Fender's Lead Series Is Back & Better Than Ever! - Vintage Looks, Hot Rodded Tones & Player Upgrades

[@Cmiller85]

Think I speak for everyone when I say 'We've missed you guys!'

[@andertons]

We have missed bringing you all exciting new videos... It's good to be back! ❤️🤘

[@bamber119]

Amen.

[@kissfan1701]

Oh thank god. I thought you got mugged in LA

[@lknez13]

"Hello, hello, it's good to be back" ;)

[@paulludwikowski7967]

The video gets a thumbs up from me just for the Captain's tapping!

[@andertons]

The Captains skill level keeps upgrading... we can't keep up! 😉

[@doncramer4471]

Hey guys that's NOT a PRS design. Fender made the lead I lead II and lead III in the late 70s early 80s. I got my lead 1 in 1982. Enjoyed the video regarless

[@doncramer4471]

Kick-Ass colors now

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

@@doncramer4471 PRS got the idea from the lead guitar.

[@w666est]

The CapTap

[@OnlyMeFromOverTheSea]

Cptn' Tappin'

[@Ozrichead]

That neon green Lead II is going to be my first guitar purchase in about 15 years. One of the coolest guitars I have ever seen.

[@bobbillnolan7644]

Ozrichead : why will you wait 15 years to buy this? It’ll be 2035 😂

[@Ozrichead]

I meant that I have not bought a guitar in 15 years, I've only had my one guitar for that long. :)

[@bobbillnolan7644]

Ozrichead : I know I’m just yanking your chain 😂

[@joser.7970]

Dude, yeah. These guitars definitely have a vibe going on.\m/

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

It’s a great axe! I bought a sienna burst 3 in May 2020 then the green 2 in December 2021. I love them.

[@robinmorris5416]

Elliot Easton of "The Cars" rocked those guitars back in the day. He had a red one, and a white one.

[@clintwilson6380]

I didn't know that. Saw Ric Ocasek playing a Dean Cadillac one time.

[@musicsucks6969]

That's something I've always appreciated about Fender. They dont ignore the CBS era and try to pretend like it never happened. They embrace their entire history, not just the 50s and early 60s.

[@beebee404]

Unlike Gibson, who ignore the Norlin era even though it produced some cool guitars

[@misterknightowlandco]

The norlin years had some sweet guitars. People blame those weird designs but gibson went down a bit in the 80s because everyone wanted a superstrat. Les Pauls were just passe for a moment.

[@1xXDrifterzXx1]

notbenny les paul artisan immediately comes to mind

[@tjnugent62]

The CBS and later Era made some cool instruments. The Lead I and II are just one series of good. There is more.

[@modergav]

About Norlin Era Gibson's I have one thing to say: I had a 86 Les Paul wine red with Tim Shaw's PAFs it was I little bit thicker than a Regular LP Standard although it was a STD it was heavy almost 12 pounds and it was one of the best Sounding Les Pauls I ever played and it played really great. I played in a 58 burst and that thing despite sounding great did not played well

[@nsiderultimaseth]

CAPTAIN LEE WITH THE TAPPING!

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Fun fact: "Humbucker" in Danish is "humbugger".

[@codyakui8296]

In america we call them hamburgers

[@alanbeesby8914]

On the algorithm generated subtitles, they are both hamburgers and humbugs! 😂

[@tomseven1237]

Never thought I'd see the captain tap!

[@andertons]

He will be shredding next... 😉

[@cjs4247]

The Taptain

[@jeanlaborde3717]

Amazing come back. I bought my Lead II in 1979!!!!! and still sounds great.

[@williamwinn948]

the whole guitar scene reminds me of the gold rush, Everybody wants to play guitar but only people making money are the ones selling the guitars. On that note cant wait to pick up a new Tele lol.

[@pCeLobster]

Kinda like how everything is dance music but no one can dance.

[@ithemba]

what are you trying to say? that it was different at any time? or that it should be? playing an instrument, any instrument, is first and foremost a private hobby practiced by millions of people all other the world for fun, enjoyment, recreation. with any kind of music and any instrument it always has been that way, that only the tiniest slice of people made any money with that kind of stuff - so it was in the hayday of guitar music and virtuoso rockstars. of course, nowadays we probably all own way more guitars than people did twenty, thirty years ago. and pedals. and amps. and microphones, interfaces, preamps, production plugins, drum-machines. Then again, back in the day a freckin guitar was what? two months of pay? three?

[@stanlee5465]

"On that note cant wait to pick up a NEW Tele" Isn't that one of those OxyMorons? ;)

[@zosojstro]

The Dream Team is back in the saddle! Yay hope you two stay with this format it’s simply the best.

[@lonegroover]

Speaking of back in the saddle - nice that Fender are using the block saddles for these; I wish they'd do the same for the new Strats.

[@theotherpartofme5712]

The black Fender Lead II was my first guitar and no one had a clue what it was when I tried to explain it to them. I swapped out my bridge pickup for a dual rail to give it some more nuts and it made the guitar very versatile. I've had other guitars over the years but I've always held on to my Lead II and I regularly go back to it and still love it!

[@rikcuijpers5206]

Recently I have started looking into buying my own first electric guitar (still looking), then I stumbled upon this channel and WOW isnt this great!! Full of guitar and music fanatics, who enjoy watching these awesome videos. Truely amazing, watched 50 of these videos in last 2 days probably. Glad to see I get to watch some more and stay on the hunt for a nice electric guitar!

[@arn999]

Rik Cuijpers welcome!

[@chriswilliams-lilley5771]

Rik Cuijpers welcome to channel! Andertons always deliver great great demos. Go get a guitar and start your journey of discovery. I have been playing the guitar (badly) for 25yrs and never stop learning. Love it!

[@robbieegan5748]

Check out Rick Beato. I’m a self taught noodler without much theoretical knowledge and he makes it understandable and enticing. His breakdowns of songs are amazing.

[@rikcuijpers5206]

@@robbieegan5748 I do have a acoustic ibanez that i have been practicing on a little already, but I feel like I want to go into a more jazzy / blues ish playing style. I will def check him out, when I get an electric soon.

[@arn999]

Rik Cuijpers Also check out Paul Davids.

[@danielversion1.035]

Have you ever seen these two have more fun with an intro???? The lead iii is, pound for pound, just the best bang for your buck guitar i own... looooooove it!

[@dag2099]

I had a pretty specific memory of Clapton playing a Fender Lead. Turns out that he played a Lead II. It's in the London Hard Rock Cafe. What he actually played it on I have no idea.

[@gp937]

Always love Pete's piss take at shredders at the end of his solos.

[@nickyd2913]

The feeling when you had a rough day at work. And then see that your favorite youtubers are rockin new guitars from your favorite brand. 😎🤘🖤 A big Thanks from Sweden !! You guys made my day !!

[@freepadz6241]

A ruff day? Are you barking?

[@nickyd2913]

FreePadz 😂😂🙈

[@tammycoates7816]

@@nickyd2913 I bet you're howling after this!

[@nickyd2913]

Tammy Coates In my defense. The words ruff and rough are pretty similar, maybe not the spelling bit. 😉😂

[@deadlegs187]

They put that purple on a Jag and I'm selling the car

[@SRone45]

Fender Custom Shop I'm sure will do for you.

[@andredegiant3876]

The Lead II sounds fantastic in every video I've seen. The older I get, the more I prefer single coils, although that Lead III looks killer in purple

[@StuartKReilly]

Goodness. I am in love with that purple one Pete is playing.

[@jakeritchie3805]

Captain is very under rated. One of the better guys at getting as much as you can out of a note. Pete is my favorite

[@jamesskaggs7691]

Steve Morse (Dixie Dregs, Deep Purple) played a Lead III & was feature in magazine ads back in the day!

[@newlandsid]

Wicked playing !! Great to have you back in the saddle .. the actual 80’s rocked xx

[@Groovemaster2000]

I had a red Lead II because I couldn't afford a Strat. But my uncle felt sorry for me and sold his 1972 stratocaster to me for pocket change so I sold the Lead II as soon as I could. It was the poor mans strat at the time.

[@gwbenites]

That's funny because i have the exact same story as you. I have never been a very good player, but for as long as I can remember, I've wanted a Strat and couldn't ever afford one till around 1983 or so. I had a Strat shaped Ibanez before that, I think a "Blazer" which was alright, then I seem to remember Steve Morse endorsing the Lead series in guitar magazines. I had the red one also. Cheers

[@duosonic391]

Compare the Lead II to a Duo-Sonic or Mustang, all two single coil models and with the option for phase switching... The Lead would have the longer Strat-like 25.5" scale length snap, while the Duo-Sonic and Mustang would have shorter 22.7" or 24" scale, but otherwise likely sound quite similar.

[@iwct]

My friend and guitar buddy Frankie had a lead 2 back in the early eighties. I got a JV Squier, and was jealous of his “Fender” - and thought about getting a lead 2. Boy am I glad I kept my black ‘57 Squier. The lead guitar series was more of a “student” model, the JV a good Strat replica.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

The phase reverse on the Lead 2 only works when both pickups are selected.

[@scooterboi1703]

Just bought the red single coil one as my first honest fender and i have not been disappointed

[@tylerl8934]

As soon as I saw these, I thought “PRS evolved from this shape,” so yes, I agree with you Lee

[@tjnugent62]

Holy Cow Lee, where did you learn to two hand it? It sounded amazing. Pete is totally wearing off on you. Your playing has doubled in the time he has been with Andertons. Rock on Dude!

[@PurpleGravyboat]

No more chappers holding him back lol

[@jimlutz1290]

GREAT VIDEO - Loved the jamming - The Barney Purple guitar is very tempting - Thanks Guys - Great rhythm outtro Pete.

[@TheChristafershawn]

I owned and played hundreds of gig with my Lead III cherry burst. I miss it and may purchase one of the new versions but disappointed that the humbuckers are not quite the same and one additional switch is missing from the original as well.

[@lauscho]

The smaller body and pickguard-mounted output jack kind of reminds me of my old 80s Squier Bullet. Wonder if they'll ever reissue that...

[@beardedrancher]

That purple one would look killer with some aged gold pickup covers

[@KASully]

I got a new Lead 3 before high school as my first guitar. That was 85ish so they were still selling them then. I had it for years and never had a clue what the switches did. I just played it.

[@grayaj23]

The green single-coil one is made of pure 100% industrial grade WANT.

[@riku4441]

"a bit more distorsion" he said ... and destroys the whole world !!Come on Pete !

[@robertlester641]

That purple with all the color and contrasts is the BUSINESS!

[@MarkNutwellAlderking]

That was cool to see the Captain go in for some tapping. It sounded good!

[@sawbonesquad4876]

The green one is my first Fender. Most play out of all my guitars ever since I got it.

[@Muzikman127]

still love it? Or did you move on to pastures new

[@sawbonesquad4876]

@@Muzikman127 Regret moving on lol. It was great, but I shouldn't have put hot rails in it ;_; Also I got it from Trogly.

[@Muzikman127]

@@sawbonesquad4876 haha no way. Did you win the giveaway of the one in the video? And by moved on do you mean you sold it? Or that you just don't play it any more

[@Muzikman127]

@@sawbonesquad4876 have to say hot rails wouldn't necessarily be my personal choice 😅 But if the hot rails don't suit you, should be a piece of cake to drop the original singles back in right? They're all just strat sized pickups right?

[@hobbyknight9962]

Man I'm old. I remember these back when I started playing guitar. Cool

[@russdesaulniers2984]

The first instrument hung up in a Hard Rock Cafe was Eric Clapton's Lead II.

[@ericcrapton8275]

I never knew he played one thats cool to know. Do u know a video where he plays one?

[@paul_grimsley]

Thank you!! The one other person in the world who remembers that, I almost thought I had dreamt it. I don’t know which is sadder.

[@russdesaulniers2984]

I've never seen him play one, but here's the story: www.esquire.com/food-drink/restaurants/a21910/eric-clapton-hard-rock-cafe-15339009/

[@ericcrapton8275]

@@russdesaulniers2984 thanks for the info! that was a cool read

[@russdesaulniers2984]

My pleasure!

[@notarealperson87]

10:33 - there's a Fretted Americana video of Phil X playing a PRS prototype from the 80's. it is indeed very reminiscent of a Fender Lead.

[@josephkammerer2087]

Hey Captain, I have a 80 Lead I with the same sort of finish "defect" as your new blue/black strat! I wish these new ones had a similar neck to the first runs instead of the player series necks.

[@superflea72]

I liked that purple humbucker version a lot more than I thought I would!

[@jukruhar94]

Lee's reaction at 10:40 is just GOLD!!! Hahahha. I've missed these videos.

[@GaryLaRocco]

Still have my original Lead III :)

[@kevongunter8681]

I still have my lead 1 bought new in 1981 put Di mazo single coil on with humbucker. Really cool sound, Bono use to play a lead 1

[@giovannidiscala1568]

About bloody time you put up a new video!!! I was showing signs of withdrawal symptoms

[@andythrash.]

Can you imagine being able to play awesome blues guitar solos, in any key, over the entire fretboard, at the drop of a hat?

[@ryanthenormal]

Is it a lot more simple than I think?

[@MikaTarkela]

Just a matter of practice.

[@forfrigsakes3330]

@@ryanthenormal YES it is, learn patterns not scales and just move the patterns up and down to different keys. Patterns and if you really want to get into it "intervals" will teach guitarists way more then any other type of theory will. Your Am Blues scale or pentatonic scale up 3 frets is now Cm, up 2 more it's D, play it down on the 3rd fret and it's G etc... it really is that simple. Most guitarists including myself held myself back for years and years because I thought theory was important and set up a mental block that overcomplicated it all in my mind. Don't over complicate it, improvise and move around, get a looper pedal or jam with backing tracks in different keys, you'll know when notes are right or wrong.

[@ryanthenormal]

@@forfrigsakes3330 I'm going to go out on a limb and say you probably haven't seen the blue scale cheat sheet advert ;)

[@forfrigsakes3330]

@@ryanthenormal Nope I havn't, what's the gist of it? Is it similar to what I'm saying or is it totally opposite?

[@af4396]

"IT'S 2020 BABY" - Famous last words

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

I bought a Lead 3 in Sienna Sunburst. Awesome guitars, simplicity and no nonsense. That green Lead 2 looks great but the humbucker toting Lead 3 is the better option. Pity some have Pau Ferro boards. Don’t like the sparkle purple as it looks like a cheap €299 Harley Benton.

[@sherlocknoshitlibertyjusti2933]

Love this demo of the leads. What I would like to see most is a sound demo with you each playing look through any window by the Hollies and then either purple haze or foxey lady by jimi hendrix on both guitars

[@svanangen]

My first electric that I bought in 1984 was a crimson red Lead III.

[@thegrandwarlock3335]

That intro jam was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 nicely done guys.

[@PulledPurk]

2:30 Lee's throwaway pun got pete excited haha

[@petertoft70]

Thanks for all of the NAMM coverage. Your efforts are appreciated.

[@Fr0stySn00ze]

Those look like funk-style guitars. The shapes and neon green and metallic purple just makes me think of filters, wahs, flangers, and uni-vibes lol

[@NthgToFear]

Thank you for doing the side-by-side with a Strat! I've been curious about the size difference.

[@pressonc]

I like your motto. One that I say a lot is, “Be kind, always.”

[@jojojojojojojojojojojojob]

ok the split actually sounds really great

[@jimistephen]

PRS Himself has said that he took the upper horns from a strat and the lower bout of a LP and then fused them into one shape that worked together.

[@charliepayne9248]

Really like the Lead ii in black, and the price for a bit of history, well worth it....!

[@trevorrussell7512]

Great to see you back guys.

[@richardcrompton6009]

Pete really does love a shiny purple end

[@papersquares]

I have missed you guys

[@ralphbenitez4407]

I remember the Fender ad with Steve Morse playing one back then.

[@lincolnsixecho51]

In my eyes PRS Customs (... or the shape of most of the PRS double cut guitars...) are more oriented on Rickenbacker form shapes. A good indicator here is the way, the upper "horn" cutaway makes a light but straight curve towarts the body when you look at the upper end. This is typically Rickenbacker , like you can find it f.e. on the 4001 bass or the 425er model ( although the 425 form is more stocky, less elegant then the PRS...). For me the PRS Custom form is a hybrid of the Strat, the Rickenbacker 4001/425 shapes and the Gibson Les Paul ( archtop inspired body shape and pickups) . Its getting more clear, when you take a look at a PRS Custom's and a Rickenbacker 480s backside from behind. Greetz, rock on! Lincoln

[@ptrisonic]

I remember the original announcement of the Lead Series but I honestly don't recall seeing any in the UK....... At that time I was picking up Japanese Strats as fast as I could find them might be the answer. Best, Pete.

[@mattmanley7118]

Welcome back guys!!

[@JGAbstract]

Purple one is pretty cool, I'd buy one with humbucker covers.

[@simmonphoenix3206]

I have an original black 1980 fender lead II. OG case and all. It’s a fun guitar to play. I’m surprised they didn’t make the lead II purple and the three green would make more sense.

[@burple]

My purple ones needs to hurry up and get here and join my vintage lead 1s. Just hope this one is lighter than my lead 1s..because although they were smaller than a strat, they are as heavy as a les paul. Bought both mine new and the only guitars I never traded off or sold. Just wish they still offered these in USA versions like the original.

[@myguitar982]

Jeez that lead in was awesome should almost be a song!!

[@SnIpErX07]

OH MAI GAWD. YOU GUYS ARE BACK!

[@bradenwilliamson4623]

Lee killed it on that intro with pete

[@JF-em6hr]

Yep I already had the PRS body shape idea. I'm great.

[@classicraceruk1337]

My Anderson’s fix is back Pete is just so good!!!!

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

What about ditching electromagnetic pickups and go with the Lightwave system and you can use either Nylon or Steel strings and you can also have a MIDI output also.

[@ivorharden]

I think Blackmore endorsed them in the early 80s. I know I've seen an Fender advert with him holding one.

[@forfrigsakes3330]

They should have wired that coil split switch better, they should have wired both pickups into it so middle is both coils front is front coil and back is rear coil regardless of which pickup you have selected.

[@effess8698]

About flippin time you got some new videos out. I was getting withdrawal symptoms

[@robertocarmona2833]

Delicious, Fender Lead II with single coils

[@dr7246]

I remember ads for those things in guitar player mag when I was a kid - I think with Steve Morse in the ad- I really wanted one and was playing piano back then not guitar. Now? Not a chance. Edit: www.vintageguitarandbass.com/graphics/lead1lead2.jpg

[@celestelongway7315]

Happy . New Year . and . glad u made it thru NAMM ..... Luv . these . "new" . Fenders.

[@MrSantihomer]

If I could afford them I would definately go for one of these to get a strat-y sound and feel without the annoying middle pickup

[@johnhaynes8033]

Captain !!! Giz a hug !!! Pete !! Giz a hug !! I've missed you two !!

[@jabbahursty]

as far as i know, the out of phase can onlky work with both single coil pickups in play as one pickup can be in our out of phase with another but can't possible be either in or out of phase relative to itself i think

[@richardc1129]

Guys, when is the Epiphone blindfold video is gonna be up. So look forward to that one. Those new Epiphones are really impressive.

[@mannyboricua2051]

Wow, they sound reeaallyy bright

[@edp6619]

I'm at work....got the alert...I'm hiding in an empty office watching you guys...luv youse guys/all your vids...late for a meeting...gotta go!

[@andertons]

Now That's dedication! Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the new video 🤘

[@USMC0332]

You guys are cool! Thanks for the great playing and helpful videos!

[@socal9551]

Praying that one day Lee will pick up and start a shop in Los Angele's or San Diego.

[@Just_lift_anyone]

The Captain hasn't signed some kind of pact with a horned guy has he?!

[@shaunvale4934]

The horned guy.. Oh.. you mean Pete

[@meadish]

@@shaunvale4934 Yes, Peter Hornoré.

[@fishypaw]

There is no reason why a split humbucker should sound any less better than a normal single coil, it's still a single coil. There is a simple solution to the drop in output, it's called a boost pedal. :P

[@CountFeedback]

The magnet configuration makes some difference, and the wind on a split PAF output wind is going to be lower than most singles, + 500k vs 250k pots.

[@bubesimons7191]

Awesome :) Would love to see a video about the new Fender HM Strat

[@hcury1960]

I always wanted a Fender Lead 3 guitar with a rosewood fretboard.

[@Emma-kz3zr]

Anyone else not getting notifications on Anderton's video since the mid Jan 2020?