BUTCHERED 1969 Stratocaster - with Cool History!

[@52gerg]

I'd leave that gorgeous monstrosity alone, the world doesn't need another restored Strat. It is what it is, and what it is is a fantastic sounding guitar with a cool history.

[@PINKFL0YD-s2h]

Sounds superb t oo

[@lefthandluke8923]

I couldn't agree more. It has a very unique, beautiful tone. Damn ugly in some respects but a wonderful guitar. No need to cram it back into its original form.

[@steveg.3022]

When I first saw it I was slightly appalled, but having heard the story and then hearing the guitar I think I agree with 52gerg.

[@tater9384]

Agree! I don't know what you could improve upon. Even the frets seem to be in good shape! And it sounds great to boot!!

[@fuchsia5899]

Indeed

[@BCBBCL]

4:54 amazing how Robert Trujillo was testing Fender guitars before playing bass for Metallica

[@benasslick67]

Lmao

[@BentTom]

I caught that too! He must be the oldest member of Metallica.

[@BCBBCL]

@@BentTom Rob was only 5 years old on 1969 😂

[@garydunham335]

I can't tell if y'all are being sarcastic but he would have been like five years old in 1969

[@jfw1991]

Just noticed that lol

[@marklott2927]

Weird how with only that humbucker it still sounds like a stratocaster.

[@sohosteveuk]

Musica Fidelitas - I have a Telecaster that I bought brand new in early 74 that now has three early 70s Gibson mini humbuckers and, believe it or not, that still sounds like a Telecaster. And Matthew ain't been anywhere near that. In fact I doubt he was even born yet when I bought it! 🤣

[@bertgetner9397]

@Musica Fidelitas Exactly right! And of course the classic Fender Tone with reverb.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

I was thinking the same thing!! I wonder if it’s the fender amp?

[@jacobyergert5903]

I think the longer scale length has a lot to do with the snappiness of the Fender sound.

[@timnewman1172]

I agree! When I first saw it I thought it looked like a complete clusterf**k, but as soon as he started playing it... I wouldn't change a damn thing!!!

[@GuitarOverdrive]

I can't believe how sweet that tone is. Sure, this guitar is mangled, but damn, can it ever sing!

[@guywerry6614]

Pretty much my thoughts as well. Dude can PLAY!

[@bipbipletucha]

Agreed

[@soulvaccination8679]

It has it spirit inside

[@steveperry3538]

I was 18 in 68. Getting ready to go to nam. A majical time. Thank you for the nostalgia, and the licks

[@johnb7889]

It’s so cool to see the younger generation get into what was going on musically in the 60’s and 70’s. I would call this guitar a survivor. Kind of like a barn find classic car or a 140 year old house or a cancer survivor. You just love to explore them and learn their stories. Great post! Keep it up!

[@n2space4u]

I really like this one, happy accident of tone heaven

[@zasmrcaveman5725]

keith johnston, matt does have supple lips.

[@hkguitar1984]

Pretty sure Matt just left a good "Day Job" and is going full-on music/KZbin to support himself.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I need a strat with hum buckers

[@hkguitar1984]

​@@MatthewScottmusic If you wire one up yourself take a close look at the Schematic for new Fender HSS Stratocasters. Fender (actually Tim Shaw) solved the problem of a 500K volume pot for humbuckers and a 250K pot for single coils. With a stacked volume pot and different resistance values the new HSS guitars sound better than ever. It's no longer a compromise switching from single coil to humbucker.

[@joshuataft5541]

@@MatthewScottmusic the colors and look of this one jst oozes mojo

[@greysuit17]

I’d keep this one as it is and just rock it! It’s way too cool as is.

[@nathan.4130]

Yep, wouldn't change a thing.

[@adiohead]

Same

[@phildale8451]

Butchered but sill beautiful sounding and what a story. Thanks Matthew.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

thank you for watching

[@HarryStoneDotCom]

Your appreciation of the history and provenance is why these guitars with soul and mojo find you, Matthew. You are a great musician, technician, content creator, but also clearly a great guy, too. I know there are a lot of us here rooting for you and wishing you every success because of your genuine passion, dedication and decency.

[@stuart8663]

One of the best Gibders or Fensons I have ever EVER heard. What a gorgeous tone.

[@jackcompton8752]

That's cool. I think that it was common in that era to mod your equipment in an effort to get a unique sound... drop kicking tube amps, drilling, cutting, stuffing newspaper or cloth into open spaces, etc. The story of B.B. King's amp at Sun Studios comes to mind although that was inadvertent, it started something awesome. Look at Malcom Young's gretsch. Cool sound. Awesome piece of history. Thanks for sharing! Drive on

[@50Something]

It may be butchered but it has inspired you to play some truly mesmerizing stuff. I really dig the way it sounds . I'd be tempted to just get a custom pick guard made for it, one that can cover the over routed gap and just rock that single bucker. The tone just drips mojo! It's a keeper!!!!

[@brunolalanne9106]

Same idea here (ask Gilroy Guitars / Peter for a maple pickguard, looks and sounds killer). Or keep this pickguard and try to put back in place the 3 strat pickups /having 4 PU might have been the original idea.

[@like2view]

Don't do it! The "is what is is" ..is then lost!

[@strangebirdsir]

That guitar sounds great!!! Leave it the way it is. I dig it.

[@guilhermebatlleyfont7577]

Loved the whole history behind the guitar. And that ticket, my Goodness... this is why people should be in the vintage market for. Loved that rendition of Bold as Love Matt, keep riffing! Love

[@cloh251]

Great content as always, man. I could listen to you talk about these vintage pieces of history for hours. Pls don’t ever stop making videos :)

[@justingarcia7722]

This guitar sounds surprisingly really really good. That humbucker and it's odd placement really make a special sound.

[@bipbipletucha]

Almost like a slightly smoother singlecoil

[@adiohead]

@@bipbipletucha You're a smoother single coil

[@rolux4853]

adiohead who shit in your head, mr. Fartington?

[@itsyurmumm8458]

Ro Lux Hey, I’d actually accept smoother single coil as a compliment.

[@rolux4853]

Will Steel well maybe you’re right. There are worse things to be than a smoother singlecoil, I guess. But in internet times I always assume the worst when I read such thing towards an “innocent” commenter.

[@stephenbonshire5678]

It sounds great. And I always loved how the simplicity of one pickup makes you play so different, cause you get your different tones by touch and position! Great riffen also my freind!!!🤙🎼😎

[@southpaw335]

My 2c... i think it is unique and really has it’s own vibe going on. I would not overdo any restoration on it, clean it string it play it. It’s pretty much ‘art’ as it is and amazing that it still sounds just like a strat. Sure you could go nuts and bring it back to spec, but that would really just make it another restored refin (not that this is a bad thing in and of itself) but you would lose something very different in the process. PS that was some of your best playing at the end there Matt - very nice feel indeed !

[@MatthewScottmusic]

thank you my friend.

[@shanedingz]

You’re a great guitar player! Very cool piece of history. What a generous man to give you something SO sentimental in that Hendrix ticket!

[@weschilton]

It was a different time, when people didn't concern themselves with nonsense like "resale value" and "collectibility" they just played guitar and modded stuff to make it sound the way they wanted it to. I miss those days. :) That guitar sounds great. I kinda laugh at seeing "Gibson" and "Fender" on the same guitar only because I know that there are so many people out there who are deeply, personally offended by it, but hey, it sounds killer, so who cares, right?

[@MatthewScottmusic]

I thought it was hilarious too. Of all the hum buckers.. the one that says Gibson

[@antma9028]

@@MatthewScottmusic very crude. Very cool. Nice playing man.

[@bipbipletucha]

It really does sound fantastic

[@leeannrorex1509]

I agree. Nothing wrong with doing what u want with your own instrument. Collectors are preserving classic guitars, which is great, but it seems all this resale-value obsession is putting the brakes on experimentation and personalization. It seems the hope for that lies with lower-market instruments.

[@wailnshred]

The owner of the guitar was a guitar player, not a guitar collector.

[@PauloSilva-zn6sh]

Finally a video of this guitar.

[@jothanankrogh]

Back in the mid to late 90's most guitar listings and classifieds were full of guitars like this. Common mods were- humbuckers, floyd or aftermarket bridges, modern tuners, jumbo refrets, refinished necks, refinished bodies, active pickups, extra switches for phase or coil split, stickers. Where are they now? Where are all those other guitars like this that were heavily or significantly modified through the decades before any regard was paid to a collectible or vintage value? Almost every vintage guitar I see online is in mint original one-owner condition with hang tags. Food for thought.

[@IrisGalaxis]

People keep them lol.

[@erikv774]

Thanks so much to continue to make these videos. To me this guitar sounds amazing even over an iPhone speaker. It has a vibe that you cannot replicate in my opinion. I hope everything is going well for you Matthew. Thanks again

[@oldguitars]

Oddly enough, I think this is the best tone I've heard from you. Great playing and great channel. Thanks for sharing!

[@johnakridge3846]

Thank you so much for this Matt! I just bought an american professional Strat with a vibrolux 68 reissue and it makes me want to save the manuals all that much more. Maybe they will be talkin about our gear in 50 years the way you are talking about the gear of 50 years ago. Very cool man, thank you so much, and thank you for working so hard on your craft. It is such a pleasure to watch and listen to you play.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

"That's so Cool!" Matthew you've managed to Discover a Vintage Hybrid! Sounds Great and Play's Well! Congrats and Be Well Brother!

[@ralfhedstrom]

I almost got tears in my eyes. the "ugly duckling" had it's moment. What a wonderfully sounding guitar. I agree, just leave it as it is. It's a piece of history :)

[@timpayne8238]

Thats a keeper you've got there Matt. Leave it as it is and play the hell out of it!

[@VenancioPortalatin]

So cool. great story and that ticket stub.........WOW!! Please keep this one as is. It sounds great and you can see the history in it which makes it even sweeter. Love it.

[@Nickpaflas]

I was kinda hoping you'd pull three old single coils out of that case. Looks like the previous owner's playing some Beatles songs (White Album cover halloween show?). I know it's a crime against the vintage Gods, but a part of me loves this kind of guitar. I just dig that somebody was just doing what they wanted, and hopefully someone (or many someones) played the hell out of it. Ultimately, they're for playing.

[@ItsMrMcFly]

You hit the nail on the head bro. I love seeing someone modifying an object so it fits their needs. Although this one is a bit ratty it still sounds fantastic 👍🏽

[@darrellmcdonald7883]

Me too.

[@MatthewScottmusic]

Yeah I wouldn't modify it. Should be rocked as is with some additional parts.

[@vansongs]

Vintage "false" gods.If it's mine I do what I want. Control freaks really getting to me.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

SPEECHLESS my friend!!! Holy cow...GR8 find Matt! And great seller to gift you all the candy with it!!! Hope you hang onto all of it!!!

[@rudiyantohalim736]

Don't change anything on this guitar bro, leave it as it is. It sounds so damn good 👍👍👍

[@nakleh]

Dude, you are freaking awesome. I just discovered your channel, and really love these videos. I’m primarily a high gain player, but your sweet sweet Fender love is hooking me in!

[@samanthaguy6382]

wow that's so awesome that he included that ticket stub! love the way you play it sounded great!

[@MatthewScottmusic]

thank you Samantha.

[@seanh5763]

I can really appreciate your enthusiasm with all this old fender gear... thank you so much for all your videos brother- keep up the good work!

[@johngerson7335]

Funny, but it still quacks like an electric duck. Hope you leave it like it is. Your paraphrase of "Bold As love" brought tears btw. Thanks Matt.

[@hopper1]

I totally agree with your belief that old doesn't necessarily equal better. I do play guitar (poorly) but I'm a mechanic and love old tools for the reason you love old guitars. The history. A decades old tool with the original owner's initials is wonderful because there's a story to go along with that tool.

[@jamesonnewhouse1298]

I was gonna buy this guitar from reverb, look up Adam Wind to see this guitar in 1970

[@jamesonnewhouse1298]

@Jeff Fleming it was listed for 7800 but it looks like he got it for $4150, it had original pickups with it and a different pick guard, it also had a scorpion thing on it which gave it alot of character tbh idk y he switched all the stuff out

[@justingarcia7722]

Ah, I remember this one, now seeing the scorpion

[@jamesonnewhouse1298]

@@justingarcia7722 yeah man I was talking to the original owner about it he was a cool dude

[@MatthewScottmusic]

@@jamesonnewhouse1298 I put the original pick guard on it as it came. The scorpion seemed pretty cheesy to me tbh. But Frank was extremely cool.

[@jamesonnewhouse1298]

@@MatthewScottmusic yeah but what about the original single coils that were pictured in the listing?

[@neilpaterson526]

Another great vid and gorgeous guitar ! Thanks Matt

[@xDannyBeats]

There’s something about a butchered vintage guitar that I love. I guess the time spent and the passion for the guitar maybe. This is a sick piece

[@SmiTTyy-sh8nc]

Despite the particular(flaws,character) that's a great strat. What a sound.... wow !! And your getting better every time I hear ya. What a great guitar to add to your collection !! Cool video and story 👍

[@bass-player.22]

that is so freaking cool even through it is hacked I would never restore it the guitar is way to cool that way

[@bipbipletucha]

Same. I'm all for keeping it the way it is. It has a really cool sound, plus great character

[@liamplunkett5100]

You're an inspiration my man. I love these old guitars and I dream of being able to play as you do, capturing that era in your sound. Only wish I would've practiced more as a kid. It's never too late though!

[@grasshopperhawk]

God you can play, dude! Love player grade guitars, but this is a whole new level for me.

[@iwillnevergetone5]

this is great. the playing around 7:33 especially the notes on the low E still sound like a Strat. goes to show that a good (properly wound, not too hot) humbucker is way more versatile than people like to admit. this guitar sounds great and has seen a LOT. I love it

[@kervinrodriguez1833]

I love it , reminds me of something the band MC5 would have played

[@JACKPAVAL]

Very cool buddy! Its all, Awesome!

[@rizzinthebox7124]

Gibson humbucker sounds very nice. I did not expect that. Cheers

[@supersonicnomad8437]

I am truely awe struck. What most do see as butchered, I see as beautiful. That guitar is rad beyond belief! That '72 bucker sounds outstandingly exceptional! And then there is the ticket stubb.... I was floored! I to am a Hendrix freak. That stubb, to me, would be literally priceless (as I'm sure it is to you!). Nice touch with Axis, that gave me chills man. Rite on & rock on bro!

[@jomamma1750]

That guitar likes Hendrix..... A lot!

[@johndelgadillo2815]

Yeah because hendrix used a late 60s flying v with gibson t top pickups and he (obviously) used a strat and that strat has a 1972 gibson embossed t top

[@barryengle12666]

Strangely awesome. I gotta give you props man, you find the sweetest Fender guitars and you know what to do with them, playing and everything. Good stuff dude

[@pawlyp1453]

I love this one just the way it is tbh very cool

[@ronaldmontilla6239]

The tone coming out from that guitar is just utterly amazing!

[@timmiller4205]

Sounds fantastic, amazing it still sounds like a Fender should sound great video!✌️

[@ralphguzzoactorproducercom4417]

Great tone on that beauty! Enjoy it make amazing music and share with the world. Great find - enjoyed this - thanks 🎶👍

[@isaiahsams4619]

Sounds and looks beautiful to me

[@transformationgeneration]

The seller was very cool ( we already know the buyer :) - I sold a kid in NY my 73 tele thinline - I had my name painted on in the colorful 1980's - he left it and toured referring to the guitar as "Gary". I sent him all of the original paperwork and my original receipt as well. it feels good knowing people really care.

[@MindsetMastery75]

Wow man. That is SO freakin awesome! I do subscribe to them being better than new guitars and having that special something, magic maybe ;) So cool that he gave you that Jimmie ticket stub. And that guitar having all the original paperwork makes it all the more special. It must have been like going back to "69" when you unboxed that guitar. And it doesn't get much cooler than that! Hell yeah :))))))

[@NDKY67]

I love your passion and appreciation for the music and the period guitar, only guitars made in that era from trees grown in that time will sound that way and that’s what makes them special.

[@fredvalencia2205]

At the end of the day its how the guitar sounds . look at the condition stevie rays guitars were in and he made magic out of them , they were made to be played not pampered.i had to add this in don't touch it leave it in the condition its in sounds great .

[@davestatham812]

Butcherd or not, its delightfully wonderful, such a heavenly tone, and damned fine looking, i would have to keep this guitar, great historic goodies too, awesome man, love it,🙏👏👏👏😉🙏

[@jaskiniamestwa]

Fun Fact: Robert Trujillo is also the bassist in Metallica.

[@Comp3630]

That strat looks incredible... in the most insane way. If I saw that on a new strat as a feature, I probably would not be very impressed. But on on old start with all the original pickguard holes exposed...that's INSANE. Definitely a cool piece of vintage guitar. I wouldn't repair this one, its already living a life of its own.

[@tpp5151]

Maybe you could do some Van Halen stuff with this, he technically played a strat on Van Halen I

[@MaskSwabe]

WOW... what a lovely story. The person who sold you that guitar knew it would get the love it needed. It definitely fell into the right hands!

[@route9records]

At first I was horrified but now I say leave it as is, why bother turning it into a standard Strat when it's it's own unique kind of beast?

[@skeetschuler1859]

Nice find Matthew

[@Broken_ASF]

That Gibson pickup is actually kinda expensive lol

[@davidrosenzweig1380]

It's a one year only embossed cover it is worth good money

[@davidrosenzweig1380]

They go for like 400

[@eugene6472]

I've seen minis like that. But not PAF's

[@davidrosenzweig1380]

Yeah there from same year though there patent numbers not PAF not that there's a difference other than a sticker

[@MatthewScottmusic]

its been modified to fit. Its probably not work but a couple hundred.

[@catfshart2255]

Idk how I stumbled across this. But there is an awesome story behind that guitar. Absolutely awesome dude! Thanks for sharing with the world, I subscribed! Great content🤘🏼

[@cHzism]

Do a Gilmour SSHS with the humbucker between bridge and middle. Would be the same year and cosmetics 🙌

[@robslater5528]

Just stumbled on this video. What a package! Wouldn't touch a thing. Love your appreciation of funky underbelly of things historical, Matthew! Hope the ticket stub is suitably framed!

[@levijessegonzalez3629]

Still sounds like a strat

[@_RLP]

Sick, man... Just sick. Great video and great piece of history. Superb. Kudos to both frank and you. BTW, that bucker sounds really good on there! Cheers, bro'

[@patrickherb4670]

He tried to go van halen but, put the humbucker in the wrong place.

[@aaroniousguitars]

Very cool story! Thanks for sharing it with us Matt!

[@sagegracemusic5981]

On the manual it says it was ‘Tested by Robert Trujillo’ Isn’t that the bass player for Metallica? Did he work at fender? How many Robert trujillos can there be?

[@SixSixthSix]

He would have been 4 years old. I know fender company always wanted to save money but I don't think they use child labour. ;)

[@tylerrichman9]

I was looking for this comment haha

[@sagegracemusic5981]

31313 he must’ve been a pretty bad employee then

[@sugarmama212]

Another sweet grab dude, I appreciate your taste and eye for history. Even the strays need a home, never judge a guitar by its alterations!

[@grahamsmall1300]

Great story and great sound - win!

[@brianjohnson2258]

Sounds great! Love your channel, keep 'em coming!

[@sohosteveuk]

You're a beautiful player man. Really enjoy your channel. Love your passion for the vintage axes PEACE!!! 🤣 🙏

[@jeffbuckleydisciple2013]

It's super cool to see how passionate you are about the history of the instruments and on top of that you're playing is Super dope I watch other guitar channels but your You're playing sounds so effortless and authentic thanks for sharing the history and your music

[@stevejohnson2284]

Nice video, cool old guitar. Awesome case candy. Preserve the history man. Keep the videos coming!

[@KorieG]

Woah man, that outro jam was something special! Was that anything in particular? Great video man! Really cool guitar! Later...

[@rottalmusik6563]

Great playing🤘

[@jasong546]

That’s really cool! Recently I decided I need to buy a 72 Strat because I saw Susan Tedeschi say Derek Trucks gave her a Strat of her birth year and she loves it. I found that the ones on Reverb are basically 2x more than the last time I checked about 2 years ago. Or often higher anyway, so I kick myself for not buying one then. Matthew you are living proof that guitars built after 1959 can sound just great!

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Awesome Matt I love these videos. I am thankful to be on this journey with other guitar lovers. Thank you again.

[@AnthonySG0113]

Great review! Great guitar!! 😍🤑

[@cesardwf]

This is one of the craziest Vintage guitars I've ever seen! I liked it very beautiful sound even more with you playing 🎸👏👏👏👏

[@paulsimmons5726]

Sure enough, it had the Hendrix vibe and tone! That's a keeper! The ticket stub, nice... 🎸

[@gddunlap54]

You've got a God given talent, i know you put in a lot of time into your trade but you have great tone and a noticeable style. You realize what makes old guitars worth grabbing it's the HISTORY of the instrument like going back into time. the smell the feel, to touch something that has survived the perils of time.

[@74dartman13]

The guitar, case, and paperwork is so cool, but when you read the note and ticket stub, I got goosebumps! Incredible!👍😎🎸🎶

[@flash001USA]

Cool story... Listening to you noodle around it's obvious that you play with a lot of soul. That's something you don't see much of with guitarist in your age range. Keep it rocking!

[@p.thadeushornswoggler4987]

Beautiful tone through that amp my friend. All that empty space under the pick guard sure does ad an acoustic to the sound! Interesting.

[@buckellard]

The quiet sustain was sooo cool! You make that sound so sweet. Looking at it and seeing it butchered but then hearing what it became. It wants to live and stay the Frankenstein it is. That sound is so sweet! (no disrespect towards Eddie Van Halen's Frankenstrat)

[@j.dtruths5577]

That was Really a Fabulous Gift and thank you for sharing, really made me happy to think about that time ! God Bless, J...

[@braderrick]

If only you had a spare pickguard hole to install a coil tap switch lol. I guess we could do a push/pull pot in the volume spot haha. Thanks for sharing, actually sounds way better than I expected.

[@bkh1324]

Great video Matt. In my opinion that was some of your absolute best playing. Great job!

[@kirgans]

So totally awesome to discover a diamond in the ruff and to see it as the first owner did! Keep on keeping on!

[@robertritchie2860]

Can only agree, buying and selling gear is really a satisfying journey because you get to meet some lovely people. I have only had positive experiences.