Cheap Stratocaster vs. Expensive Stratocaster: Can You Hear The Difference?

[@mikegreen2417]

You should play one round crappy so I could see what I would sound like playing them.

[@hkguitar1984]

Don't be so hard on yourself, we all have our moments.

[@seemeethanator1444]

@@hkguitar1984 some just may last a lifetime

[@hkguitar1984]

@@seemeethanator1444 I can't really argue against that statement, some do indeed seem to last a lifetime...................

[@Manche-De-Pelle]

The problem is the amp ... It's better a high quality amp with a crappy guitar then a crappy amp with a high quality guitar. Most of youtuber got high top notch amp and show us low budget guitar and they sounds amazing. So beware

[@hkguitar1984]

@@Manche-De-Pelle So true Sir. When I was younger I had many guitars and a single amplifier. Now, after 45 years of playing I've found myself with just a few guitars and many,. many high quality amplifier. It is the Amplifier and Speakers which will make or break your tone.

[@ark8tct]

Squier: 7:39 / 7:53 / 8:03 / 8:22 / 8:37 Player: 8:59 / 9:14 / 9:35 / 9:48 / 9:59 / 10:16 Pro2: 10:36 / 10:58 / 11:15 / 11:33 / 11:55 I tried time stamping at all the switch locations to make it easy to flip through each. Honestly, all three sound great. Testament to the guitarist. I’d make the most expensive one sound like junk. Thanks for these videos.

[@Britalex]

It's a professional 2 not an ultra BTW

[@0000song0000]

I only listened to the Affinity and the AmPro2 back and forth ... You are right. It sounds the same (except for small tonal differences) aka it's the Musician,not the guitar.

[@lukeGGlee]

Crazy the squire sounds just as good as pro2

[@User-om5bv]

The chad commentator

[@A-Wa]

tbh I cant hear the difference!

[@alwatson4352]

This is a real "class act" video, no sales pitch, just good information. My ear isn't good enough to tell big differences, but for anyone considering buying a Stratocaster I would recommend they watch this video. Suggest you do the same for the Telecaster. I don't own an acoustic guitar, but I have watched your videos and you provide good info on those also.

[@texhaines9957]

What are you using to listen to the video? I use a set of good headphones and can hear differences. Regular phone or computer speakers will probably not pick out the differences.

[@hkguitar1984]

I finally broke down and purchased a set of cheap studio monitors for my computer. Possibly one of the best purchases I've made in the last 2 years. The differences are easily identifiable with real speakers or headphones.

[@0000song0000]

Yep the differences are audible. Yet we have to admit he makes that Affinity sing due to his playing (😃 how many people brag about their costly guitars and do not play as good?)

[@renealarcon3970]

Thanks, great playing, excellent musicianship. You and the rest of the Alamo Music Center staff have made monumental improvements to this series of videos. No longer a commercial endorsement for the things that you sell. This series is now truly helpful, with excellent advice and insightful conversations. Over the years your musicianship has remained as outstanding as ever, and possibly even improved, if that is possible. Congratulations, keep up the good work, fare well in good health.

[@bencampbell1609]

I love my Player Strat. When it came time to upgrade my son from a knock-off strat copy to a Fender, we went Player. He plays that guitar every night for a couple hours. It sounds great. It is that sweet spot in quality. I did try an American Strat at the same time. Yes, there are differences. Could I justify in my own mind the mark-up from Player to American? No, I am just a hobby player. I play every day too, but I am not taking things on the road. The Player is a great option.

[@leeharris5135]

I’ve just bought a used Player and it’s in perfect condition for literally half of the retail price! I have a Squire Bullet Mustang and yes they are different guitars but the difference in quality is huge. The Player is a very nice guitar indeed.

[@davidkastin4240]

Good comparison. They all sound good. A Strat is the most comfortable and versatile guitar, that's why I have many of them.

[@jamesweissenfluh7710]

I have that exact Player Plus Top, which I love. But I just got the new American Pro II, which I love even more. Even bought a second one for my dad for his birthday. The neck feels absolutely incredible, and the tones are more crisp. But both are great guitars.

[@bldlightpainting]

I definitely enjoyed the smoother sound of the guitars as the price point went up. That being said, I have a signature series made in Mexico Strat that I enjoy more than my American-made Telecaster.

[@scouser2230]

The American Professional ll is a fabulous Strat and I appreciated them so much that I bought one for myself. I bought a HSS model, which I love as it allows you the flexibility of choosing between the smoother humbucker sound or the more cranky single coil sound on the bridge position. It gives you the best of both worlds. If you can afford it I recommend making the investment as it will be a wonderful guitar for your lifetime.

[@jatniel3297]

I noticed that cheaper squires tend to sound very thin, while more high end pickups have more body to notes. I wouldn't say one is objectively better than the other as a squier tome might be the tone for you! As a former owner of a stock squier affinity, I learned to embrace it's "weaknesses" and shape my tone around it. I modified this strat with some area 58s and a virtual vintage and thought the difference would be huuuuuge, yet I found a substantial difference in tone but I couldn't say it was "better". I prefer the pickup config I currently have, but mostly because I knew what I wanted to sound like and bought the pickups accordingly. My advice, go for a squier of you're a beginner. A good tone doesn't appear when you buy a expensive guitar. Work on not making your cheap squire sound like trash. I find this instrumental in learning how to craft great guitar tones.

[@charlyhemphill9685]

I have owned a Squier and now own a Player Plus Top. When I first bought the Player, it needed some help. It just wasn’t adjusted right. Squier was similar. The key difference was that the adjustments I made to the Player made a considerable impact. The same adjustments made on the Squier didn’t net the same noticeable results. With all that said, sound is so subjective. Play as many guitars as you possibly can before settling on one that you truly like, regardless of what model it actually ends up being. Because if it doesn’t sound right to you and if it doesn’t feel right in your hands then it’s just not going to be fun.

[@arnolddealiii4259]

I would suggest throwing a Classic Vibe into the mix. Affinity is a great guitar (check out Jack Pearson at the Gregg Allman Tribute Show playing an Affnity Stratocaster and sounding better than everyone on the stage!) Classic Vibe has nicer pickups, also the modern players series. The real difference I see in the 3 price points is quality of materials woods pickups, and how much hands on work was done to these guitars. Obiously a Players series and a Professional is going to have a lot more hands on work done to it. The fret work should be excellent on the professional. As for the Affinity you are going to expect to see fret sprout but for the money you can really get into a decent solid guitar for not a lot of money. In the end a solid player can make a cheap guitar sound great, and a unpracticed player can make an expensive guitar sound awful. Get the best you can afford, and play it!

[@michaelross1339]

The Classic Vibe series guitars are getting great reviews.

[@voiceofexperience]

@@michaelross1339 Deservedly so! The CV Strats in particular. Their only weak point imo is the trem, but if like me you don't actually use it, you really can't beat them for the $$$.

[@marcpost4034]

Great point about Jack Pearson. He plays the Indonesian Squire Strats. Stock pick ups too!! Loves the feel of them.

[@hkguitar1984]

The highend Gibson's and Fenders are nice for content purposes, however every player who is going to purchase a CS Gibson or Fender most likely isn't going to be reviewing KZbin Videos to help make their choice. That said, the rest of us with limited disposable income greatly appreciate comparisons such as this. I watched many of your videos but decided today to subscribe after watching the first 2 minutes of this video. Great playing and a real practical comparison, much appreciated and thank you.

[@marcusgronwall1340]

First of all, any guitar that makes you wanna play is the one. That beimg said, I like inexpensive gear. You don`t have to worry about re-sale value and if your friend dings it because he`s drunk, you don`t have to kill him. And also, I`ve played guitars that cost 20 times more than my Modern Player Strat (China) that I straight up would never even play even if they were given to me. And let`s face it, the tone that the masters have are in their fingers. I would rather listen to J Mascis play a Squire than listen to myself play a top-level PRS or whatever!

[@timnewman1172]

To me, the MIM Fenders are just the best value. I have owned several, the necks are great and just feel "right". Where they shine in my opinion is as a platform for "modding". I have a couple partscasters, one Strat & one Tele. I have Custom Shop pickups in the Strat and Seymour Duncan Antiquities pickups in the Telecaster. Both have had the nuts replaced with bone, which definitely makes a difference to my ears. In the end, I have a guitar that plays well and sounds great for a lot less $$ than the Custom Shop, and yet nothing that you would be afraid to leave the house to gig with!

[@davidohara6515]

I have a USA standard strat from 2009 and bought a 2nd hand custom shop 59 reissue "dealer select" . The difference was minimal, in fact if a strat can be too "straty " the 59 was it ! Traded it for a d28 .done deal ,happy strummer.

[@kdrake777]

You have Ultra on the screen instead of Pro II.

[@jackorbit7258]

Really good advise! I own a late 1990's Stratocaster. I definitely hear more warmth and depth from the Mexican made Player compared to the Squire which I would expect. Not so much a difference between the Player and the American Pro II. Thanks for the demo. In my opinion, you guys give fair and balanced reviews. I would love to hear a review of the Telecasters.

[@jackorbit7258]

I meant to say it's a Mexican Stratocaster. Very well made and sounding.

[@benalbone9652]

I heard quite a bit of difference between the squier and the player too. But as u say not a great deal if any between the player and the American.

[@paulthorn6437]

Honestly, I can't "hear" much of a difference. The difference you're paying for, IMHO, is in the quality of the workmanship, materials, and the feel of it in your hands. If you are a good player, all 3 of them will sound good in your hands.....but the more expensive one will likely be the one that feels best and is more enjoyable to play more often for longer periods.

[@ralex3697]

I can hear it

[@milankotevski1663]

Affinity sounds very cheap. It's a fact.

[@JR-ld1et]

I've heard guys with expensive strate that sound like the affinity lol

[@peugeotoceancolor6020]

Check your ears, Paul 🤣🤣

[@devonull8784]

Anecdote about Chet Atkins: He was playing a guitar, someone said "that guitar sounds really good" so Chet set the guitar down and then asked "how does it sound now?" We live in a new world where the cheap guitars are a better buy cause the others are over priced based on reputation. There's a vid comparing 10 electrics and a bunch were surprised to see that the Ernie Ball Music Man Axis may be the best balanced guitar than others. Eddie designed it.

[@uncledeadhead3674]

what a great difference, the squier sounded s tinny , the mid range strat was much better but that pro damn what a beautiful full sound.

[@DannerPlace]

I did notice a significant improvement in tone from the Squire to the MX Strat. Not so much on the step up to the American. Although, I bet the America feels better in hand. Having said that, I have had a MX standard Strat for about 15 years, and have no complaints. But, I'd also love to have a premium America model in Surf Green. :-)

[@mjohnson1563]

Same here. I bought a used 2005 MIM strat, and I can’t figure out what about it I would want to be “better”. Super comfortable to play, stays in tune, and sounds great. Despite feeling like a change in pickups would be fun, I’m just plain happy with it.

[@whyguy3651]

The player series is not the same as the mim. Yes they’re made in the same place but the quality is different. The player series is damn near or even better then American made fenders

[@ludomirsteinbruck9376]

I would go with the 50s vintera instead

[@ludomirsteinbruck9376]

@@whyguy3651 care to elaborate why?

[@jimleininger8963]

Owned a plus top Player Strat. Upgraded to noiseless and an American trem and locking tuners. Awesome guitar. But I fell in love with a limited edition Telecaster Cabronita and had to let the strat go. Sold it to my buddy so I still get to play it. My advice, go with the high end MX guitars unless you have a hangup about the serial numbers saying MX. Then pony up the money for similar quality with a US serial number

[@dylanfoote1602]

I’ve got a plus top player strat and I absolutely love it, never selling

[@AxemanMessiah]

They will sound very similar and even feel a bit similar if all of them are setup well. The main difference will be the quality of the parts and features it brings. The Player IMO is the best bang for the buck strat out there esp in used market. Going cheaper like HB and Squier CV is good but know the parts may wear quicker due to the mixed metals they use on their screws and frets. Going more than the Player will give you nice touches like compound radius, noiseless pickups, etc. So the Player is for the Player!

[@marcos061059]

It's so nice to hear these comparisons by someone who can play well.

[@pistacchini]

The Ultra sound is no doubt the best there's no doubt according to my point of view 👌 I'm a professional guitar player for more than 50 years thanks 😊

[@gajapi]

I have my squier classic vibes strat with a fender American loaded pickguard, it’s perfect. I love it!

[@jimmyjimmy951]

Just received my White AM Pro2 and love it. Save and go the extra cash for the Player or P2 if you can. Owed and still own the Squire Standard FMT. Love it and would never get rid.. Also have the Squire Standard Tele which is a keeper. If your going for entry level, suggest that you budget for a good pro set up if you can’t do it yourself. This goes for all new guitars in my opinion. 👍🇦🇺

[@heavymetal11]

My thoughts on expensive guitar should be about- good wood, good drying process, good quality paint and better electronics parts and the finished job feel. Tone came much from the player, the pick ups and body shape. Everyone requirements is different. We can argue from north to south about whether ex guitar is worth the hype or cheap guitar can meet the game, there will no be conclusions. I have passed the period of chasing. I am content with my charvel Socal and fender pro 2. I jammed with friends but not gigs and these 2 are more than enuff for me, and they fit the genres i m playing.

[@williamneumann6622]

I agree. The classic player would be the one I would choose. As a matter of fact, I own the same one you demoed. One thing I like about the classic player is that the bridge pickup has a tone knob assigned to it, the other controls the neck and middle. Soundwise, I think the american made might have sounded a little bit better, but not enough for twice the money. I don't know about the american made, but the squier and classic player bodies, I don't think, are as heavy as an an original american standard, they are contoured and lighter...I like the little bit of extra weight. The affinity, I think is a lot lighter than a standard strat, and contoured a bunch. It seemed really bright...probably the pickups, different body wood, and red finish...painted finishes seem bright to me than stained finishes. I did like the fat 70's headstock on it though. It is a pretty decent deal on a budget guitar.

[@danieli.9252]

I am not a good guitar player, so keep that in mind. Last year I purchased a Squier Bullet Telecaster on sale, and I have been happy with it. Everything works just fine, and for me, it's good enough. I could make a great guitar sound awful, so I figured it made sense to save some money.

[@OscarRuiz-gj3mp]

my feelings eggzackly! I got a Squire bullet strat and a mustang, great super cheap guitars that sound as good as i am able to make them.which is not much! lol! ....but iam a happy camper meanwhile.

[@johnjay9553]

Been watching Alamo Music videos for a while. Cooper, it's nice to see your beard growing out, it makes the "Cooper McKee" more fitting lol. Good to know you're "but" guy, you did throw in a "however" at the end, which made me chuckle. I just started learning to play the guitar about a year ago. I mostly practice on an acoustic but wanted an electric just in case I wanted to try that route. My only electric is a Fender American Ultra SSS Strat. There definitely was some difference to the sound but probably a difference in the way the guitar feels after they are all set up the same.

[@danielhartman5086]

Saving right now for the American pro ll.Played 1 about a month ago. And fell in love with it. Yes it will be my next guitar by Christmas of 2022.

[@tbmuse]

They all sound great, just use the one that gives the tone you need for the situation required (and which one feels best in your hands). In a live gig, I'm sure not too many would even notice a difference, especially since the tone would give the player the subtle changes to make it work no matter what.

[@frankie_CALB]

I think y’alls mislabeled the last Strat. Wasn’t it supposed to be the Pro II model?

[@AlamoMusic]

You are correct-- we'll get that changed! Thanks for pointing it out.

[@johnwintemute1996]

@@AlamoMusic Still haven't fixed it. Could be misleading...

[@sboy1955]

@@AlamoMusic - well… go fix it!!!!

[@edwardskol1812]

Still not fixed at 5 months!

[@gohjohan]

@@edwardskol1812 Make it 6 months.

[@petert5509]

Excellent playing and demo. Thank You for making these demos available .

[@ImLeuff]

Cooper is so chilled out he'll live to be 120 years old

[@czechplastik]

Great video. Cooper seems like a great guy, very knowledgeable and explains the differences really well. Great playing too. Thanks.

[@dragan4658]

The MIM plus top is an awesome guitar at a reasonable price! Koodos to fender for making affordable guitars, something the iconic Gibson doesn't do, hense you get an €piphone! The pro II... Hands down!

[@paulsandor3522]

More often than not, it's the player not the axe! Great playing

[@davolthe1261]

And amplifier!

[@CesarC487]

My mom got my an affinity like 20 years ago, still have it, looking for a polar white maple player series now

[@josephsantana3094]

The problem with the super cheap Squiers is the QC just isn't there. If you get a good one they're decent guitars. I think the Classic Vibe series is incredible for the money and has less QC problems but at that point I'm already tempted to just get a used Fender Player strat for the same money or just spend the extra bucks on a new Fender Player.

[@joekellysux]

I have been playing a Mexican strat for 30 years and it still sounds great. It survived 5 years playing in a punk rock band and to this day I have not had to have any work done to it at all.

[@ForTheDailyRide]

My first electric guitar was Fender player plus Nashville telecaster, man I feel in love with the guitar way it feels and neck is so comfortable and sounds great.

[@Uzi_does_it76]

Still have my MIM Standard Strat, still sounds and plays great even though I did have to have it regretted once. Also have an American Pro II. The two aren’t even comparable, but both are excellent guitars.

[@lukegleeson2134]

I feel like the Affinity was the brightest sounding, while the Player Series was warmest, with the Pro II being somewhere in between. But I absolutely can’t claim to hear that well. I may be fooling myself! Regardless, all 3 sounded very nice.

[@eieioh50cond47]

The player stood out.

[@imCurveee]

I've had mine for over two years. I still love it as much as the day I brought it home. Absolutely solid guitar, Fender really nailed the cost-quality balance with the Player lineup.

[@koalabear884]

@@imCurveee 100% agree. I purchased the Plus Top HSS and truly enjoy it. I got it for myself last Christmas before the world went over the edge. For me the timing -- unknown at the time -- was ideal. I've had a lot more time to play.

[@hathaway.1166]

You mean the player right?

[@chang912]

You said that because you knew the pro ii costs twice as much. If you have enough cash, definitely should go for the pro ii. Player is good when you are on budget.

[@backyardblacksmith3090]

Mexicans make great guitars the Martin guitars from Mexico are also top notch

[@debchapman6469]

My first Strat was a Squier Affinity - which lead to a Player - which lead to a 2018 American Elite Strat I bought used, which is simply amazing and lucious and beautiful and even in my unskilled hands sounds incredible. I had to sell 2-other guitars (a Les Paul Tribute and the Player) to pay for it, but boy was it worth it. I'd skip the Affinity and look at a Classic Vibe or Paranormal if you're going the Squier route to start, if you can, the jump in quality is worth it.

[@monzajunior7337]

The Affinity guitars are astonishing value for money and ideal for the complete beginner, but once you get serious you will want to upgrade all the pickups, hardware - or (probably a better idea) trade it in for a MIM or American Strat. Great video, thanks Cooper, I think I could really hear the pickup quality and how you were just happier playing the more expensive guitars. The American Pro really sounds nice.

[@Dreamdancer11]

Yes and no....i agree they are amazing value for money as it is but if you want to elevate it its not necessary a better option to get a "better" guitar.I have an affinity(amongst other comparable guitars) and i have upgraded it with big jescar stainless steel frets,hipshot tuners,new nut,new electronics along with a set of kinman pickups...the works....now getting an mim or an american strat doesnt give me a better guitar cause this humble affinity now has better parts than both...now it challenges the custom shop builds which cost several thousands and in the end would wear the same stuff that i have in my affinity if i ever wanted to get one masterbuild....so you can actually get from humble to custom shop without the logo pompous tax pretty easily.

[@Allie-w1l]

This seems to be a Goldilocks situation. (Agreed about the "save up and getting something nicer" advice: for many, the Affinity was really the most they could afford if they also want to be able to buy other essentials, like a cable, amp, cleaning stuff, gig bag, tuner, etc. It is something to learn on until we need to move up.)

[@BenState]

The sound def goes up from bottom up. That last Ultra sound was amaze.

[@cyrilhector9183]

I have an early 90s Mexican Strat, a 2022 Player, and a 2019 Pro which I got recently for a third of the new price and has become my go to. They really are in feel 3 different instruments but all are great. The 90s Mexican pickups are great for slide and I keep it permanently tuned to an open G.I love the Player but the neck and the pickups on the pro excell for me.

[@redddogg2461]

Man that affinity don’t sound half bad. The player sounds awesome and the American just sounds like what a Strat supposed to sound like!!! Cool vid!!!

[@potwms99]

I have a Player Tele. It's a great guitar. I see no reason to pay twice the price for an "upgraded" Tele. Maple neck, Alder body, Alnico 5 pups. It's all you need, IMHO.

[@kyleabent]

I have Fender American Ultra Tele. Its beautiful.

[@uncledeadhead3674]

its all YOU need. others need more, then again if someone handed you a american standard or pro tele, youd see and feel the difference, unless you still in beginner stages.

[@potwms99]

@@uncledeadhead3674 I built guitars for many years. I know the difference, friend. I'm 63 years old. You can upgrade the Player if you want, but I still say the American Teles damn sure aren't worth twice the price.

[@uncledeadhead3674]

@@potwms99 that makes no sense your comparing price , a subjective thing to quality. a 120 dollar squier isnt worth 120 bucks when it costs about 36 bucks to make including parts now is it. so that makes no sense, the issue is whether or not an American tele which is made out of different wood, different necks, a much deeper fretboard, better frets, much much better qc on things like bowed or not bowed necks, truss rod placement, soldering , and wire gauge, and the potentiometers themselves are different , plus the tuners are different, literally every part of the process from a MIM to a American standard are dramatically different, so the question is, is the quality much better in an American standard and the FACT is yes it is, whether you want to put work into a guitar after the fac is up to you, most people dont want to have to put hours of tech time into their guitar to make it play better.

[@hathaway.1166]

@@potwms99 I think Fender does a rrly good job at making affordable workhorse guitars(I'll buy it soon, even though Im broke af lol) If I want a high end strat, Imma gettin a Suhr.

[@danr5105]

I learned buying entry level acoustic guitars, they end up under the bed. This 14-1600 range in both acoustic guitars and electric is a real sweet spot. I am moving to a "strat" type (from acoustic) as they are the lightest. My guitar instructor uses a Fender Mexico strat for my acoustic lessons. Hasn't been a problem so far.

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

This was helpful, I bought some V mod pickups (used) to put in one of my MIM strats and can't wait to try em out.🤘🏼

[@richardroyster6631]

I have own the Affinity, the Standard MIM and the American standard. First the Affnity is a great first guitar and a good platform for customizing PUP, Tuners, Bridges, and I have done that. I just play my American and MIM standards and the feel of the neck is the biggest difference. I have put EMG's and SD pup in the MIM strats and now I have created unique and high quality strats as a junior tech for my friends. I do not own a American Pro but I have had a strat plus and deluxe strat and the s2 system. The deluxe strat was great and the cost was better $850 new. I sold it to buy a cell phone!!

[@NeighborhoodStreetrat]

I've owned a Mexican strat for years and I just got my first American strat. The quality difference is very noticeable but the Mexican was still really good for its price.

[@CallmeDaBreeze1971]

I'm an older beginner (52). I had the coin to go ahead and buy a Player Strat. I'm glad I did because there is nothing about the guitar that will hinder my progress learning to play. Every time I look at it I just want to pick it up and play.

[@TommySG1]

You made that Squire sound awesome, awesome playing man 🤙

[@joeracano4925]

Huge diff in quality and clarity- love the Pro Am II

[@77pearcearrow]

Pretty cool video, recently I purchased a new Strat. I had a budget of $2500, and I chose the American Pro II. I did not like the Ultra and the Ultra luxe. I did like the American Original, but I found the pick ups to be a little too low output.

[@pastorhicks9614]

Great review. Having grown up poor, I started with a Lotus Strat copy from a pawnshop. When I got my first MIM Strat, buddy I thought I had arrived! I am still just a blue collar guy and very much favor the MIM Strats. However, having just went into Guitar Center today, I had serious sticker shock at what the Mexican Strats are retailing for now. Some were just over $900!!!!! My MIM Strats are 96 & a 98. Which were around $450 new. I will say the new “Player Series” MIM have really closed the gap in quality between the MIM and American. Which in my opinion was kind of close already but it’s really tight now. Nevertheless, let’s be honest, we all want a USA model! And they will always hold their value better than the “lesser” models. With that being said, my #1, my baby, will always be my 96 MIM Strat.

[@smileystevens3060]

Back in the day I owned the MIM standard Strat before Fender changed to the Player series and to my ears the MIM standard had a lot better sound quality than the Player and I did buy my Player online so I couldn't try it out, but once I received the Player I was very unhappy with from the start the frets were really bad like no one from the plant dressed them up the frets were sharp to my palm and the set screws for the saddles were really sharp on top so if you played with your palm on it , it cut into your palm, but that's what happens when you buy something online. But all in all I would rather have a MIM standard over the Player any day....But always remember "Never Stop the Music"

[@georgeservian9383]

Been watching the Piano side with Patrick and Ted, glad I found the guitar reviews also! Nice job, I'll be checking out more of your videos.

[@danielrentel9747]

My Squier standard from 2000 sounds amazing and can equally match a Fender Mexican

[@drewmoody8905]

Nice straightforward video. Honest, clear an no bullshit. What could be better?

[@TexanUSMC8089]

The Squire will get the job done, the MIM does sound better, and the American made is incredible. If you don't have the money for top of the line, a cheaper one can be cleaned up. Level the neck and frets, then polish the frets, then swap out the pickups. It's a lot of work and you wind up paying for a MIM, but you have something to play while you upgrade. The Squire's aren't bad though. A quality amp is probably more important than an expensive guitar if you're on a budget. Great video. Thanks.

[@Incuensuocha]

People in the audience who aren’t guitar nerds probably wouldn’t notice a difference. Strat lovers are more likely to tell the difference though. But more importantly, you can absolutely feel the difference. A high quality/well set up guitar is a joy and inspiration to play. Cheap guitars feel cheap and just make me want to put them down.

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

I love my Player Strat. I’m in the market for another one and I’m undecided between the American Professional II or a Mod Shop guitar

[@CraigItsFriday]

Thanks for this video. I wish I saw it 6 months ago when I was buying but I do love my Affinity. For me, the Affinity sounds bright not in a good or bad way but it sounded more tinny to my ear on a phone speaker. I imagine tone settings were the same for this comparison. The pricer models have a much nicer mid and low tones. I think what I have is just fine for my skill level but good to know that the extra money really does make a difference for my next purchase.

[@ronleccese8678]

Excellent video in all respects ❤😎

[@junkdnareviews2515]

The affinity is a little tinny, the player is a great middle ground and the ultra is a step up but unnecessary for most

[@dougbennett7881]

American Professional II will be my next guitar late 2021 or early 2022. Live just north of San Antonio so maybe Alamo music will be in my future?

[@franktaconelli9095]

my luthier buddy & I designed and built a 3 tone sunburst Strat with Fender 57/62 pickups that sound incredible and plays like a dream all for under $300

[@rondeakin8876]

I have a Player Strat,great guitar,no complaints.Great demo Cooper !

[@evinguitar2872]

Nice and so useful video with full clearity in opting the right Guitar.❤

[@CheBellaTelevisione]

I love your hair bro. Mad respect.

[@rhodes7394]

Fender Player is a perfect compromise between the Squier and American Strats/Tele. I'd take a Player any day. Sounds and looks like a real "proper" Fender.

[@gordonipock9385]

I'm not much of a guitar player, mostly because I don't practice enough. I have other interests that I put more time into. I did own a Mexican Strat. It had Tex-Mex pickups. Pretty good guitar. I tried a Squier Classic Vibe guitar in a Guitar Center and was highly impressed. It's far better than the Squier Affinity. I bought a Classic Vibe 50's model and sold the Mexican Strat. Later I ran across a Squier Classic Vibe 60's guitar in a pawn shop. The guy didn't know what he had. It was tossed in with the Bullets and Affinities. I bought it for a hundred bucks -- sales tax included! So now I have both Classic Vibe models. The Classic Vibes have good Alnico 5 pickups, Good bodies. Excellent necks. Easy to play, perhaps because they come with size 9 strings. They are selling new for about $420. These guitars have a good reputation and thus a high resale value. If you don't abuse them you can sell them used for $300, whereas the cheaper Squiers will sell for about $100 or less used. As a beginner I would definitely recommend the Squier Classic Vibe over the cheaper Squiers. Sounds better, feels better and is easier to play. I like that the Classic Vibes have the same headstock on them as a Fender Strat. They are a serious guitar.

[@gordonipock9385]

My Classic Vibes are about ten years old. They were made with Alder bodies, just like the Fenders. Since then they have begun making the Classic Vibes with poplar bodies, even though the price has gone up over a hundred dollars due to inflation. Not sure how much of a step down the poplar wood is.

[@ralex3697]

Sorry but Fender made in the USA is still affordable compared to designer guitars like PRS, Suhr,Schecter,Ibanez etc Fender is great value and the pro series II is a winner, I have the Tele pro series II and it is excellent Solid construction, nicely finished I think your demo is a Pro II not Ultra

[@andrzejlisowski5482]

There is very indeed very distinct difference between all these models. It is hard to say whether Squier sounds better than Pro. It sounds different. I prefer the player series the most.

[@jerrypeevey]

Sounds to me like the higher price axes sound softer. Hard to describe but the "tang, wang, bang," is softened on the very edges of each note. Sold me on a Ultra luxe just now LOL thanks.

[@SECURITY39]

I just bought a player. It plays and sounds great in the 12 feet range particularly

[@dennisgurka4730]

I own a pro 2 hss maple and the ultra SS maple strats, love them both, use them for different purposes. Also have a pro 2 telecaster maple and just like the strats, use it for a different purpose. If you have the money I recommend them. As far as the instruments at lower prices, again to what purpose do you want to use them, or what level you are at playing. It’s really up to you, and it’s all about how it feels in your head and hands.

[@3cardmonty602]

I’d buy that Squier and mod it with upgraded pickups. I did it to my $85 Partscaster, and it’ll stay with me for life. I’m still under the Player price point with my upgrades.

[@CraigItsFriday]

Modding... A new rabbit hole is forming for me. :)

[@EliKuo]

Cooper can make any guitar sound good. I can't really tell what's "bad" about the Squier. Sounds amazing.

[@AGNC7]

Honestly they player sounded the best out of the three in my opinion

[@RogerThat902]

Used Mexican strat is not that much more expensive than the new Squiers and can last a lifetime if you want or need. Should you decide to upgrade it will be because you desire something in particular and you can use that MIM strat to try new pickups in or whatever. Fantastic guitars that won't make anyone feel like they are playing something inferior. Honestly think Gibson should copy the strategy. There are so many players that love the idea of owning a Gibson, but can't afford one. I get that Gibson doesn't want to dilute the brand, but Fender has shown that if anything you just treat the lower brands as a funnel into your more expensive lines. Fender still has Squire, and I think Gibson should make Epiphone their cheap stuff (and can still have some nice Ephphones), but have a "cheap" line of Gibson stuff. If Gibson came out w/ a "player" 335...how many of those would they sell? Goodness.

[@falcongunner33]

And now even the Squiers are getting really good with the classic vibe series. There really is something for everyone in the Fender lineup.

[@TheBelmontBluesMan]

I agree. Fender has done a much better job relating to actual guitar players where Gibson seems more focused on hanging guitars in doctors and lawyers offices offices.

[@petedetraglia4776]

@@TheBelmontBluesMan in 1997 I bought a brand new Gibson Les Paul Studio Black with gold hardware for 699.99 at a local music store. Now the same Gibson Les Paul studio is 1499.99 dollars. Gibson you are paying for the name and status. Gibson makes great guitars but there are so many other companies that make high quality copies for half that price. Now - a - days its about the status not about the fundamental structure and play ability of the guitar.

[@thedaways]

So right. Especially as some of the 2021 Squiers have maple roasted necks

[@StratBurst92]

I have always loved Strats I have a 2011 American Standard which I love. Recently added a Squire 50s Classic Vibe and for the money it is pretty good. Mine was made in Indonesia and I find that the current ones have better quality than the Chinese ones My suggestion is, if you are beginning, go for the Classic Vibe even if it costs more than the Affinity. Squire have upped their game.

[@nsbomb]

I skipped all these lines and went to the American Original line, it almost just as good as Custom Shop but for under 2K euro. The difference between the Pro 2 and the American Original is massive (to my opinion). The difference between the America Original and SC is mostly the feel of the guitar, sound wise, at least with my AO 50's strat, there was merely any difference. The path to finding your guitar is much fun, enjoy it!

[@tomusic8887]

The path is horrible man it's a freaking maze....i just want to buy a good strat for 2k....just try it without going crazy if you are not familiar with the million options....

[@nsbomb]

​@@tomusic8887 WHAHA, I feel you, a little update. After a few months of playing my 50's AO, my opinion changed. I traded it for a 60's AO which was a good Strat but it was still not what I was looking for. Now a nephew of mine had a very good 50's AO so I bought it from him. I also had a 1985 MIJ Strat with 2006 Fender USA electronics. It sounded good but not special. I eventually ended up putting the 50's AO neck on the 1985 loaded body and the 60's AO neck on the 50's AO body. Now I have 2 Strats the sound and play AMAZING! I honestly can say I am no longer looking for a Strat, they both have such a great, clear and airy Strat sound and play like butter. Very grateful the I combined these different parts and found out it matched much better this way. I must admit, the search can be frustrating but, in the end, it should give you the satisfaction that you're looking for.

[@keithbridges1469]

I as hobbyist that loves modifying guitars I have hot rodded a lot of squires. I get great sound from them. I recently bought an American Pro II. The difference is defiantly neck feel, plus the pick ups are great. So if you can afford it go Pro the guitar will always retain value.

[@texhaines9957]

A super dooper Cooper video! I KNOW which one sounded good to me, but I would need to pick each up and play it. I am still thinking about a Lesson Paul or ES335, and then there are Rickenbocker guitars. Still playing and singing with some nice acoustic guitars. Thanks

[@dreamscuba]

A very balanced video shootout. Great playing. Thank you.

[@simonsmith2642]

Definitely hear the difference and I’m just on an I pad and have hearing loss, because I’m an idiot and never pre ear plugs. The AM II is an excellent value, especially a blem scratch and dent or used.

[@JMM440xi]

That Pro sounds real fine.

[@paulcowart3174]

Unfortunately these huge companies have outrageous pay roll not even counting the builder's So different now Just picked up a CS for 4500 dollar It's an utterly fantastic guitar but is it worth 4K more than the Squier I got for 65 bucks at a pawn shop To be fair someone had already did some upgrades but just saying a strat is a strat and I'm a firm believer that the amp is 75 percent of the tone Will never spend that much on a Fender again but owed it to myself to see if it stacks up with my 65 Trans strat

[@uninterestingbagel2501]

Punctuations please LOL, but interesting

[@Tzadeck]

I have a very nice acoustic, a Martin OM-28, and I bought it because it really did sound a lot better than cheaper guitars. With acoustics you really get a much better guitar if you pay more, but to be honest I've never really felt the same for electrics. I have a Mexican Strat and a Japanese Strat... and when I play an American made one I almost don't even notice the difference.

[@paqman78]

You won't hear much difference. You'll FEEL the difference. But with that being said, I went the opposite way through my 20 years of playing. My first strat was an American Deluxe and since then I've collected Squier strats and use them more. I just enjoy playing them more and heck of a lot cheaper, so I've got them in all sorts of colour combinations. Can't afford to do that if i collected US strats only.

[@heydoo8896]

I still own a Mexican Standard Stratocaster, it is the one with ceramic Pickups from maybe 2012. I really enjoyed it 'till I found my 2003 American Deluxe Strat, on which I a set of custom shop 50s……a huge difference in my opinion.