Fender American Professional Stratocaster

[@kurtc2894]

Picked up a 2016 American Strat. The serial number says Am Pro, even though all reviews were say 2017 was the first year of the series. Your review was so detailed and comprehensive that it confirmed it’s an Am Pro. I learn so much from KYG. Thanks, Phil!

[@captainamerica9353]

I bought a Fender American Pro Jag last year, and it was a great guitar, except for one thing: the "Narrow-Tall" frets that this video praises. They dug into my fingertips, and I really tried bonding with it. Nice build quality, neck shape, etc., but I sold it after about a month. Now I know I gotta have medium or medium jumbo's.

[@calvinandhobbes1968]

Loving mine!!! My first real Strat!! Have wanted one since I was 10. Couldn’t be happier.

[@jesuschristredeemssavessou9588]

Congratulations! I'm saving for one as well.

[@herreratomemh]

Enjoy it bro ... I got an American elite in sky burst metallic... but I I’m hopping get this in November for my birthday in this ugly and nice color at the same time... hope you get another one...

[@davicola9695]

Im the same. Bought this guitar in this colour, im loving to have and play it

[@brianlevey7086]

How much was it my bro (if you don't mind my asking)

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s very good. Personally I prefer the Mexican Strat with different pick ups. Because the Mexican neck is better for my hands

[@7Roeth]

I got one in sunburst. It was a big moment for me. I'd never owned an American made fender. I immediately started playing some Joe Walsh licks and just have been loving the thing. Really great guitar if you ask me. Cool video.

[@donmunson4802]

Good afternoon Phil. So it's now 2024, and I have several Am. Standards, a Pro1 (ash with sienna burst) and the new roasted pine Pro2. They all have different pickups and I'm enjoying them all. I still feel that the Fat50's are the most versatile. And I guess, based on marketing specs, that they all have different neck profiles and frets. I couldn't say which is which, but I'm comfortable with them all. Now waiting to see what the Pro3 will have to offer. And I guess you know by now that the V-mods contain Alnico 2, 3, and 5 magnets. That just adds a little challenge when setting pickup heights and bass/treble slants. Thanks for your efforts.

[@scottyd2262]

I just ordered mine before I watched this vid.... White with a maple fretboard SSS. I can't wait ! Looking through the comments I've noticed that alot of people like that green color ..... Not my cup of tea...... Whatever floats your boat I guess.....

[@00xanawolf00]

Hey Phillip (or other knowledgeable Stratocaster aficionados): I own an 07' American Deluxe Ash Stratocaster. I've tried decking it as I don't really use the tremolo. I've heard multiple arguments with the pros and cons of the floating bridge on the American Deluxe line. Some say leave it be and others say to either block it or deck it using the springs. I tried decking mine and noticed an unpleasant change in tone. It changed to a "harsh", less organic sound. I did not, however, do a setup afterwards or readjust the string height/pickup height, as most people said that decking wouldn't lower the action. But I'm not convinced. I suspect that the new string height was the culprit for my negative change in tone. I went right back to the factory setting and a floating bridge, and the tone came right back to normal. I really do want to deck or block my Stratocaster, as I feel like I'm fighting the floating bridge when doing bends. I don't have this issue when bending on my (non-Fender) hardtail guitars. Any advice appreciated.

[@mariomessina1147]

Buy an authentic Floyd Rose from Floyd Rose and have it installed from a good tech unless u can do it , my teacher has his strat that way

[@opposeglobalism4188]

I like that green and black color scheme, it gives it a punk rock look.

[@MrLespaul1963]

I love my American made 2000 Deluxe Strat. It's my #1 go to guitar....for now. I see another Strat in my future. I lovethat antique olive. Green (so long as it's not sea foam or other pastel, washed out green) is my favorite color and as much as I love to mod Strats, for the extra $100 that the 2017 costs, I could even come close. Thank you so much for your review Phil. You're the best.

[@friesmj]

Finally pulled the trigger and got this guitar! Almost sent it back because it sounded weak. After I raised the pickups a bit this baby came to life! Anyone who has trouble getting low end try raising the pickups a bit. It took me awhile to dial it in.

[@denniswalsh8476]

I have added a "treble bleed" capacitor and a parallel resistor to a few guitars that I have (with single coil PUs). In my opinion??, the results obtained were good or very good. More treble and clarity were retained as the volume was lowered. The "sets" are connected between the high side and the wiper connections /terminals of the volume control. I used $3 DIPPED MICA caps (made by Jacques Ebert Associates, NY, USA) and anybody's decent 1/4 or 1/2 watt mylar resistors. Since it started as an experiment, I made a few "sets" of a few different values. I temporarily tacked them onto the volume controls to "try" them, picked a set, then solder them in... properly. Anyway, higher value caps paired with lower value resistors "pass" or maintain more treble than lower value caps paired with higher value resistors do. The sets made were a (1500 picofarads with a 82K resistor), a (1000 picofarad with a 100K resistor) and an (800 picofarads with 120K resistor). They cost about $3 each. For example, for an already bright Telecaster, that didn't "need much help", I used the 800pF / 120K set, value (less high pass). Technically, these are actually "high pass filters", not "treble bleeders", (tone controls to send high frequencies to ground are "treble bleeders". Of course, this is NOT my idea, it's a common mod that's been around forever, (with lots on the web to read about). For my trys, the initial componant values were recommendations made by "other's reported sucesses".

[@thomashogan1985]

Love the way this guy reviews gear, completely unpretentious and really informative

[@glassslide]

Spot-On Review!!! This was my tipping point for buying this guitar and I am SOOO glad I pulled the trigger, cannot put this guitar down, Great job, Thanks Phil!!!!!!!!

[@lucabraschiengravings1661]

just bought the same guitar, same color, same fretboard and I love it a lot!

[@tonymartinez5359]

Your reviews are so real world and to the point.No excess talking but get right To the meat of the guitar with some great sound samples.You are the best!

[@EdDanaGuitar]

I like that color!

[@TheTactical6string]

Agreed!

[@yunghoppa7209]

Ed Dana me to

[@5starcomment]

antique olive...I love it...

[@marcmistermarc]

I really like it too! Also the grey if they still do it.

[@herreratomemh]

I think this color is the most custom in a guitar specially in this strat... looks classy with that rosewood fretboard... I got an elite in sky burst metallic and before my birthday in nov... hope I will get this American pro...

[@megatrends]

I got this one with this color and agree, it is better than my other 7 Fender strats. The treble bleed, the taller frets for incredibly smooth bending, the Tim Shaw V Mod pickups with different Alnico magnets not only in each position but different in each pickup. The tone is amazing. I think the neck feel you describe is they tapered it sort of so it feels fuller at the nut when voicing chords. You think so? It feels like that to me.

[@ronbzoom8531]

Okay let's have it! Fender Professional Strat vs American Standard Strat.

[@lance134679]

Overall, nice improvements over the standard, although I think a contoured neck heel would have been nice to more easily reach the upper frets.

[@captainamerica9353]

I'm pretty sure that's why they make the Elites and Ultra's.

[@lance134679]

@@captainamerica9353 True, but they actually put the contoured heels on the 2020 Professional II models. Was it my comment on this 2016 video that made them change their minds? Who knows ;-)

[@CorneliusSneedley]

Really funky color combo on that. I like it. :) Gotta tell you, I hope your fans appreciate you. I have been a professional musician since the early eighties, and since the same time and until recently worked as my day job for a local musical instrument retail chain, where I was the buyer for a little over half of my career. I know _quite_ a lot about music and musical instruments, but your videos have taught even _me_ a few things. I've watched quite a few of your videos, and so far I haven't disagreed with anything you've said. This makes you unique on KZbin when it comes to music. Subscribed! :)

[@jesuschristredeemssavessou9588]

I like the sound and color of that Strat. It has a punk rock vibe to it.

[@leftymadrid]

Nice guitar actually, the color, narrow tall frets, and pick-up circuits are different but still seems like a standard. I got the Elite and after emptying out my piggy bank to get the darn thing I am sooo happy I did!!! The quality, build, playability, versatility, and sound is tops in my book. when you reach the 60 year old mark like me, and after playing so many guitars, it's a complete pleasurable experience to play a great guitar, the Elite sounds better and better. If you're not careful when you plug in to play what seems like a half an hour is more like a couple of hours lol!!! The feel and sound are tops!! Your videos are great, and am sure they satisfy and help many players out there, great stuff my friend :-)

[@randyc5650]

I like that they got rid of the medium jumbo frets. I like the narrow low frets like on the older 50's Strats but this is a move in the right direction. To get that old fret/neck feel, you have to get a Mexican Strat.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

2017 Fender American Proffesional

[@kittentryingtostartayoutub262]

The tone is amazing with those pick ups

[@ronthunders6124]

i love that color!! green with black pick guards on a strat ALWAYS looks socool to me!

[@ATthemusician]

So hyped to get one. First high end guitar, and I've been playing for 8 years.

[@williamwinn948]

The 2017 pro Stratocaster HSS in silverburst is the most badass looking Fender ive ever seen

[@GJSsongsmith]

Great review , I’ve played one and agree with you about the “ string grab “ ! The nasal sound is great on the OD too . Rock on , nice playing too man .

[@laybricks]

Great demo. Very good demonstration. I always enjoy your videos and the way that you present them. (Also i have never heard any profanity in your videos which i greatly appreciate.)Thank You !!!

[@tonymartinez5359]

Oh and your tone for that sound sample was great as well.

[@RobGADV]

I'll take one in that green but with the white pick guard. It'll look great next to my Trampas Green PRS and Georgia Green Gretsch. :)

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

I'm dig'n my 2019 AmPro, and the Sienna Burst with Ash grain is gorgeous

[@jessesmith2906]

What neck did you get? I got a used one but don’t like the gloss on the back of the neck

[@chrisroach4284]

Great sounding Strat. Modern and usable features. Love the Colour! Fender are moving on but keeping to there heritage.

[@gmlasam]

That color is amazing... can't wait to buy one soon. Thanks for this video!!

[@yourbore]

You make THE best guitar videos. nice strat vid mayn!

[@secretdaisy6484]

I like mine but it cost quite bit more. And I didn’t see that color which is very nice. Mine is Daphne Blue with the all rosewood neck. 👍☮️🌞🎸❤️

[@reuvengershon6625]

Love your reviews man. Informative and straight to the point with no filler. What's is your tone wiring preference for Strat? Neck and middle together and bridge separate or bridge and middle together and neck separate . Or anyone else for that matter?

[@ubda1]

I bought the one with the Trem. Beautiful looking guitar, but the dang thing would not stay in tune. I was so disappointed. I traded it in for a Tele with the custom shop pickups, which i totally love. Still looking for my Strat. Maybe one day. :-)

[@Nomad_za]

I don't understand the neck shape. In South Africa we don't get many American Fender guitars. But it looks great and sounds good too!

[@veerchasm1]

Just got one today. Pretty good so far

[@markochoa2727]

Do a tele as soon as you can! 2017 line looks great from this example

[@faranahz73]

A beautiful product

[@sinnertrain7405]

I'm still not completely sold on the narrow tall fretwire (I own an Am Pro HSS). I prefer medium jumbo frets. The narrow tall frets seem best suited for blues. While I love the blues, I play several styles of music and don't believe the narrow tall are as versatile as medium jumbo.

[@rottenberry4]

I really enjoy your honest reviews. Thanks man!

[@johnkillian8012]

Where is your store located. Love everything you put out. Thanks

[@MrKareem33]

Thanks Phil, totally worth my Patreon membership 😊🎸

[@AllenPinchloaf]

I think that fretwire is the 6105.my fav.they are tall and narrow easy for bending and another benefit is as they wear the intonation is better than say jumbo wire is. neck is a bit thicker than the standard as well.is that right? A lot to dig here.Please explain to my wife why I need yet another guitar. Phillip this would be your greatest achievement and a Nobel peace prize nomination would be in order.

[@gary_beniford]

great review phil. while I do think it's kind of sill for fender to ditch the American standard name since that is such a classic name I do think they really needed to compete better against the competition. the Mitchell guitars that came out this year offer tones of features and are very low priced. fender had to do something to make their guitars a better value.

[@MikeFromNashville]

Great demo Phillip! Thanks for sharing the new Fender goods.

[@hollowbonesfilms9739]

The Olive color looks like something you'd find during WW2. Just that "Army Green" type color.

[@phantomlord91]

That colour... It looks beautiful!

[@MarkJohnsonJams]

Why not just call it the American Standard and make the same changes

[@GeorgeVazquez]

The Gospel of Mark this amp goes to 11

[@IrateWizrd]

The Gospel of Mark 'cause then you couldn't sneak the price hike in while people focus on the name change

[@johndillard7625]

Because American Standard makes toilets. Don't need that reminder when playing a guitar

[@Senira322]

so that people wont lose their shit because of the price increase LOL

[@megatrends]

Probably more to do with separating it from Mexican Standards. They have the USA models like the Elite and the Professional.

[@ipdjbt]

That OD is an awesome color!

[@dale8809]

Nice demo and explanations as usual. Love the color

[@DaBeachmasta10]

The new tone pot rolled off for the bridge sounds quite a bit like Eric Johnson when driven

[@GuillermoSmyser]

I think that's what EJ does. I tried to switch the tone control on my Deluxe Players strat from just middle to middle and bridge but I have never wired before. Not a guitar at least. Didn't work out well.

[@RRW276]

Is there less wood on the neck compared to the Am Std and even the MIM at the first fret? I'm not quite understanding what's changed on the neck. Unfortunately I'm surrounded by all and only Guitar Center's, so I'm likely not going to get a chance to get my hands on one unless I buy one (sight unseen) or forego my values and actually go into a GC (which is likely not going to happen). Thanks Phil!

[@SombraPiloto]

Oh my gawd I love that color!!! I'm not following the neck carve comments though, is it thicker???

[@kingcatnip2614]

I think it's a little wider of a neck , I found a 2017 on clearance in a guitar center here in Oklahoma for $1250 in that antique olive color and a maple neck ................ After a long sleepless night I went back and hell yeah I bought it haha , it's become my absolute favorite guitar .

[@rossispossiofone]

Why do Fender put skunk stripes on necks with glued fret boards? Do they still put the truss-rod in from the back?

[@02stanggt]

I can't wait to play one of these. Great video, Phil.

[@aidenmohrmann1850]

I bought one of these used last year, its my "corona guitar"

[@JohnBarrow1961]

I'm not sure where you got this guitar, Phil, but I'm not seeing it yet at any of the well-known online retailer. I love the one you're playing in the video.

[@MrTekbow]

hey Phillip, given you've done comparisons on MIM and MIA, I'd love to see a comparison on MIJ to MIA. the current Japan exclusive series can actually be picked up in Europe without excessive hassle. some of the have US pickups etc.

[@d2vmusic]

The colour scheme on your sample looks the business.

[@lesdolores5021]

Philip McKnight what would be better for rock and punk, lonestar strat, or the new stratocaster? Please respond, thank you.

[@2ndshooter688]

Wouldnt that look better with a cream pickguard?

[@deeveeuhs]

2nd Shooter or a mint green pick guard!

[@dapperdanman1956]

I shall check that 2017 strat

[@impalax327]

I can't understand why fender don't recess the back plate flush with the body? Even my LTD has that.

[@joelpickett812]

Yeah, glad I have an American Standard Strat and Tele. I much prefer the older-spec models

[@adog3118]

Dammit! I bought my American standard HSS just a month ago!

[@stevendobias2960]

The Fender American Standard Shawbucker was perfect. With Shawbucker in the bridge, fat 50s in middle and neck, and the variable 500k/250k pot. Not sure why Fender had to mess with it. The V-Mods lack tonal character. Hoping they drift back that way or I am going to have to go back to modding guitars again.

[@Livlos]

No disrespect meant, but I'm wondering where you got those prices from... Here in Canada an american standard was around the 1.4-1.5k mark, the Professionals, cheapest I've seen is 1.9k (adding taxes makes an even bigger diff). Sure the changes sound cool, but really worth the 400-500$ price hike?!? I think not...

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Patreon members please feel free to leave comments or ask questions.

[@b00neDawg00]

Phillip McKnight can we get a demo for the new fender mustang/duo sonics

[@ChristianIce]

That's racist :)

[@mediumtalented9250]

Everybody else can eat shit.

[@1DeadCat]

Phillip McKnight I went to the Fender site to read up a little more on these and they didn't have anything. Are these available yet?

[@fredlanger6338]

Robert Ruiz so now you have to be a patreon to ask a question? I just lost a bit of respect for Phil, I thought he was different from the rest.

[@arthurbrown7501]

So if that's the Fender Strat Pro, does that mean all previous Strats are now known as Fender Strat Amateurs?

[@seaf2311]

I think that all the previous Fender Strats just become Squires compared to the professional as it's so "professional"

[@dalepal]

It sounds like there are a few improvements. It’s up to the individual to decide if it's worth $100 more. It’s up to the individual to decide.

[@zerogreenred]

How quite are these pickups? They say they are quite, but with overdrive? I ordered one today but will probably swap out the V's for N3 or 4 noiseless and add locking tuners. some

[@danielangelc]

I need that one in my life so bad.

[@crisarce396]

Wow that was fast! Hahahaha, I would like to buy a strat in the first months of 2017, and was just waiting to see what was going to happen with all the rumors of a new series. Hope to have more info on the new gear. If I buy it, would be definitely from you guys, thou I'm in Costa Rica, we can work something out. Thanks for the video!

[@srxiii2261]

Will you review the jaguar too? It's beautiful in antique olive with that black pickguard.

[@rubentrevino6288]

LOOKS SWEET, LIKE THE COLOR

[@ubda1]

Bought one and returned it the next day. Electronics are good, but not worth a dang if the thing doesn't stay in tune. Bought a Standard Tellie instead and I can't put it down

[@mr.jerrygarcia3281]

I tried one for the first time today and loved it, but I did notice a volume between the g string and the other five. I understand the magnetic pole height difference, but compared to other strats it was more notable. Anyone else hear the same?

[@TheSpeak27]

What's the white-on-white guitar underneath the two black ones?

[@joshhicks8572]

Great review think this is going to be my next guitar. Always wanted an American strat

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Still waiting for my t-shirt to ship! It's been a couple of weeks.

[@aleczugcic1240]

Can you get this with a matching headstock ? Sorry if this is a dumb question not a big fender guy

[@davidmacfly]

What do you think about it compared with the last Fender AM Standard models of the last years? It deserves the increase of the price? Another great video!

[@ColossalTriangle6425]

So does the tremolo arm go in just like a Jaguar arm? I hate that style...

[@brucearmstrong6838]

Hey Phil, how about a American Professional Strat vs American Special Strat. Thanks!

[@gilmarriner3011]

Hi Phillip, any chance of you doing something on the aftermarket guitar manufacturers? For example USA Guitars and Warmoth? Thinking about building one myself but I'd like your opinion. Thanks!

[@nicost72]

Went to the Fender website, can't find them anywhere... what's up Philip? :-)

[@BiancaOnYoutube]

Always a good content philip.

[@garethconway8717]

So I just got a factory fresh American Standard for about $850. Do I care about the changes for 2017, at about $600 more?

[@FabioAlcantaraGuitarist]

Very nice Phillip. Thanks.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

That thing should have a camo pickguard... I'd be interested in your opinion of the Professional HSS Strat?

[@GuillermoSmyser]

Are the tall narrow frets almost like scalloping? I feel like I heard that somewhere. Maybe Paul Gilbert...

[@bf4guy279]

Would anyone suggest getting this guitar as a first high dollar strat? Been wanting a American for years and finally have the money for one.

[@CraigWhiteIllustration]

Cool! Thanks Phillip!

[@WhippJunior]

Impressive 5 minute review! Good job.