5 GREAT Inexpensive Fender USA Stratocaster Alternatives! 🔥

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Күн бұрын

5 GREAT Inexpensive Fender USA Stratocaster Alternatives! If you can't afford a made in the USA Fender Stratocaster here are some brands that are worth checking out because they are built really well for their price and they also sound fantastic.
Check them out online:
►Sweetwater USA:
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster - imp.i114863.net/Woo7J
Yamaha Pacifica - imp.i114863.net/bddYg
Fender Stratocaster Player Series - imp.i114863.net/OAA7Z
Schecter Strat - imp.i114863.net/RVV7X
►Thomann (Global)
Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster - bit.ly/2x0pKXO
Yamaha Pacifica - bit.ly/34gG42J
Fender Stratocaster Player Series - bit.ly/39OL3J7
Schecter Strat - bit.ly/2RjTCFf
(affiliate links)
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►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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#stratocaster #fender #guitarist ‎
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@rodknee87 4 жыл бұрын

Weird how the guitars are upside down in Australia

@mb13972 4 жыл бұрын

Not only that but the strings have to be wound backwards.

@MrSpeed-lt8gr 4 жыл бұрын

Yes just like the toilet water spinning the opposite way 😅😊🤣. Is that even a true thing that toilets spin the opposite way in the Southern Hemisphere?

@brainsmoothy 4 жыл бұрын

Samick guitars

@FlutterFreaxrr 3 жыл бұрын

@@MrSpeed-lt8gr wait does toilet paper fall sideways in antartica?

@fajaradi1223 3 жыл бұрын

@@FlutterFreaxrr Wait, what? Where do people buy toilet papers in antartica? I've never heard any costco nor Walmart open a branch there.

@intheblues 5 жыл бұрын

If I missed something please let me know in the comments. That way we can help other folks who are on a budget! Thanks, everyone. I hope you enjoy this video I did a bit of research on this one as well I hope it's valuable. 😀🙏 Check them out below: ►Sweetwater USA: Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster - imp.i114863.net/Woo7J Yamaha Pacifica - imp.i114863.net/bddYg Fender Stratocaster Player Series - imp.i114863.net/OAA7Z Schecter Strat - imp.i114863.net/RVV7X ►Thomann (Global) Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster - bit.ly/2x0pKXO Yamaha Pacifica - bit.ly/34gG42J Fender Stratocaster Player Series - bit.ly/39OL3J7 Schecter Strat - bit.ly/2RjTCFf (affiliate links)

@guitarprepnplus1 5 жыл бұрын

Fender player series.

@vir-daw 5 жыл бұрын

The brand called "Vintage" by JHS!

@jpcrafton69 5 жыл бұрын

There's one brand you missed which I feel needs a shout-out. Michael Kelly makes some amazing guitars, with their 1960's models (Strat-types) ranging from $399 to $899. I own one of them - a CC60 Burl Burst - which I love. It's a far better instrument than my Jimmy Vaughn Strat (MiM) or my Squier Classic Vibe. The quality, fit and finish, and components are top-notch. Mine came with an HSS configuration, with a coil-split for the bridge and a separate switch to turn on the neck pickup regardless of pickup-switch position, allowing neck/bridge and neck/middle/bridge, both with or without a split bridge. It also has locking tuners, a beautifully-made 2-post tremolo with a high-mass block, rolled edges on the fingerboard, and a compound-radius neck. It feels like a million bucks and sounds just as good. It's one instrument I won't part with, and everyone that plays it offers me money fore it - even guys that already own an American Strat of some type. I won't say that every guitar in that lineup is as well-appointed, but they're all absolutely high-quality instruments. I own three other Michael Kelly guitars - the CC50 Fralin (a Tele-style with custom pickups), the Patriot Decree (an entry-level single-cut), and the Triad Port (acoustic). Even the entry-level Patriot Decree was a revelation, and that was before I swapped out the pickups. I know they don't have much of a presence (if any) in the retail stores, but they really do deserve some recognition in lists like this.

@artcore1950 5 жыл бұрын

Hello Shane. I'm surprised you left out Ibanez, particularly in their SA line. I'm thinking of their SA160 and more expensive models in the same line. I don't own one but from some of the online reviews, they sound pretty good.

@jonathangadzini1435 5 жыл бұрын

I googled Mesa boogie and got nothing but amps

@toddflowers8052 5 жыл бұрын

Spot on examples Shane ! Cheers !

@amandacoombs8270 5 жыл бұрын

Well done! Really informative, and easy to watch. Great list!

@gergemall 4 жыл бұрын

I love your review, I’ve been playing the guitar for 50+ years and on many of them. I do believe that some of the less expensive guitars are starting to sound better than some of the older models and well-known brands. I really appreciate your review as I recently started playing again just for myself. Thank you

@MrBHBjr 5 жыл бұрын

That is so funny. The whole video I was thinking My MIM Strat (my first quality electric) is great! I do have an American Professional series Strat as well. Good video and good alternatives.

@johnwriterpoet1783 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the enjoyable video Shane. I was surprised to hear that you did not have an American-made Strat.

@johnwillard6198 4 жыл бұрын

Good list , glad ya mentioned Yamaha and HB .

@EvgenijGr 5 жыл бұрын

Every time someone tells something good about Yamaha Pacifica, my heart fills with inexpressible joy :) And I start another round of saving to upgrade for this good ol' violin sunburst stratocaster))

@greenfly1264 3 жыл бұрын

I put EMGS in my Pacifica it's a little killer.

@caseylee12 5 жыл бұрын

My alternative... Buy a used American Strat, but PUT YOUR HANDS ON IT FIRST! Play it, if you like it, but it, then take it to a top luthier for a professional setup. May cost you $60 bucks or so, but it's worth it. I recently got a fender American professional strat, and had it set up for $750. And it came with a hard case. Top of the line guitar for half the price.

@GuitarHack66 5 жыл бұрын

Great video. A less expensive butterscotch tele is always something I'm on the lookout for. Cheers

@onevoiceinc 5 жыл бұрын

I just recently purchased a Yamaha Pacifica 612vii. It's a great guitar.

@melvynobrien6193 4 жыл бұрын

I taught keyboard and guitar here at the Yamaha Music School. I used to check the guitars that were ordered for the students; I never found a bad Yamaha guitar, and a few of them were exceptional.

@rodriguezelfeliz4623 3 жыл бұрын

I love my pacifica, but the neck pickup really bothers me, I need a single coil

@unacuentadeyoutube13 3 жыл бұрын

@@rodriguezelfeliz4623 you mean the bridge pick up?

@rodriguezelfeliz4623 3 жыл бұрын

@@unacuentadeyoutube13 sorry, my bad

@cass2771 5 жыл бұрын

Keen to see where this series goes . . T style (obviously), LP (ditto maybe). Gretsch? Good work, Shane. Thank you.

@slippysloth4325 5 жыл бұрын

The MIM ceramic pickups are so underated

@artamussumatra6286 5 жыл бұрын

Slippy Sloth Agreed. They are one of the things that made me choose my MIM over the AmStand.

@LLSicilia 5 жыл бұрын

Im about to swap them out for some lindy fralin vintage hots.. hope i dont regret it

@mcfek7575 3 жыл бұрын

Alnico pickups sound more traditional than ceramic pickups

@KRAZEEIZATION 3 жыл бұрын

Don’t like ceramics, blunt tone and boomy lows. Generic sound. I put Fender Player Alnico V on my 1989 MIJ Strat and it’s amazing how great it sounds now once I ditched the ceramics. Ceramics are good though if you’re playing high gain stuff like Metal and Hard Rock. More consistent tone but for vintage chiming clarity, forget it.

@0000song0000 3 жыл бұрын

i have found it all depends on how you play and what you started with. for example i did not buy a Mexi Standard strat because I already had a Yamaha Pacifica (both have ceramics) so i didn't see the point on buying something that costed 2 or 3 times my pacifica and was more uncomfortable... they most comfortable guitar on the store was a Vintage Modied Squier with Lipstick pickups (but they wanted 400+ for it, so i didnt by it)

@markstanford594 5 жыл бұрын

Good video! I have both the Squier Cabronita Tele and the MIM HSS Strat. Both are great and are highly recommended. Also have a MIA 2011 Strat and outside of the pickups, they all play about the same. I am looking at the Schecter Diamond Series Nick Johnston guitar. At $799 US it is a really nice one. Thanks for doing this! I really can't see paying more than a grand for a really nice guitar anymore.

@landonbailey 5 жыл бұрын

love the MIM. Agree on that pick! I've got a 2017 Standard HSS in Lake Placid Blue. great guitar

@artamussumatra6286 5 жыл бұрын

Lando27Music Love to see, and hear your Strat in your videos, you made a great choice. I have a Lake Placid Blue as well, but with rosewood fingerboard, and 3 single coils. MIMs rule! 😁👍

@jbognap 5 жыл бұрын

I've been playing a Yamaha Pacifica 604W for over 20 years - locking tuners, Wilkinson trem, etc. Gets the job done. 👍

@YeOldeDwatman 5 жыл бұрын

Shane! You must check out the Vintage V6 Reissued - they are so well made! Good hardware (all Wilkinson!), attention detail and excellent playability!

@GuitarMav 5 жыл бұрын

Having owned all the guitars on this list, some several times over I would concur with what you say. The vintage v6 guitars are on par with Mex and Jap strats. They rarely come on the used market for a very good reason.

@gillesgenete9598 4 жыл бұрын

Well, I disagree based on a Vintage Strat Summer of Love I ordered on the net for €500: it was awful, unplayable, ugly finish, buzzing like hell, sharp fret edges, selector switch very loose, tuners poor quality. I sold it after serious set up for half of price. I have 2 Fender MIM, 1 US , 1 Custom Shop, I had 1 Fender Squier Japan: Vintage just cannot compete with them, even Harley Benton is better than Vintage. I remember seeing a Vintage Telecaster: was so ugly and poorly finished, I just didn't want to try.

@shelovesyouyeahyeah1367 3 жыл бұрын

@@gillesgenete9598 don't buy their reliced guitars. The v6 reissued is as good as my fender made in mexico strat...which I absolutely love

@gillesgenete9598 3 жыл бұрын

@@shelovesyouyeahyeah1367 I had a very bad experience with a Vintage Strat ! Never again, even Harley Benton is better, or at least cheaper !

@viltac9857 3 жыл бұрын

@@gillesgenete9598 wow, I had a vintage v6, one of their first series ( in that time dont exists reissued or icon series), and, yes, it was awful... Did you have this antique series? Or did you have a reissued or an icon (the new guitars)?

@jeffsullivan4946 5 жыл бұрын

Definitely Squier classic vibe 60s had to lock down the floating tremolo the string got much more slinky more sustain better tuning and your tip on cutting the strings on the Vintage tuners helped me greatly so thank you much love you're pretty much my favorite on KZfaq

@larryh.3173 4 жыл бұрын

Back around 20 yrs ago, Guitar Player mag did an in-depth shoot-out of about 35 "Strat-styled" guitars, and the Pacifica 604W came in at number 3 or 4, IIRC. Saw one at a local store, played it for almost 2 hrs up against various Fenders (inc a CS), and the Pacifica was easily my favorite-price definitely notwithstanding! (FYI: The bridge PU of the 604 specifically is actually two discrete SCs wired to act like a HB, but it can be switched over to a true single coil.) Back when I was more actively gigging, I played that guitar a TON over 10 years, and I still do at home. Based on that 604, I've also since bought a few other 600-level Pacificas and each one has been fantastic. That said, I've also tried the lower levels out of curiosity, and I'll just say that I've yet to play a "bad" Yamaha; each guitar was good to great. In fact, I very recently bought the latest Pacifica 612V (Indonesian with USA Duncans), and it is definitely a wonderful guitar, too, as good as my 604W but with a different set of tones due to the PU differences. I'd even buy them all over again if I ever "had" to. For comparison, I own a Suhr, a Giffin, several Core PRSes, Eastman SB59s, three USA Reverends... (I've been playing now for over 50 years, just less gigging nowadays.)

@yaguitar 5 жыл бұрын

As for G&L they are almost as fender as fender - Leo made some of his best design ideas for G&L!!

@guitareMTL 5 жыл бұрын

I like the sound an playability of the G&L, but the headstocks are so ugly...

@georgerigberg4335 5 жыл бұрын

@@guitareMTL You sound like an Epiphone hater!

@guitareMTL 5 жыл бұрын

@@georgerigberg4335 I own a cheap epiphone that I like a lot!

@richardroyster6631 4 жыл бұрын

My G&L legacy plays as well as my MIM strat and costs $200 less and the pickups are better, and my G&l commanche has no match in the fender world

@Silkaz7 4 жыл бұрын

@@richardroyster6631 How is the body size compared to the MIM strat? I've heard G&L bodies are bigger than Fenders is this true?

@alwaysrockn2009 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! Rock on dude.

@jasonbaker5430 5 жыл бұрын

I have a MIM Fender Standard Stratocaster and love it. About 3 years ago I got a Yamaha Pacifica 112v for Father's Day and it is a great guitar. It has the alnicoV pickups and a push/pull tone pot to split the bridge humbucker. I would not hesitate to gig with that Pacifica

@hugofontan4598 5 жыл бұрын

Hi, I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina, my wife bought me in NYC a MIM tele about 18 months ago. I love my tele, it's awsome, quiet difficult to find a used one for me a lefty. Just great!!!!

@stevebadachmusic 5 жыл бұрын

I picked up one of the classic vibe telecasters based on your recommendation (and not actually being able to find anyone saying anything bad about them) and really like it! Nothing about ti feels or sounds cheap to me. And forgive me, but have you ever done a video like this but alternatives to expensive Fenders? Top 5 Alternatives to Fender's Custom Shop?

@danepaulstewart8464 3 жыл бұрын

Well done video. 👍

@Elmorage69 4 жыл бұрын

I do gotta say the schecter ones really are amazing. I have a modded one with the seymour duncan everything axe pickups set and switched to a black pickguard and knobs, looks so good and plays and feels so great. Definitely worth the money more than any expensive ass fender.

@artamussumatra6286 5 жыл бұрын

The ‘012 - ‘017 MIM Standard Strat is my all time favorite Strat model, and I’ve owned several American ones, including some very nice vintage ones(‘68, ‘73, and ‘79).

@Terry3Gs 5 жыл бұрын

Great video & sugestions !! Fender's new Classic vibe lineup can be added to these too !! :)

@db_on_drums 5 жыл бұрын

nice list schecter always did traditional, I think they started with that but the hellracer and all this made the most buzz

@guitarkis4969 4 жыл бұрын

Great video with lots of info. I owned a Slick57 strat (designed by Bowie guitarist Earl Slick) It was a gorgeous pale yellow, relic'd and had awesome GuitarFetish 57 strat pickups. Neck was so playable with I believe a .11 radius. They go for $249 online I think, I got mine used for $140.....great strat.

@jeffreyradick6486 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video Shane. I really like your reviews and your point of view that isn't just a copy of what is said over here in the USA. I have a few guitars (not Strat-type) made in Korea, Indonesia, and China, and they're pretty good. I do have a Made-in-Mexico Tele and J-bass and they are both excellent instruments. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them, and I wouldn't doubt the MiM Strats would be just as great. There is no reason not to look to guitars made outside the USA for reasonably priced good instruments.

@michaelbreitenbach2625 3 жыл бұрын

Great video..thanks Shane. Another strat alternative which is similar to the Yamaha Pacifica, is the Cort G series. I've had one for several years now and I like it a lot. Don't know if they're still available but if you can find one, check it out.

@thiagonapoli4102 5 жыл бұрын

Shane, great video! Why are alder series better than VTG in sx strats?

@KevinMillard68 5 жыл бұрын

great info man

@intheblues 5 жыл бұрын

Thank you :-)

@KevinMillard68 5 жыл бұрын

@@intheblues your welcome

@cheribibi112 5 жыл бұрын

I own a fender player series strat. It s a mex but seriously it s by far my best guitar. With its alnico V pickups and 22 fretts and 2 screws vibrato it s a great great strat.

@bobjames1972 4 жыл бұрын

Owning a Player series and Japanese Squier I can tell you cannot go wrong with either

@jamesemerson4102 5 жыл бұрын

One of my students got an SX recently and I was very impressed man... My best mate had an SX back bout 9 years ago and I remember it being rubbish but I don't think it was set up or anything and I honestly can't remember how it sounded. This SX is really good.... and yep I would definitely rather take that to a gig than an original 1962 strat that I am currently borrowing :P

@intheblues 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment James. They've come a long way in terms of quality. I couldn't believe how nice they were when I ran into them last year. I still have no plans on parting with either the Strat or Tele I have from SX.

@oldguyjammin9732 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Shane, I cooled the bias on my DSL40CR down to 31 mV and it made a very nice difference. A little fuller and a little less fizzy. Though you might try it - best wishes!

@jamesmarkjackson1979 5 жыл бұрын

I think you are spot on about Pacifica's. Fantastic build quality for the money and much better pickups than a Squire at the same price. They don't hold they're value so you can pick up the middle range 212 and 312 for less than $200/£200 second hand. Some came with Seymour Duncan pickups.

@KozmykJ 5 жыл бұрын

Vintage guitars are good value too. I have a Vintage Reissued V2 Tele and she's sweet. I'm sure their Strat types are of a similar good quality. I'm with you on the Pacificas. My Line 6 Variax Standard is basically a Pacifica too, just with clever bits added in it. That got me looking and later I got the 611VFM (P90 +HB). Soooo sweet.

@user-nz5em5wg2h 12 күн бұрын

Nice one brother from Warren 😎

@robertclarkguitar 5 жыл бұрын

Again thank you...I love my MIM. Strat. It's the last run made December 23rd 2017 hahaha one of the last??? I don't know but it's the FSR Gilmour vibe one. I got a white pickguard on it now but I'm putting black back on. The thing sounds so good I made damn sure to find one after testing one in GC...This one was 3 months old and came with a case. The dude on reverb bought new with pro fender case and then had professional set up and oem pick guard white added to make the Clapton look. He planned to just get pics of each then put black back on. Anyway I paid 445.00 shipped extras case and the new set up strat. Love it.

@HiteTricks 4 жыл бұрын

A great cheap strat style guitar that I've used are the Peavey Predators! They range from 150 to 250 and they play wonderfully.

@gerryloughran1676 5 жыл бұрын

Great info ...cool

@brandonparker158 5 жыл бұрын

I would have to add the SUB Silo 3 by Sterling. The cost 199-219 new and it is literally the only guitar I haven't modded. It came out of the box setup perfect and sounds amazing!

@barbmelle3136 5 жыл бұрын

I agree, The voicing on the SUB silo 3 pickups is very full and rounded. I have been temped to find a beat up one just to scrap for the pickups.

@josesuzuki8698 4 жыл бұрын

Thank You!

@briano.5746 5 жыл бұрын

Yamaha has been making some great guitars for years . People overlook them too often . I have a Yamaha acoustic that I've had since I was 10 years old . I just turned 55 yesterday and it is amazing. I also have a Yamaha EG112 (strat style) that is a rocker. And it stays in tune better than any of my other toys . PEACE

@guitarprepnplus1 5 жыл бұрын

Live yamaha acoustics had a 1980 fg335 just sold it. Now have a fg720. Regret selling the antique though.

@ericmuller6582 4 жыл бұрын

A tip especially for lefty's Look around for a "Hohner Professionell" ST57 / ST59 built from the mid 80s to the mid 90s !! incredibly good guitars !! The correct ones can be recognized by the neckplate with the stamped serial number and a small hole in the neckplate, which makes it possible to adjust the neck angle! My Hohner st59 is better than my real Fender USA Strat! greetings from Germany ♡

@hectorheath 4 жыл бұрын

I'm not an expert but I have no problems with my Mexican Strat and Tele.I love them.🎸👍🇦🇺

@jerbear1601 4 жыл бұрын

My Vintage V6 is great. To be honest I changed the pickups to Dimarzio and had the frets dressed better and a neck tilt adjustment but hey it plays and sounds great. The Wilkinson tuners and bridge are excellent! I string mine in the top tuner holes as they have two and the trem stays in tune quite well! Most guitars need some work to get them right for the player. Even my 1979 Les Paul needed a fret change, new bridge, bone nut and a String Butler to get straight string pull and nice!

@EC66OK 5 жыл бұрын

Late to seeing this, but I'll toss in the Slick 57--Guitar Fetish/Xaviere. Brass galore, very well-made, 12-inch radius (so flatter than a traditional strat). Nice pickups, brass tone blocks, saddles, tuners. Saw them recently on sale for $229, I think they're regularly $279.00. Also Sterling MM Cutlass. Every one I've played felt very solid and sounded very good. And my diamond in the rough..Hohner St Special. These were Hohner's shot at a pro-quality strat and they hit the mark, imo. Name recognition cost them market share, but these are some very fine instruments you can find on the used market for 100-150 bucks. Nice, punchy stock pickups, traditional Strat features, but a 22-fret neck, a Suhr-esque headstock and most came stock with roller trees. Check them out if you can find them.

@coreyrramsay8858 5 жыл бұрын

I recently picked up a Pacifica 311 fixed bridge 2nd hand for 40 bucks. I need to replace the pots but the feel of the neck and playing it without it plugged in is very nice. I cant wait to get it fixed up.

@shaunw9270 5 жыл бұрын

Congratulations Corey , bargain 👌

@malboyce3468 5 жыл бұрын

" ... playing it without it plugged in is very nice ..." Yep that's how I judge an electric as well. It doesn't mean anything when plugged in maybe, but when I play around the house I'll use that one rather than anything I may have in the rack. Good comment !!

@johnfrei9057 4 жыл бұрын

Made in Japan guitars from the 70s and 80s are awesome!

@jamalabdul2009 5 жыл бұрын

It would have been great if you made this video 30 years ago!!! 😂😂😂😜 This is a great list of affordable quality Strat alternatives!! If I wasn’t such a Fender snob, I would have no problem owning any of these guitars!! Cool video!!! Cheers!🎸🎸🎸🤙🏾🎸🤙🏾

@wesd3742 3 жыл бұрын

I have an early 90's Schecter that is an absolute beast. Had it for 26 years. Top quality for sure

@larryh.3173 4 жыл бұрын

SX? OK, not a Strat, but my brother bought a used SX Tele locally (about $100). OMG, wow. I have a few quite pricey Teles, and honestly, I would easily take this SX out to a gig as much as my own. Dunno, maybe he got a particularly great one. Solidly built, great neck and electronics, wonderful tone. IMO and YMMV, of course.

@akwamarsunzal 5 жыл бұрын

Had a Yamaha Pacifica. It is a stunning guitar to play and has great tone! Sadly got smashed when I had a 'rock n roll' moment ;-)

@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912 3 жыл бұрын

Had a brain-explosion moment, crikey mate?

@briano.5746 3 жыл бұрын

Yamaha make amazing guitars for a down to Earth price. I own two and plan to purchase another soon.

@akwamarsunzal 3 жыл бұрын

@@matthewtayloryowieresearch1912 Yeah, all went a bit wonky man! :-(

@Sumbibebe 4 жыл бұрын

The Sterling by Music Man Cutlass CT. Great price. Awesome guitar, and the soul of Leo.

@deestroyer4867 3 жыл бұрын

great video, i also have a left handed squire strat affinity and a sx vtg . paid 150.00 for both. would you up grade the tuners and the whole bridge system. thanks

@thegreatstapley 4 жыл бұрын

I've owned a Pacifica for the last 8 years. Plays great, feels great! Recently found an eBay deal on some custom shop pickups, and I'll never part with it.

@hemantakakati1103 4 жыл бұрын

What kind of pickup i would need for 112j to sound like strat american standard ?

@timcastle165 5 жыл бұрын

I LOVE my MIM Strat (SSS) even though I upgraded it a lot. It is a “Plus Top Aged Cherry Burst” finish with a maple fret board and I payed around $500.00US for it new. I did upgrade the pick ups and electronics (which I then put in my Anniversary Squier Affinity Strat because they were worn out). I also changed the saddles to “String Savers, a Tusq nut and Spurzel locking tuners. With all of that I’m still under $1,000.00US, not much under, but still under!! I couldn’t do all that if I bought a US made Fender Stratocaster!!! Great video and YES could you do another one on the Telecaster please!!!! I found a used Highway 1 for just over $500.00US and was wondering if it would be a good buy!!

@henryhartley9993 5 жыл бұрын

Great stuff Shane, Mexican fenders are around 40-50% cheaper in the UK, and hold their value pretty well!

@KurtFuller 5 жыл бұрын

Squier Classic Vibe all the way (Vintage Modified series are also a great option). I own a bass guitar SX FBP-62, and for the price (150€/$) it's a great instrument. Very well construction and good sounding.

@edwinstovall3334 5 жыл бұрын

I have a Peavey Raptor Plus EXP. It's a 21-fret "Fat Strat" with a bridge humbucker. Sounded great when I got it (used, from a pawn shop for $50 US). Sounds better now after upgrading the 6-screw vibrato bridge (with a brass and steel unit) and replacing the cheap plastic nut with a good-fitting graphite one. Still rocking the original electronics! These list at about $120 US. Great knockaround axes! I would gig with mine tonight! (If only I could!)

@scottrankin4501 5 жыл бұрын

Sterling by Musicman Cutlass - I've played a few in stores. I think they capture the essence of the Stratocaster sound and feel.

@steveirons4271 5 жыл бұрын

Good list, I have guitars from all of them except Yamaha, which I know makes good quality instruments at a reasonable price (I have a Yamaha electric grand, and 4 Yamaha basses from the 90-00s, which play and sound as good as my more expensive basses). I love the Classic Vibe series strats and teles especially, and have a half dozen of them. I think they are as good as my Mexi teles, but of course they feel/sound more like the vintage Fenders than the later. I bought a couple of SX guitars from Rondo Music in the state, and was really impressed with the bang for the buck you get. I've picked up some Harley Benton's as well, and am impressed with what you get for your money. One brand that belongs on the list is Michael Kelly, which I think is primarily carried by Sam Ash and smaller dealers. Tone King called them the best non-US Fender strat copy, and others have had similar things to say about them.

@akwamarsunzal 5 жыл бұрын

Hahaha MIM Strat wins! Totally agree! Have a MIM Strat and put against my mates US Strat holds it's own. Slightly different tone for sure but not in a bad way. I would say that the tone of the MIM Strat is slightly more mellow.

@daviddavis8309 5 жыл бұрын

Love my mexistrats. Good job.

@LSlick622 5 жыл бұрын

Recently picked up a Vintage Modified Strat in Olympic White since I didn't like any of the colors on the Classic Vibes and I have to say, the VM strat is great for the price. Definitely worth the price and I think it plays great :D

@karend7641 5 жыл бұрын

The new Fender Player Series (Mexican) is superb since the upgrade from the Mexican Standard.

@leightonwarren9280 5 жыл бұрын

Good picks man! Do try a good ol fashioned Chinese or Indonesian Strat style Ibanez sometime. Surprisingly good blues and rock sounds if you get one w an HSS config. Cheap, Fast, and Light as well!

@petebrown3715 5 жыл бұрын

Love the Reverb shirt.

@ricaleenpornea3989 Жыл бұрын

good day sir! i agree for all japanese made guitars...i have a fujigen made cool z guitar and it sounds great even if its an entry level!

@RoachDoggJr2112 4 жыл бұрын

I own an SX Callisto. It's their Les Paul copy. It's my #2 guitar, behind my Epiphone SG. It sounds fantastic.

@ericsmodsandgear8098 5 жыл бұрын

I was checking out some Agile lp's on Rondo music this morning. Found an absolutely gorgeous 3100cc lp tobacco burst flame left handed for $399.00. You're getting a lot of guitar for the money,they're douglass line is great too.

@steveknoxville5224 5 жыл бұрын

Hey shane, if you still own the classic vibe strat and tele how do they hold up over time ? Did the bridge start to rust or anything starting to break down ?? Thanks !!

@radaryoder6058 5 жыл бұрын

I just picked up a godin session for 300 it's an amazing guitar bridge pickups are awesome

@peterschmidt9942 5 жыл бұрын

Actually a pretty good call on the MIM strat Shane. If you were going to spend that sort of money, they're not that much more than a classic vibe and have the important fender features that Fenders known for.

@TheFunktipus1 4 жыл бұрын

I have a MIM Strat and I love it.

@tonepilot 5 жыл бұрын

I have a Fender made in Mexico Stratocaster and it’s nice sounding and comfortable. The ceramic magnet pickups are good for all types of music. Mine’s an HSS version and I’ve added locking tuners and a Bakelite pickguard. I don’t think I’d ever sell it even though I also have a couple of Elites.

@simonpreston1693 5 жыл бұрын

I've owned a couple of Pacificas & am still amazed they don't have a bigger public profile (especially as Yamaha is still a big company). For the price they're far better than any Squier I've ever played (Squiers were pretty ropey about 30-35 years ago, when I owned 1). As for the Mexican Strats, they're just wonderful. I've had mine for longer than I can remember & wouldn't swap it for the world. Thanks for the Schecter mention. I hadn't even considered those, before this video (I'm only familiar with the more 'shreddy' models & don't particularly like 'em). Methinks it's time for a shopping expedition.

@jasonhancock5918 4 жыл бұрын

I own a Mexican player series and it's awesome. And my first electric was a Yamaha Pacifica it's was a great guitar.

@j_music_8779 5 жыл бұрын

MIM Strats are absolutely awesome and great value. Very hard to beat for their prices! 🤘😎

@oldguysguitarvlog183 5 жыл бұрын

Very nice vid!! Excellent options all around for anyone. Nobody should over look a late 90s early 2000s used American Standard Strat. You can find them for $600-$800 and they are the best American Strat I think Fender ever made. Rock on, brother!! \m/

@castleanthrax1833 2 жыл бұрын

/m\

@johnnorth9355 5 жыл бұрын

I have a black Aria RS Wildcat from the early 1980's which will outplay my Squire and even their more recent examples are pretty decent for new players or those on a budget.

@yram7687 4 жыл бұрын

My uncle had one. It's a really good guitar.

@FlamesAt1000ft 5 жыл бұрын

I would have to say he’s spot on with his picks in my opinion,...you can tell he’s had considerable experience on playing these instruments to judge. The Japan makes are as he said,..I’m living in Japan (over 25 years) and if you’re on a budget,..and want something nice & cool,..they are worth the money...👍🏾🎶🎸 You can of course,..upgrade to your liking; such as Pick Up/Bridge swaps...and perhaps Neck swaps also but basically,..as is they get the job done and tones are adequate enough to pull off what you need. I own Telecasters and soon a Custom built Strat...all Japanese brand upgraded with Fender parts or as I bought them. So,...if you desire the “Fender” vibe or tone,..get to buying those parts and start swapping out!!...hell,..the whole point is that you want a Guitar that plays & feels great to YOU right??...want a “real” Fender???...then fork out $$$$$ and get one!....but the Japanese makes (or Mex if ya prefer that feel/tone..) with some swapped parts can make your day!!...the price of 🇯🇵one plus parts swap is way cheaper than an 🇺🇸original! ☝🏾🎶🎸✨(and sound just fine too!)...👌🏾...so get yours and rock on with no regrets!..trust me! (P.S...I don’t get the point of buying an over $2000.00 dollar Fender and be too afraid to use it!...Guitars are meant to be PLAYED!!..not 👀’d at!..despite the cost!!..) My two cents of that!!.. ✌🏾😒

@lolilover69_86 4 жыл бұрын

FlamesAt1000ft made in japan guitars are actually the best guitars

@FlamesAt1000ft 4 жыл бұрын

LoliLover69 _ I agree!..the quality/durability & tones are well worth the money 💰 and you can reasonably improve parts to your liking if you so wish and not ruin the investment!! All of my Basses ,Guitars & Keyboards are made in Japan 🇯🇵 (..am I biased due to I live there??..🤷🏾‍♂️)...Naaah!!..😆😉

@davewalsh3885 5 жыл бұрын

Have the 70's Squier strat. Good solid guitar. Easy to tweek also.

@misterknightowlandco 5 жыл бұрын

You can pick up an early 90s late 80s peavey predator for under 200 bucks and they're mia strat copies.

@kevdean9967 4 жыл бұрын

Peavey Falcons are a step up from Predators and still dirt cheap. Another couple guitars I would highly recommend are the Ibanez Blazer and Ibanez Roadstar. Of course there's a bunch of great Japanese instruments ie El Maya, Greco, Fernandes, Yamaha Pacifica, Tokai.

@papatorr3669 3 жыл бұрын

Yep, great guitars, it's a mystery to me why they get NO love; better than Pacifica (which I also have owned). I had half a dozen Peavey Strats at one point, still have three of them. They sound quite different one from another: One sounds country, one funky, and the other is straight strat.

@misterknightowlandco 3 жыл бұрын

@Ben Carpenter you can still get them for cheaper if your patient but yeah people are catching on and the price has gone up a little.

@misterknightowlandco 3 жыл бұрын

@@papatorr3669 i think its cuz everyone associates peavey with cheap solid state practice amps, which are great amps for what they are, but everyone probably thinks their guitars are the same way.

@papatorr3669 3 жыл бұрын

@@misterknightowlandco I had one of their yellow tweed all tube amps that was better than I can play and as good as any Fender. I just didn't want the maintenance so I sold it, but it was solid.

@jmangi6221 4 жыл бұрын

Bought a classic Aria Pro 2. It's a very nice guitar. Not super light but not heavy either. Built exactly like a strat but slightly different headstock. Comfortable neck, buttery smooth frets,switches nice and tight,what more could you want for the cheap.😁

@jamesemerson4102 5 жыл бұрын

Oh and also, G&L guitars are awesome!

@tajdidkhan5013 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Shane check out the guitars under the brand name of Vintage. The Icon v6 lineup consists of strats. Price wise they aren't that expensive for what they provide I guess. I haven't played their guitars but they look pretty good online.

@kevinmichaelx4894 4 жыл бұрын

My made in Mexico Player Series is an awesome guitar. Purchased in new/shop worn with full warranty for huge savings.

@drummer4hire12 5 жыл бұрын

Got a CV 60's Strat......unique sound and great feel!!

@intheblues 5 жыл бұрын

They are awesome guitars. No need to mod it. :-)

@radiohead102 5 жыл бұрын

I love my Michael Kelly guitars! Play just as nice as my mexi!

@GuitarMav 5 жыл бұрын

Great list but I would replace sx with 'vintage' brand. They are amazing guitars. Your Mex strat looks incredible in Olympic white.

@doctor-dan 3 жыл бұрын

Schecter actually makes awesome strats, I'll get my hands on that Nick Johnston signature one day. Not only it looks good but Nick himself demos the two versions and they're good. Very good. I do however own Harley Benton and pickups pots and the switch are really crappy, the rest is fine, I'll keep mine but change the electronics.