$360 Guitar Vs $1200... Can You Hear The Price Difference? (SBS Vs Fender HM Strat)

Two guitars that, at first glance, seem very similar...but are they really? One costs $800 more than the other. Can you hear the difference in the price?And, what about the Harley Benton Guitar MAX Fusion Signature? How does that stack up? Let's find out!
The SBS guitar: www.guitarfeti...
My video review on the new SBS guitars: • I Was Skeptical... But...
Checkout Steve Brown's channel here on KZbin: / @stevebrownrocks
My signature guitar here (USA link): www.thomannmus...
My signature guitar here (Euro link): www.thomann.de...
Here's a used Fender HM Strat: reverb.com/ite...
The amp used in the demo, the Fender GTX100: amzn.to/3NCszSD
Shred with my instructional programs: maxcarlisle.se...
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Rubric: -5 points for Danzig references. -5 points for not reading the description. -5 points for not watching far enough into the video to answer your own question. -5 points for misquoting me in your comment. 20 points possible. Everyone starts with an A!

[@cookiebombsta2607]

It’s OBVIOUS. The yellow one sounds Waaaayyyyyyy better than the yellow one. Be real.

[@timothyjames4195]

I agree. The yellow one sounds like dog taint

[@generatornoiseheavy_a6546]

😂😂😂😂

[@christopherkennedy873]

I like the lemony one

[@thetownspeople6486]

I have a yellow guitar that sounds way better than those two.

[@thetownspeople6486]

Roasted maple necks are also cheaper to manufacture because roasting the wood make it available in two years instead of four years for regular maple. So you should be seeing roasted necks as normal going forward. 😮

[@adolfoviguerias9717]

The SBS has a warmer tone, that's the difference. Nice guitar for a damn good price!

[@genespliced]

Change a $15 capacitor. You’d get the same sound.

[@dominic5602]

@@genesplicedthat’s it lol?

[@genespliced]

@@dominic5602 capacitance (filter), the wiring and impedance control an electric guitar’s exact tone. The rest is in the fingers of the specific guitarist and the setup / playability of the guitar.

[@anthonyb5279]

Yea I liked to warmer tone too.

[@DMSProduktions]

@@genespliced DIFFERENT pick ups too!

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@ MAX, The floyd rose on the SBS is not all that bad. If the player does not over tighten the screws it works absolutely fine as it should. The problem is when inexperienced players new to FR trems over tighten the screws at the saddle when you lock the string in. Also NEVER adjust the action height while the strings are at pitch! This causes the knife edges to wear faster on any trem!

[@brandonjackson5865]

Probably could put a set of those Amazon stainless steel Floyd Rose saddles on either one of those and it would help. Like you said the knife edges are going to wear quicker on any of the ones made with cheaper materials but I’ve heard good things about those stainless saddles.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

For $999 i vote for the Ibanez RG 550 Genesis! Made in Japan, Gotoh made original Edge trem. HSH pu' configuration with a 5 way with plenty of tone options and coil cuts, Wizard neck shape which is the fastest shape ever. Plus the body shape is just awesome like a futuristic strat. You can get it in this Yellow color or road flare red and Purple neon. I like the PN color the most. I do admit SBS is giving a great deal here for $369! all you really need is some duncans and you are good to go. That floyd on those is not as bad as you made out to be!

[@tweakrr99]

Yeah definitely agree with Ibanez as the in-between option. The SBS / Guitar Fetish lines are all great values. The Guitar Max Signature Harley Benton though is the real winner in terms of value. Spec-wise there's no comparison

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@tweakrr99 Yeah but i can get the RG today.

[@mikeg6666]

Yes, yes, yes Ibanez all the way! Has everything I want for that price , screw fender....

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@mikeg6666 I just picked up a 1998 RG3120 prestige for $1K . it is killer.

[@greekfreak1980]

Yes, the RG550 Genesis Series is the way to go, superior to the HM Strat re-issue in every way. Another alternative would be a Charvel Pro Mod Series San Dimas or So-Cal or DK24 model. The HM Strat re-issue is a total rip-off, the original had a DiMarzio Super 3 in the bridge not that crappy Fender humbucker and also came with a Schaller Floyd-style bridge ( Schaller makes the OFR and their own "Lockmeister" is considered a great bridge) not a cheapo Floyd Special.

[@davidmcglone409]

To solve my tremolo bar loosening problem, I wrap the threads with some plumbing thread tape.

[@shockabrahhh]

The push of your guitar at the end cracked me up, totally caught me by surprise but your not wrong at all about the specs being superior! I love the sbs models but just wish they threw a 24 fret one in there at least for the hh models.

[@dystopian..]

When I was young, I was an avid tennis player and had the pleasure of going to a Harry Hopman tennis camp. We all lined up on the court with our 4 rackets, grip tape, etc. and this elderly gentleman walks onto the court with a bent aluminum, broken strings, no grip covering racket and proceeded to school every one of us. It was Mr. Hopman. I learned then, in most cases it’s not the equipment but the persons talent. Cheers all.

[@Peasmouldia]

Law of diminishing returns. It's like race bikes, you pay thousands for a few HP more and a few pounds less... Loving the shirt Max.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

Honestly i would just add the extra $500 and get a Ibanez RG 550 Genesis brand new instead of the SBS and i would Never pay $1200 for the HM strat in the first place! Those are only worth maybe $600 tops!

[@Vince_est.97]

The point is Floyd Rose Special and every like cheap Floyd version totally sucks. The bridges are getting flubby in no matter of time and the springs are way more noise. Moreover the dont get a fine „drill“ sound compared to the original floyd. So an original floyd is like 500 box. You will not find that in cheap guitars. And that is necessary if you need your guitar for touring or professional recordings trust me your producer will kill you otherwise 😅 High quality Ibanez bridges or gotho floyd are working well too but not the floyd special and 500 shit. Moreover the working conditions of a lot of cheap guitars are not that good. You really want to support industries in Indonesia? Another point are the pickups if you want something that is good from di marzio, duncan, bare knuckle (which is even more expensive) you have to invest. Than you should know that cheap guitars often having a terrible fret work and no stainless steel. So feel free to upgrade your 500$ guitar for at least 1000$ if you can do all that stuff yourself. And than you can just buy an more expensive for example Ibanez Prestige that already comes with good specs 😂

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

@@Vince_est.97 I just picked up a RG 3120 prestige last night. Crazy good guitar!🤘 Everything about it is top shelf!

[@edwardippoliti626]

I have a Floyd Rose special , on my RR5 Rhoads Jackson , with a brass block on the back , Sounds great !

[@SP-ro8kk]

love the self promotion at the end! good for you and thanks for all the effort Max!!! you derserve every support you get!,,

[@thebaldshredder]

I played that yellow HM Strat when you brought it to my house last year. Loved it! The neck was great. I wanted to keep it. I have yet to try an SBS guitar.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

I can *loan* you this yellow SBS if you want to try it!

[@studowling]

Yes Richard let Max loan you the guitar and make a video. \m/

[@johnnyringo8174]

The SBS has all the features I prefer. HH, 22 jumbo fret, roasted neck and fretboard, reverse headstock, and..affordable price.

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

It's not roasted. It's a lookalike finish.

[@eve5150]

​@rocketpigrecords3719 It's real Roasted Maple. He has already spoken on this before. It's not a "Finish" like they said on their listing before. It's Solid Roasted maple from Canada.

[@APK-pn4qh]

$1200 and only a FR Special? I just bought an EVH Striped Series (White) for €969 (about US$1040) and it has an EVH rebranded FR 1000 on it. Wonderful guitar, plays and sounds amazing. 🤘😎🤘

[@brogoram]

also comes with a dtuna

[@MJ74NC]

Not a guitar player, but I enjoy your channel. I like the SBS! Also....way to plug your Harley Benton, it's a very nice looking guitar!

[@oscaralexander6594]

I am a guitar teacher, in my 25 years teaching experience, i must say: if the "cheap guitar" push you to practise, learn and dream, that is way better than any expensive indtrument money can buy

[@jessea4103]

I like the SBS sound better, but quality of patrs and playability and finish is very important too.

[@michaelmillican5592]

I like the roasted neck look. It looks very cool. Sounds great!

[@GAdamBarrett]

Love the shameless self plug! Loved the video and all three guitars are on my to do list. You’re giving me a todo list longer than a freaking Lenard Cohen song! Mad love for ya Max!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thank you!

[@DreidMusicalX]

I owned one of the original Strats of this one you have here. I loved it for less than a week until the peg of the Floyd Rose snapped off the body and took a huge chunk of wood with it. This was I'd say back in the mid 90's I bought it used. The shop I bought it from was nice enough to take the guitar back and I traded it in on a nice white washed Charvel.

[@wmxx2000]

Interesting. Just at first look I would have thought the SBS was the more expensive because of the roasted maple neck and having the truss rod adjustment at the bottom of the neck.

[@ThrashMetalAJM]

I prefer the hm strats because the originals were solid. I own 7 of these guitars some original and some reissues. Currently looking for an 88-89 ice blue but it’s rare

[@elmienizam78]

Both are great sounding pickup, but i prefer the SBS with reverse headstock, thanks for the good review

[@SILVERCHARGEDS]

Usually I'd go for the underdog but the HM Strat has a brighter, cleaner sound. Nothing against the SBS, it sounds good. The strats sound is more for me though

[@spookybaba]

I remember the HM Strat being released in the late 80s. They seemed to be competing with the model series by Charvel, which in my opinion were great guitars, and better than the Strat. The HM were originally made in Japan, and then in the US by 1990.

[@frankpaparo3045]

Under a high gain situation there was barley a noticeable difference, both guitars sound great so I guess it boils down to playability and price! It goes to show you that the money should go to a good amp

[@TimRock1269]

I would go with the Guitar Max Harley Benton if I was looking for that type of guitar and pick up the less expensive yellow guitar

[@craigstiles5186]

I always switch out my trem arms to a push in model with a set screw. works so much better than the regular screw on type. Even the OE floyd bars come loose. The push in ones are great you can adjust it so it stays where you put it. No issues.

[@gstmusic69]

The SBS pickups certainly sound better to my ears. The bridge splits out much better as well. The fender sounds thin, and the split is even thinner and noticable volume loss. I am NOT sad that I sold off my HM...other than the fact that it was #69...in pink..lol Ive become a big SBS fan and need the new Showroom models.

[@aarons.8532]

If you're a new guitarist, you can buy the SBS (including a setup) and a gigging amp for the price of the strat.

[@stevenorander8288]

A great guitar player can make any guitar sound good.

[@MadManUSMC]

I've been wondering why Fender hasn't released a license for the Strat HM over to Squire. It would be huge for the classic vibe models.

[@franklaferriere5754]

I owned a Fender HM III. Best freaking guitar I ever owned. Bought mine in 1991.

[@cacornhusker2940]

i've got an "E Series" Squier, Made in Japan '86, and Contemporary Strat originally sold to the Japanese Market only. HSS, with 3 Toggles, #3 Splits the Hum, no pickguard and a Gibson 24.75" Scale and hardly any fret wear and a few big scabs in the paint, but O.W. unplayed. I bought it for $100 bucks 12 years ago and it sat for 10 years and i finally did a set up, gave it new strings, took off the Floyd that some one installed, installed a stock 6 pt trem and it plays like a dream. Built in Japan when even "Fenders" were built in the same Factory and considered to be equal in quality and playability. I wouldn't sell it for a dime less than $1000.

[@franklaferriere5754]

@@cacornhusker2940 I played in a band with a guy who had a BC Rich Bitch custom. Wanted to trade it for mine. Said nope.

[@clintwilson6380]

What color?

[@clintwilson6380]

Those may be the coolest 😎 Fender knobs ever...

[@clintwilson6380]

I know it comes down to personal preferences, but 2 things I really really don't like are reverse headstocks & a Bigsby...

[@nickrose7592]

The SBS strat has more punch in both pick-ups.. a little less low end in the bridge pickup.. just a little bit more punch. More volume in both pick ups. It’s sounds way better than the fender. I prefer the sound with the cheaper SBS! The neck humbucker is reminiscent of the DiMarzio Liquifire with a little less attack if that makes sense. And I swear the bridge is reminiscent of the DiMarzio crunchlab with a little less low end. Wow. Big difference in sound. All someone would need to do is upgrade the Tremlo. The fender’s bridge. Pick up was lacking as well. Not enough gain. And FYI I have a your signature Harley Benton on order! Can’t wait. Took me a minute… I’m due for a new guitar.

[@BryanVacchio]

When distortion is added, the differences are extremely minimal. Typically at the higher price range guitars tend to feel and play better in the hands. However, if you find yourself a good guitar tech/Luthier the gap shrinks even more.

[@Chillnote]

Thank you so much for making your signature guitar in HS config, there are so few HS strats out there

[@Rhosow]

Hi Max, thanx for the Video! And if I should choose one of the yellow ones, I would take the SBS so I could spend the rest of the money on the HB! 🙂

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Good call!

[@alexacojo]

Max I just wish that SBS would offer a none Floyd Rose version, a version with the simple Strat type tremolo bridge.

[@boredgamedad]

I'd buy one instantly with a hard tail or standard trem.

[@allanwilsonberg9558]

The biggest difference between a cheap and expensive guitar will always be how they feel to play. But the more expensive it gets, the less of a difference there will be. A 500 vs 1500 dollar guitar will feel very different, but a 1500 vs 2500 dollar guitar you won't feel as much of a difference. When I look for a new guitar, I first see if it looks great, then play is to see if it feels great, and lastly listen if it sounds great.

[@DJClassicAuto]

Since, for the price of that HM Strat I could buy that SBS AND the Mustang GTX100 that you're playing them through, I'm going to have to go with the SBS and the GTX100.

[@dogfalcon]

I like the Aeronca t-shirt! Nice aircrafts! Yellow, too!

[@thoughtsbeforesleep]

If you're going to replace the bar on the floyd, get the push-in style bar (still only around $20). I'm not sure why they even still bother with the screw-on style anymore, and it doesn't seem to be related to the price. I have 2 Schecters that came with the hot-rodded floyd specials and those have the push-in bars, which are far superior to the screw-on bars that came with the floyd 1000 bridges on both my Solar and Charvel guitars. I replaced the bars on both those guitars and it makes a world of difference.

[@chrisbucy6716]

I honestly liked the sound of the SBS better. Much fuller sound to my ears.

[@sattercaster1]

I put Floyd rose brand push in bars on all my guitars. Hands down the way to go, on eBay for $18 new

[@jornfox3545]

Fender sounds a little bit more heavy. but still what great guitars.

[@ron040]

I would go for the SBS and your signature guitar I already bought and was delivered two mounts ago. It's an Awaysome guitar, everything thing you said about it is 100% true!

[@BasedGuitarist07]

Loving the SBS guitars content lately! You’ve sold me on them bro! Lol… I’m going to buy a bunch of them lol

[@EC-ol8nz]

The Yellow and Roasted Maple 🍁 looks awesome! Wish the SBS was SSH 😊 Firefly has got to come out with the loud 80’s Yellow, Red, Green, reverse Headstock, SSH it would be over!!!

[@chrisbucy6716]

They offer them with a variety of pup combos on their website. I want one in purple

[@robertvarner8195]

The SBS had a SSH also.

[@AdrianBoisclair]

I own the Fender HM Strat, same specs, except for the hot-rail pickup. I made the following modifications: upgrade to Floyd Rose Original Satin Gold (+$350), Upgraded to 37mm Fat Brass L Shaped 37MM (+40), upgraded to super heavy tremolo claw (+50), Vinyl Wrapped body with Neon Orange (+$60), Pro fret level and dressing with string tension (+$150). I also modified the tremolo spring cavity cover so that the larger 37mm block can fit without touching the cover, and made some small routing adjustments around the brass block to give whammy up/down more room to move freely without bottoming out. I'm considering refretting with stainless steel some time this year, and possibly having a single-coil sustainiac installed in the neck position. I have a Schecter with a sustainiac so it isn't a priority. Just wanted to share in case anyone was interested in making upgrades to their HM Strat. Cheerio... er, Cheers

[@thetownspeople6486]

Roasted maple necks are also cheaper to manufacture because roasting the wood make it available in two years instead of four years for regular maple. So you should be seeing roasted necks as normal going forward.

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

That's a great point!

[@naseermansour2201]

Out of the 2 yellow guitars I'd choose the Harley Benton 😉 Great review and info as usual. Great channel

[@philippesurprenant3216]

I’m a fender guy, but i love more the sbs sound, much smoother. Thank’s Max

[@mannyfragoza9652]

9:02 the Fender Farted out with the overdrive kicked in the Fender sounded heavier. Clean the SBS sounded slightly better to my ears. Max you sig guitar is sweet my fav color also. Ill take the Max sig guitar

[@CatsInHats-S.CrouchingTiger]

😹💕

[@bronzesnake7004]

I prefer the SBS which sounds warmer. I'm actually slightly more focused on how the neck feels when I'm hunting for an axe. You can pretty much get any tone with today's range of amps, software, stompage, or pick ups are easy to replace. So, for me, tone is important, but I really need to get my filthy paws on the neck. Thanks for another informative video broham! Jack ~'()'~

[@72dodge340]

My first choice: A real, original '88-'92 Fender HM Strat. My (close) second choice: The MAX signature! That is beautiful!

[@danburd783]

Personally I liked the SBS better. I own Gibson, Fender, Schecter, Ibanez, blah blah blah, and I am amazed at the quality of the “affordable” guitars these days! I haven’t bought a Fender or Gibson in quite a while.

[@johnsmith-yk8by]

"then again if you want a bright yellow guitar i cant really help you there" Max when talking about features & function & EFFIN HILARIOUS

[@edwinstovall3334]

Max, I gotta tell ya, I ain't buying over $400-$500. I'm a decent amateur guitar tech; these days, I'll get something like my Bullfighter neck through and adjust and modify it. This Bullfighter needed a truss rod adjustment, an action drop, and a string retainer bar. A decent setup and this axe will be a most killer beast! Yet I haven't got more than about $230 invested in this axe. Take THAT, Fender and Jackson!

[@andrewurban8583]

I buy the Squiers and both of my Jackson Dinkys still together cost me less than $400 and sound pretty dang good... I don't spend a lot on mine either. I got them on deals...

[@edwinstovall3334]

@@andrewurban8583 I have said it before and I will say it again: This is truly the Golden Age of Inexpensive Guitar Gear! It may not last much longer, but let's make the most of it while it does!

[@fransonlp]

I had many super strat type guitar, highend to entry level . Ibanez AZ Prestige 2402F, Charvel DK24, Charvel Pro Mod So-Cal Style1, Kramer striker, even the Harley Benton Fusion. Last month I grab your Guitar MAX Fusion Signature from thomann (Sold out in 6 hours). Holy shit, it is an amazing guitar! The neck feels like Ibanez AZ and better than Fusion III and the floyd rose 1000 stay in tune very well. Before I got the guitar, I plan to change them to DiMarzio or Seymour Duncan set. But the tesla pickups are pretty good! No need to change right now If there is another color or model in the feature. I definitely will get another one.

[@theburkett67]

As for the loose trem bars, a small rubber o-ring under the threaded barrel will stop it from becoming loose or rotating.

[@shredphreek]

With an $800 difference, the answer is easy..SBS all day, it looks cooler, and if you want to change the pups, use a bit of that 800🤘

[@niallstewart109]

HM Strat. haha im biased i have one. But.. I also have an Ibanez rg550 an rg655 and loads of other guitars. I also have an old squire hm strat too which i love. it was my first guitar. theres just something about the HM strat i love. the feel of the neck playing it. My advice try the guitars before you buy them. Different guitars will vibe with you differently. My most goto guitar is actualy a cheap Ibanez that I did up. a white Ibanez pegasus. now i have the blue pegasus and the white one. the blue one is perfect it came out of the factory perfect the white one was not. it has finish issues on the back of the neck the nut wasnt right it was too low causing fret buzz. but i repaired the nut issue. and I actualy love it i gravitate to it all the time.

[@edwardippoliti626]

For clean tones I would say the SBS has a darker , warmer , tone , because of the roasted maple neck , for hair metal , skin melting shredding , then the Super Strat , I would definitely say the SBS is worth the modification upgrades it would take to make it your go to gig guitar , or daily player , so I would go for the SBS , for clean tone , price , and reverse headstock ! Thank you Max , great video !

[@rubenmedina5050]

I like the SBS better , thanks for this review 🤘🎸

[@Shred_The_Weapon]

It’s February 2024 as I comment. I just turned loose of my super Strat, a 2002 Brian Moore i9f. If I wanted this type of guitar again, I doubt I would choose between one of these two. I would instead consider taking a second whack at a Steinberger-type headless guitar. I briefly had a white Spirit-by-Steinberger GT Pro, and I would’ve kept it if I thought I could’ve kept the high E in tune (it kept dropping to Middle C after I swapped out the stock headpiece for one from the Synapse line).

[@DeadRingerMachine]

The neck, the fret finishing - SO important in terms of playability. My best axe is an ESP E-II and it's the NECK that just makes it so much easier to play than anything else I have - including my LTDs.

[@These_go_to_eleven_1959]

ESP is in a league of their own!🤘

[@DeadRingerMachine]

@@These_go_to_eleven_1959 Couldn't agree more, brother. I kind of homed in on ESP when I first started playing. My first guitar ever was a cheap Yamaha starter., When i decided I wanted to keep going with it, I bought a used Ibanez because I thought that was what all the cool kids used. From a quality standpoint I wasn't impressed - in fact, I actually played the Yamaha more than the Ibanez. So I bought an LTD 201 model and was blown away - I've had ALL KINDS of guitars since including a Les Paul Standard tobacco burst (a pretty good guitar) and a Studio (I now have an LTD EC-1000 that blows them both away), an SG Special, a Gibson Flying V that I still have, and Epi Explorer I also still have, a Jackson DK3, just a bunch of stuff I went through. But for my money, the E-II line is about the best you're going to get - attention to detail is astonishing. If you can find a used one in great condition for a good price like I did, DO NOT HESITATE. The LTD Deluxe 1000s are also awesome. I just don't really take chances with anything else in the upper price ranges (1k+). It's not worth rolling the dice. I'd trade my Flying V in on a Deluxe LTD in a heartbeat. I have 6 electrics right now, 3 of them are ESPs.

[@johnwinkler2606]

I did like the tone of the HM better than the SBS.

[@ths1158]

I can't believe Fender charged $1200 for an import guitar like that, which is also quite simple in terms of construction, and didn't have the decency to include a Floyd Rose 1000 series. Pure money making industry. Your sig guitar is awesome btw!

[@MetalMike87]

It's a reissue of th STRAT HM which was, at the time in the 80s, imported. Also, was in both runs made in FujiGen. The reissue also has the same neck profile since the guys at FujiGen kept record of it.

[@ths1158]

Thank you for the info, that does explain a bit the price. I knew it was the reissue but didn't know was made again in Japan. I guess it's for people who really value the specific model. @@MetalMike87

[@tonybraines7172]

SBS for me. The warmth of that rosewood really lights up the tone......I have 2 Strats myself and a PRS and the PRS really gives the Strats a run for their money

[@Riverking1]

The wood has no effect on the tone dude. Stop spreading that myth. Nothing that can't be evened out with eq.

[@andrewwilliams3394]

Great video. What are the exact differences between all the models of the Floyd Rose bridges.

[@glahome1]

$360 is better. Roasted neck is more stable, conducts sound better, flame looks awesome. Don't care to much about tuners since you have a locking nut. Import trem works just as well as the special, I've experienced no difference. Pickup setting options are plentiful. I like alder bodies better than basswood. Basswood is used on cheaper guitars as it does not reverberate as well and sucks highs. Alder articulates better and has a less muddy-thud sound, it has a more natural voicing. The pups sound pretty awesome, articulate, clear and a bit warmer, not so thin and a tad harsh like the HM. It has a reverse headstock for GOD''s sake! Even leaves you enough $$$ for it to be plek'd !!!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

A Jake E. Lee Charvel works too. The Guitar Max guitar is a wicked instrument.

[@davegoodwin1848]

The question isn't simply "can you hear the difference?"....as a musician there are many others... importantly "can you FEEL the difference", "is there a difference in build quality and materials?", "will it hold together as long as high end instruments?".

[@DMSProduktions]

SBS sounded better, esp for clean sounds. The Fender sounded positively anaemic! Nice playing Maxi! \m/

[@markhamanderson2656]

The $1200 one features genuine Saskatchewan Seal bindings! Ask Super Dave! (RIP Bob Einstien)

[@rdoc]

The intonation is just slightly off on the SBS. Other then that it's a pretty fine guitar. the two guitars are not that far apart, only in price. Great review GM.

[@swesleyharris]

I think the cheaper one made with alder seems like a better value. Plus it seems like a better platform to mod. Reverse headstock is really attractive.

[@sw4610]

I closed my eyes as soon as you started to use high gain. There was literally no difference while using gain. Occasionally I would open my eyes and was surprised that I hadn't even noticed that you changed guitars.

[@flowride68]

I like the fact that the SBS has more accessible truss rod adjustment. Sound was not $800 better on the Fender. We all know nothing compares to the Guitar Max model. ;)

[@thatbaldguitarguy]

Even if the prices were reversed, I'd still chose the SBS. Pretty awesome guitar.

[@anthonyb5279]

You can put a tiny spring in the hole for the arm and that helps more.

[@wesleysemmen9558]

The sound and the electrical systems we put in the guitars are high quality most of the time so ofc it would be expensive

[@TheGhostGuitars]

Wow, 1200$ for a guitar with a Floyd Special? My two Agile AL-3200MCC FRT has the Floyd Rose Special and I've bought both guitars for LESS than the one HM Strat costs. My 2000 Squier StageMaster HSH Deluxe has a Floyd Rose too, I'm not sure what trim level it is, but it is still working perfectly 24 years later. Granted they're Les Pauls, but they're a lotta guitar for their price. 24 jumbo frets, 12-16" compound radii, slightly chunky slim neck that's a neck thru, coil splitting nickel humbuckers, FR Specials in nickel, nickel Grovers, black TUSQ nut and saddles, and a 3/8" thick maple cap on a 1-1/2" thick mahogany body. Neck is 5-piece maple/walnut with an ebony fretboard. Real mother-of-pearl inlays on headstock and fretboard. A lotta guitar for under 600 each.

[@RichardHoogstad]

Things that stood out to me, it seemed the Strat was easier to play judged on movement. I like the clarity of the Strat too, the SBS seemed a bit muddy. But is it worth the huge price difference. Depends on the type of player your are. If you are actually playing gigs and play a lot, I'd say yes worth it.

[@stephenkoch4188]

When he said the Fender HM had a Floyd Rose special I was surprised. Go SBS! I Finally have money to buy a nice guitar here and there and Fender, Jackson, et al cheap out with Floyd specials on guitars with premium price points. Then overprice their top-of-the-line to balance out their range.

[@Angelo-fo8de]

Floyd rose special on a 1200 guitar ? 🤮🤮🤮 A Fender cash grab !

[@customerrelations9393]

They do the same thing with chargers now too! It’s damn shame. I wish they had these super strats made in Fujigen using gotoh hardware 😍

[@SajidWaikhom]

Hearing is one part of it. Feel is also very important for the player to be inspired & deliver his/her best

[@jimmygrant3151]

Interesting. I like the sound of the Fender Better. Seems fuller and more dynamic. The SBS sounded good, but a bit midrangy and harsh. I bet a pickups swap and a new Floyd Rose would make that guitar scream...Good review Max.

[@gingataff]

When I buy a guitar the deciding factor is how it feels, the weight, resonance, QC, etc. not the sound. Pickups and hardware are an easy change.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Comparable in most things. If you’re a high gain player there is zero need for the $1200 guitar. Practice and speakers make for a better sound. So go attack that fretboard! Carry On!

[@Awake2Evil]

Don't apologize Max congratulations on your signature guitar also I had no idea I've been kind of out of the loop for a little bit but congratulations dude and I'm looking at it and my son plays and I'm trying to see what he thinks of your guitar cuz he's looking for another one

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks very much!

[@jimmyx4599]

I am a budget guitar man so I would buy the SBS any day.

[@SKYGUY1]

Yep... there is a difference in the sound. The SBS seems a little "warmer". Both are pleasing to the ear. I believe I would keep my $840. Thanx for the comparison.

[@rocketpigrecords3719]

Guitar Fetish sells a Brass & Steel FR that is pretty well regarded for its price point. Probably 5 bills after shipping, throw the new factory bridge on marketplace for maybe 40 bucks off.

[@ThePedroDB]

The PROPER cure for the loosening bar is to fit the original Floyd Rose Push-fit Tremolo Arm. £20-30 and a far better solution. Floyd Rose should really install the push-fit as standard but they'd rather sell you one as an accessory. My HM Strat reissue has an Original Floyd Rose Tremolo fitted and I even upgraded that trem arm to push-fit....

[@kevinmartin4787]

Thanks for putting this out! Love watching your show from Central Texas! 👍👍👍👍

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thanks for watching!

[@dannfeltrin]

I would choose the SBS, easily! Love the specs and I do agree it's way cheaper than anything else with similar specs! But, I would go with the Harley Benton cause... Stainless steel frets! Once you try it, you can't go back to the regular cheap frets! And FR1000? Sold!!

[@lisan_al-ghaib]

They do sound different however whether one tone is better than the other is highly subjective. For me the price would come down to the build and whether you think the build and materials is worth it or not.

[@nychold]

I honestly didn't hear any real difference except maybe clean? And I say maybe because the SBS just sounded louder, not that there was any real tone difference. And that could just be down to the fact that the HM Strat has a single coil sized humbucker in the neck, so it can't output as much as the full sized humbucker in the SBS. Either way, they both sound great.

[@Nugmania1]

Hey Max, one thing you forgot to mention was the HM Strat is a re-issued guitar, original coming out in 1989 and made in Japan. Mslp at that time was $599.00

[@Nugmania1]

Adding to this, you can buy the SBS and still have room to buy something else

[@Nugmania1]

Got to the end if the vid, and Max you do mention it, d’oh, lol. I was selling these during that time period

[@72dodge340]

Original came out in '88, and some were made in Japan, others in the USA. I have a US one.

[@Nugmania1]

@@72dodge340 cool we never got the USA ones, wasn’t even aware. At this time pre FMIC, all the distribution was done in Canada through Tatrtini Music in B.C. A standard US Strat was listed at 1199 MlSP, but because of Long and McQuades selling them for 799 smaller dealers were making almost Zero at that matched price. Thanks Rik

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Thank you for watching to the end!

[@demoleramera]

Big plus for demoing these guitars clean as well as overdriven👍

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

Absolutely!

[@misterskippy2u]

I can't really judge a guitar without playing it myself. When I shop for a guitar (or anything, really) I have a price limit. I'll shop around within that limit to find the best one for me. Besides, I can make a $4k guitar sound just as bad as a $150 guitar. It's a gift I have.