Before You Buy A Fender Player Strat | Fender Vs Jet JS400

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Jet AND/or Fender - What have you tried? 🫳⌨⬇ Keen to hear good and bad stories about either! 😁👍 Did anyone notice I actually did 10 different "licks" for this one? - Just sayin 😜

[@pankajmarwaha9815]

Have you seen the new soloking guitars? Bone nut, roller string tree, roasted maple neck, sculpted heel joint stainless steel frets, wilkinson 2pt trem/locking tuners and entwistle pickups - all for £300! This would rival the JET JS450 and Fender maybe a shootout in the near future...?😂

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@pankajmarwaha9815 I have seen the previous run. Definitely on the Radar for checking out. From what I remember... They were D shaped necks. Will have a look 2morra - got a gig now

[@thestratman7903]

Music man uses Basswood also! And I have an EART strat from Amazon that has roasted maple neck/board SS frets...GREAT guitar except for the pickups.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@thestratman7903 Good shout Re Musicman - Cheers! 😀👍 I've had 3 Eart's 🙈 Agreed - Great guitars 👌 I never fell in love with the neck though - but probably the best fretwork I've ever seen 👍

[@jet_guitars]

Hi, thank you for the honest opinion, we will continue to work hard and provide best possible instruments. Short spoiler - 2024 will bring two new series, which will tick all the boxes for players who now use/buy 300/400 series and feel the need to upgrade some parts ;)

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one! That's great news 😀👍 Please do get in touch if you'd like any product testing 😁👍

[@jamesdeananderson1411]

That's a wise business move. May Jet enjoy a profitable 2024 for listening to customers.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@jamesdeananderson1411 Hear hear! 👍👍

[@DarylT64]

I hope a JS-500 with the same colors as the JS-400 and not the sparkling colors they have now is coming in 2024. I absolutely love The JS-500 but do not like a sparkling finish. I would have purchased the JS-500 but will not purchase a sparkling finish on a guitar. I absolutely love the HH pickup configuration . Jet please better non sparkling colors for the JS-500. The JS-400 is an awesome guitar but I would definitely prefer a JS-500 in the same colors as the JS-400. The seafoam green(SFG) and the yellow (VYW) are my favorite colors.🎸🤘🏻

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@DarylT64 It could happen! 😃 Hopefully you get your wish 😁🤞 In the meantime... I'd suggest keeping an eye out for a used Fazley Phynica FSST 920. It's the exact same guitar as the Jet JS500. Same spec, same factory, same team making then - non sparkled 😎👍 Used is your only option as the were discontinued earlier this year :( Going rate should be around £150 I reckon 😃 Good luck 🤞

[@calbrockocat8728]

Like that comparison, Steve! I think dishing out an extra $800CAD for the Fender brand name-made in Mexico- is quite a lot. The Jet JS400 is $350CAD right now for the HSS set up. Investing in new pickups and tuners- another $250CAD and you're still ahead by loads!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thanks mate! 100% 👍 Apologies - I didn't do my research - I don't know If lefties are accommodated for 😬 I hope so! 😀

[@davidqueen5098]

Luckily I bought 2 Squier strats 1 60’s vibe one 50’s vibe 5 years ago both were 329 dollars now they are 429 dollars last check. They both awesome. Also my American strats are the bomb. Thanks for your awesome channel 🎸

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya kindly mate! 😃🙏 THe Squier CV's have a great rep - Nice scores mate 😃👍

[@куглаземаљска]

A proper question for JET, how much would cost that guitar if they put alder body instead basswood? Why don't they do one serie like that? Thanks man for great review.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Cheers mate! 😃🙏 But yeah - an Alder body would definitely cost more. They already do some models with Alder bodies, but not traditional strat styles. and They do cost more. The body wood personally isn't a factor for me. I don't care what it's made of, as long as the Guitar is lightweight (around 7 - 7.5lbs is ideal 😁👍)

[@iangoldie6396]

I have a Fender MIJ Traditional 60s Strat which is made from basswood and that's one of the nicest guitars I've ever played, I think a lot of of their MIJ guitars are made from it so nothing wrong with it at all 👍

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I've never had a MIJ Fender - I think i'll need to fix that. Cheers for the reminder mate 😃👍

[@Adoogin]

Ha! I've got a 1983 He-Man still in it's box... the bubble is cracked and it's got a price sticker on it so apparently not very desirable to collectors but I still want to sell it to buy a guitar! What a coincidence! Looking at a used PRS Zach Myers that is very pretty.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Seems like a fair trade to me 😜👌

[@justice100forwin2]

Great review , really like the format. Fender guitars have started to suffer from quality control issues these days which is a shame , especially for people like me who live miles away from any Fender dealers ( it also saddens me that so many guitar shops are closing these days. Kid's just aren't seeing bands to be inspired by , not much guitar in Drill music..lol ) , so I would have to order one online. Throughout the review I thought the Fender sounded better , but as far as spec goes the Jet is amazing value for money. Now you have changed the pickups in the Jet it seems like a hell of a guitar and so much cheaper than the Fender , who are maybe living of their name a little too much when you see what can be done for the money.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I kinda dropped the ball when recording the audio for this one. I had both Guitars signals too hot and got audio clipping on all the tone examples. My bad - lessons learned 🙈 But even with that - I agree the Fender sounded better 👍 But now I have the same pickups (Single coils) in the Jet, I can't see a valid reason for choosing Fender in 2024. Except for Name/Brand value and maybe if someone wants to keep things stock 🤷‍♂️

[@gearViewmirror]

Great video Steve! Your attention to style details (matching clothes and spectacles to the guitar), are second to none!👌My first strat, Fender Roadhouse Deluxe 2017, i got for 600.- second hand. Since then i got 3 Jet strats, which i all modded. I cut a bigger hole in the pickguard of the JS-300 to accomodate a humbucker. This was taken from a HB SC-550, in which it sounded 'muffled'. I took off the cover and now the JS-300 is my favorite and most played guitar. I'm messing around with string gauges and will try 9's on the JS-400 (same colour as yours here), that might make it as supple as the JS-300.....it worked for the Gretsch G-2420. They are all good guitars, now gassing for a JS-700 with Wilkinson Floyd....😜🎸🤘🎸

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya kindly mate! It warms my heart when someone notices the matching glasses & guitars details 😀🙏 You've got it nailed mate - 3 Jets all modded - that's the way to do it 😁👍 Get em specced out exactly how you like em 😎👌 I use 9's on 25.5" scale guitars - but i'm a proper weakling 🙈

[@bongdelonge8668]

Player series are trash for the money. I swear budget guitar brands like Jet, soloking and firefly must have a written agreement with fender stating that their headstock and logo design has to suck. It's the main reason I don't own a Sire Larry Carlton S7. Beautiful guitar horrible headstock.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

🤣😂👌 I also don't like the "slightly off" body shape of the Sire S range 😬

[@underrated5006]

I have played a bunch of the new Fender Player II guitars and must say I am really disappointed. They are pretty average, and I am a huge Fender fan. Save your money and buy a Jet instead.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I've only played 1 player 2 and it had a nut issue 😬 I'd go for a Jet too (with some minor upgrades 😁👍)

[@alinsandu7190]

I ll be hinest, got the js300 in gold for blackfriday for like 150pounds here in romania, and i swear its better than a player strat. Id bet money that on a blind shootout everyone would prefer the js 300. Also the squier 40th anniversary are better than the player series imo. The pkayer series just feel cheap in hand are extremelly bad set up. Thats my experience in shops around Bucharest. I do prefer my 2003 fender strat tho.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Great deal! The gold one looks super classy too 😎👌 I couldn't agree more - my experience has been pretty much identical to yours. I have a 2004 Fender USA strat, which was my no.1 gigging guitar. But it's been gathering dust since I upgraded the Jet JS400. I think Jet have the potential to make massive waves in the future

[@PeterErikson-rd5tj]

JET AND HARLEY BENTON. --- Done w/ Fender . You can get a Jet Strat $225 +. HB. Strat. 150 +. HB. Les Paul. 255. (delivered.W/ SH. ) for $650. --- - Less than 1. Fender Player Strat MIM. W/ TAX. $840 ////..SO. 650 + GET AN AMP. - BOSS 50 KATANNA. FOR 225. + TAX.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ha!😂👌 Great point! I wish I'd put it like that in the video 🤓👌

[@PeterErikson-rd5tj]

@@stevecassidyguitar Your Vid was Great , Super detailed -- showed exactly what the diferences are -- Like Jet does have a Non Standard Pick Guard so Can you drop in a Aftermarket Loaded Pick Guard ? -- I like the Black PG with A Sunburst strat and some Guitar Fetish brand Pickups =can it be done with a dremal tool to. shave the new PG ? But yeah. we can get 3 guitars and a decent amp for close to $840.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@PeterErikson-rd5tj Cheers mate! 😀🙏 Same here - My sunburst Fender strat has a black pickguard and white controls pick up covers on maple - That's how I like my sunbursts 😁 As for aftermarket guards, they don't line up perfectly with the screw holes and may need some filing as the dimensions are not identical. But... A few people have commented they've managed to change thiers successfully 👍

[@jonboy4601]

I have a aria pro s type...i payed £25 for from my lads pal and in all honesty it does everything i need from a strat. I gave it a set up. But even a pro set up new tuners and a new bridge pick up...what £170 all in? Fenders prices are ridiculous.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Oooft! £25!?!? Bargain! 😃👍 It's amazing what you can get these days for so little. Between your £25 up to the £180 Jet, It's getting harder and harder to justify buying a Fender (for me anyway)

[@oolieboolieyeah]

I think Jet did a good job with that headstock. They differentiated themselves sufficiently while still making something that looks good in it's own right. That's more than can be said for a lot of other makers, not least G&L. They deserve to lose a point for that awful logo though.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I hear ya 😆👍 Headstocks and Logo's are tricky for new companies to navigate, when the old traditional designs are so ingrained in our tastes

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

Hello Steve so after looking at multiple guitars, I was about to buy the fender player but after having the jet in my hands the neck felt quite good and the roasted maple looked badass then I said why pay 3 times the price for a fender when I have this quality and feel, I had previously a second hand squier but the squier felt really heavy compared to the jet also for some reason with the jet I feel I can play easier, maybe due to the maple finish ,it would be good to analyze how jet can put out this quality at this price, big brands need to step up their game definitely thanks again

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one mate 😃👍 Glad you liked it 😃👍 But yeah totally - why pay more? 🤷‍♂️

[@hanhakan3631]

you are definitely right because ı have both of them and ı can compare them fairly Just to the point ı would like to add ı have fender American Series made in usa and jet mini for my child. jet coils a little bit noisy when you do not play however jet single coils is a little bit higher volume than ı expected

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Totally agree 😃👍I have a USA Fender strat too. I never play it now 🙈

[@Old_Geezer]

The JS400 was my son's first "serious" grown up guitar as a beginner. He still has it - plus many more instruments now, both budget and more expensive. Know which one he still plays the most? Yep, his stock JS400 in Seafoam Green. I remember the first time his teacher, absolutely a Fender man through and through, who owns many thousands of pounds worth of mostly Strats, picked it up and played it. He was genuinely astonished when told him how much I paid for it at the time (I think it cost me £167). He he has since done regular maintenance and set up work on it so has got to know it quite well and is still impressed with its quality and playability for its price point. They are very good guitars - at least the one we bought is.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

This has been my experience too mate 😎👍 I sound just like your sons teacher. That's my day job too, and i (was) a Fender man too. I gig my (modded) JS400 most weekends. My USA Fender strat hasn't been touched in over a year now 😐

[@SoniaGail]

Great guitar. Only I would have to pass only cos of the weight. 7 kilo. Almost twice the weight of a strat. Do ya shoulder in. Why on earth would they make them so heavy. But good video

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! 😀 Apologies if I said it wrong in the vid - They weights are in pounds (lbs) not KG 😂 This particular sunburst Jet is heavy (for me) at 8.2lbs (3.7kg). But I have another 2 Jets (exactly the same models) that weigh less at around 3.3kg 👍

[@pauldavid22212]

Bahahaha He Man FFS 🤣🤣 Jet from gladiator ls is a physio these days. A mate of mine had to see her for a few sessions, lucky bugger. That Jet is all the value, what a steal.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I'll bet she's the best physio in the land! 💪✈️ But yes mate, agreed - The Jet is very good value for money to say the least 😁👍

[@Ian_KH]

I have a JS400 in Lake Placid Blue (like yours) and it's a fantastic instrument. I'm a decent rhythm player but, I'm really a bass player and I bought a Jet JJB300 bass online, sight unseen, on the strength of the strat. I had the pick ups replaced with Fender Gen 4 noiseless and it is far and away the best bass I have ever owned. It's so good that I put my Fender P bass away and haven't played it since I bought the Jet. The workmanship and quality just blow the Fender out of the water. The neck is beautiful with that rosewood fretboard. I also have a Fender Meteora bass, a Thunderbird and an Epiphone JC bass and I play all of these but the Jet has become my "go to" bass over the precision. It's just a fantastic instrument. Edit: And it's a beautiful, striking gold colour. Glorious!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Wow! Great to hear the quality is still there with the basses too 😃👍 I seen that one in store last year. Looks classy 😎👌 If they come out with a 5 string I'll probably grab one 😁👍

[@georgewilkins4231]

I bought a white jet JS400. So impressed I bought another one.. Sunburst this time...

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I don't blame ya mate - They're addictive 👹 I've kinda got 4 🙈

[@МихаилКоверзнев-ш2ч]

Мне js -400 нравится больше и внешне, и по звучанию. 👍

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Мне больше нравится внешний вид JS400, но также и его ощущения 😎👌

[@gabe2968]

I bought myself a Jet JT300, the tele one. I'm blown away, I seriously love it. The neck is so great. I've modified it a fair bit, graphtec string trees (the break angle is really bad), brass saddles, 4 way selector switch and some really nice pickups. All the frets were level, it has near to perfect intonation, the neck is arguably better than my Fenders too

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one mate! 😀👍 I think Fender are only just catching up now, with their new player 2 series getting rolled fretboard edges - like we already get on the Jets! 😂🙈👌

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

I have seen the same the js400 but in aged version costs almost double not sure why costs double the only difference is they use rosewood and the color of body

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yeah mate - the pink one? I can't get my head round the pricing on that one either 🤔 I'm not a big fan of rosewood anyway 😜

[@misterknightowlandco]

Honestly, if it’s 8-7, I’ll take the Fender. I HAAAAATE modding with a passion. I’d rather spend the extra money and get what I want than mod.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I hear ya - and... I share your disdain for modding 😅👍 Most of the time I'll have a tech do it (properly) but then that of course inflates the cost. But... my modded Jet is my no 1 gigging guitar these days - Love it! 😎👌

[@rileybrown4740]

Your low tone on the jet needs turned down. Either that or thats how the pickups sound. If thats the case....point for fender.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I had all controls on 10 for both guitars, I agree the Fender sounds better 👍 I failed to record both guitars properly though 🙈 had the signals too hot and had clipping on both. My bad - lessons learned 😬

[@daveperrin9408]

Hi Steve. I've owned 2 Fender player series strats. A couple of squire strats but for me the Jet JS guitars have better necks. And for the money you are saving you could spend it on effect pedals or a new amp. or Beer!! Great. Great comparison on both guitars. I guess it's personal choice. But for me it's the Jet JS. I have the Jet JS300 which is amazing. All the best Steve. Top man 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thanks very much mate! 😀🙏 You know the majority of people here who have experience with both are saying the same as us. There's even a guy om here with Fender Custom shop who prefers his Jet. They're certainly doing something right 👍 BEER! Thanks for the reminder 😁👍 Cheers mate 🍻

[@simongummer4515]

Is it me or is the jet logo terrible. Player pickups are very good expected to change mine out but not gonna

[@stevecassidyguitar]

The Jet Logo is... subjective 😆 I don't love it.. it's ok, but I actually preferred thier 1st gen holographic logo. I LOVE the player single coils 😍👌 A lot of people do change em instantly 🤷‍♂️

[@jacksonweaver6045]

Great Stuff! I have a js400 on the way I couldn't be more excited about and your content was a big factor in my decision . I plan on modding mine similar but not exactly like yours. Please do modded jet against the player Strat comparison. I'd love to see how it comes out!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank you mate - I'm on the case! 😀👍 Indeed- I'd totally expect people to do their own mods to preference! 😀👌 As you're expecting a Jet - a wee bit of advice - Bin the stock strings immediately, polish the frets, and put on your string gauge/brand of choice - you'll be over the moon! 😁

[@jacksonweaver6045]

Thanks for the advice. To pick your brain for one more second , do you know of any other locking tuners that will be drop in on the Jets? Also, how did you make your humbucker choice ? I'm looking for something versatile , but leaning towards punk rock sounds. Any thoughts? Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@jacksonweaver6045]

​@@stevecassidyguitarsee prior

[@thelolguy007]

Steve, you should have awarded the Jet an extra point for doing away with that useless in the way top knob that Fender has. Far too close to the strings. Two knobs is the only way. Go Jet 👏

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ha! 😂 Good point - that's one of those subjective ones I suppose. I hear a lot of people don't like that knob placement, but it's never bothered me 🤷‍♂️. I wonder if it's because I've almost always played Strats? 🤔 Maybe if you're used to a different layout on other guitars then go to a sttrat it feels in the way? 🤷‍♂️ Soz... Just thinking out loud here now 🙈

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

hello Mr steve quick question if I want to add lets say fender pickups to my jet will I have to change the electronics, mics to take full advantage of the pickups?? or I should be good only by changing the pickups?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Good question mate! I did change the pickups (used a Fender Player set) and pots (to push/push). You don't "have to" change the electronics, changing the pickups will make a big difference to the sound, but upgrading the wiring etc could also improve the tone. I think I might have that done on mine in future.

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

@@stevecassidyguitar thanks

[@tomasmedina488]

19:46 when you played the jet, this one has the original pickups or the new ones?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

That's the stock pickups. I had a bit of a nightmare with the audio on all of the playing clips. I recorded the signal from my interface too hot and was getting a lot of audio clipping, especially with the distorted tones. Totally my bad - lessons learned. Apologies it's not the best example of how either guitar sounds, I should have did better. 😬

[@Vicos]

Fender can't offer too much because they have to protect their high-priced lines. Technology and manufacturing advancements have come to the guitar industry and the establishment companies like fender and gibson are being impacted, just like with other industries that were upset by technology, ie. brick and mortal stores and the media companies. Budget guitars will get better and better and their prices will rise to eventually reach an equilibrium with American offerings. Don't be surprised to see the old usa companies going bankrupt or being sold in the future, especially as the economy worsens.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one mate - very good points raised and concepts to think about 👌 Potentially in this new age we will just use our 3D printers at home to print our exact replica R9 LP's with Fitlerton pickups and Floys Rose trems etc 😜

[@Vicos]

@@stevecassidyguitar I was thinking mainly about CNC for cutting bodies and necks. I hadn't even considered 3D printing. Interesting thought.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@Vicos 🤖🎸

[@StevieZero]

Guthrie Govan's Charvel's basswood...I think MusicMan have a lot of basswood guitars and Fender Japan...Its widely used these days

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Well I'm certainly never gonna argue with Guthrie - he knows a thing or 2 about guitars 😁👌 Didn't know Fender Japan used it - wish I knew that before making the vid! 🙈 Thanks for sharing mate! 😀🍻

[@AllTheRain]

every single pickup position sounded better on the fender on my studio monitors

[@stevecassidyguitar]

This was my experience in the room too, noticed it even more during the edit. The standard player single coils are excellent pickups imo - and you can usually find them quite cheap used, as some people just change them straight away 🤷‍♂️

[@TheTerracide]

What about testing cheap Alnico 5 pickups from Ali or ebay vs your Tex Mex for example? i mean why pay a 100 bucks for a fender magnet that is basicly the same in every Alnico 5 pickup

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Good shout! 😎👍 In my modded Jet I put the same pickups in (a Fender player set) but bought them used - think it worked out £20 per single coil 😀

[@TheTerracide]

@@stevecassidyguitar yeah i know i saw it! but i was just thinking of something as cool video-content. I'm not gonna buy fender PU's but maybe i wanna change ceramic for Alnico 5 magnets though

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@TheTerracide Ah I see. Soz -got ya 🙈👍 Cheers for watching the other vid too 😀🙏 I've got quite a few sets of (all used) pickups kicking around here I'm dying to try out. Couple of sets of tone riders, a set of Kinmans, and a couple of other misc sets 🙈 Cheers again - Good shout 😎👍

[@mark_greening_gtr]

Great Vid Steve and a big 'yes' from me for the Fender v JS400 (modded) comparison.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thanks mate! 😀🙏 The follow up vid is currently in the works - can't be avoided 😜👍

[@Alan-zf2tt]

@ 13:03 ish Fender could get round that dead easy. One series: original contour body Other series: original contoured body If it is a legal "brand protected thing" the extra "ed" makes all the difference in the world. The trouble now is that there are so many good stunning guitars at stunning prices . I suppose we can't blame Fender for sticking to its "old" heritage - I think history shows that once Leo sold to CBS and CBS made changes Strat fanbase sorta evaporated EDITS: Sure Fender will retain some value but it is likely to lose more than the cost of a new Jet. It might have no resale value at all if modded or customized or damaged. One the other hand Jet allows you to tweak and twiddle and who know? If you become a Jet superstar... ? So ... my conclusion: a Fender Stratocaster is a great trophy guitar. The Jet is a great working guitar, practice or practise guitar (strictly speaking they do not mean the same, guitar to mod and experiment with

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Excellent points well made sir 😃👏👏👏 I completetly agree with your conclusion too 😎👌

[@Alan-zf2tt]

@@stevecassidyguitar Of course Jet has a lot of competition at those price ranges and quality. Who knows? It may get even better value! Plus Strats and Teles were really designed for Fender - Marshall - Orange da-de-dah amps and those are sorta history now. Who needs clean pickups for modded amps and buzzsaw sounds?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@Alan-zf2tt I believe Jet are slowly making thier way over to US stores now. Will be interesting to see how they are received 👍

[@bradubow]

would love to see you compare Fender player tele vs Eart Tele.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Cheers mate! 😃👍 I seen a load of Eart's the other day in GuitarGuitar Edinburgh. I've had 3 Earts and didn't love them 😬 but I reckon the Eart would beat the Fender spec sheet (on paper of course). I'm pretty sure I'd prefer the Fender pickups though.

[@martinjefferiss370]

Have been watching reviews on the JS 400 for about a week and have ordered one. Had a Fender Mexican Strat in '09 and was never that impressed with it. The best Squier I had was the '50's Classic Vibe Tele. Looking forward to my Jet being delivered👍😎

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Awesome mate! You've picked the best Jet model they do too (imo) 😎👍 Just a wee tip - When you get it... chuck the nasty stock strings and polish the frets - then enjoy strat heaven 😁👌

[@ottolofstrom3896]

Hi! Is the Gotoh-trem a perfect fit for the JS400, or do you have to change anything for it to fit?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Hey mate - I had my tech install the Gotoh. He used all the Gotoh parts replacing the posts etc (Which lined up the same as the Jet as far as I know). You might need to do a minimal bit of filing in the block cavity, just where the trem barrel is. It just needs an extra 1mm of clearance. Had to do the same thing on my Fender strat, it's quite common with the Gotoh on a strat. That's a very easy 1min job though 👍

[@ottolofstrom3896]

@@stevecassidyguitar Thank you! Take care!🙏🏻

[@ElIsraelJijijiji]

Do you think these JET guitars are very modificable? Im thinking on buying a PRS neck style because i can't get comfortable with the C shape

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yes you can modify them to an extent, it depends on your skills/confidence, how much you want to spend etc... Not sure if a PRS neck would be compatible though, you'd have to do some more research on that. You might be able to pick up a used PRS Silver Sky SE, for around the same price as a Jet and a new neck 🤷‍♂️. Or maybe you could try a Harley Benton Strat, they do a 12" radius with a D shaped neck if you prefer that.

[@ElIsraelJijijiji]

@@stevecassidyguitar Ty buy I'm more into replicating a poor man's silver sky lol, Ty for the advice but the cheapest PRS which is the new Satin SE series is about 560 dollars here in Mexico

[@ElIsraelJijijiji]

@@stevecassidyguitar also I'm planning to get the cheapest JET which is the JS300

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@ElIsraelJijijiji Great guitars mate 😎👍 I always recommend them, but to be honest if you don't like the Fender C shape, you probably won't like the Jet neck either - It's almost the exact same profile 😬😬

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@ElIsraelJijijiji No worries mate - all the best with your project mate - Enjoy the journey 😀👍

[@fatboyblind16]

Excellent video, I've had a Mexican strat, an Ultra and a Custom Shop Master built. They've all been sold and I now have a Jet, I can't say I miss the Fenders. Just a home player so don't need top quality sounds. Am considering buying a loaded Custom shop pickguard and putting the pots and pickups into the Jet, minimal wiring and they can swap back if I needed to sell. Can't afford to be a brand snob these days.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Word! I can't say I have the same experience as you with these high end Fenders. The most expensive one I've ever owned is a USA standard. BUt... Your comment feels like pure satisfaction & validation for me and this vid - cheers mate! 😀🙏

[@NotUrBiz]

Alder was chosen because Leo could buy it locally...it had nothing to do with tone and everything to do with convenience and cost.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Agreed 👍 If you subscribe to the tonewood thing (Personally - I'm not that convinced 😬), Like if you go down to the Eric Johnson minutia, pickguard screws and the paint they use to number the tone/vol pots 😜 - Then a lot of people will argue that Alder is an intrinsic part of the Colonels original recipe

[@RickMcCargar]

@@stevecassidyguitar Fender used ash for electric guitar and bass bodies more or less exclusively from 1950 to mid-1956..so the original fender "tonewood" was ash. Switched to cheaper, local alder. Tone woods is b.s.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@RickMcCargar spot on mate 👍 - I shouldn't have said "original" recipe. I knew this but was too keen to fit in a KFC reference 🙈 So yes you're correct, but personally, I always associate Alder with being the definitive strat choice as they've used this more than ash on their models over the years. But you still win this point 😁👌 and I agree with your sentiments Re tonewood too 👍

[@guillaumes9013]

How does it sounds that good? I just bought a jet400 and it sounds way worse. What amp do you have? Do you think I can have a proper sounds with a cheap 200 bucks amp only with good mixing skills?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I'm using a Line 6 HX Stomp XL in this vid. But I often use an old Fender Mustang 3 amp at home and the Jet still sounds great through that (to me anyway). It depends what amp you have, £200 should easily get you something that sounds great these days 😃👍

[@guillaumes9013]

@@stevecassidyguitar okay thanks for your help! Just a last thing, you think it doesn't make sense to change the mic of the guitar, or would it sounds way better changing the mic?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@guillaumes9013 That's all down to your preference mate 👍 I changed the pickups (mics) in my other Jet JS400 and it sounds the same as the Fender (imo). Personally I don't like the stock Humbucker in the JS400 too much, but the single coils sound pretty good to me. What amp are you using?

[@guillaumes9013]

@@stevecassidyguitar ok good! Do you have recommandations of pickups that sounds good that are not too expensive? Right now I have a fender acoustasonic 40 but I have parasyt sounds with my jet400 so I'm thinking of buying a mustang lt25. I'm trying to have a clear sound. Thanks for the time you spend answering I really appreciate it

[@jerry4254]

I bet IYV strat is 10 times better than this crap.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Would love to try an IYV! 😀👍 But not so easy to get in the uk unfortunately :( Which one are you referring to as "crap"? The Fender or the Jet? Have you tried a Jet? 😀

[@olivermirez6667]

I bought this exact same guitar, it has just arrived about an hour ago. I'm seriously in love. Thank you for your videos, they've been really helpful for me, lad!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ah nice one! HNGD! 🥳 Hope you love the guitar 😀👍 Thank you! 🙏

[@bradubow]

I love that your glasses match the guitars haha !

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! So glad someone noticed the wee details I try to include 🤓🙏

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

is it possible to put fender locking tuners to the jet?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

It's possible, but they're not drop in replacements..Fender tuners have the "2pin" fastening, where the Jet just has the single offset screw. You'd have to drill 12 wee shallow holes for the Fender 2pins (2holes for each tuner) then once you've got them on, you'll be left with the holes from the Jet tuners still visible. It wouldn't bother me. But I prefer less work. Drop in replacements is what I'd go for - check out Vanson 👍

[@rileybrown4740]

I have both. While both being great. The fender is better. Hands down.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I have both too and came to the opposite conclusion. I'm not saying you're wrong. It's all subjective 😃👍

[@rileybrown4740]

@@stevecassidyguitarall good my brother!

[@brankahamersmit6419]

Hallo, how much does the Jet JS 400 weigh ?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I've had a few of these in my hands mate - Lowest was 7.4lbs (3.35kg) and heaviest is this Sunburst one at 8.2lbs(3.7kg). They do vary. Also mentioned this @11:20 in the vid 😜👍

[@paulmccabe2966]

Okay...props for matching your glasses with the colours of the guitars 😋

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ha! Thank you mate! These details are important to me - makes it all worth it when ya notice 😀🙏

[@oscartemple8299]

not enough headroom when you record guitars

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yeah mate I failed massively on this onen🙈 I had clipping as I recorded them too hot.. Mistakes made, lessons learned. Soz 😬👍

[@SomeReallyUniqueName]

The Jets headstock is actually quite nice, rather the label is to bling for anything else than flashy modern style guitars.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yeah the logo reminds me of some kinda 90's Graffiti font 😆👍

[@SomeReallyUniqueName]

@@stevecassidyguitar Yes, exactly! Like some kids tag. Imho a cleaner logo is the only negative part of it. Less bling, more gramps writing style

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@SomeReallyUniqueName Agreed 😆👍

[@BudgetGuitarShow]

Great video. Personally, I could never spend £600 on a guitar unless it was a signature series related to one of my idols. Jet wins in this instance, but I am a Fazley guy.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Cheers Johnny! 😀🍻 I hear ya mate, I'm happier these days to go near £500 but not all at once, would do it incrementally, with mods etc... 😁 Also starting to get a strong itch to try out the Fazley Sunset Dawn HSS strat 🙈 They're just a few quid over £100 atm 🤯

[@mikenorman6697]

@stevecassidyguitar Overall the build quality of the JS400 looks pretty good. 1. Does the JS 400 have a gloss or a satin neck? By that - I mean on the back of the neck. I love satin necks. Dislike gloss necks. 2. Also I think the pickups on the JS 400 don't sound too good. What HSS replacements would you recommend? Big thanks!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I also don't like glossy necks mate. It's a satin finish on the back and fretboard (The earlier runs had gloss on the fretboard, but they changed it - it's way better now imo) Here's all the mods I did to my JS400 inc Pickups kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5nHXp6VbbN_jpI I'm not a fan of hot (or really expensive) pickups so I went for a used Fender player set 😎👌 (Way better than people think 😁) But maybe you like hotter? 🤷‍♂️ There's loads to chose from either way. I quite like Iron Gear and Tone Riders

[@mikenorman6697]

@@stevecassidyguitar Big thanks for this! I don't like pickups too hot. They lose clarity and dynamics and the mid-range takes over too much. Thanks for the link to the video. I'll watch it.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@mikenorman6697 No worries mate - Sounds like we have similar pickup tastes. If you don't want to spend too much, youcould maybe try the Tone Riders Pure Vintage or Surfari single coils. I have both sets here, I'm yet to try out, but the marketing blurb sounds like what I'm after 😜 As for the Humbucker - endless options - maybe something with Alnico II magnets? 🤷‍♂

[@mikenorman6697]

@@stevecassidyguitar Looked at your modding video. Did the Player series pickups sound different in the JS400 compared to how they sounded in the Fender Player guitar? Perhaps was there more mid range and less dynamic range? I know the Fender Player strat has body wood of Alder and the Jet JS400 has body wood of basswood. I think that perhaps basswood will produce a warmer more mid-range tone compared to alder with the same set of pickups. What do you think?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@mikenorman6697 Good question mate 👍 There's 2 camps on this one. Personally, I'm a bit of a Tone Wood Denier 🙈 There is a subtle difference in the tone between the 2, I could never tell in a blind test. But they they don't even have the same pots and wiring. The pot tolerance would make a more noticeable difference than the wood (imo) then there's the pickup height - it was close, but not exactly the same. The strings on the Fender were a bit older, The Gotoh trem block is a different shape and material. I think all of the above would make more of a difference than the wood. I'm not saying I'm right, the pro tone wood camp would suggest the opposite. I think tonewood is only a factor on acoustics. 😬

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Nah I'm buying the fender

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I did too - It's a good guitar

[@jasonlee8497]

Nice playing. I’m happy with my Fender Player Plus. It was the neck that sold me. With an up graded Seymour Duncan loaded pick guard, it’s great.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! - That's a good upgrade, I'm still not sure on the stock Fender noiseless pups on the player plus. Love the finish options on that series though 😎👌

[@squirelova1815]

EVH uses Basswood on even their 'High End' Wolfgang models.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one! I knew a lot of brands use Basswood, but I'm not too familar with the EVH stuff - Cheers mate 😀👍

[@henryteardrop492]

@@stevecassidyguitar Suhr also use basswood on many of their models.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@henryteardrop492 Can't argue with mr Suhr - He knows how to make braw guitars 😁👌

[@Arthur_My_Dear]

Great video. Would a Strat pickguard fit the jet apart from the screw holes? I’d be quite happy to put a few holes in a £169 guitar and the variety of upgrades opens right up.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank you mate 😅🙏 In my experience... I only tried to line them up - didn't go as far as attempting an install (but it didn't line up perfect for me with the neck heel and trem) Worst case scenario you have to do a little bit of filing. But... Someone else commented here the other day saying they had success with a "Vanson" pickguard (around £10 eBay). They only had to drill 3 holes and the rest lined up fine. If you have success (or failure 🙈) please do report back and let us know what fits and what doesn't for you 😃🙏👍

[@GaryHill-j3n]

Very good again Steve 👍 What would you say is the best guitar ever. Obviously in your opinion 🥸

[@stevecassidyguitar]

My opinion on this probably doesn't matter at all - but for me - I love a Strat and I love Starcaster-s equally. My current favourite strat is a Jet JS400. If they made these with the 9.5" radius AND stainless steel frets... then that's game over 😎👌

[@MichaelFischer-w5z]

The Fender sounds way better.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I agree the Fender sounds better 👍 I have since put a set of Fender player (single coils) in the Jet along with a few other upgrades: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4fah35mp7WDors I failed to record both guitars properly though 🙈 had the signals too hot and had clipping on both. My bad - lessons learned 😬

[@stephenhedger5178]

Like you, I am a long term Fender man and have to say that I wholeheartedly agree with your conclusions. I also feel that Fender run the risk of pricing themselves out of this area of the market in view of the features and quality of the Jet JS300 and JS400 series. I put Irongear 6TS single coils and a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker in my JS400 and it is now my go to guitar, eclipsing some some very nice Fenders and a boutique made vintage Strat clone! Well done on another excellent video and I hope to join you for the live stream.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank you very much mate! 🙏 I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one thinking this way 😅👍 We've been able to get the affordable yet much higher specced guitars than the big boys for a good few years now. But imo Jet are really nailing with the build quality, better than most other younger brands. Great bare bones for mods - as you know 😁👍 Thank you for the live stream RSVP too - hopefully see ya there! If I can get it working 🙈

[@GreatPlanet-c7o]

All basswood isnt the same. There is actually some basswood from Quebec Canada thats not soft or that dents easily.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Interesting 👍 Did not know this. I don't know the origin of the Basswood on the Jets either. Personally I'm a bit of a tone wood denier anyway 😜

[@GreatPlanet-c7o]

@@stevecassidyguitar some wonderful guitars made by Godin are basswood.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@GreatPlanet-c7o I don't think I've ever tried a Godin - Always been curious though, I've only ever heard great things 👍

[@mikey-dubs]

Is it just me or are all the playing parts highly distorted and you can hear break up like when you turn your speakers up way too high?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

It's just you. Nah 😜 You're actually spot on. I made a massive error with the audio and ended up with some clipping - especially on the dirty tones 🙈 Lessons learned - I've fixed it for the newer recordings - apologies 😬 At least both Guitars are clipping so it's still a fair comparison 😜😂🙈

[@mikey-dubs]

@@stevecassidyguitar It's all good! Stuff happens. You got me to recheck my sound system lol

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@mikey-dubs Good news is your gear is working fine 😂👍

[@steven_uk]

Is this a sponsored video? Did Jet send you the guitar or did you pay for it yourself?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Very good question! ... Not sponsored. I think I've bought 5 Jets now, only "definitely" keeping 2 of em. I would be happy to receive any Jets from... Jet Guitars though - If they see this 😜 I've did a couple of Videos on Jet Vs Fazley (Parts 1 & 2) where I didn't say such nice things about Jet 😬 (I hope they don't see this part 🙈). Like I had a really poor customer service experience with them. Anyway... Not Sponsored - I just love their Guitars (mostly) 👍

[@steven_uk]

@@stevecassidyguitar Thanks for the reply.

[@dragan4658]

Steve I love the way the color of your glasses coincidently 😂 match the guitars! I will be ordering...CORRECTION: I have ordered a Jet Js400 in Olympic white, though I must say the one you have in this video matches well with the neck/fretboard color. Jet with the roasted maple and much lower price in my opinion is the way to go. MIM guitars are overpriced when compared to Jet or Eart, Fazley & Harley Benton just to name a few. Cheers mate!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! 🙏 I'm over the moon you noticed the extra detail with the glasses and Guitars 🤓🎸 Wait a minute! ..... "Glasses and Guitars" - I've been looking for a name for my livestreams or podcast - that could work! Cheers! 🍻 Congrats on the incoming Jet 👍 Once it lands... I'd highly recommend binning the stock strings, go for your brand of choice and polish the frets while the strings are off - You'll be in strat heaven 😎👌

[@MashaT22]

@@stevecassidyguitarI keep wondering how you found these glasses that are so similar in a variety of colors. Are they prescription?! You need an eyeglasses sponsor, Steve! You should try reaching out to some glasses brands!

[@gabrielberns93]

I bought first the JS 650, and after a great impression about this one I went to a JS300 , and I continued adding a JS 450 Bicolor & finally a JS 450 QTB. They are awesome guitars, very well constructed and balanced. Finally I decided to upgrade them with tuners Gotoh Lock and installed Gotoh 510 series bridges. With these improves they put in the shadows my Suhr and Fender American Ultra, no doubts about that, and when you think in the whole value of all the work in every guitar, finally you must to think if you are maintaining the expensive guitars only by the logo on the headstock.....

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice one mate! 😎👍 I'm not familiar with the 650, but I have had a JT300, JS300, JS400 and JS450. The JS400 is my favourite 😁I also upgraded to a Gotoh 510 bridge, upgraded pickups & Locking tuners. I'm not surprised it can hold it's own against a Fender - but I'm really surprised you rate it so closely to your Suhr! 🤯 That's awesome! 😀

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

Is it a Mexican fender or American?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

The Fender player series are all made in Mexico 👍 The old mexican standard Fenders were good, but the player series came out (I think 2018) with lots of upgrades bringing the specs much closer to the Old Fender USA standard. I think the only differences are where it's made, nut material and string trees

[@matthewotremba9230]

I have an S type , yep , pickguards are diff Found out after doing a bunch of custom work Stuck with the 3 ply white I scalloped the neck and weight relieved the body behind guard And also opposing areas from the back Love It

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Nice mate 😃👍 What did you do under the pickguard to reduce the weight? I only ask as I currently have one disassembled after refinishing. Anything else I can do to reduce the weight I'd be up for trying 😁👍

[@matthewotremba9230]

@@stevecassidyguitar a router and a cut blade And hogged out all under And flip it and routed from the back where I could I believe I have a short of it in my ...

[@Ithorn110]

I bought a jet it had a crack in the fretboard very disappointing

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Yeesh! Never heard of that before, very dissapointing indeed. Did you get a return/replacement/exchange?

[@Ithorn110]

@@stevecassidyguitar I will probably try again because I can tell the guitar it's pretty nice beside the defect

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@Ithorn110 Worth another go I'd say mate. A shame you had a bad experience with the first one. That is sometimes enough to put people off of a brand for life. Sounds like you''re smarter than that though mate 😁👍

[@derekclacton]

Nice work, Steve! I’d prefer the Fender, for its looks, sound and weight but there’s no doubting the Jet’s vfm. Just a thought on the specs (specifications - not your eye-wear!) - imho, it’s good to know what the electronics are: either full-size or mini pots, 250k or 500k, cap values and switch type - spring or box - I hesitate to say that and hope this doesn’t sound like “Must try harder”, as you compared so many aspects! Taking the guitars apart is more work and making such a great video is already very involved, so you might have discounted doing that. Anyway, you’re doing great - keep it up! 👍

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank you very much for this mate 😎👌🙏 Excellent points raised sir - you're spot on Re the electronics - it's most definitely an important factor in the tone that should be considered. But you're also correct Re the extra effort required 🙈 I was mindful this video was already gonna be quite long (my longest yet), the longer duration, can often equate less views. But my intentions were - with it coming up to the season of "BUY BUY BUY!!!" I might be able to save someone who doesn't know any better a few hundred quid with the headline specs 🤞 Thanks again though mate - this is hugely appreciated 🍻

[@derekclacton]

@@stevecassidyguitar Cheers, Steve - your score chart approach is a real winner and when you give a subjective opinion it’s clear why you think that, leaving the viewer to make up their own mind about what’s most important to them. And bonus points for you not just saying they’re “a good weight”! 👍🙂🏆

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@derekclacton Thank you mate 😀🙏

[@Dreamdancer11]

I agree jets are making too much sense and that roasted maple neck is the biz...i installed stainless steel frets on mine(js300 though) and scalloped the neck along with a kinman pickup set but realistically those guitars only need new tuners and nut and they can be off to the races..now i really cant believe that the jet goes for the same prices as the new sonic model(at least in my country) and the sonic is basically the same quality as the old bullet but almost double the price....if the sonic cost the price of the old bullet it would make sense for the modder cause it has new and cool colours to choose from but however you wanna spin it nothing that has fender on the headstock can touch the jet in the value for money category unless its called harley benton....

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Here here! Nailed it mate😎👌 I have to admit the Squier Sonic in Ultra Violet looks pretty sharp 🙈 But yeah the spec to price ratio on them is a bit of a joke these days 😬

[@antonyedwardson9900]

Thorough comparison Steve, I’d probably have called it even as the Fender sounds quite a lot better and only got the one point for pickups for it. That said I’d put my (albeit modded) Sire S7 up against both and be fairly confident it would come out on top.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I'd have to agree - the Fender does sound miles better to my ears (Agreed - The points system is not perfect 🙈). I'm very keen to try out a Sire strat, I've had a Marcus Millar Sire Bass for a few years now - excellent build quality. But the gloss fretboards put me off a wee bit (that's on me). Will hopefully get one on the channel soon! Cheers mate! 😀👍

[@antonyedwardson9900]

⁠@@stevecassidyguitar I concur, the gloss fingerboard is probably the only bit I’d have different on it, I’m having to stop myself buying one of the new batch with rosewood boards which is my preference! I have just bought a Strymon Cloudburst to sate my GAS!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@antonyedwardson9900 Well... as long as you bought something... 🙈 I'm here to support GAS! 😜 I've been keen to try out a Sire v& Strat, but I'd have to instantly devalue it by taking the high gloss off of the fretboard 😬🙈

[@gringogreen4719]

Great video. Fender is a bit shakled to tradition more than the Jet and other S style guitars. I think Fender should offer newer features without a huge upcharge because contires and better materials are no longer "premium upgrades" when you can get $300 guitars that mirror Fender's premium models. I have a few S style guitars and there are not huge differences between Fender and them. I also upgrade the electrics and pickups in them so my S styles can keep up with MIM and USA Fenders. At tye end of the day a knockoff is not a real Fender, that said they can be just as fun to play (if not funner since I don't have to worry as much on a cheaper guitar) and they compliment Fenders and more expensive guitars onstage. At the end of the day it depends on what makes you happier. Go with that one.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate and I agree with everything you've said here - 😎👍

[@gringogreen4719]

@@stevecassidyguitar One thing I will say about upgrading from OEM parts with Gotoh is that Gotoh is made with better metal and materials. So it may not be a massive difference if the original part is good, but a Gotoh will always be better. I'm looking at doing this on my IYV Thinline Teles and I know that it will be better in the long run with Gotoh bridges vs OEM.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@gringogreen4719 Yes Indeed mate - I do believe the Gotoh is superior, and I'm over the moon I got a good deal on a used one. But the Jet stock trem is really great too - I probably wouldn't pay the full price to upgrade to a Gotoh in future... I think 🤔 But In General I love Gotoh gear across the board 😁👌

[@gringogreen4719]

@@stevecassidyguitar One last thing on the GFS pickups, they are fantastic for the money. I put them in many of my guitars, and while they may not be AS GOOD as Seymour Duncans, they definitely are pretty close. Probably my favorite set is the Surf 90s, I have them in three of my guitars. One is a single pickup S style (a Tom DeLong meets Dick Dale build), a IYV Thinline Telecaster style (both pickups are Surf 90s and it sounds and plays very well (this is the model that will get the Gotoh bridge)) and a Xaviere S style (GFS's brand) where I replaced the stock pickguard and pickups for an HSS one and have the Surf 90 in the bridge with two Brighton Rock pickups (their take on Burn's pickups) in the middle and neck). Definitely worth trying the Surf 90s if you can get one or both used over there. GFS is a bit of a bear on shipping, so usually I wait until I need several things or buy parts with a guitar as the shipping becomes more manageable. A $40 pickup will probably have $12-$15 worth of shipping on its own, I'm not sure why they don't get a better handle on shipping but they don't. I will say that the GFS Trons are not quite the same as Filtertrons but they give you a flavor on the Tron formula. They act more like mini buckers (with Filtertrons I raise the screws but lower the pickup until I get the right sizzle) so not bad but not OG Filtertrons. I definitely can recommend humbuckers, single coils, and Jazzmaster style pickups. I will probably pick up a Dream 180 based on this video for a guitar down the road. Thanks again.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@gringogreen4719 Nice one! Cheers mate 😀👍 Yeah I'd been curious about GFS pick ups for a long time, but like you say the shipping is expensive, is pretty much not worth it to the UK (+taxes & Customs) same with Warmoth unfortunately :( I do keep an eye out for them used here though 😀👍 Surf 90's sound right up my street - cheers 🍻

[@bobbybo3458]

I have both the Jet and Fender Player Strat models. I appreciate your unbiased and thorough comparison of the two guitars, which I completely agree with. The edge definitely goes to Fender in the pickup category but as you said the pickups in the Jet aren't bad at all. The Player pickups do compare to the earlier American Standard pickups. So many reviewers of the Player Strat concur that it is where the point of diminishing returns begins in that features you get from more expensive models in the Fender line are not commensurate with the price increase, thus stating that the Players are the best bang for buck guitars from Fender. Ten or even five years ago Fender and other brands didn't have the competition from lower priced guitars with the quality and features that they have today. I'm not a label snob and my curiosity about the Fender competitors like Jet has proven that they come very close for a much more affordable price.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya very much mate. 😀🙏 I'm aware that we could be in an echo-chamber here... but the majority of the comments on this video from people who have or have tried both - are singing from the same hymn sheet. Crazy yet awesome times to be a Guitarist! 😀👌

[@Craig_KCfan]

Hi Steve I really enjoyed this comparison video.. I enjoy your approach to the videos you put out, I am now a subscriber.. I am very interested in the 300 or 400 Strat models I just can’t make up my mind between a SSS or a HSS model???? I realize having a Humbucker opens up a fun can of worms… and I can’t even get my hands on one since no retailer sells Jet guitars and any way I just had shoulder surgery on the 25th of March so it gives me time to make up my mind since it will be awhile before I can play guitar again😩which is very hard to do… I hope all is well. God bless Craig

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Hey Craig - Welcome and cheers for the sub 😀🙏 I'd say the Js400 is well worth the extra £10-£20 for the 2 point trem and the more sculpted neck heel. You can still revert it back to SSS if you get a custom pickguard (Cheaper than a new trem upgrade 😜) If you're in the US - Jets are coming to the US very soon! If you check my community post from earlier this week I shared a link to a US store that is now stocking them 😀👍

[@Craig_KCfan]

Thanks for your response Steve.. I will check that link out for sure… Take care. Craig A-Z Music Haven ( my small KZbin channel where I talk about Vinyl, CD’s and cassettes and I have some of me singing and playing guitar or instruments)

[@homeofcreation]

great video and I love the spectacle you made there with your glasses, color coordinated and all..

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ha! Thank ya mate! 🥸👍

[@clairbeeguitar]

i wish that jet and fazley would do some more unique models. I get that scale is a huge factor in how they are able to be priced so low but i wonder if theres a market for a competitor to the squier paranormal and classic vibe series with slightly more modern and premium features. Harley benton seems to do an okay job but most of their more wacky models just kind of lack that wow factor for me.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I hear ya 👍 Great idea, sounds like something one of these brands should jump on! Jet do a single cut and have an HH offset, but I've never really looked into either of these. Gear4music have some more interesting looking models (to me), with similar appointments, Roasted necks etc. I'm yet to try one out. I don't consider myself a brand name snob, but there's something about "Gear4music" that just doesn't sit right with me 🙈

[@clairbeeguitar]

@@stevecassidyguitar I totally get that. the g4m guitars look a bit toyish to me but the 12 string tele for 119 is intriguing. might be good, more likely needs a lot of help. I'll have to keep an eye on that one

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@clairbeeguitar Would love to hear if it's any good if you go for one 😀👍 12 strings are hard to get right, would be amazing if they've managed to nail it at that price! 🤯🤞

[@SoniaGail]

Ones 450 and the other 1600

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I don't know the currency you're using, but yes - The price difference is huge. 😲 But the difference in quality is negligable (imo) If anything... I think the Jet is better where it counts most 😬 (imo)

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

So basically buying a Mexican strat is not worth it? Since the jet gets pretty close for three times less the price???

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I don't think so. But It depends - some people really need to have the Fender logo on the headstock. Basically the Fender has better pickups (easily upgraded on the Jet) and will "likely" have better resale value. For me... I'm never thinking about resale value - I see guitars as tools to use and play 😃

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

@@stevecassidyguitar so only better pickups and tuners right? What about the guitar body is the baswood gets close on Quality to the fender?

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@BladeRunnerJP11 That really depends where you stand on the tonewood debate. I like the idea of Fenders more traditional Alder. But really... I wouldn't be able to tell the difference in a blind test 2 identical guitars, same pickups and electronics, alder vs basswood, vs poplar etc... I "believe" 75% of the tone is in the pickups, 10% electronics, the remaining 15% is split between woods, hardware, strings, everything else basically. I'm not saying I'm right, just what I believe. Others will state the opposite. I'll say that tonewood definitely matters with acoustics though 😂

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

@@stevecassidyguitar thanks great info

[@Pimust]

I've got two modded JS-300s, original JS-400 and JS-500 Jet strats plus three Jet teles. The heavyweight body of the cheapest tele model JT-300 and the poor quality of the nonlocking Jet branded tuners are only major downsides of Jet Guitars that I've encountered so far. Fortunately a set of locking Harley Benton tuners is only about €40 and will fix the tuner problem. On the other hand the necks of Jet guitars are my all time favorite and I'm constantly looking for cheap second hand Jets on local online market places just for the necks.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ah! So it's YOU I've been bidding against on eBay!? 🥸 😜 Same here mate, I'm a bit of a Jet addict too 😁 Sounds like you got unlucky with the weight on the Tele. My JS450 was too heavy too, so I ended up moving it on. It was otherwise an incredible guitar 😎👌 I've noticed all the Jets can vary quite a bit in weight, I've had my hands on several JS 400's

[@tostrmofo6686]

Who would've thought I had an opinion on this? So first of all the resale value. I personally think the Jet wins here as well. It is cheaper than what you will lose on the Fender after taking it our of the store in an instant. As someone who gives a rats ass about pickups I have to say the Fender ones sounded fantastic and the Jet ones were just awful. Might even be the latter have some production flaws, as I don't expect the difference to be that big. The MiM Fender instruments in my experience are often on par with the american made ones, so I find it quite irritating that you got so many with bad fretwork. Most people working in the Ensenada factory are guitar players themselves and quite proud of their work and a lot of the used ressources are the same as in Corona about 200 miles up north and across the boarder. The surely didn't build those facilities so close to each other on a whim... I hoinestly think the best "Fender MiM Strats" one can get are Charvels. That is probably because I prefer the neck over the 9,5" C shape. That's also why the Tele of my dreams is the MiM Player Plus Tele with 12" and more modern/thin C shape. I btw. finally got a new one. It's even better than the one I sold earlier this year because it is really light weight, which I prefer. The fact that we can discuss original Fender Strat vs. chinese(?) made Jet S-Style guitar for 1/3 of the price just demonstrates how far guitar manufacturing has come in the last 20-30 years. Back then cheap guitars were nothing more than fire wood with strings attached to it. It's not like Fender has gotten worse, but there are limits to what can be done to a guitar. And the asian producers are getting close to those limits and are showing what can be done. The most important thing right now seems to be quality control. I have a feeling that 10 Minutes of an expierenced asian worker to get the final touch on a guitar is way less expensive than 5 minutes of an experienced mexican worker to do so. For me personally a guitar that fits your personal likings and has been setup correctly (let's say you treat yourself and spend 200 on the guitar and bring to a high class luthier, give him a budget of 400 and tell him to do his best for it... That guitar will just shit on every guitar that might cost 600 (or even 2000+). That's why I think it's so important for everyone to learn how to set up a guitar properly and do basic work like leveling, crowning and rounding frets or cutting a nut slot. Over 2000 you slowly enter custom shop or at least boutique territory, which of course is a totally different animal. Would I ever buy a Gibson? No chance. Never. Probably not even if they paid me to do so. Would I ever buy a Gibson custom shop? Oh yes I would. I had the pleasure to hold a few of those in my hands and there is just nothing that compares. At least not anything I touched so far and as I am the guitar maniac that I am I touched a lot of guitars. Really a lot. Like at least three or four. At the end of this way to long comment I want to throw the Sire Larry Carlton S7 in there. With a bit of luck you can get it for a bit more than twice the Jet and (in my opinion) it is better than both besides maybe the Jets neck joint. One last thing. For about the same price as the Fender Player Strat you can get a G&L Comanche, Leo Fenders last take on the Strat if you might say so... Very interesting. And one really last thing: I'm wating for a Squire Sonic Mustang right now. On paper this might be a great modding platform.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Mate! You raise a lot of great points 😀👍 Although I said the Fender wins on resale value - percentage-wise it's actually pretty close 🙈 But yeah, my recent experiences with Fenders have been during "the covid years" - I hope it's just down to that. I was speaking to a mate recently who's potentially in the market for a player plus strat - loads going used for around £600 - it seems the reason there are so many for sale cheap, is tied in with many bad reviews in terms of QC. You raise great points RE this with MIM vs CIC QC worker costs. Lots to think about - cheers as always mate. It seems a Sire may be unavoidable on this channel for next year 🙈 Congrats on the new Mustang when it comes! 😀👍

[@jamieremus277]

Great video, yes let’s see a comparison with the mod Jet guitar. 😀

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate! 😀🙏 Your wish is my command... Here ya go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4fah35mp7WDors 😀👍

[@derekjohnson5720]

These days you are defo better buying a Jet, Harley, Sire etc and moding it. Much better bang for your buck. Another fab video pal 😎😎

[@stevecassidyguitar]

100% agreed here ! Cheers mate! 😀🍻🙏

[@ranman58635]

2200 for the fender lux. It plays as it should but the player was a joke. People don't keep them. I don't understand the price gaps as they did shut down a whole shift here in Cali. They are focused on custom shop now. That means 500 people just found themselves without a job.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I hear ya mate! I've actually just completed another video last week (not uploaded yet) where I mention the Job cuts. That's a big part of the reason, Fender has fell out of favour with me. Plus... I've got 2 Fender mustang amps here with no software editor or support anymore. The Tone Master pro actually looks really appealing to me - but I can't buy one as there is a massive lack of trust Re the support. Meanwhile my Line 6 HX continues to get updates 🤯👌

[@cameronmeikle6766]

Your spot on about fender there is just too much competition nowadays.i personally think the Mexico player is a better guitar but a few mods save £150.Break a leg tonight! 🎉😊

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya mate 😀👌

[@steviemac8075]

Regarding livestream I will be at Tannadice on the 16th December believe it or no I’m a “Fife Arab” you sir will know of the code which I speak. 👍🏻

[@stevecassidyguitar]

🤣 Well... I do and I don't 🤣 I understand you enjoy the efforts of the DUFC... BUT! I've only ever been to one football game in my life. My Grandad took me to see DFC when I was about 2 years old. I had one bite of a "Peh" then fell asleep at half time. Football never took 🤣 Enjoy the game though mate! I hope the results are to your liking 😀🙏

[@BudgetPedalChap]

Aye the issue is that the Jet is competing and it's under half the price. The big F need to take that on board and make their higher prices worth it. The pickups did sound good though 👍

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Cheers bro! Peeps will always aspire to the Fender brand - there's no escaping it... but (li'l ole me thinks) Fender/Squier gotta watch their backs! 😜 If not Jet.... some of these other newer brands might just clean up the "first electric budget guitar" market - i'll buy em! 😜👍

[@Peter.Borthwick]

Thanks for video Steve. From this if I wanted, out of the box, a strat looking guitar that sounded OK'ish then I'd buy the Jet. If in addition I wanted a guitar that also sounded like a strat then I'd buy the Fender. I really didn't like the sound of the Jet - very ill-defined (clarty as my father would have said). But if out of the box wasn't a criterion then I'd get the Jet add some Vanson locking tuners, Graphtec nut and roller trees and some Fender pickups (probably do the Gilmour mod too) and end up with a better guitar (?) than the Fender. You don't say what strings are on the guitars? You're comparing like with like so not relatively important but the gauge does affect the tone so would be good to know (and the pick you use?). Finally I'd make the point that a guitar is the sum of its parts and who's to say the ugly neck block on the Fender doesn't contribute to that strat sound, so maybe these fancy contours pretty though they are may not be sonically so wonderful. We'll probably never know.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Hey mate! Thank ya kindly for this well thought out comment - hugely appreciated. 😀🙏 All great valid points very well made sir! 👍 The mods you suggested are almost identical to what I've did with my other Jet (which is currently my number 1). I'm currently working on a follow up vid, where I have the same set of player pickups in the Jet Vs the Fender too. Both Guitars come stock with 9 - 42 gauge strings (kicking myself for failing to mention this in the vid! 🙈). As expected the stock Jet strings are garbage, and the Fender ones are "ok". I'm an Elixir guy, the 1st thing I do to any new Guitar regardless of price is polish the frets and chuck on a set of elixirs. I use a Dunlop "500" 0.71mm pick. I know it's lighter than average but I'm always aiming for more of that Nile Rogers approach than say... John Petrucci 😜 Another great point Re the block. I have been considering modding a standard block to a more contoured one, so I suppose a before and after tone comparison vid could happen in the (probably very distant) future 😬 Thanks again mate! 😀🍻

[@Peter.Borthwick]

@@stevecassidyguitar Thanks for your full reply that's cleared everything up. Just one final thought...I'm impressed with the reviews Jet are getting for their fretwork. You say the fret ends are nice but the sound comes from the bit between the ends. Were there any high/low frets on either guitar? PS I use 9-42 (super slinkys) and a Jazz III 0.73mm so not dissimilar from your choice which is probably why I like your playing style.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

@@Peter.Borthwick Thank ya so much mate! 😀🙏 I got lucky with this Fender - No dead spots and it's been the same on all the Jet's so far too. But tbh... I'm used to playing with what I deem to be an "acceptable" amount of buzzing all over the neck, as I like the action as low as possible 🙈

[@BladeRunnerJP11]

After days and tons of hours looking at guitars I considered a Mexican Strat a classic vibe squier I even saw an American fender at about 1000 dollars but the Jet seems to be the best value since I’m a beginner and as you said and also many others say the Mexican strats are overpriced and just not that great, so I’m getting a Jet, I can still not believe a Jet can compete with a Mexican Fender hehe

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I can't believe it either mate 😂🤯👍 I wish my first guitar as a beginner was as good as a Jet 👍

[@AllanGildea]

Excellent review, Steve, cheers!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya kindly mate 😀🙏

[@patrickfarley8036]

Excellent video! Being a Tele guy I don't own a Strat. But, I would chime in with, while I think the Jet is a better buy except the Fender does sound better! Brighter, chimey-er. Yes please do the head to head between the Player and the modded Jet! And could you do it with less gain /over drive please? Thanks!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thanks mate! Unfortunately I recorded the playing clips for all 3 at the same time (Just in case the follow up was merited 🙈) I know I've got too much saturation on the gain settings and there was also a bit of clipping too which didn't help 😬. Lessons learned for next time though 😀 Well.. "next" next time 😂 Cheers! 🍻

[@DavidKennaway1]

I have around 30 guitars and have been.playing for over 50 years. I have a USA standard Fender strat brought new in the 1980's as well as many other S style guitars. I also have a Jet ST 400 which I modded with a loaded Gilmour pickguard I had hanging around. It now sounds great and the neck is superb. I wish guitars half as good as this were around when I was a kid. I would like also to throw burns guitars into the debate which play and sound great for little money. I have a king cobra and a short scale jazz. Both have great sounding pickups. I got the short scale jazz for around £200 new with trisonic pickups and wow what a great guitar in looks, build quality, feel and sound. It's the one I play the most and choose for recording.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I'm much the same mate - Also at around 30 Guitars atm (embarrassingly 🙈 ) I don't think I've ever tried a Burns - Good shout 😎👍 I'll keep an eye out once I've thinned the herd a bit again 😜

[@mrtod13]

Another awesome vid. Thank you and please do the modded Jet v player comparison 😁 I have a js300, a squire 40th vintage strat and a player Tele. The Jet 6screw bridge was awful so I swapped it for a Wilkinson and it's now better than the squire. I'd say the jet has the best neck (finish, frets, etc) and the Tele the worst 😭 I'd say the player Tele has really put me off and I won't be buying another American or mexican fender.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thanks mate! 😀🙏 I have to say.. your experience isn't too surprising - for me, the difference between the Jet JS300 & JS400 trems are night and day. Great shout to upgrade to a Wilkinson unit 👍👍 and... I'm in the same boat - I can't see my buying anymore "new" Fenders - but... never say never 😜

[@MartinBix]

Pickups were the main difference for me. The Player sounded sweet. Oh ... Eleven ... genius!

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Ha! I expected very few to get the Burnistoun ref 😁👍 Good on ya! But yeah -the Player pickups are simply awesome 😎👌

[@christoguichard4311]

My "Strat type" of choice is a Harley Benton ST62 DLX...😊 Its as good as most things out there in the same price range, and everything works well on it. Plus...it has the weirdo anodized gold scratchplate.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

The HB ST62's look great! I've not tried one out yet, but on paper the neck profile and fretboard radius isn't to my taste... but! never say never I'd be keen to try one out at some point - they do look ace! 😎👌

[@alainvey]

I actually think the Jets have that ‘satin nitro’ that you find on a lot of cheap necks you can buy from China. It’s very thin - sand the back a bit and you will get down to wood very quickly

[@stevecassidyguitar]

I can't remember if I researched that part "properly" or not (I do hope so 😬). In the hand (to me) - the Jet neck feels more to my liking. I know I utilised a far from perfect points system, but in the neck category, the rolled fretboard edges on the Jet were the deciding factor - for me 😁

[@thecatboss123]

Great video, I guess Jet it is lol.

[@stevecassidyguitar]

Thank ya kindly mate! 😀🙏 As you could probably tell - that's where I'd put my cash too 😜👍