Fender American Strats - What's the difference?

[@jimmyvegas3834]

I was reading comments and didn’t realize you were switching guitars

[@iamanovercomer3253]

😂👍

[@Ducimon]

Same

[@davidturley7664]

I have a professional series I really love the sound in the way it plays

[@Shoegazi21]

me reading this comment, "wait"

[@ileutur6863]

A fender is a fender is a fender

[@voiceofexperience]

Well, you sold me on the AC30...

[@fernandonaiberg]

great amp!

[@dramirez1597]

Just thinking the same think

[@o.w.dobbins6927]

Every American Strat plays and sounds great and every Strat player has their own preference.

[@n64fan60]

Would personally change that statement to "most American strays play and sound great". I've played a few that were defo genuine, and plays like ass/sounded like ass.

[@nathanjones2447]

If you are an experienced guitarist or simply somebody who enjoys both single and fatter humbucker-like sounds then go for the 'Elite' because it's basically 2 guitars in one. It is a top-notch Stratocaster with 3 single coils {that are £200 to buy on their own}. And because they are noiseless pick ups, my advice is to turn the treble up and mid down on your amplifier and you'll have your regular bright-sounding Stratocaster tones. This amazing guitar can also do all your Jimmy Page-esque stuff with 2 humbucking options and 3 positions in which all three pick ups are activated! As I said this is a very special guitar and not to be missed. I bought mine back in 2016 and it is my favorite guitar by some distance, and I've got some cracking guitars, like a Gordon Smith single cut with a P90 and a humbucker, another great Japanese hybrid Stratocaster with vintage USA pick ups, and an amazing P90 loaded Yamaha Revstar 502T.

[@donaldtrump2078]

Agree

[@robbieb.9472]

I agree. The Performer sounded best. Bright crunch. The Professional was a close second..

[@robertbeacham907]

I think it's now just become a guitar fetish where they keep changing parts and changing names that way you keep Exchange in parts and you keep buying guitars and you spend more time messing with it then you do actually playing .

[@daveywiles6412]

Naw it's about finding the best feeling neck and sweetest sounding pickups to ones ears....I own a japanese, first year srv , a real 1960 and a brand spanking new American elite...all very different but each great guitars.....but I do have a friend that is more interested in trading and buying guitars than playing ..collector vs player

[@blizzbee]

I have a 2000-American Series Fat Strat Texas Special and a 2000-American Series S-S-S Strat with Vintage hot Noiseless pickup set installed. Two of these can cover any strat sound in my head. No plan to change or buy anything yet.

[@eddyvideostar]

@@daveywiles6412 To David Wiles, you wrote: _ "But I do have a friend that is more interested in trading and buying guitars than playing."_ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One should find his sweet spot: Do whatever one finds the most lucrative and beneficial. Music is beautiful, but the business of living is even more so.

[@michaelagood9358]

A lot depends on the right amplifier

[@AceBambam]

it's all part of the fun tho hehe

[@alanblakeguitarist]

They all sound the same! I've studied guitars everyday for 8 hours a day for the last 40 years. It's all in the player and many variables in between like how hard you hit the strings that can change the tone so you can actually play the same guitar and the tone can vary each time you play depending on the dynamics and furthermore which amp and effects you're running through

[@kateonkeys1414]

That’s a lot of time wasted why did you not practice?

[@alanblakeguitarist]

@@kateonkeys1414 Lol!! I did

[@OriginalKingRichTv]

@@kateonkeys1414 why aren’t you practicing 🤨😤😝

[@kateonkeys1414]

@@OriginalKingRichTv I am

[@robertmailloux3720]

Pick ups

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

you sounded very good and I like how you played virtually, the same passage with each of the strats. my '95 strat plus deluxe has been a rock for all these years. I got the gold lace sensor noiseless pickups and I've never regretted that. after years of owning a quality fender strat, you can sometimes forget just how wonderful of an instrument they truly are. it's really difficult to decide which one to buy. I'm so glad to have invested in one, so long ago. great job, sir.

[@sparkyguitar0058]

You said it right; Like a rock. I got a 93 deluxe plus Strat I got in 96. 3 color L Sensors, Fender Floyd Rose bridge that I put the Hipshot Tremsetter on and adjusted the bridge to whammy up and down. Haven't changed anything or even touched the bridge for adjustments in 27 yrs. I do have a passion for 90's guitars tho. 93 Strat- 97 L P studio. The studio has been reworked with various parts to improve what Gibson didn't know what I wanted.

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

@@sparkyguitar0058 It's a special club we're fortunate enough to be in with those pieces of art!

[@georgeguerra5015]

I can’t find any reason to “upgrade” from my ‘89 Strat Plus…it’s unbeatable. Love the Shaller locking tuners, Wilkinson roller nut, and original Fender-Lace gold pickups.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

The American original sounds springy and has a nice edge , it was the only one that stood out tone-wise. The performers are excellent too.

[@daneolsen8880]

Really was surprised by the tone of the performer-- sounds amazing. I do not like that 70s headstock though

[@CCPlaetean]

Same, its such a shame as it spoils the guitar for me. It's so unnecessarily large

[@Kinopio710]

It bothered me a lot until I realized that it’s the basic font that spoils the vintage headstock, I have a 2015 special

[@kylersmith709]

I have had the performer and I did not like the headstock at first, but after time it grew on me!

[@superduperdom]

Most people would agree with you. It's the main issue I have with buying it. I like the tone of the performer's pickups more than the other strats.

[@lucianoxx9210]

The sound of perform, at least in this test, is better.

[@Djozer]

Just bought myself a Professional Series before watching this video. For the price point, it's a GORGEOUS guitar! The V-Mod pickups are outstanding, and have a great clean response. The treble bleed is an added bonus, making a quiet practice session pleasant for everyone without the need for a set of headphones to get the same tone at any volume. I have a Mexi Strat as well, (94 MiM H/S/S in black) and the weight difference is very noticeable. My American weighs a whopping 8lbs 10oz. I like it that way. My tones seem to resonate with a little more depth. Might just be me, though. I opyed for the maple neck, not for tone, but for aesthetics. I have PLENTY of rosewood necks on other guitars, so a maple is nice. It definitely has all the quack and spank of an American, which my MiM just can't achieve... yet! (slapping in some Fat 50's soon) The sound on clean channels is smooth and glassy, add a little "dirt" and it growls with some beefy blues tones. LOVE it!!!

[@AkiraSpectrum]

American Professional sounded best in my opinion. Performers are fantastic as well, really like the Jumbo frets, but the pickups aren't as nice as the Professionals (V-Mod pickups).

[@HollowRick]

Personally I'd change out the performer pickups to a set of lollars either the dirty blonde set or the Blackfaces

[@seansyw143]

To me pickups aren’t important, I’d rather have a guitar with a comfortable neck and my preferred fret sizes. Pickups are easy to swap out and usually not too expensive

[@joeysgear1419]

100% performer with 3rd party hand wound pickups will slay the others. Don't much like the harsh Yosemite.

[@artholding7735]

Thankfully for one of the best comparison!

[@donmunson4802]

And, I do appreciate you giving away all those licks. Gives me something to work on this afternoon.

[@arnottclark6959]

It's so funny , I was attracted to the performer as well ! I was in a store with a friend , he was looking to get a strat , and the first thing he tried was an elite . The price was dropped considerably because the colour on it was discontinued( which made it quite tempting ! ) . He decided to try an original , that was the guitar that really spoke to him . I got to try all of the guitars that he was looking at . It wasn't until the store was ready to close , when someone else was noodling around on a guitar , and my friend said maybe we should give that guitar a whirl . I picked it up, and had it plugged in for about a minute (the performer ) and I was instantly sold ! LOL ! After trying the elites and the professionals and the originals , I much preferred the performers ! I liked the feel , the tone , the look ! Go figure !

[@James-zy5lh]

Arnott Clark That’s similar to when I bought my Tele, only I ended up with a Squier Classic Vibe instead! Regardless, Fender makes great stuff at all price points. It’s more a matter of finding the one that fits you the best.

[@Leomusicalheart]

Excellent =D

[@scratchmaster45]

I love the professional! Sounds just like the one my dad used to play when I was younger.

[@songnaru]

Neck Pickup 4:50 Perfomer 5:55 professonal 6:42 original 50 7:45 elite

[@josephyarde-buller3587]

Slice of Life조각조각 really helpful dude ✌️

[@guitarman7573]

The elite sounds the brightest

[@thedisciple1764]

I have the Performer in the same finish as on your video. I blocked off the trem and let me tell you this guitar is awesome. It can do it all, rock, blues, clean, dirty you name it. I couldn't be happier with it. I run it with a Friedman Dirty Shirley and it holds its own for hard rock type tones. When playing clean it's all American Strat tone for sure. It's a great value for the money. The quality is outstanding. The knobs, switches, everything is high quality right from the factory. One of my best purchases ever.

[@Leomusicalheart]

Yeah I'm getting one next week! I'm so excited about that guitar 🎸 performer is the best for me as well 😊

[@joefaber1381]

My preference in order is: Original 50's, Performer, Professional and then the Elite.

[@Skytalker777]

The best comparison I have seen, thank you. For me the Elite has the best sound, very versatile, it has that interesting neck. All are great, you cant go wrong with none of those.

[@PeteJake100]

Surprised at how good the Performer sounds, but happy with my Elite

[@herreratomemh]

Peter Jacobs I have a exact color American elite that’s he’s playing... and it’s beautiful sound ...

[@donaldtrump2078]

Well it seems that (Ted Stryker) doesn't think so but what the hell does he know?

[@noevazquezrodriguez9653]

X2

[@Baker.Matthew]

I stopped myself at professional, I like my professional very much but still curious about the elite difference.

[@salvatorepuccini4261]

In America the larger headstock and its association with the CBS Era don't really go over well. Fortunately the performer is the cheapest of the options and therefore going to sell a few more but many people don't like the headstock. For me in the price range I was looking at was between the professional and Elite. I got a limited run surf Pearl Elite with matching headstock at a $500 discount. I was leaning that way anyway and with the compound radius locking tuners and S1 switch it was a no-brainer for me. The custom color sealed the deal

[@michaelsnydermusic]

Thank you! Out of all the articles and videos I watched this one helped the most. I played the Performer and fell in love. But I didn’t want to make a hasty decision. This video confirmed my instinct. Also, awesome song and playing!

[@harshabandreddi2632]

I got the performer in honey burst. What a beautiful guitar, sounds great too.

[@Beserker3737]

Just bought mine a week ago. I love it!

[@harshabandreddi2632]

Jeffrey Foster congrats, which color did u go with?

[@pablo9364]

Harsha Bandreddi same here. I couldn’t choose between honey burst or blue. But went with blue . Pity they didn’t have it in buttercream.

[@Lucas_Percan]

I have the Arctic White one ;D

[@danieloleary4560]

Honey burst here.

[@trebleboost7]

I went to buy an Elite and agree on the pickups and your review is spot on - it felt great and the noiseless are improved over other stuff but was much more impressed with the Eric Johnson signature but actually wound up with a Music Man Cutlass HSS RS. The Performer really sounded nice here too - I am just a stickler for the smaller headstock.

[@patrickromero5365]

I bought a Eric Johnson Stratocaster and it was nothing but trouble every time the neck went out of wack i would have to take the neck of to adjust it so what happens with time the sides crack were you bolt on the neck trust me they suck.

[@soulvaccination8679]

They all sound good.Every last one of them.

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

I gravitate toward the 1st one,..the Performer!!...works for me when Performing or Recording!!...👍🏾✨🎶🎸..typical Strat tones but a bit more meaty !..🤘🏾✨🎶🎸

[@randysnewbiebluesrockguita7782]

I have a HSS Shawbucker Pro series Strat. I love the sound and the feel of the guitar, but to be honest, I can't tell all that much of a difference between the three single coil design's, they all have that special Stratocaster sound. I suppose that the 50's series is a bit more twangy with the pick up's than the other's. I have never owned a Fender before and have always played Gibson's and PRS's. This guitar blew me away with the " Fat Strat" sound and I play blues mostly and this guitar fit me better than the other's do. I DO like the sound coming from the Performer, it's a great guitar and a good deal for an American made guitar. I also like the fact that they included a nice case with my PRO ( the same as with the Elite) and the pop in trem instead of that pesky screw everyone has told me they hate. My PRS custom 24 has a pop in trem. and I thought that Fender should have done this long ago. Any way you go with a American Strat you are going to get a great guitar, for that matter Mexican one's are great guitar's also.

[@fenderstrat7547]

I love strats and own a few but in my opinion fender has too many options for the stratocaster and makes for a very tough buying experience and leaves the consumer second guessing himself and then on top of that they have the MIM strats which only causes more confusion and leaves people who are looking to by a used american wondering if it truly is an american strat or are they getting scammed...

[@goodboyringo9716]

Agreed ! I have been wondering for years. 20 years ago I paid 1100 for a American Deluxe fat Strat, LSR nut. today Fender is getting double that for equal guitar and 1100 .00 for performer.

[@angusseletto1511]

So well said,Fender Strat this Fender Strat that,very hard to determine,Maple,Rose wood,too many choices and very hard to determine what sound you get as opposed to what sound you're after.Cheaper ones could well have a much richer tone etc.Just an awesome guitar.This is probably why some guys/girls have so many because they all sound different but I wouldn't know what to get too confusing.Just a Fender Strat please.It a bit like Mc Donald's of Strats haha would you like pickles with that Strat

[@Rypsolisti]

I bought the Original 60's Strat and simply love it! Also tried Original 50's version (in Aztec Gold as well) before going with the 60's Strat in Candy Apple Red. Build quality is just excellent, feels very solid and strong guitar and you'll notice it when playing them unplugged, acoustic sound is almost like from an acoustic guitar. Only mods I did was the pickups, now have a Dimarzio Virtual Solo in the bridge and Dimarzio Virtual Vintage Blues in the neck position, little setup adjustments as well and now my Original 60's Stratocaster is perfect!

[@MyFirstGen]

I'm very fortunate to have the American Deluxe, the Professional, and in April I just picked up the Performer. I agree with you about the noiseless pickups.But i do think the Deluxe can give a more Bluesy tone. What attracted me to the Professional was the sound it had acoustically, thats right. My buddy was playing it in a guitar shop unplugged and I walked by him and stated That it sounded Great. Then he plugged it in. I played it and loved it. ( it became my first brand new Strat). I would say that the Performer does have more playing time. I don't Gig so take it for what its worth. I have to look at the Original line up now. After all, I have to Feed my Strat addiction.

[@PhillipHolt-f9r]

Some were telling me that they were made in Japan as copies of American versions. I would like to have a American Fender and a Gibson before I die. I'm 67 now and survived a full stroke and 2 small.

[@codythedoggo7671]

I'm thinking Professional what do you guys think?

[@aurtherbedo2500]

Get a bullet mustang and spray paint it yellow

[@felipehernandez8603]

My favorite is the Performer I love the clear color 😍👍🏼

[@bobvonbuelow9983]

well, the Performer did sound pretty good!

[@tabrizcarpet1310]

Comparisons: Performer: 1:40 Professional: 2:25 Original '50s: 2:45 Elite: 3:11

[@elwynsmiles]

The Yosemite pick ups on the Performer sound really good 😎

[@dlewtweentorla1210]

What I heard was you liked the performer but..... Still changed the pickups. Really liked the Elite ecept for the pickups. I agree, with ALL Fender Strats and Tele's it comes down to how one likes the FEEL of the guitar and the way it plays. Pickups are a different thing, everyone has that "Perfect Strat Sound" in their mind. One has to find the pickup that does that, don' t rush take your time until ya find it. Then add to the Strat you like in all the other ways. However after buying the model you prefer, give it time and play around with the pickups, raise, lower, adjust tone and volume. Not only on guitat but on your Amp. May surprise you. Lot of the times that tweeking can do wonders. Great Vid! WIsh you caould have had all the Strats with the same material Fretboard. All Rosewood or all Maple. Although not sure if all models have the Rosewood available (Pau Ferro or Ebony being substituted on some Fender models). CHeers!!

[@mrblues1981]

ive got same elite and im really happy with it ,

[@iduncanw]

Great to know. I've been looking at getting the Elite. I know colour does nothing for the actual guitar, but I reckon I'd stuggle to put it down, it looks amazing. Bit nervous about what some have said about the pickups. Waiting for my local store to get another one in.

[@mrblues1981]

iDuncan trust me i was worried aswell even few of my mate told me not to get noiseless picups but im in love with them ,i think top of the range elite ones , blue colour rockin :) you can always go one of the store and try but they are good as standart ones and plus s1 switch makes diffrence plus neck is c to d shape so after 12th fret wider for solos

[@TURALICRACING]

Same I got the same looking elite yesterday and I’ve fallen in love with it

[@iduncanw]

@@mrblues1981 thanks, sorry for the delay, I missed the notification.

[@charliemore2726]

Thanks for your opinions, they are really important

[@sixbladeknife44]

I had the Original and didn’t love it, sold it and got a Professional which I much prefer. The neck shapes and pickups are all very different, which should really be taken into account. On the Original, the low E was falling off the side of the fretboard which was unacceptable...I’ve heard others mention the same issue. The Professional was flawless out of the box.

[@ChrisJones-ht9zn]

I wouldn't part with my original for anything. By far the best strat that I've had. Each to his own i suppose.

[@MyFirstGen]

Im wondering. Is the Original made from the old specs? like a 7.25 Radius, if so that could be why its rolled off the board. I have a Made in Japan from the 80's it has a 7.25 radius i didn't know it. I hated that thing because of the same issues and bending. I found some information and reset it up. It plays better but still had to get used to it

[@sixbladeknife44]

hheidrick The originals have the 9.5 radius, easier to pull off bends in general compared to the vintage radius. My main guitar for years was a MIJ 80’s Strat and it had the vintage radius and tiny frets...very well built guitar and quality, but bends and lead playing weren’t easy. I think with the Originals, the problem with the low E falling off the side of the fretboard, is due to the edges being rolled too much. I just couldn’t live with that at all...the Professional sounds great to me, and easier to play too.

[@craigthomson3621]

A good luthier can fix the low E string falling off the side of the fretboard issue by re-setting the neck. This issue can affect examples of all variations of Stratocasters (even the occasional Custom Shop) but it can be remedied.

[@maxmonaco]

lol To change a tuners? - No! To change the guitar? - Yes!

[@onlyjoetee]

I own 2 performers, love that large 70s headstock, smooth guitar…

[@joeyaworski3728]

I truly think the 50s is the best they're all beautiful sounding guitars but that's my personal opinion I would love to own them all LOL

[@trebleboost7]

BTW - liked that you used a Vox AC30 for this!

[@hillaryforincarceration4404]

I want one of these guitar gems.

[@user-eg7nj1is7l]

pro was the best. most well rounded sound. the elite was dissapointing.. kinda low frequency and a lil washy. never been a fan of noiseless.

[@nathanjones2447]

I own 2 Stratocasters. An elite that is excellent because although the pick-ups aren't as clear as normal single-coils, it has the S1 switch which turns the guitar into a humbucking beast, so swings and roundabouts. My other is a Japanese Hybrid Strat that has a U shaped thick satin-maple neck/fretboard with vintage USA pick -ups that are outstanding and very much authentic-sounding. My favorite of those shown here would have to be the original though as it is just my cup 'o' tea.

[@Steve-B1965]

I have the exact same Elite and ok that makes me a little biased I suppose but I absolutely love it and even when I’m not playing it it’s drop dead gorgeous to look at. The performer sounded great too. Good job fella 👍

[@LeMans512]

Steve Baxter, I have the Olympic White Elite and I agree that when I’m not playing it, it’s beautiful to look at.

[@LeMans512]

Extremely well done video.

[@the_letti0584]

I dont have to decide what strat to buy anymore cuz some years ago i got myself a classic series 70s without knowing nothing about other strats. I loved it when i played it at the store. Way better than any other type of guitar and i still love it today

[@ireneweand6994]

All sound great 😊. I just bought an American Standard Strat.. By the looks of the matching serial numbers it was made in the late 1980's. Looks like nobody touched it. No wear,not a scratch or dent, literally brand new. I paid $575.00 American for it and they threw in a brand new hard case,picks,strings,some books and a one time tune up/adjustment maintenance including new strings upon the servicing. May sound stupid to ask now, but how did I do? I just had to have it as it looks just like "Blackie." Neck and finger board are maple from what I can tell. Keep on the great videos. Thanks, Troy.

[@OVERMUSICDRIVE]

Performer!!! I cant wait for my hss sunburst!

[@lucianoxx9210]

Performer sounded better for me too.

[@pavonotaturkey5834]

@@lucianoxx9210 wdym they all sound the same

[@lucianoxx9210]

Pavo not a Turkey At least at this video, I think the Performer sounded clearly better than the others.

[@nine9whitepony526]

Yesterday I had 3k and I went in to buy a strat. Of course i was all over the strat ultra. There was something about it that just didn't feel right. Like it didn't speak to me. So I tried out a Pro 2. Now that one i liked, it really spoke to me and that is what I bought.

[@tecnoline57]

Hello, Congratulations on the tests. I would have to choose between a new STATOCASTER VINTERA 50 MAPLE NECK and a STATOCASTER AMERICAN ELITE MAPLE NECK ex demo (with guarantees) at the same price. I'll proceed to the tests anyway. Which would you choose? Thanks. I always follow you

[@christianroder4393]

Somehow ironic to highlight positions 2 and 4 on a 50s Strat ... ;) Great review anyway!

[@johnortega1240]

PERFORMER AND ELITE SOUNDED NICE

[@georgebentley-ricardo9445]

Excellent video, informative and unbiased. We mere mortals are grateful for your hard work, it must be awful for guys like you to be imprisoned in those shops with all those guitars all day long. Just joking ofcourse 🤓🎸

[@cuneytsonmez]

This was very helpful. Now I know what to do; I'll go in a guitar shop my eyes wide shut and yell the guys like "here's the money, give me the strat nearest to me and don't ask anything!" That's all.

[@RBolognese]

None r better than the rest. It’s all about sound, playability, and feel. All a personal preference

[@davidbrown2806]

Curious ...... you like the Performer but changed the pickups. Most people say the Performer pickups are too muddy. Thats why I would entertain the Professional first to get the better pickups. Actually, I plan to buy in the New Year, and face the same question .... which one ?

[@dylanc2057]

I have a red 83 American strat and it’s honestly the best sounding and feeling guitar I have

[@robertholyroller6413]

I like the performer series wish they would’ve offered an Olympic white or a white pearl with maple fingerboard love the 70s headstock

[@chrisb2038]

they have artic white

[@Mainstreet2006]

I agree with you on the Elite...regarding the pickups...I wish they were more Strat like. I bought 3 American Professional Strats..instead...

[@jdiggitty]

I have an American Deluxe and love it. The neck is the best I've ever played. But I think I'm the only person who even considers using the S1 switch. Haven't found anyone else who does so far.

[@SuperDeadRooster]

@@jdiggitty Confirmed, you are the first and only person I have ever heard of who has considered using it.

[@donaldtrump2078]

Not True, I considered it. lol

[@RealMarcosMiranda]

Is the Elite the same as the old Deluxe?

[@christopherclarke3022]

I believe it is best to try out in person as it is often hard to judge the variation of sound over the web as it with vary depending on what your listening through also feel and comfort is a major factor when purchasing a guitar if it sounds great but feels uncomfortable, don't get it. if it feels wonderful and sounds ok then you can also upgrade parts later. It has to feel right for you otherwise your doing yourself a disservice, and may unintentionally limiting yourself of the enjoyment of play and creativity.

[@williamfielding8302]

I live in the States and treated myself to a Fender Mod shop Guitar in 2021 TBH It kicks all 4 of these Fenders butts but I will say I'm comparing Apples to Oranges my Mod Shop is a HSH (Shawbuckers and a Mod shop single coil) Aztec Gold, gold hardware, a roasted maple deep C neck and the plastics are all blacked out. best trem bridge they offered (why they don't offer a Floyd Rose is beyond me ) and a molded HSC. came to just under $1800.00 tax and shipping included. And the best part I only had to wait 29 days to get my hands on this beautiful lady. Although most American Fenders are great Guitars off the shelf if you can build what you really want for the same or less money Why not...

[@dinushkamahawedage3186]

My personal preference is the Professional. It has the most balanced tone out of 4 models. I know elite has the better internals but professional produces a better tone imo.

[@johnryadsahib4351]

The Player Series for me. With some minor mods, it’s a really good buy.

[@MM-sq5pf]

I rest my case

[@NYGiantsDiEhArD]

The 50s Strat sounds superior. I don't say that because I just ordered one or anything.

[@bazitube390]

hahahah how do you like it?

[@guylucking6119]

I agree I think it sounded the best

[@timmotel5804]

I just ordered an American Ultra Strat HSS in Texas Tea finish about 3 weeks ago. I guess that this is just a standard build in the factory. How does this order compare in quality, etc. to a "team built" Strat? Shall I presume that even at this level and price, which isn't cheap the standard stock build that the quality is still high? About how long does this kind of order take to build and ship? Thank You.

[@leftymadrid]

Adam, nice video. I must say though that I have purchased an Elite 2-years ago, and I liked it, but not loved it... I was surprised to one day pick up a standard and was pleasantly surprised, the sound and playability was just perfect! So, I learned the hard way. Buying an expensive guitar will not necessarily be the best choice. I guess all the bells and whistles were just not my thing... Nothing like an American standard Stratocaster, for me at least. Funny but 6-months ago I picked up an 11-year old mim Stratocaster, and the playability and sound blew me away once again. Ok, the pick,ups on it were 500 dollars alone and vintage, but rest was stock...sounded like a dream! Yeah, getting a Stratocaster is a very personal thing lol

[@continentalaquatics2725]

leftymadrid I used to be that guy who said he’d never consider a MIM Fender as long as American Fenders were out there. Someone convinced me when I was a kid about 25 years ago that buying a MIM instead of an American Standard was doing myself a major disservice. I own a 2006 MIM Strat with a rosewood fingerboard and although the previous owner changed the pickups and the pots, the guitar EASILY meets or exceeds my 1995 Fender American Standard with a rosewood fingerboard. I think each guitar is an individual!

[@gillesgenete9598]

Nice demo, fair comparison. Being a strat guy my preference goes to the Professional, tone wise and look wise. I used to have a beautiful Deluxe US Telecaster, very high quality in every aspect, but I never liked the noiseless pick ups, so sold it. About the originals, I would have been interested in a comparison between the Professional and 60s instead of the 50. Anyway, thanks for demo.

[@libertylizard_]

The shaw VMOD on the AM Pro is definitely where they have hit the right mark for this range. Really nice thick midrange which gives it that bit of oomph, whilst still retaining the classic strat vibe. The Shawbucker variant are a bit hit and miss for me though. Its passable on the HSS model but they aren't potted and have a mid-low output. Which I'm finding pretty pointless on the Tele Deluxe or HSS as you really want the drop kick for leads at the bridge there or just the raw grunt of something with an edge for harder styles. Any real gain and deluxe squeals like a pig leaving the stop lights at 10k rpm. Flat useless for my preference. Nothing wrong with the Yosemite and so on but SSS Pro cuts through so much that everyone else has to double their volumes lol.

[@Guitarooster52]

I own the American Deluxe but in this video I thought the Professional sounds the best.

[@BParker55]

Oh that OG 50s came alive when it was pushed at the end! Had a little fuzz to it!

[@Steve-of8zo]

Great comparison video. That's how they all should be . Clean tones straight into the amp. Excellent.

[@Danhall67]

I own a 18 American Professional, and 19 American Professional Limited Edition. I thought about pickup change, but with a few height adjustments. I love the way they sound, and how they feel! The 19 has a little bit of difference, but that’s because it’s an Ash body.

[@bobbyweis7082]

I really like the V mods in professional. It sounds the most straty. Considering replacing my Alnico fives in my player Strat for V mods

[@BITESIZEJONES]

Hate them! Switched them out for custom shop 69s

[@ransombaggins9301]

Anything but the Elite. 😜. Original is just so much Strat. Performer performed REALLY well in this comparison! Pro is always a great option. Also, really appreciate that you actually gave your own opinions. Thanks!

[@lemac3200]

Incredible how cool the Performer sounds compared to the Original and Elite! I find that the Professional has a bit more crunch, but I love the 70s headstock. By the way, very cool video! Nice done👍🏼 Didn't know your channel yet, so I just subscribed.🤟🏼

[@mikhailman]

I believe the main difference is really in the use of the instrument and the quality of the materials. Strat will always sound like a strat at the end of the day.

[@batuksri]

I agree with you. I was eyeing the Elite at first as it has good specs offering Noiseless pups and great switching versatility. After listening to this clip through proper headphones, the differences came across quite clearly. I like the sound of the Performer best, it simply sounds fuller and richer. The Pofessional a little less so while the original 50s sounds the thinnest. The Elite sounds scooped and has a wavering, slightly dissonant treble.

[@therideneverends1697]

Yeah the preformer to me sounded similar to the fat 50s pickups they used in the later american standards (which to my taste are one of the best sounding production pickups there are)

[@Robert5185]

The tone of the neck pick-up in the professional sold me along with it's modern looking neck, I don't like the 70's headstock, but if the strat was awesome sounding I wouldn't let it deter me.

[@continentalaquatics2725]

I wasn’t expecting to like the sound of the Performer as much as I did. Granted, I don’t know what it’s like to physically play in person, but it certainly sounds very good for the price. My personal favorite was the 50’s Strat. It had a bit more “quack” to it and seems to have maintained its pedigree to a decent degree. I also love the way it looks (although I don’t like the color of the example used in this video).

[@jacksprat3009]

They all sounded that Fender thing pretty good through the Vox - similar if not the same. Long time ago, buddy and I were doing glass recycling. There was a place that made apple juice and we went there to collect their broken glass. Got to see the workings. Big truck backs up, and dumps a load of apples, apples go through the processes and start to fill the jars. After so many jars are done a new line of jars starts through the conveyors. In the stores one jar costs so much but the other jar costs more. Same juice, different jars.

[@belo1971]

An awesome review ! Wonderful clean tones ...like everyone should do and play to compare guitars !!!!!! 👍

[@micheleskype69]

Did you even try the Performer HSS? If you've tried it, how do you find the humbucker? Especially when it is splitting is comparable in sound to the bridge to the SSS Version? thanks

[@zaz4667]

Awesome strat collection! Got to get all of them!

[@odamacenogui]

In your opinion is the best guitar the Fender Stratocaster Professional or performer? Which one is better? Unfortunately I don't speak English to understand the video, but if you answer me I can use the translator

[@RBolognese]

None are better. It’s what’s best to you. Feel, playability, tone. All a personal preference

[@bigredracingteam9642]

The best thing is to try them yourself. The Professional has better hardware and are made of better wood. Also the Professional comes with a proper hard-case, whereas the Performer comes with a cheap gig-bag.

[@ekostopoulos]

I've had all four of them, my Elite was the HSS model. The Performer has an amazingly smooth and comfortable neck and the best single coils for clean sounds in my opinion. Excellent craftsmanship. The professional let me down. I found the pickups harsh and "sterile" and the narrow tall frets felt strange. The AO 50s has a great neck, allowing very low action. It is a beautiful guitar, but the gloss finish is SO sticky that it really slows you down and the part between my nails and fingertips started to hurt after the fist bends. Also, the pickups are really vintage in a "percussive"way, so make sure this is your thing. The Elite has one of the best neck profiles I've ever played. The Shawbucker in my HSS is the best bridge pickup for a strat in my opinion. It is very balanced, offering power without sacrificing the character of the guitar or burying the other pickup positions. The "passing lane" switch is very useful too. The only downsides for me are the ebony fretboard (I hate it) and the weight.

[@yeyearts]

I’ve been thinking about buying an American Performer Strat, do you really recomend it? Looking towards a ambient delay/funky sound Please help :)

[@ekostopoulos]

@@yeyearts Yes, it's a great guitar for the money. Fantastic neck and good pickups.

[@yeyearts]

Thank u!

[@trebleboost7]

Yeah - you reminded me - I was shocked at the weight of the Elite! Forgot about that. I also kept hitting that rubberized volume pot - drove me nuts!

[@gohjohan]

@@trebleboost7, if you keen hitting the volume switch, you should be playing the Telecaster 😅

[@duncandonuts5268]

Are the bodies on the Performers and Professional IIs the same? I like the Arctic White color but want a Proffesional II, so I'm wondering about buying a Performer and replacing a lot of what's on it.

[@odamacenogui]

4:27 What's the name of that beautiful song?

[@duck.ghost_cs2_eng]

love the tone of the performer felt less bright and i love guitars with less top end love the mid dirty frequency more

[@allguitar887]

I have a 96 Standard American Sonic blue and a MIJ 83 Fujijen Japan squire. it plays and sounds just as good if not better... I picked up a performer today at Sam Ash .loved it then grabbed a American professional Hss loved it ..the 50s sounded great also now my next is a 2015 Deluxe fat strat .compound radius neck roller nut atomic humbucker locking tuners S1 switching now that is one awesome guitar for me. There are so many variables in the Stratocaster family and I love them all.. it's a unmistakable tone.ive always said the best guitar for someone is the guitar that they bond with the guitar that makes them a better player rock on everybody..

[@LostPlanet2024]

50s sounded the best to my ears.

[@ParaBellum2024]

Whichever one you buy, if you haven't first played several, you'll always wonder if you made the right choice!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

The only way to really tell is to play the first 10 seconds of Sweet Home Alabama in position 2, and TURN IT UP!! The closest one to Ed King's model 1973's tone on that song is the winner!

[@rommelrivera1186]

50s sounded way too chimey. It was my least favorite. The Pro sounded good all around. The Elite sounded best with the middle and neck pickups engaged; that tone really put it at the top for me. But the Performer is quite surprising; must be the result of lowered expectations, but it sounds good. I have one on the way in Satin Lake Placid Blue. Can't wait to play it. Best comparison I've seen thus far. Thank you!

[@mysty0]

I cant speak to the Elite and the Vintage Originals but I was selecting a Strat in the store and the Player, the Performer and the Professional were available to test. Price was the least of my considerations and I walked out of the store with the Mexican Player, it was just the better guitar. I used to own a genuine 60's Fender Strat to compare to and Mexican reminded me the most of it. The Performer had some weird profile on the neck and the Professional was the Hendrix LE and I dunno what it was with the Professional but it just felt off, it was more similar to the Mexican Player than the Performer but something was just off about it. I walked out of the shop with a Mexican Player for $840AUD (current exchange $570US) and couldn't be happier. I know the US Fender branch sent in some Techs this year to Mexico to sort out the Bridge and a few other quirks with the Mexican Strats and it has certainly made the difference, fit and finish is superb

[@lastWhiteKingdom]

The pro give exactly the sound you expect from à strat. The other are also interesting

[@arsenmarek597]

Thanks, very informative, just the infos I was looking for.

[@beau5375]

All gear reviews should have a UK, Aussie or Kiwi accent.

[@james6234]

All beautiful guitars. But my favourite would be the vintage 50's.

[@davepilgrim5798]

Performer: modern c neck, professional: deep c neck. Your thoughts about them?

[@johnprzybycien1644]

The performer (large headstock), is an updated American special, the original had the black CBS 70's logo, and Fender switched it for a silver logo (which sucks), they switched the custom shop Texas special pickups to the new "flat" poles, Yosemite pickups, which is Fender's way of getting rid of old, leftover stock, that's gathering dust in their warehouses. Fender is pushing the new pickups as something new, but they're actually an old design (think 70's strat), and they also use them on the new Vintera series 70s strat, and advertised them as redesigned, vintage sounding, flat pole pieces). As far as neck thickness, the modern American performer (and last year's American special, which is actually the better guitar, but have been discontinued, you can still find them advertised used, and clearance) has a modern C shape, which feels slick and thin (if you're looking for a fat clubby, vintage neck, go with the deep C or the vintage reissues American original/classic series). I'm one of those rare strat players who love the 70's strats, I grew up during the 70's and everyone from Ritchie Blackmore to David Gilmour was playing the recent guitars of the day Jeff Beck played a White 72 strat on his "Wired" tour, 1976. Everyone is trying to obtain a vintage 50s or a modern American professional strat to achieve the classic rock sounds, but the truth is, most classic rock recordings from Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Robin Trower, Hendrix, Jeff Beck, Nazareth, Rainbow, Heart, Iron Maiden, David Bowie (Ziggy stardust), etc. All their classic recordings were done with CBS era stratocaster (look up any old concert/recording videos on KZbin, and they all have the strats with the big headstock, yet everyone seems to frown on these guitars, but they contributed more to music history than any other model strat.

[@davepilgrim5798]

@@johnprzybycien1644 Thanks for your kind answer. Damn, you are right, I've never thought about 70 CBS era strat and the artist who played it. And nobody seems to understand that pickups, capacitors, resistance, pots, cable.. affect way more the tone than the year of production. Have a good day.