Fender 1963 Strat and a Masterbuilt Stratocaster

[@89digits59]

63 sounds fuller and a more rounded sound, the custom shop is brighter and thinner sounding, given a choice I'll go for the 63.

[@Stevexperiences]

This 63 sounds wonderful. In my job I have often tuned and played vintage Stratocasters and they rarely sound as good as the one in the video. But I noticed that the 63s were often lighter than the others and had more overtones. In contemporary Stratocasters, the CS and MB have many disparities in sound quality. The best Stratocaster I have played is a 60 relic from 1999-2000 (Cunetto body and neck) and an original 1956, but difficult to tune and play. Thanks for the video.

[@stevesukboriboon5619]

63 is the ultimate year stratocaster for me. Amazing guitars

[@sircharles7323]

Nice video and playing. I love the 63. For me it´s far better than the new one. Very transparent ringing sound. Would be interested if it is the wood or the pickups which make the difference in the first place.

[@peacefulruler1]

Lighter body weight and Brazilian rosewood board make it resonant and spanky

[@sircharles7323]

@@peacefulruler1 Yes, light weight is good, also for the back.

[@uncoolrunnings]

I could tell within the first 5 seconds of the video which one would sound better (to my ears) - the '63! Both amazing though! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheStudioRats]

Glad you liked it!

[@esmoroglu]

What a resonance on the ‘63, maintained so well!👏🏻👏🏻🧿

[@TheStudioRats]

Couldn't agree more!

[@CoztheWizard]

63 all day! It's a shame (and a little surprising) that the master built (Fender's current finest offering) doesn't hold up better - what pickups are in it? Thanks for the great vid!

[@scubbarookie]

Paul, Simon?! Lol. I've heard that name before! Nice work gents! You both are have great abilities on the guitar, and great tones! Thank you!

[@garywaddell6309]

It’s so true what they say about how tones come from the players fingers. Both of you made each strat sound so different. They are stunning guitars although I do favour that 60s strat. Great when you have guests on the show too Paul, great video!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Gary.

[@riheg]

The wife and guitar are keepers

[@gregsteffey1266]

That’s great you say that. That’s why I named my guitar brand Kēpr.

[@jasperchance3382]

absolutely

[@steve-orourke]

Wow! beautiful tone! Absolutely brilliant right hand technique - love the hybrid picking!

[@PrantoKoX]

Ooooh, that '63 looks & sounds fantastic! Treasure. 💎👌🏼 In a metaphore, to me the vintage one sounds like Hendrix, while the masterbuilt sounds like SRV playing Hendrix, and digging in too hard. Also so comforting to see how a real vintage 60 year old guitar is in better shape and not looking even barely close to today's "relics". 👌🏼💯👍🏼 Also, very good detailed expertise on the materials & paint etc!

[@Adventuresingearland]

1:46: And it’s still in tune! Remarkable.

[@jonathanjrich]

Both lovely guitars but I’ve got to go for the ‘63. Just forwarding the video to my wife…

[@Funkybassuk]

Tasty playing and that ‘63 Strat just has that something extra. PRS himself says that his favourite Strat is a ‘63.

[@TheStudioRats]

cheers Funky.

[@francophillips1552]

Jimi Hendrix had a 63 that he would not take on tour but only use in the studio.

[@SeanApplePie]

I got a 1959/60 Players Strat but it got that precisely sound of that much more priceless 1963 you got there. what a precies one. The masterbuilt sounds good and God knows. maybe somewhere in time it will sound like the "nowadays" old ones. The masterbuild sounds a bid thight. It must played I guess. Great video Studio Rats I give it a 👍

[@bonedale]

That 63 neck pickup was perfect

[@TheStudioRats]

yeah agreed.

[@johnwebb2562]

It's great to see a nice😊 63, like the fact that there no skunk stripe nonsense with the old Rosewood pelet. I had a CBS model about 1980. Was the worst guitar 🎸 I ever had the neck was twisted it was brand new. Best regards. John.

[@MrSteppingstone888]

That is the BEST story ever We should had a nice picture of your wife !! Ok the 63 sounded warmer velvety and richer a amazing neck pickup . I had a 63 strat I called it the violin it was just like yours in all honesty you could hear the jimi tones when playing it. She is just special and notches above the others /Not all sound like yours or how mine did I would say this is the absolute best sound to expect when buying one and often others are not all the same. I once had a chance to buy a 63 fiesta red for three thousand, I bought a 65 sunburst instead it was less money was about 1 yr before the prices on them soared, I sold it back to the little shop owner, yes I deeply regret not buying that fiesta red it was amazing condition and sounded great

[@davidmcquillan4754]

Excellent video with some amazing Strats. I really need to add a Strat to my little collection. Simon is a talented, fantastic player.🎸🎸

[@TheStudioRats]

Couldn't agree more!

[@jeffcookdotau]

My wife complained when I bought a couple of your picks. Simon's wife bought him a '63 Strat. Something's not right here!

[@arnolddealiii4259]

Cool guitars! Honestly a 63’ strat is the way to go every time, but I’m vibing with the custom shop. I couldn’t tell a lot of difference in tone, and I like the color better. Lastly you said the custom shop currently plays better. I will gladly pay more for a better player than one worth more. I’m not a collector I’m a player. If I got a 63’. It would be mint because I’d never touch it. The guitar owns you at that point.

[@luffy8563]

love this . In my opinion you should have play them both unplugged , and analyse the tone , loudness , twang etc ..

[@rickenbacker40011]

Holy shit that 1963 sounds incredible, one of the best strats I’ve ever heard. I’ve always noticed that about newer versions of the classics, they sit in just a different higher mid frequency, and somehow have just less low end and less top end. you can’t sink into them, they’re a lot more pinchy

[@aminahmed2220]

Absolutely fantastic ❤😊

[@TheStudioRats]

Thank you! Cheers

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

to me ,The 63 is more rounded with far more bloom to the whole sound ,beautiful guitar. I love reliced guitars 😊

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

63 sounds awesome; I’m sure with new frets it’ll just feel better to play, Mick from that Pedal Show did that to his Vintage Strat, he said the difference is night and day

[@tomusic8887]

Very different indeed 🤷❤️

[@jeffcookdotau]

The pickups were different but hard to pick a favourite. The '63 probably gets the nod for bridge and neck positions while the Masterbuilt middle sounded best for me. As for frets, I can't think of much worse than 6105 (narrow tall). They're like running your fingers up a washboard. 6150 (medium jumbo) is much the same height but the extra width makes them feel less "abrupt" when you slide past one. I have an obvious soft spot for the '63 because I'm the same vintage, but I'd never be happy with one because they have the fattest neck at the 12th fret. There was some interesting editing at around the 4 minute mark. Simon finished playing the Masterbuilt, and then you handed him the Masterbuilt. Great comparison video! Thanks Paul, Simon and Mrs Piggott.

[@LfunkeyA]

taller frets are always better. if it feels like a washboard, you're pressing too hard, that simple.

[@jeffcookdotau]

@@LfunkeyA And yet I can seamlessly swap to a scalloped fretboard and maintain perfect pitch with single notes or chords.

[@yourefromdownsouth9728]

I don’t want to believe the hype. I don’t want to believe the hype…but the 63 sounds perfect…

[@williamcampbell163]

Professional playing setup and intonated squire and advanced beginner playing original custom shop masterbuilt whatever. I believe squire would win by landslide.😊

[@riniones]

the 63 pickups have a slight hint of microphonics that give the sound of the vintage instrument an edge over the CS... that elusive magic sound

[@sircharles7323]

you nailed it.

[@Rufko]

I'm always wondering how much part of all the sonic difference is it the pickups. I would took those '63 and put them in the Master-built one and do the same comparison. I did the same thing with my Master-built and swap the pickups with a better sounding Fullerton Strat. And must say it is ALMOST all in the pickups. Not all, but almost.

[@jasperchance3382]

being born in '63 would make me choose the pre cbs, but both are great guitars, maybe the '63 is somewhat rounder and warm.

[@lucasgurgel6831]

Please does anybody know what he's playing at 4:55 ? is that an actual song or was he just playing whatever?

[@TheJP3]

I think the newer guitar might be a little better in a crowded mix, but the 63 has a lot of character. What amp? The amp tone was beautiful.

[@TheStudioRats]

Ik TONEX with our Matchless capture.

[@TheJP3]

@@TheStudioRats sounds tremendous

[@richardelson3261]

Hey guys. I just compared two great guitars and they are different. Wow.

[@matt926uk1]

if you get new taller frets wouldn't the nut need replacing too?

[@stratman808]

Yes, easy done. Keep the old one and use unbleached bone for the replacement. Not a fan of unsightly shims. Thanks

[@Voxman5]

Really interesting vid guys, great playing and that 63 is just to die for! Re the 63 frets are these just worn or were these simply lower even from new and higher frets are simply a playing preference? Sorry for my ignorance here but if Fender used lower frets in the early 60's, what's the issue with these from a playing perspective - why might a player prefer taller frets & wouldn't a lower fret permit a lower action?

[@TheStudioRats]

cheers, they were worn frets.

[@DaveyBones]

Surprise surprise 63 for me 🤘🏻

[@rikardo1070]

63 winner . not close

[@gregsteffey1266]

I thought they sound very close. The difference to me was similar to if you picked a little harder or moved closer or farther from the bridge with your picking hand, you could achieve the same result. But I’m sure the price point is a lot farther away than the tone.

[@derekclacton]

Tone is subjective but tme, the original ‘63 has something special about it - I don’t know if ‘authentic’ is the word to use, or what would explain it - other than, perhaps, the quality of the woods and how they have aged. I appreciate other components have an influence but they can be manufactured to the same (or better) specs. The natural materials seem to make the biggest difference?

[@gorgon9786]

Was a great 63,..shame :that the left guy, wasn't following up with that green one for a real difference play amongst the two guitars..

[@David01.d]

63 when Simon plays it Masterbuilt when Paul plays ut

[@TheStudioRats]

interesting.

[@beatbaker7420]

which amp did you use?

[@deplinenoise]

Congrats, and the guitar isn’t bad either

[@slodziak222222]

maybe 4 springs in bridge does the differnce

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Oh yeah? Well my wife bought me a pair of long John's for Christmas!

[@robinsonrojosolar8528]

El sonido de la 1963 tiene más cuerpo y definición en graves medios y agudos que la masterbuilt, debe ser por los años de secado natural de la madera y también por los años de uso , tocar y tocar. La Masterbuilt suena muy bien pero le falta ese sonido más nítido que posee la 1963 , también hay que ver si la Masterbuilt tiene pal de rosa de Brazil cómo lo tiene la 1963.

[@lyinking1998]

What does a motorcycle sound like?

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

Regarding changing out the frets on the 63.. If you own a vintage automobile and it needs new tires, you buy new tires. -Enough said.

[@davidmcquillan4754]

It’s all a matter of scale Jeff. LOL. I mentioned Simons wife’s generosity to my wife…..let’s see what Santa brings.🎸🎸

[@PatzerYo]

Agreed with first few comments

[@nabilcharbel4136]

Drool fest here, thx Paul for this GAS inducing demo ❤

[@수김-j1x]

11:17 11:31 3:10 3:35

[@robertoiorio390]

I’ll take the custom Shop anytime. No way they were built better in 63

[@mikej6565]

IME Custom Shop build quality is slightly better on average, but my early 1964 (just like the one in video) is the best strat I've ever played. Sounds very balanced and resonant unplugged. I do have a particular roasted custom shop that sounds quite good. The old wood and pickups = a force to be reckoned with.

[@martgryfny]

It's funny that today people search in Fenders for that slab board, when you can have Yamaha Pacifica with this feature for 150$

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

So, we are comparing a random Strat, off of the assembly line, to a custom built Strat? -Hardly seems fair.. :) And yet, I prefer the 63.

[@alainmalo3791]

Le 63 plus chaud plus rond rien avoir avec le custom Shop!!

[@fumeokid]

The story behind the guitar is what makes it irreplaceable.

[@thatscottishdude2058]

Is this Right Said Fred 😂

[@TheStudioRats]

Best comment of the day!

[@thatscottishdude2058]

@@TheStudioRats it’s ok I get all the time , I’m a baldy too 😂

[@schreds]

i have yet to find or play any custom shop Strat that sounds or plays better then my 62 Strat ,, for those of u who say old wood doesn't matter you are 100% wrong

[@BorisPadilla-gi5uc]

People are constantly comparing assembly line fenders built by Mexican house wives in America to Master built or custom shop guitars and as always, the old assembly line guitar wins. Take a trip to the Corona plant assembly line in 2024. Guess what? The same kind of people are still producing amazing instruments. Don’t fall for the hype. Save your money and buy a regular Fender or American vintage. Pure quality instruments.

[@jokermaan1]

What amuses me is that Fender's masterbuilders make all these heavily reliced 'new' guitars, yet whenever we see an example of an actual original, sixty year old guitar there's generally no more than a crazed finish and the odd ding!

[@Highland_Paddy]

So the relic used to kinda look realistic.

[@Highland_Paddy]

[Well, they DO offer options and all that]

[@Highland_Paddy]

Vintage all the way

[@Highland_Paddy]

I think I had a gal buy me a cookie once.

[@waqasliaqat]

How can I make this video appear on my wife’s feed ?? 😂

[@kmichaelp4508]

I think I prefer the 67

[@mikecaldwell4442]

The custom shop has better chordal tone but the lead playing is superior on the vintage

[@Guesswhoblabla01]

You gotta say the 63s warmer and more open. Its a really good vintage guitar and the MB is not one of the best MBs. I dont like zhe MB Pickups.

[@jmorg1267]

So they got it right in ‘63 and have been screwing with them ever since. 🤷‍♂️

[@rickjason215]

I hate that guitars are reliced.

[@DS-nw4eq]

I don’t

[@rdanalytics9197]

me like them

[@Bigsbeee]

Done well I think they can be a thing of beauty. Appreciate not for some. They can be like looking at a painting for me and ‘much’ prefer the feel of rolled fretboard etc.

[@hangingchad_]

No one cares.

[@jongonzalez6917]

I don’t. You don’t feel so bad when you ding it. You can beat the crap out of it and you’re still good.

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

The new one sounds weird 😳😳 This shows what a scam MB guitars are 🤷‍♂️ Mexican housewives did a better job for less money

[@MrKenstar2]

Are these guys aliens?