wish 7.25 and soft V’s on a rosewood slab were possible to find in a Fender replacement neck. And I wish Fender sold unfinished bodies. But then I guess I would never be tempted by AVII’s and Custom shops. When all is said and done, you have to thank Leo for giving everyone the possibility to put together their almost perfect Fender.

Great video fantastic insights. I've gone through a lot of gear trying to sound better or like someone else. Great advice @1:04:48 Practice on one guitar and minimal gear and get better at playing. Onto practicing...

I love the music in the intro! Who is that...where can I get that? Absolutely beautiful!!!

A friend gave me a Squier Strat (Indonesia) a few weeks back.. i weighed it after watching this video, it came in at 5 1/2 pounds all up I think I have a unicorn Hot-rodding the pickups are in the near future

Cool show! I've only got a couple of Strats but I wouldn't get rid of them. My old late 90s MIM and my late 20teens MIC. I don't need a custom shop or anything like that. Why bother when both of these sound great, play great and didn't cost me much.

Stratocasters are the best guitars in the world. If i had to choose a single guitar for the rest of my life, the choice is easy

Great show, I really enjoyed it….

Boy if that ain't the CCR snare drum sound I don't know what else is!

"Strat-shaped objects." I love it! Elegantly avoid the question of whether a Silver Sky is a strat? I have a Tele-shaped object that I like well.

i wanted a hard tail strat with a thick maple top and a mahogany back witch i found out had never ben done by fender, so i made my own! the guitar weighs in at 6 pounds 14 ounces and has a chimey tone i swear i couldn't have bought for less than a small fortune! it helps that i used real vintage hardware and electronics. geez looking back ive ben playing this guitar for over 20yrs now! and i did it well enuf that no one knows i made it lols! im planing to make a telecaster with the same setup and woods but i have to find a couple antique peaces of furniture to re use the wood as the quality is important. the top on my strat is crazy flame quilt with alot if grain that kinda makes the whole thing pop. i opted for a hand rubbed oil finish with a flash coat of amber nitro looks great now that its aged 20 some odd years. i love my strat! so much it needs a re fret!

Jeff’s master built with the two humbuckers hay there’s some validity for the original Fender Lead 2 I love stats still. like to get a E.J. Someday

50s Strats [reissues] for me and all 2-tone/maple. Have three and they all play and feel differently.

I own Squiers, Mexican made, American, vintage American. All can be used to achieve great music making. Stratocasters forever ❤️‍🔥

I was never happy with Strats and overdrive especially in the 2 and 4 positions. I still have to find that “wow” Strat. I don’t like humbuckers, 2 point or Floyd Rose bridges, and heel contours either. The new Fender AV2 looks good.

Ish guitars Syracuse NY !

Oly white, rorty and rosewood My fave Strat color scheme too!

😎 Thanks Mac Keith ⚓️

To be quite honest, I'm shocked. Keith's been banging on all year about stripping everything down to the basics - to get all zen. So, I expected to see a G & L s-type guitar, a Pod Go, a pair of speakers bought at a car-boot sale. Instead, he's build a 20-acre extension to house his Strats.

Keith You are always Great! WooF!!

I've been playing the since late sixties and still have my 57 - 18250 and my 60- 53271. Never found better sounding strats, And I bought them when when they were going for £200 to £300. Sold #82300 blue which well could have been Lenon's one.

Where can we find this version of Highlands that you played in the intro? I thought you said TrueFire but that one from 12 years ago where he’s playing a Marshall is not the one. Would you please let us know. Thanks for all you do.

I thought you weren’t a strat guy? Glad to see Strats back

I can see you Keith!

I hope you get to keep the Strat!

I have been through a lot of guitars always come back to a Strat

Love the hip new look, but I do miss the denim vibe.

Strats feel like home.

Are you there? David Denver

Am I the only one who wonders what Hendrix' white strat weighed? Or clapton's black strat, or the ones Ron Wood uses or ... so many others. No, I even wonder whether they ever weighed them at all.

It's tough to try before you buy when you are a lefty. Of my eight guitars, 5 were bought online without trying.

what a great stream intro, can`t wait to watch this

I’m admittedly biased due to repeated experience with them but how could Mario Martins not get a mention? Fabulous light weight strats and teles.

Jeff McErlain is just so easy to listen to…his speaking voice…I think his calm demeanour carries over into his playing.

I've spent many vacations in Encinada, Mexico... And I can testify that there is no way in hell that "the Fender factory CAN BE SEEN FROM SAN DIEGO!!!" WOW!! you must have Nikon P-900 eyeballs!!!

Glad I got my 2019 fender American original strat for $2000 AUD before ever skyrocketed. Now they are 3699. Talk about inflation.

A 59 or a 54 won't make you a better player, that's the sad truth.I wish it did.

Greetings from the Stratcave .This was awesome .I've built three part strats .My main two both have MIM Roadhouse necks Satin finish, big headstocks ,12" radius ,and maple fret boards with 6105 wire .I wish I could find another one for a new build ,but it looks like I'm going to have to go with a American Special with 9.5 radius ,and 6150 jumbo frets .I hope this doesn't radically effect my technique ,comfort ,and over all playing .Plan B thinking about getting a custom shop '69 neck for the one with '69 p-ups ,and using that Roadhouse on the new build .That would be more than a $1,000 difference .Anyone have any advise ?

I enjoyed that

Hi , great video thanks 😊 and great channel ! I'm going to be putting BK pickups (sss) on my Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster. Do you think fitting base plates to the pickups is a good idea 💡🤔 ?

I am by no means a man of means but I don't think $30k is too crazy for a 60/61 player grade strat. 13:36 It's probably not a super light weight piece of wood but 8 lbs isn't terrible when you factor in what I believe to be a cold-rolled steel trem block in the American Vintage II Strats.

My ideal Strat might not exist. Roasted maple neck, rosewood board, 12inch radius, Jumbo SS frets, vintage tuners, Suhr v63 pups, 5-way, tone to bridge, vintage mod bridge, 1pc alder body, thin satin poly finish body, tung oiled neck.

Let it grow, back gain Keith!

Teles are the girls we should marry, Strats are the girls we dream about.

A video about Strat Plus’ would be sweet!?!

Hey, could someone explain please what's the deal with 'SS' frets? If I heard correct, you're talking about stainless steel frets right? I've never been aware that this was an issue, one way or the other, but now I realise it must be, since you guys mentioned it a lot. I never really gave it much thought, but I had always assumed that the frets on my yamaha SG were ordinary steel, but with a chrome/nickel plating. They look nice, kind of 'satin' finish, but they don't look like stainless, which normally polishes to a very bright finish. So what's the deal? Is it a subjective thing, or are there objective reasons why one type is better over the other?

First thing I see is the PRS McCarty narrowfield. I have a PRS NF3 with those pickups. I think they sound great. Strats sound like... well, a Strat. I have 3 Strats. My '79 might be frowned upon by some... but, it's really a great guitar. I've also played a '59 that was just awful IMO. The mythical hype behind some guitars (mostly from the '50's and '60's) is just ridiculous. There's good and bad guitars in all models and decades. Yeah, we want that great feeling neck (which is probably the most important thing) that works for the individual. Whatever the sound you're trying to capture is, in the end... you'll still sound like you.

The current state of Strats: you can get still get one. Thank you.

Interesting show fellas thanks. I can't reconsile dream and dog guitars, one man's meat etc. Surly it's everyone's perception it doesn't matter what they look like, feel yes a wee bit, sound is all 👍👍🥃Respect to you fellas.

Man, with no mustache and a bit of beard stubble, Keith bears a striking resemblance to Detective Murdoch from the Murdoch Mysteries!

I love doing warmoth and mjt tele builds.

The Strat is the perfect guitar nothing feels like it.

I see you

I own a 62 Fender Stratocaster which has very thin paint job which will flake off if you look at it WRONG!

My best Strat was an Austin so hey lol 😂

The first impression by taking a guitar and playing it unplugged will tell me if it is a keeper or not. That is a short process but when I was younger bad love almost busted me because I was very much in to the looks, like a nice looking girl where one gives here all the best and she gives nothing but sorrow and trubble. Strats they are realy lookers but they are not all that good.

I've been playing strats since the late 60s. My music teacher had one, early 60s hard tail with a maple neck. That's when I fell in love with them up until a few years ago. Every strat I had it had something wrong with it including a brand new 1982 reissued 57 model. As of December of '15 I changed over to Gibson and I've been there since. Those Fender guitars did not stand the test of time.. Oh, and the strat came out two months after I was born. It hit the stores on May 16th 1954 and I came into the world March 25th of the same year. Seems like I was born to play a strat, NOT!!