5 Guitars to Try BEFORE Buying a Fender!

Don't want to pay for that name on the headstock? Here are 5 of my favorite alternatives!
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SQUIER STRATS:
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YAMAHA PACIFICA:
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IBANEZ:
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SCHECTER:
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VOLA GUITARS:
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PAOLETTI STRATOSPERIC:
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D'ANGELICO BOB WIER:
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SOLI DEO GLORIA!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Which of these guitars was your fav? Do you guys have any other "Strat" alternatives that represent a really good value without paying for a name? Enjoy :)

[@wingdwolf56]

I’ve really been considering checking out an Ibanez. But, I really like my Fenders. I’ve got 4!

[@liorangel7511]

Hey Darrell, why didn't you put the "Shijie" on that list? It's an AMAZING strat style guitar and you also said that she've been treated better than your fenders. guitar with roasted maple neck and flame maple skunk stripe mann think about the price that fender will take for something like that.

[@pokemonassassin]

I actually have the Pacifica and it plays and sounds nice. Good deal

[@carlos234111]

a brand that comes to my head is G&L, i just love those guitars

[@buffytvs39]

Sterling Cutlass

[@javierfernandezmunoz6707]

My goal in life is being as happy as Darrell always looks.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Not possible... but don't let that stop you from trying. :-)

[@loganjenkins7459]

Step 1: be Canadian Step 2: There is no step 2

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

😂😂😂

[@stevetubvang3034]

Happy and not happy is up tp you.

[@angelovaldez7820]

If we have as many guitars as he is, we'll be happy!

[@RC32Smiths01]

This should be a series of guitars to try out before buying a brand! I love it man!

[@loganjenkins7459]

Ditto my dude

[@evanclark2656]

I agree

[@johnytipu4514]

Yes

[@thomasseveroii5093]

Agreee!!!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Thank you everyone!

[@aymenlouhibi5775]

Been playing Yamaha guitars, Pacifica to be more precise, for over 20 years and never felt the need to purchase a Fender. In terms of sound and playability, they're far more versatile than any Fender guitar I've ever played and with the right pedals, you can switch from a death metal high gain sound to a smooth jazz tone in the blink of an eye.

[@REDW1NG94]

So glad the pacifica got a spot on the list. My first guitar was one of the higher end pacificas. Absolutely awesome as a beginner guitar, and 5 years later it's still one of my favorites, and I now have 16 guitars. They need all the recognition they can get

[@catoi6324]

My first guitar was a 112V and I still haven't really found another guitar in that price range that's objectively better, besides maybe the Ibanez AZES. Plus, the 612s are beasts in terms of feautures, its honestly kind of insane. I'm planning on modifying my original 112 to the 612 specifications as a project to learn how to modify guitars

[@jackbradbury2229]

I would have thrown in G&L. They are like Fender 2.0 when it comes to vintage design and are way more affordable.

[@ZaneDalton]

Jack Bradbury yeah but they have the ugliest headstocks though

[@ZaneDalton]

(In my opinion, anyway)

[@andrewjbloom]

Agreed 100%

[@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84]

@@ZaneDalton Their headstocks are fine, there are WAY worse ones out there lol. And besides, does it affect how they sound and play??

[@gearViewmirror]

Zane Dalton Any headstock with straight stringpull to the tuners, is a good headstock!

[@robertamato358]

Perhaps this should have been titled “5 guitars to try before buying a Strat”? I am looking forward to the Tele version.

[@adwitatherealadwita]

Schecter PT Special is also pretty cool

[@PragmaticDany]

It’s pretty much the same video lmao best is squier

[@RBolognese]

Vola vasti. Amazing tele style guitar. Tone is awesome. And neck is very comfortable to play

[@theduckytaco7602]

The squier classic vibe telecasters are amazing

[@I_do.not_fearyou]

A good bit of companies sell strats

[@jikemenkins7098]

Darrell! Another great video. Your content is some of my very favorite in all of my subscriptions. Your production and editing are always excellent. You do a really good job of maintaining the pace or "flow" of your videos. You deliver the content without making the video feel rushed while also always moving forward, which pleases those of us with underdeveloped attention spans. You use of on screen text is excellent. I re-watched the "5 guitars before you buy a gibson" video and noticed what a great job you did there of always having whichever guitar was on screen labeled with on screen text. Thanks! I appreciate thoughtful detail like that. Your videos are excellent, and the work you put into them shows!

[@atarijam]

Best guitar channel so far, and without stirring any controversy, I truly enjoy your personality and demeanour (as opposed to other more popular channels)

[@therealbrandohall]

I have the Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Strat and 50’s Tele. It 150% satisfies my need for anything Fender-y. I’m generally a Gibson guy, and I’ve tried several Fender instruments and honestly never have been happy, but I am loving the current Classic Vibe stuff, which is testament to how great of a job Squier is doing in that line.

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

Buy a Strat FIRST. Then buy the other 5. That way if you are let down by any of them, you have a great guitar to go back to.

[@Jez3134]

I think this is good advice, provided you have the financial means. It immediately stops your chasing that tone you think you don't have with your cheaper guitar. You can then look at every other guitar for what it is and not what you wished it was.

[@iiTray]

i actually did the other route. i bought cheap ones then recently bought a Vintera 60s. i think your idea is better provided that you have the cash to do it.

[@rogertycholiz2218]

Eric - Just get yourself a Firebird and you will not be let down!

[@BennieBen03]

I first bought the squier for like €120 and than bought a fender (musicmaster) still very happy with my choice, and guitars ofc. I wouldn’t go buying cheap guitars over €200 tbh for them to eventually buy a fender anywY

[@KH-uv4cj]

I just got into playing guitar. I've been going at it for a month. Im a super beginner. But my first guitar is a Fender American Performer Strat HSS in surf green. And i love it!! Enjoying every minute of it.

[@bradsullivan3588]

I have to say, I have bought, traded, and sold many Fender-style guitars, and when it's all said and done I really like Fenders. Exceptions: the Harley Benton T-styles are fantastic, and the Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar is excellent, and both are very inexpensive.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Some excellent choices here, Darrell. I've had a bunch of other brands over the years - and still do - but I keep coming back to the Strat. I guess I'm just built that way. One brand I thought you might have mentioned is Godin... They have S-type guitars across a fairly wide price range and they are joint Canada / US built instruments. Cheers.

[@kenfehr6738]

I looked at a lot of different Fender strat types, but I finally settled on and got a Godin RG-3 I was not disappointed, very well made and a pleasure to play. Plus it’s made in Canada.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I have 12 guitars and although the neck on it quite slim ..which does make it fast it sits on a stand beside 8 others yet it never needs a set up. The neck is a stable as rock!

[@NotDingse]

I’ve only tried one Godin (a Session SSH) and that was a real player guitar! Kinda like the ultimate mix between Tele/strat and a humbucker guitar!

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: You have done a great job with all choices. After a period of trading and buying, I found myself without a 3 single Fender Strat. I bought a Squier CV in 60's flavor. I though I would need to change the pickups, but I did not, it sounded just like any of my old Fenders. I never feel like it is an inferior instrument, even when I play it right after my Fender Strat.

[@mirllewist3086]

+1 for G&L S-500. I owned the G&L Tribute Series S-500 and it crushed a friend's Fender Robert Cray Strat (the $900 one, not the super expensive one). G&L pickups had more headroom - to get fender tone, just dial it back to 8. Wider and flatter fingerboard (which works for me - ymmv). And the G&L uses that third knob as a bass cut -- which is such an awesome idea. The middle knob functions like a typical tone cut knob - affecting all pickups - totally typical. But the ability to use that third knob to cut out bass is wonderful - easy to keep super clean at low volumes and also to dial in the Nile Rodger's icy funk rhythm (or lead) tone is such a nice touch. Oh yeah and one of the knobs is push-pull to allow for pickups 1&3 and 1&2&3 options. Why did I sell it? I'm too impatient to tune a guitar with a trem and was too lazy to block it - - I should probably re-think that...

[@keithsmith9889]

Actually love the Pacifica so frequently over looked

[@jeekyboi9564]

Yep, played 2 of them my buddy has, both knocked my mij fender out of the water. Very underrated for sure.

[@Val_Cla]

I have one ! A cerramic pickup one. Imo it plays very different from the fenders i've tried, but it sounds way warmer too, it's my fav guitar i have. It can do so many different sounds too.

[@big_bicep_bill7594]

When I tried it out it was great!

[@jirapatthaenphromrat2910]

True. Yamaha always carries the "beginner guitar" stigma wth it, which is a shame cause they have some really good models :(

[@shadowx2750]

I have one and it sounds so good

[@chad1655]

What? No G&L guitars (George Fullerton and Leo Fender) ! :(

[@chengden4225]

Yes..also no talman series 🙄

[@sryburn641]

I agree. The G&L Tribute series are great guitars!

[@ciaranparker6695]

Mexican Fenders are the best value for money I got a Hank Marvin Strat a standard Tele and a Mustang with p90 have been Playing them for years no complaints happy camper here

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

He doesn't have one.

[@fraterfraxinus6293]

Exactly what I was thinking. A Legacy Tribute can be had for one bump up from Squier money.

[@erickhuanangoable]

I love this style of video. ACTUALLY insightful and honest. I would love it if you did one for bass! There are so many companies doing good things for less or equal to fender. (Lakland, sandberg, sire, and many other)

[@ZachTNT]

I’ve played fenders before and I recently bought a squier classic vibe 70’s Hss stratocatser. I can’t tell the difference and it’s amazing

[@jxck3335]

My parents just got me my first electric guitar (a squier strat) even though I dont have an amp yet, it was still the coolest thing ever. I swear i was going to puke from pure joy. Thanks for the recommendation dude. Btw your my favorite youtuber right now, ive been binge watching all your vids lol

[@davel2491]

god those paolettis are beautiful. i’ve played their dual p90 tele models and wept. G&L tribute lines are worth a shout too! lots of guitar for the money, and most models have a hot/more modern voices pickup option as well as the classic alnico

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

Right on!

[@JoshuaC923]

My g&l tribute premium s500 is so awesome

[@markgowans]

@RDE Lutherie Before he started G&L he started Musicman.

[@markgowans]

I've been looking at that Tele P90 as well. I also like their HSS leather top Stratospheric.

[@markgowans]

@@JoshuaC923 I have a tribute Comanche and its great.

[@tyrssen1]

I still haven't figured out why Darrell throws that poor guitar onto a roof.

[@FlorianGuitar85]

...and runs for his life although nothing even happens.

[@AtariForeva]

Writer’s block.

[@tyrssen1]

@@FlorianGuitar85 Aw c'mon, Darrell, was that guitar really that bad?

[@planetearth8999]

Judging by the amount of snow on that roof, he just turned that into the "coolest" guitar in the neighborhood.

[@lamecasuelas2]

It ate his parents

[@DavidScott-ib9dp]

Thank you for all you do to educate us. I’m picking up guitar as I begin to consider retirement and hope to make music a center of that. I bought my Schecter SLS Elite after watching many of your reviews and love it. I would also love to add your Squire project Guitar to my collection and I live in the US. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@olavjorvik94]

THAT VOLA THOUGH!😱 What a sound! Amazing

[@mikeaustin4138]

No G&L Legacy? Whether it's a Tribute, Fullerton, or custom-built, G&Ls are competitive with any Fender at any price point.

[@57berg]

My thoughts exactly!

[@schmoemi3386]

G&L... Fender on steroids. 👍🏻

[@Caleb13M]

Hey are you a GnL owner? is it just me or are the GnL MFD pickups really noisy? I don't know if it's a ground problem cause when I'm in contact with metal pieces the hum goes away, but if not super noisy. (Specifically mines the GnL asat classic) appreciate some feedback y'all!

[@schmoemi3386]

@@Caleb13M Sounds like you might have a problem with your string grounding...

[@Caleb13M]

@@schmoemi3386 string grounding?

[@DrKevGuitar]

Great choices, Darrell, thank you! I particularly like the Pacificas as the best guitar at their price point. The sanding on their rosewood fretboards is just divine! The Schecters are a great choice too. I know you can't hit every brand on the market but I was hoping to see EBMM or even SBMM. The Cutlass and even the Albert Lee guitars give any strat a serious run for their money.

[@lucabartoliniprof]

Thanks Darrel for your advice and a special thanks for support Paoletti and Italy. Your videos are always amazing. I bought my Tele (Shawbucker deluxe) after your comparison with a Les Paul. I was looking a H guitar with Fender tone. Thanks to you a found it! I wait for another video with 5 tele

[@JROC2112]

I personally think you could never go wrong with an Ibanez. Fabulous guitars.

[@jaimecallejaalderete8226]

Just got an ASAT Special by G&L. Was between that and a Fender Tele Ultra. I am SO glad I went for the G&L; it's a beast!

[@leonardcrabtreeii]

Just picked up the G&L asat deluxe, I know it's dual humbuckers but I love it

[@brettdiaz]

I’m a huge G&L fan. They’re great guitars.

[@heitornolla]

what are the differences tho? Between the G&L and the Fender one?

[@krokovay.marcell]

Heitor Nolla different pickups for sure, actually Darrell reviews them in a video, they‘re called mfd (magnetic field design)

[@ivanfoofoo]

Is that G&L in the same, expensive, price point as the Fender Ultra?

[@scfabrizio]

Loved checking out the guitars, but man your playing is really fantastic.

[@alec6465]

Hi Darrel, love your reviews please keep em coming. I’m an old newbie but your reviews are so enlightening 👍👍👍

[@zerobambiro]

Yamaha pacifica has such a nice clean sound. Actually really satisfying to listen to.

[@djgaryowens]

Sold one beautiful Pacifica recently, really great.

[@VideosSMZ]

the most comfortable guitar to play, nice shapes and nice price

[@kaan61]

@@VideosSMZ haha i hate the pacifica. doesnt feel as smooth as you would think. But i mean.. if u wanna buy it go ahead. but id recommend u get a squier then

[@kayzersoze8127]

@@kaan61 sana pacificamla gülüyorum

[@altancoskun5347]

@@kayzersoze8127 shahdhshhajajaj

[@shawnreed9016]

I’m a big fan of G&L. I picked up an ASAT Classic Bluesboy on the stupid deal of the day for $299 and it was instant love. I now own seven G&Ls. I love their feel, their build quality and their sound. I feel they are an excellent alternative to Fender.

[@Caleb13M]

Hey! Since you own a bunch of GnL's do you mind helping me out? is it just me or are the GnL MFD pickups really noisy? I don't know if it's a ground problem cause when I'm in contact with metal pieces the hum goes away, but if not super noisy. (Specifically mines the GnL asat classic) appreciate some feedback y'all!

[@shawnreed9016]

@@Caleb13M I have not had that problem with mine. Actually I have always thought that they were surprisingly quiet from what I had heard about single coils. The only time I have actually had an issue was running more than 4 pedals. I added a buffered pedal and noise went away. I play through a Fender Tonemaster Twin, Peavey Vypr Pro 100, Marshall DSL40c and they sound great.

[@Caleb13M]

@@shawnreed9016 oh that's interesting, what guitar are you using? Has it been shielded? And do you know which year your guitar is? I'm guessing that mines pretty old, I bought it secondhand and so I thought maybe the pick-ups has since been upgraded by GnL but I'm not sure.. do you happen to know if GnL ever did upgrade their MFD pickups?

[@shawnreed9016]

@@Caleb13M they were all new overseas made 2019,2020, and used 2018 USA model I find myself playing the $399 limited edition Legacy the most. Comes in black or white. Musicians Friend or Sweetwater

[@countzero1972]

Darrell I really enjoy your down-to-earth vibe. I should have known you were a fellow Canuck by the way you are always holding back with your playing chops and focusing on the video topic. Good on you being humble, cause I know you can shred it up :) Thanks for the content. Cheers!

[@WowzaGuy]

I second the Yamaha Pacifica. My dad bought one for me as my first ‘real’ electric guitar when I was a teenager, after having a very terrible used electric I learned on for a few months. We bought the Pacifica because the salesman said that it was the best beginner guitar he carried for the price, better than the Squier. My friend had a Squier and I thought it was so cool because it said Fender on it, so I wanted a Fender. But despite the Yamaha name on my guitar, I secretly loved playing my Pacifica. I truly enjoyed it. I don’t remember when I sold it exactly, but I eventually purchased some high quality guitars I love, including my American Strat. Still, the nostalgia is strong. Maybe I will buy a Pacifica for my son, just for kicks so he can appreciate the learning process too. ❤️

[@joec2553]

Can you do the same thing for a Fender Telecaster?

[@drdoomecj]

I too would like to see this

[@SouthSideScotty47]

Yes I three..,

[@ronvonryan]

@@SouthSideScotty47 And me.

[@thomashorvath7026]

Same here please

[@andybuchan9362]

Agreed.

[@ColtonAnderson1258]

When the Schecter looks really good but Darrell forgets to put in a clip of him playing it😖

[@MrNeosantana]

You don't need to hear a Schecter to know it's good

[@chunkymonkey5458]

Ihab H. Bouch I would’ve liked to hear it tho

[@craigpetterson3962]

@Gary Bowman LMFAO😂😂😂 So true.

[@procrastinator6902]

@Gary Bowman Darrell is a good player, but "superfknhumam"..? Come on, now.

[@rickhammel9541]

6:26?

[@celestialode]

Fantastic video man. Would have loved to see a Blade guitar in there too. Played a bunch of them and they can compete with anything from Fender with ease

[@IndyRockStar]

I have an Gibson LP Standard 60s as my go to guitar. I wanted a single coil to mix things up, but I'm not in love with the Strat. I ended up having Seymour Duncan Phat Cat P90s put in my Schechter C-1 XXX. After a complete pro set up, restring, and intonation I'm so happy with the result! It's a beast! The SD P90s have that single / humbucker hybrid sound and is perfect for what I play and for adding another color. I didn't save any money doing it. That cost of the guitar and pick up upgrade puts me in the range of the cost of a Strat. My Advice: If you have a decent guitar already think about droping $300-$400 into upgrading it. You may be happier in the end, and maybe even something pretty unique to you and your sound. I doubt there are too many C-1 XXX with Phat Cat P90s.

[@ravenslaves]

Younger players may not realize this. But the Fender "Custom Shop" guitars pretty much used to be their standard, off the shelf, guitars. It's the same with the "boutique" hand wired amps, or the "Custom Shop Pickups". There's a lot of hype that goes into that price tag.

[@IAM_Reedy]

Wrong... not even close to accurate. I suggest you go get some real education on the Custom shop guitars... how and why they came into being, who their target audience was and what made them worth the extra cash. Yes they carry a premium price but if you honestly think a custom shop and a standard are or were the same I am afraid you are not sure what you are looking at or what you are looking for. I’m not even going to entertain the hand wired comment, again and uneducated statement. There are a ton of reference materials for this topic... or you can post this exact comment at Strat-talk or TDPRI and just sit back and wait.

[@ravenslaves]

@@IAM_Reedy Feel free to think what you like. Fender sales depend on people just like you. Good work.

[@IAM_Reedy]

ravenslaves I actually prefer Suhr to Fender but that doesn’t change my comment.

[@ravenslaves]

@@IAM_Reedy I'm not trying to be snarky or anything. I really want to know where you're coming from. How extensive is your experience with truly vintage gear? Guitars and amps mostly. Pre 1980, and for how long?

[@IAM_Reedy]

ravenslaves No worries. I don’t mean any offense, hopefully not taken that way. I’m 49 and have been playing and collecting for around 30 or so. Mostly Fender vintage. Never a Gibson, Vox or Marshall fan. My point is the Custom Shop fit and finish is way above the current American standard lines. Attention to detail is better and that’s what you pay for. Yes it’s true that the bodies and necks start out the same but that where it ends. The pickups which are hand wound are better. The point to point wiring is better, the blemishes are less, the fret work is way better, little things like that. All that said there are far better S and T styles guitars out there from smaller companies. Today if I purchase new I go to Suhr, Anderson or G&L custom. The newer hand wired fender amps are way better then the PCB reissue counterparts that Fender tries to push. As far as vintage. The late 50’s and early 60’s Fender gear is far superior then the crap from the 70’s, 80s and 90’s, with the exception of a few Telecasters which still maintain value. I have several 50’s and 60’s amps which can not be replaced by newer gear... my main guitar for gigs is a Custom Shop Strat because I won’t take out my 58’ Tele or 56’ Strat to a gig so I looked for a replacement I could trust. The standard models are junk, the Japanese Strats are way better in quality.

[@silentwhisperstudios7808]

I was guessing he'd have G&L in the 5. They are really awesome guitars. And I'd say , the closest to a Fender. Leo started Fender , but was only 1 half of G&L.

[@dreugh424]

After 1968 iirc, Fender was 0% Leo lmao

[@MetalJames1282]

Love your guitar reviews. Although I'm not looking to purchase a new guitar, I'm always "window shopping".

[@sohamsengupta6470]

Whoa whoa whoa I see that RGD, hope there's a review of that coming soon cause I'd love to see that one.

[@anti_gravity8446]

To add to the list 1. G&L 2. Ibanez AZ 3. Charvel DK22/24 Great video though Darrell. 😎

[@abcrx32j]

I love what D'Angelico is doing with their solid bodies and I think it's fun how fender introduces models with "new features" that it's just them trying to catch up with the other "strats" in the market. They still deserve some recognition for trying, unlike Gibson.

[@LevinsThe]

When I was 17 back in 1997 my father gave me Yamaha Pacifica (one of the cheapest models) and it's still rocking. Although many years after I owned much more expensive guitars like LP and Strat Yamaha will always hold a special place in my heart

[@bharaldwinge]

As always - awesome review. Thanks Darrell. But was a bit surprised as other mentions, you left out G&L for the 'cheaper' choice, but also what I actually ended up buying instead of Fender strat, the Godin Progression! That is one amazing guitar which is I think around the price tag of G&L and the mexico line of Fender, but much, much better. I have read several articles online about people that goes into a store to buy themselves a strat, but leaves the store with a Godin in their hands because they are just that much better in many ways, and cheaper. Of course you have the other more expensive brands like Suhr, MusicMan, PRS, John Page Ashburn, Dennis Fano guitars etc...but I'm not sure if you pay more for the brand at the headstock and credit than actual sound- and playability quality. But that is an individual opinion which no-one is to say what is right for other than themselves. Anyway, please do a Telecaster version of this video and please try out and include the MusicMan Valentine guitar for that comparison, it would be really great to hear what you think about that guitar. And of course the G&L Asat I guess would be a natural choice....and what about the Godin Stadium and the John Page AJ classic series ... But most importantly - keep up the good work Darrell, thanks for all your videos and reviews :-D

[@solardisk3]

Just had to send a 70's Classic Vibe Squier back, I couldn't believe how bad it was. The finish wasn't completed, large 2" areas still marred from sanding and lacquer-less areas on the neck. Cheap mini pots put a weird wavering in the volume, and buzzing frets! I'm going to assume these were the first post-Covid guitars to come out and probaably were built by substitute builders. I learned my lesson.

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

But secondhand with a gold lettering, not the current lame bronze one. Those were old school ones, properly made.

[@hydrohornet558]

Ive always had an excellent experience with Godin guitars!

[@Kenneth-nVA]

Totally underrated! I have 2 and love both

[@Whiskeyklone]

Also came to say this. I love my Stadium 59. Better than the US Fender Teles I have played.

[@Icantdrive55]

Yes and they are Canadian. 😁 I don’t own one but have heard great things. I may get one one day. My Strat is a Squire Standard series a step above the Affinity series.

[@Gramasz]

I have a Godin session. Great guitar

[@teoc8124]

I have a few Strat like Godin guitars (Session Hss, Progression) all of them extremely well made and sound great.

[@billykoscielny9826]

@Darrell Braun Guitar. Darrell I’m a long time watcher of your channel and love that you do guitar comparisons. I’m buying my last guitar in a few months and was thinking of an Am

[@johnstarace8369]

I owned a Strat since I bought it open ‘79, played it all my life. 2 years ago I decided I wanted to try something new, I bought an Ibanez RG470DX from the first time I played it I fell in love with it. I ticks all the boxes I was looking for and it feels and sounds great, I love it.

[@gregdiller8303]

I think the Godin Progression Plus or Session and a G&L Legacy should be included.

[@MitchellSpille]

I'm definitely suprised that the G&L Legacy didn't make it on the list. I love mine and its only a tribute!

[@krokovay.marcell]

„This is the greatest guitar in the world. Tribute“

[@MitchellSpille]

@@krokovay.marcell Yeah I agree! other than the USA G&L's, I have 3 tributes, a legacy, asat classic (which I'm putting seymour duncans in soon because I'm not a huge MFD guy), a JB, and will hopefully add a comanche, LB-100, and l2500

[@krokovay.marcell]

Mitchell Spille I love the sound of the mfd’s, I have an ASAT Special, though.

[@bucknuts6762]

your video's are great very informing i will be trying out a couple of them you mention thanks for posting

[@killslay]

I got myself a Pacifica as my first guitar, loved it so much rather than replace it I've just threw on a bunch of upgrades

[@spanner4778]

I am perfectly happy with the squire cv 50s tele.

[@nurk_barry]

That schecter diamond series in daphne blue stole the show for me.

[@CC-ks3tj]

Same man. I love Schecters so much. I don't think I could ever justify buying a name brand like a Fender or a Gibson while they make such high quality guitars for a lot cheaper (not to mention that I like flatter fretboard radii). I'm not one for brand based sentiment because I figure I'll be the one to make my own stories with the guitar, so there's no reason for me to pay for the name brand on the head stock.

[@mattclark1278]

Also top of my list

[@beefnacos6258]

@@CC-ks3tj I bought a $700 dollar Schecter. The cr6 i believe here in the states. Anyway I thought the guitar was total crap. Even after a fret level it still buzzed terribly. i don't doubt they make good guitars but that right there made me never look at a Schecter again.

[@mrgaudy1954]

I just bought the new PT Fastback which is part of the Diamond series. Ridiculous quality for $600.

[@nurk_barry]

@@CC-ks3tj I have a custom-made fender Strat from warmoth that plays like a dream, a Gibson smartwood exotic because it’s a $700 Les Paul , and a few sweet epiphones, and I’ve ow Ed various other brands over the years. I want this shecter because it’s an amazing guitar. I agree with you, the brand name thing is for suckers, the best guitar is the one that speaks to you. Every company in the upper echelon makes some gems, you just have to find the best value for the money.

[@garymcaleer6112]

Always appreciate your reviews, Darrell. I'm happy with my white Squire Tele @ $200. But having low S.S. income I purchased three Chinese Gibson knockoffs for under a grand: Beautifully made and sounding Creme SG Les Paul Custom; A Green Les Paul Custom w/Quilted Top; and just arrived: A '61 ES-5 Switchmaster w/ Cherry Sunburst, Bigsby, and Abalone trim through the body, neck and headstock. And all three w/gold hardware. Playing each through my white Marshall half-stack and T.C. Electronics G-Major, I'm happy on a budget bro as I know you would be too! We make due with the little we have.

[@maurolimaok]

I´m learning acoustic guitar with a Giannini here in Brazil, and I like this channel a lot! Thanks for the videos.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

My first guitar was a Brazilian rosewood Giannini I bought in a pawn shop in Houston Texas back in 1978. Traded it in on a Taylor 512e back in 1994. I still have the Taylor but the Giannini was really nice.

[@aadityam9999]

There's just something different about playing a real Fender Strat than these other guitars. Just holding a fender Strat makes me happy!

[@joshiuahallenbeck531]

True story

[@WowzaGuy]

Ditto!

[@JDiamondMusic]

I’m very surprised Charvel didn’t make the cut, there owned but fender and play amazing my DK24 is just mind boggling how good it’s feels and the tone !!! 24 fret and trem system ! Super Strat for the win

[@TheBedroomRocker1]

That's a great list, specially the "dark horse" pick! Totally unexpected! I just got a similar D'Angelico Deluxe Bedford loaded with 2 Seymour Duncan P90s. What an amazing and underrated guitar... there's barely any video on them, so I am preparing one right now. I think except for the Bob Weir signature they did not really sell that well and they are almost 50% off at Thomann now... you can get them for almost Mexican Fender prices now

[@FastSloW-qt8xf]

I have a 60s classic vibe that I fell in love with. Glossy neck and all.. it’s my only sss guitar.. but my go to guitar , the one that never leaves the stand is a mim hss

[@lngodwetrust7117]

Mexican Fender strats are more cheaper, with basically the same great quality. That would be my first option. Great videos! Thanks for posting!

[@gunkanjima3408]

Yes. Personally, I don’t see a need to have a USA strat since Mexi strats are virtually the exact same

[@And1slash]

aside from a few minor things the differences isn't big just get a set of pickups you like ( If the stock pickups don't have the ideal sound you like ) also upgrade the other electronics ( if you feel the need to ) then maybe a setup and it will be close or better the main " differences " outside of pickups is just the neck has 22 frets vs 21 on the mexican honestly there's not too many reasons to buy a usa fender when a mexican made comes really close maybe look in the used market and find a great deal there

[@a.khaosnarine9118]

I think alot of people underestimate Squier guitars. The $300 range Squiers are very impressive.

[@spanner4778]

Butterscotch Cv tele is the only guitar I need lol.

[@aaronperrotta7055]

Make sure you play them though. I have an older Classic Vibe Tele I love, bought a newer Tele Deluxe at the beginning of the year and it was not very good at all.

[@digitalsketchguy]

One of the best & most unbiased channels on YT. Thank you!

[@nohillforahighstepper]

I've been a die-hard Strat and Tele guy for 35 years. However, I recently picked up a PRS Custom SE semi- hollow body with a quilted maple top. 85/15 buckers, coil tap. Awesome guitar. It will do almost everything the Fenders do except the Strat quack. Plus you get the humbuckers for gain. Wish I had tried one of these decades ago. Another company to try before Fender is G&L. When Leo Fender sold Fender, he started G&L. I've played some really awesome G&L Teles. Every Squier that I've owned got the pups replaced. Except the Squier Strat from about 1990 that was built in Japan. That one toured with me for 2 years. The great thing about Squiers is that you get a Fender neck. The body and pups lack that Fender magic. But the necks are good. But a pup upgrade is fairly simple if you have soldering skills.

[@davidnelson3666]

PRS SE Standard 24, coil split for single coil tones, great neck, beautiful guitar for $499.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Do the splits bring the vibe? So hard to find a single coil guitar that plays as well as my prs

[@davidnelson3666]

@@zeusapollo8688 I like it, but i also tend to use moderate gain and a ton of reverb.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Going to keep looking for a prs soap bar

[@Kiaran249]

Kinda wish when darell said "i hope you have a great day today" my day was actually great

[@garylewis9748]

Hi Darrell, great video, very informative, love your input on the different kinds of deals that are out there. I'm looking at buying my first electric guitar (so much choice, where to start?!) I loved the sound of the Vola Oz, when you played it I instantly heard the Gilmour sound. Coming from an acoustic I'm concerned the middle coil on a HSS might be in the way of my strumming hand, what do you think.

[@federicopasos3153]

Hey Darrell, men, was AWEESSOOOMEEE, KILLEEERRR, such a great video. Congrats. thanks for you time.

[@StevenWood96]

Really helpful! Thinking of an upgrade for my bday at the end of the month. I do want a strat... what about G&L? Cheers

[@brettdiaz]

SJWood G&L are great guitars. You won’t be disappointed.

[@Caleb13M]

@@santafemikez9694 Hey! Since you own a few GnL's mind if I ask something? is it just me or are the GnL MFD pickups really noisy? I don't know if it's a ground problem cause when I'm in contact with metal pieces the hum goes away, but if not super noisy. (Specifically mines the GnL asat classic) appreciate it!

[@Caleb13M]

@@santafemikez9694 that's true, all single coils do make some noise but mine is just much louder, if not twcie to three times just the regular single coil pickups. As for amps, yeah, every place I've been going to makes quite alot of noise, amps I've been through are like marshalls, roland and blackstars (granted they are the much cheaper ones for at home use). But when I'm out playing like on stage I'd go direct into my pedalboard, a cabsim and house and still lots of noise. Even at home if I'm just practicing with direct sound from pedalboard to my ears (no amps, just a cabsim) they make lots of noise, and when recording too. Not sure if my pickup routes are shielded properly but when my technician checked under the tone plate he said all was okay (I'm assuming that's ground wires too?). He did also say it's normal as long as the sound goes away when I touch the metal parts however I'm not sure if he's right.. went to my teacher and he does say that it's also an unusual amount of hum... I'mm not currently in the states right now so maybe I'd have to wait til I get there to check with a more proper technician? Do you happen to know how much it would cost to get my guitar shielded and fixing the possible grounding issue? (I'm assuming your guitar isn't making really loud noises so I guess it isn't that the MFD pickups are really loud). Really appreciate you replying man!

[@SeveredLegs]

@@Caleb13M I own three and have had occasional problems with the selector switch being noisy, but that's not unique to G&L. I've never had any issues with the pickups themselves, on any G&L guitar I've ever owned.

[@Caleb13M]

@@SeveredLegs ah I see, thanks for letting me know! Might just be my guitar needing a trip to the guitar tech. Again, appreciate it!

[@chinnarciso]

I can also recommend the GnL tribute Comanche :)

[@Deliquescentinsight]

That D'angelique at the end looks superb! I would have included Harley Benton, they produce some very nice S style vintage specced guitars for a ridiculous price; but a great video mate, enjoyed it immensely.

[@WildDigger]

You make guitar playing look easy.. I am having the worst time trying to get my arm to work with my fingers properly. After my accident I decided to try and play again. I love my Jackson Dinky JS34Q I picked up for dirt cheap. Your videos make me just want to play.

[@francispower1418]

My favorite quote from Walter Becker was to be found in a memo to his guitar tech prior to a Steely Dan recording session. It mostly comprised a list off what gear he wanted to have. "Stratocasters: Bring all 14, even the Fender one".

[@Dgendreau]

Kinda surprised you didn't have a G&L in this list. I feel that the G&L guitars is the continuation of Leo's quest for creating the best guitars possible! I own a Tribute Comanche and it's a screamer. Another thing to note with G&L is all the Tribute guitars built overseas all come with American made G&L pickups installed stock!!!! How cool would it be to have American Fender pickups installed stock in Squier guitars???

[@schmoemi3386]

But before going with G&L you have to go with Music Man first... 😆

[@greggaravet4932]

I own a tribute and it is one of my favorites. Smooth playing and the pickups are awesome.

[@waynemarc77]

Darrell . I have a Pacifica that has a Maple fret board ! Never saw another! LOVE IT!!

[@stringdoc]

Best guitar reviews on KZbin. Thank you, Darrell!

[@lathspell87]

You can find a used Fender Standard/Professional for a very reasonable price and I've never had a reason to try a copy of the classic. Granted, I decided about a year ago I would no longer buy new guitars.

[@Dexterrjoe]

G&L are great also 👍🏼

[@debracheckjanisch168]

Darrell I love your channel and you are knowledgeable and friendly not to mention a great player. I love my Stratocaster. As much as you are probably right in many respects, there is only one Fender Stratocaster. I admit...I have tried a few others that I thought would take the place of my Strat due to the excellent quality and features, but I always come back to my Stratocaster. I think they'll have to bury it with me. Nice job as always. Love watching your vids!

[@asherasator]

Vintage V6 Reissued strats are excellent for the money with Wilkinson vintage style hardware with unique tuning machines and WVS alnico pickups. These are great guitars.

[@maxmeeuwesen961]

Me who just bought a fender strat 2 weeks ago: 👁👄👁

[@sirspongadoodle]

Me who has seen this obnoxious meme 50000 times 🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽🖕🏽

[@gordon4385]

Too late! I just bought a custom Tele with a quilted maple top. Its gaawjus and I love it.

[@eaf27]

nice, I screwed up and bought a custom quilt with a tele guitar top and it is uuunnncomfortable, not one good nights sleep and my dreams now always seem to include roy clark and brad paisley.

[@mikewhitfield2994]

Thanks for mentioning cost and nation of manufacture - those are very important to a lot of us. Cost is obviously relative for an international audience but I'd love to get nation of manufacture for every instrument. Vola was my favorite.

[@Inktensito]

Interesting video, although I was surprised not to see a few things I expected. Mainly the PRS Silver Sky I thought was coming towards the end of the video but never arrived, but also a couple of others like G&L, Suhr, Tom Anderson. I think MusicMan also has their take on a strat too. PRS Silver Sky is a fantastic guitar by the way! I have the Silver Sky Nebula and it compares favourably to my 2013 Fender Select strat with it’s channel bound neck!

[@jebreski]

Obviously it’s impossible to include every guitar style and brand, but I’m surprised I didn’t see G&L! I’ve been itching to get one of their Legacy Tribute models

[@nessearthbound3107]

I'm surprised you didn't choose the Shijie.

[@Ovibos5]

They’re really hard to buy right now. I think they lost their USA distributor or something

[@angusseletto1511]

Ness Earthbound possibly coming up and this Virus has almost stopped shipments into Australia,very had to get some like Squiers,expensive ones not so hard Squier Teles very hard to come across right now but I'm sure it will improve sooner or later

[@chazharrison9760]

My favorite s style i have found is the Sterling cutlass with the roasted maple neck. I payed like 499 on a sale and it plays like a 1500$ guitar. I got the hss version but they make an all single coil that honestly blindfolded i don't think anyone would be able to tell the difference in it and an American Fender. The locking tuners was a plus for me. And tons of tonal options with the 5 way. Great video as always man.

[@kynoceph]

I have a Squier 50s Classic Vibe, and it is a real Strat. I don't feel like I'm playing a lesser guitar, I actually go to it more than my Fender MIM 50s. The fact that they wire the 2nd tone control for middle and bridge pickups is awesome.

[@110380michael]

I liked all the selection but I was expecting a G&L.

[@ralphrudon298]

Really surprised you didn’t include G&L

[@thomasseveroii5093]

Absolutely love Ibanez! Still dreaming of having a Fender someday tho, regardless of where it is made, I just love the overall look of the guitar with the Fender logo and headstock. It is such a different feel to play a real one for me.

[@archgirl]

That’s social engineering for you.

[@fran6b]

The Vola really catch my interest. The Green Surf tele one that you reviewed the other day, and then that one... with a killer 4th position!

[@the_swoletariat1621]

Also: the Jackson DK3 and the Charvel DK24 are great options! I know they’re both owned by Fender, but it’s worth the extra money for what you get compared to the player series!

[@moimeme7839]

You don't pay for the name with a fender. You pay less because it's bolt-on, for a USA made iconic guitar that sounds awesome. Or you can get a Les Paul long scale or a Prs

[@MikeColeVocals]

Great shootout Darrell! You’re really making me think about a Schecter...I’m definitely not a shredder but the sounds you’re getting from them are amazing and right up my alley...plus you can’t beat the value for money!

[@gravl1]

Mike Cole Experienced Schecter player here. Go for it! Great instruments.

[@MikeColeVocals]

gravl123 thanks! What I really want is a Schecter PT SLS Elite...looks like an amazing T style guitar

[@j.powellnetwork]

The Ibanez SA series is great and often overlooked. Glad you mentioned it here.