Fender Custom Shop... meet your CHALLENGER

[@kirkobangzjr632]

Mike “So I hit up one of my friends” Cole

[@jimboaudio1655]

Mike “Mike Cole” Cole

[@steviebhoye]

As before, there was a time before G&L 'Custom Shop' was a thing! I placed a 'custom' order with G&L in 2004 for a Legacy Special (from the UK) for a 2 piece Swamp Ash body, rosewood board, butterscotch blond etc - when the guitar arrived 10 weeks later it was beyond special - G&L had used premium birds eye maple for the neck (which I hadn't requested) and the guitars build and quality was every bit 'Custom Shop' they had gone above and beyond! - On G&Ls before they started using CNC machines you could even see the dowel rod marks (through the finish) from the same assembly jig used by Leo and visible on the earliest Fenders The very same Jig!. Still my keeper guitar! Unbelievable quality for just over £1000 in 2004. with a.G&G hard case! Love sonic blue too!

[@michaeldschutte]

What an awesome story. Thank you for sharing

[@bradleydrawsweirdstuff]

This is one of the best channels out there, very to the point, also answering tons of common questions that most players think about.

[@sho-nuffmadrigal6857]

I love my 82 G&L S500. It's mahogany. Bought it for $500 in 2004. I put on sperzel locking tuners and a stacked humbucker in the bridge. The coolest thing about it is, instead of 2 tone knobs, it has a bass and treble control.

[@chrishepburn1503]

With custom shop and high-end guitars, my experience has been that it's more about the feel, the fit and finish of the guitar. Not necessarily the sound. The neck feels alot more comfortable to play, and the guitar in general will age more gracefully.

[@DazeyChaineMusic]

Playability, this guy doesn’t have enough experience to accurately demonstrate anything. It’s a shame as most people are going to come out of this with the assumption that squirters are just as good sounding as custom shops, which obviously is not the case. Playability is huge. I have a squire that was my first electric from the late 90s and sure it sounds great but it plays like shit.

[@michaeldschutte]

Oh for sure

[@MattyWhens]

Before I opened the video, I was saying to myself "G&L? G&L. G&L!" Hell yeah. Definitely not a custom shop, but I have a Legacy Tribute and I've had a few ASATs and love to see them get more attention.

[@MarcoAntonioVega]

What makes custom shop guitars apart is the overall quality of the instrument (fret job, wood selection, stability of the neck, etc) not the sound necessarily, because 1) it is something personal/subjective 2) You can make any Squier sound like a custom shop with the right pickups and a little bit of EQ

[@DazeyChaineMusic]

Playability is huge , ofc you can make a squirter sound great, but it will never play like a custom. I agree

[@TribalGuitars]

Nice axe! Totally with you on the humbucker in the bridge. For people who don't like the look of the humbucker, get a stacked humbucker. Big sound with a single coil look. The thing most people don't realize is the amount of options from G&L at their base level takes you into Fender's Custom Shop option for a fraction of the price.

[@aepoc66]

I love my Fender Custom Shop Strat. Had it for 3 years now. For me, it FEELS better, more comfortable, easier to handle and get around on than any of my other guitars (PRS, Gibson, even other Fenders). And it helps that it's pretty light at 7lbs 10oz. Didn't care for the Texas Special pickups in it, so I got some hand-wound Fat 50s and it's THE guitar for me. Its aesthetic makes me want to pick it up, and its sound makes me keep playing. It inspires the hell out of me... and at the end of the day, that's what it's all about. G&L, Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, ESP, etc... whatever does it for you. You do you.

[@MrMoneyHelper]

When I got an adult job after high school, the first things I started spending money on were guitars. I bought an Ovation 12 string acoustic electric, a Peavey Musician III head with a 412 cabinet, and a Fender Stratocaster. The Ovation took just a few weeks to arrive. It was awesome as expected. The all white Stratocaster took seven months to arrive. It wasn't a custom shop order. Today I think that the music store was just being slow at getting what I wanted. It was an awesome sounding instrument. It had that magical sound even as a stock instrument. It was a bit different though. It goes by the name Smithocaster, for the president of Fender at the time. It had a thin neck and the smaller headstock. This was just after CBS sold it. That was my favorite guitar until a car crash ended my musical career. It was put on consignment at a music shop around 2004-05. The owner said that it was shipped to Australia. Any Aussies with the serial number E206162; that was mine. Custom shop guitars don't appeal to me. Good players can perform on anything and it will sound good. A regular high quality guitar with a few adjustments could make anybody happy for the rest of their lives.

[@DazeyChaineMusic]

lol @ ovation

[@MrMoneyHelper]

@@DazeyChaineMusic They were the first company to make a 12 string acoustic electric guitar with really low no buzz action. All of the big name rock bands used them for at least a decade.

[@erianersitetras7172]

I once owned a G&L, but it's a Tribute Legacy model-a guitar that my family has owned since 2006. It was built by Cor-Tek in March 2004 (as per the neck stamp). Probably the best guitar I have, it holds a lot of mojo. It was selected by an acquaintance of my father, who was considered one of the best local guitarists in the previous town I lived in. Every senior guitar player who tried playing it said it was exceptional and asked where I got it. I believe it was a prototype before the company making the Tribute series moved to Indonesia. It has USA Fullerton pickups, rolled fingerboard edges, etc. It was quite heavy. I played it a lot, but I had to let it go for half the price to fund my mother's cancer treatment last year. A few months later, she passed away; she didn't make it. Still figuring out how to live without her.

[@4unkb0y]

so sorry to hear about your mother, & that you had to sell it in such a hurry :-(

[@erianersitetras7172]

@@4unkb0y thank you so much for your condolences. I rarely play it before I let it go. It needs to be re-fretted but I don't have the budget for it, and, what I thought back then was, my mother's life is way more important than the guitar. And if I had the money, I could buy another better one. Or repurchase the guitar from my friend who owns it right now. It's just a part of my life, I think.

[@4unkb0y]

@@erianersitetras7172 at least it went to a friend. good luck saving up to get it back!

[@Tcrunk365]

I love your channel. You ask the same question about things that I do. You seem to be a genuine good person. Proud for your success and wishing you the best. Keep crushing it.

[@bks252]

G&L are fantastic guitars. I own 3 of them and could not be happier. I have a 2002 Legacy HD having a SD in the bridge and two G&L hand wound single coils. Also have a2003 ASAT Will Ray signature, ( 3 special wind Z coil pickups and a 2014 ASAT Bluesboy. All very fine instruments. I ordered Will Ray signature with skull inlays, swamp ash and a b-bender. The guitar is stunning.

[@md770]

I own a 50’s “road worn” Telecaster and I love that guitar. It has a nitro finish and it’s way less than a custom shop, sure I might want to upgrade the bridge and maybe the pick ups ( it came stock with the Tex Mex) but they aren’t bad. It may not be a custom shop but it’s nitro finish.

[@JordanClark-cd9fl]

Owned one of those guitars years ago. I kick myself every day for getting rid of it

[@md770]

@@JordanClark-cd9fl mine is the special edition in purple metallic, I’m not a fan of the color purple and would like to get it refinished.

[@CameraLaw]

Cool! You gotta love G&L if you love Fender. It’s both OG and cutting edge, as Leo never stopped innovating.

[@barnaclerusty]

When I was looking for a Strat I wanted a Fender alternative and went for the G&L legacy. It is still my favorite go to guitar.. I love the history, Leo's innovations, rock solid tremolo, looks and sounds vintage. It inspires me to pick it up. I would love a custom s500.

[@Tonetwisters]

The specs do not mention finish material. This is a beautiful axe, though. After 24 years, I just moved my 2000 American Series over to a Bare Knuckles Mule at the bridge and a '56 Klein in the middle, with a '63 Klein at the neck. Also incorporated a push-pull at the bottom tone pot, using a Telecaster knob for ease of function and to match the worn look over the nickel Mule cover. Board is 9.5 with medium jumbos and the bridge is a Callaham bridge block with Callaham saddles on a two-point fulcrum. Bone nut. Woof it sounds SO good! Those Kleins have that Fender bell-ringing tonality and that Mule seems to me to be a real fine version of a PAF, AND 53 MM wide!! I finally got the tone I wanted out of this guitar, and by the way, the finish is good old Poly!

[@Tonetwisters]

MY long-term guitars (hah! I'm 76!) are my 2019-2020 white blonde American Series '50s Stratocaster and my 2021 Gibson Custom Shop 1964 Reissue VOS SG Standard ... both of which are STELLAR guitars; and THAT, from a player of 62+ years. But I have great respect for both G&L and Heritage instruments, no doubt!

[@the.communist]

At low volume and clean, the hum is unnoticeable

[@ivanemeny8634]

This is the best and unbiased, Custom Shop review I’ve heard. I’m not a Clapton fan, I don’t think Hendrix was the best guitarist ever and I don’t think blues is the only style that counts ( and yes I am of the age that remembers that era). I agree with you on hum too. So thank you very much.

[@martydibergi5228]

I own 9 g&l guitars including 2 Comanche prototypes. I bought half used in near new condition. I own 2 John Jorgenson ASAT’s one maple neck-rare one rosewood😊

[@ProffessorMusic]

Custom shop is really all about build and aesthetics: the quality control is much better, but they don't necessarily install better pickups than production models, and most companies install cheap pups in their production models (which is absolutely criminal imo, considering how much they charge for both custom shop and high end production). For context: I play full time and have bought newer instruments in the 1.5-2k range, all of which have needed aftermarket pups in order to sound right. This hasn't been an issue on my vintage instruments!

[@Jeremya74]

Give me a G&L 500 over a fender custom ANYDAY.but not a fan of relic..a guitar you love deserves respect and should be relic'd by it's player over time thru the love of the music it brings you and the intimate time you have spent together

[@tinongtravels7182]

Sold my custom shop 57 custom shop and had to choose between this and the silversky, loved the quality and the feel but i chose the silversky in the end because i fell in love with the rosewood and the neck profile, worth it

[@JimhawthorneNet]

It's not that you should appreciate the Hum, but you appreciate the sustaining Note, and accept the fact that you can tolerate the Hum in order to hear the continuing Note.

[@maxpeck4154]

I have a Nash S63 that I bought used for $1400 without a mark on it. Nitro VOS-style finish but not relic'd, Lollar Dirty Blonde pickups, absolutely flawless frets, finish sanded off the back of the neck. It's every bit as good as a $4500+ Custom Shop guitar with better pickups. Keeper.

[@184.0]

I Got a fender ultra Texas tea strat.. 100% 🔥 The end. No custom shop needed ;) ;)

[@scaredypicker]

Congrats on the guitar man! She’s a beauty! Love that shade of blue on a strat or tele

[@RC-Nation]

Nitro also breathes and allows the wood to dry faster over time. Poly guitars are basically encased in plastic. Some care about this some don't and I've heard and played both that sound great.

[@andrewriese3601]

Just trying to be helpful, I wouldn’t go around saying that about nitro and the wood drying because you will get ridiculed. No company using nitro is using wood that isn’t dried properly.

[@InGovWeMistrust]

I think you would love the Schecter Nick Johnston Traditional HSS. A few months ago I went through a style broadening and decided it was time for a guitar with single coils. I had never owned a strat style guitar before and I was looking for one in the $750-$1000 price range. My final choices were between a fender mexi strat, a PRS SE Silver Sky, or the Schecter Nick Johnston traditional. After some research I decided to go with the Schecter due to specs and brand loyalty. The guitar plays amazingly, the pickups sound awesome for a wide variety of styles. I would be very curious to know your thoughts on it if you ever get a chance to play one or make a review!

[@jeremiahzehr3525]

I love Fender style guitars, but for the money I’m more than happy to put some work in on a Squier 🤙

[@jessem53403]

Hey Mike, thank you for your video(s)! I always learn a lot from them and get a great perspective on all things guitar! I actually gave the middle finger to Fender Custom Shop, G&L and some of the other mainstream custom shop guitar manufacturers and bought a Whitfill Custom T. You should check them out and maybe make a "custom shop alternatives" video for the people that don't like the mainstream custom guitars. :) Just an idea.

[@JoUtan01]

My dream guitar is the Xotic XSCPro-2, but I have enough guitars for now, though recently bought a Mooer GTRS P800 in black knight colour, it's good/great value guitar for the money, it has american alder body, roasted flame maple neck, ebony fretboard, stainless steel frets, locking tuners, in built effects, amp and speaker modellers, looper, headphone out, is alot of Fun but im more than happy with just using the guitar itself

[@e4tm333]

The first issue Fender American vintage reissues are incredible guitars

[@orryfishburne5326]

I wish i could own one. I have the Tribute S-500 and its a fantastic guitar. Ever since i got the Tribute ive been longing for an American made G&L

[@carlchristopherson6105]

Fender is forever in my heart as a guitar maker. However, Leo Fender left/sold “Fender” in 1965. He claimed that his best work was at G&L. I am a G&L man. It is because my Fullerton is so much closer to Leo Fender than a Stratocaster made by FMIC and because it is diaphanous that the Legacy and the S-500 are the evolved variants of his original designs.

[@blureo5644]

I think that amplifiers are almost as important as the guitar if sound quality is what we're talking about. In fact, aside from minor differences only passionate players can really hear ($500 vs $2000 guitar), I'd say that the amplifier is practically *all* that matters

[@musiccreation1198]

G&L, a great choice. With options to step up to Shabat, Tuttle, Suhr, etc as well for $3.5k - $5k.... I would not consider Fender CS with Fender prices and significant quality inconsistencies.

[@danbradlin3412]

Using a power conditioner is good for amps and your other equipment and helps noise reduction.

[@Delzona]

I would be interested in hearing how the “hum/noise” is in your room and what you did to overcome it. I’m new to playing and play strictly in my home so how to subdue the noise from P90s and single coils is something I haven’t seen mentioned or discussed before.

[@activese]

Hey Mike, glad you enjoy your guitar, it is beautiful, but did not understand the: neck pickup with no gate part, there was no comparison with and without gate. 4:03 and 4:58 'no gate'. Hum?

[@tkd4uandme]

I don’t really have the ideal guitar, but I have a few that I lean on to get certain sounds. I did get an American Professional Strat a couple of years ago because It was one of my dream guitars. I still have not warmed up to it like I have with some of my others, but I am learning to like it. I play more hard rock and classic metal than anything, not a traditional SSS style strats area. But I do have a couple of Wolfgangs and an Ibanez with active pickups that do that well. The Strat did teach me a valuable lesson though. You do not have to spend that kind of money to get that type of sound. If I did it over, I would have bought a Squier or like brand. So when I finally admitted to myself that I wanted a Les Paul, I got an Epiphone. Best decision I could have made on that one. I was not going to dish out Gibson money to get the sound I was after. I enjoy the Epiphone a lot, but do not enjoy the constant tuning issues that the 3 over 3 headstock design brings. The newer style 3 over 3 headstock’s are much better than that traditional look. And that same Issue would have come with the Gibson. Know what you want, and also be real about the downside to those wants.

[@JDStone20]

G&L guitars are amazing.

[@identifiesas65.wheresmyche95]

Always surprises me that so many experienced guitar players dont realize that more expensive guitar is essentially never a straight tonal upgrade. There is essentially no such thing once you go past a certain (fairly low) level. Just slight variations which you may or may not like or even care much about. Dont use expensive guitars to tune your sound.

[@diegolatorre6793]

So G&L are starting to make their way into my country. Yeah they are pricy... but not as pricy as a Fender. And the finish is just surreal. Could you do a full video on a comparison with a fender custom shop?

[@mrctdd]

I'd shield the hell out of it! Done on my single coils Strat and my PJ Bass, definitely improved the hum noise. Is it completely gone? No, but it improved way way waaay more to be almost imperceptible. Personally I don't like the hum, especially if it can be heard while playing instead of only at rest as in this video. Other than that, your G&L seems a very good guitar and I like the HSS configuration, it gives you plenty of versatility!

[@MrGuitarfreak132]

Try a K-Line! I freaking love mine! It’s my favorite guitar and I play the heck out of it! Custom order one with this smooth shellac neck and a medium C profile. Oh man most comfortable neck!

[@boomslang2546]

What do u think of Randy Rhoads?

[@Sinkovc3]

neck pickup on strats is just something diffrent

[@Christ-is-King-]

The Colion Noir of the guitar world!

[@xavierg5523]

“Highest end of the quality spectrum… tonally”

[@OTOss8]

Nice colour.

[@tiomkinnyborg2289]

Why is it that guitarists always want to replicate old guitars? The guitar was not perfected on the first try. Imagine the mentality of a car nut wanting to replicate the features of the model-T? But in the guitar world all we get is that mind set. I guess it justifies over spending and getting ripped off by the big boys.

[@dagraphics4369]

So the question I have is what noise gate are you using

[@0N3T1tan]

Noise is the reason I switched to a boss katana for live playing. The noise floor is so low Its almost non existent. The problem is now when I plug into a tube amp the noise drives me crazy.

[@1-eye-willy]

SRV did a mod on his single coils that cut the hum, dylan talks tone did a video on it

[@jacobbond835]

Maybe one day custom shop will be an option. ..

[@marcgallant5270]

You need to get a Godin Session T-Pro ( made in Canada/USA). It puts to shame American Fenders for half the price.

[@joermnyc]

I have the Tribute Legacy HSS, made me sell my Squier Strat… only downside, they really should shave down that massive neck heel (this is to Fender, Squier and G&L).

[@felixwebb1466]

I play a 95 Custom Shop Contemporary Strat my dad gave me. It has an SSH config which is great for my Nirvana stuff

[@chickenlickin3820]

long term fan of single coils pickups but that appears way to loud. Needs a copper shielding treatment hope that would help alleviate the excess hum.

[@oooppiikkk]

So like, if resale value is irrelivant, have you tried your hand at DIY guitar kits? You can literally make whatever you want for a fraction of the price, especially certain body shapes for significant price reduction such as jazzmasters.

[@AmericanNationalist852]

I have a Pro II Strat which i had scalloped by Dean at DC Custom guitars, so that almost counts as custom shop, right? 😅

[@JulezNDrumz]

Real professional 🐈's

[@sonicase]

guitar sounds fine but i think,.. you mic'd the amp wrong, try a dynamic mic and ribbon mic combo...it's gonna sound a little muffled with just the royer

[@93greenstrat]

We've moved on from noise. But we are guitar players and embracing old, outdated technology (ahem....tube amps) is what we do 😄. With regards to the name on the headstock; in this case I think it's the headstock itself. G&L would probably sell better if their headstock was a better design.

[@vs1146]

I can't wait for the day when you finally realize how overpriced most of these big brands actually are. It's going to blow your noodle.

[@Dragon_rls]

There are some screaming 2nd hand deals on reverb, and eBay. Guitars played for 5 minutes, for $800. Cheaper.

[@brywestwhit]

Typical troll comment, lol. Enjoy waiting! Lol

[@trevor4533]

How do you know someone hates relics? Don't worry, they will tell you!

[@kitsapbass9348]

Great video Mike!

[@lollofunky]

11 May brand new video, to me the "fender Killers" are PRS SE Silver sky, much better than a Fender Player and the Schecter Nick Johnston, which has a lot of great specs. And yes I would love to have only nitro finish guitar. And Fender Custom Shop relic finish is SOOOOO over The Top that is ridiculous !! :) :) :)

[@tomcat1112k]

bro, which pickup did you mention?

[@Han________]

I'm curious, how come you didn't mention feel and playability?

[@Leo-vt5lm]

In my opinion he's just a instrument/equipament addicted, should waste more time playing and practicing...

[@matayasramoutar8203]

63rd

[@maxwellblakely7952]

Sounds like an electric guitar.

[@LiamCreus-bp3bf]

Ku na fey pronunciation is wilddd

[@mikestroud9969]

Good video young man. Thanks appreciate it. Keep it up. ❤️🙏🇺🇲💯🎸🎸👋👋. Note i dont care for the Silver sky. Way overrated etc i dont purchase relic guitars. Best to relic one yourself ✌️✌️. It reminds me of those chicks that buy pants with holes in them 🙈🙊🙉🤣🤣

[@SummerRain-n5u]

Yeah, just not interested in spending that much money on one guitar...nothing is going to be that special (not for me). That being said, I really like G&L, and I always enjoy your videos.

[@goodname-u8l]

yo

[@MarkNealon]

You just got it and it's already scuffed up? 😞

[@xchawi]

when I actually see that space between neck and the body at the neck joint I do not really understand what "custom shop" quality we are talking about. the only custom shop here is the name and the price

[@kayhogan1634]

Have you ever played a Fender Mustang

[@lucasdaniels1018]

This channel is costing me a lot of money lol

[@CharlesAlcon]

Alot of relics should be true. Like being overused by owner. Maybe hardware from old guitars are cool. But if you haven't strummed a million times. or dropped or stained. Just buy a guitar you like to play new or used. Tone and sound come mostly from skill and attack. Also used guitars should be sold at true used value. Not near new pricing just because owner can't play.

[@brettking2800]

Build one

[@JJblevins]

When you’re only a product salesman… you came back up in my feed…. Annnnnnnnd … salesman…. Can’t have one guitar channel that isn’t about 100% about products ….

[@zenseizensei6649]

LETS GOOO

[@kosmicwizard]

Generally overpriced. I already have a Keith Richards Tele, and a Leslie West's Les Paul Jr. So my remaining dream guitar would be a custom shop David Gilmour black Strat. I'm saving up for one. :)

[@StandleyParableIs2Good]

You're going to get good quality when it's 3k

[@samuelgamez3669]

I’m putting a Strat together anybody got pickup suggestions?

[@mathiasbruce6582]

I just put the Mojotone ’58 Quiet Coils (HSS config) in a MIA strat for versatility. Love them.

[@daltondhamilton]

Lol. "People who use these are professionals who work in a studio or on the road" **shows recording on a squier** i see what you did there.

[@Euthymia2020]

Id put it on lay away if it was 800-1200$.

[@averysbragbook]

All guitars and pickups sound the same ask Glenn Fricker

[@EdHeinzelman]

If you love relic'd guitars, drop off your new guitar and I'll relic it for you. Just keep track of me so you know where to pick it up in 20 years when I have finished playing it.

[@4unkb0y]

Mike: listen to all this noise from the neck pickup with no gate! Me: Noise? what noise? oh I guess there is a little something in the background there, eh... I grew up about a mile from a 150000 watt FM radio transmitter. you could hear the d*mn station coming out of every speaker in the house, regardless of what volume you set on the amp. at low volume a terrible distorted version of the radio coming out of my bass amp was louder than my bass. & of course it was contemporary country 🤮

[@joeking433]

I'm not going to worship the guitar, which happens a lot. No guitar should cost more than $1000.

[@michaelthompson9070]

Why not? What's magical about the $1k cutoff? Parts/wood, quality, time to build, qa, etc aren't factors?

[@DazeyChaineMusic]

You need to learn how to play acoustic son. It’ll dramatically improve your electric playing. I start all of my beginners on acoustics & they scream & throw a fit but a year after they can shred electrics, because of the strength built & dexterity of shredding on an acoustic translated to electric is night and day vs learning on an electric and then transitioning to acoustic like most dummy’s do

[@EM-km8em]

Just get a used Squier classic vibes for $200 Nothing else is worth after that.

[@michaelthompson9070]

So playability, neck shape, etc isn't important to you?

[@EM-km8em]

@@michaelthompson9070 What about the neck shape? And playability these days is more than decent with affordable guitars these days.

[@michaelthompson9070]

@@EM-km8em Some of us have preferences in neck shapes, just as one example. When I was a kid, I loved small necks but now my hand cramps up. Playability is a personal thing and my CS Les Pauls play a LOT better than even my favourite older Les Paul Std that I gigged with for years. If you can't afford a better guitar OR are happy with cheaper instruments then enjoy.

[@EM-km8em]

@@michaelthompson9070 Lol the difference between guitar players that made music History and these little Princesses is that they made it without the neck shape, the custom shop, the tuning stability etc.. Jimmy Hendrix guitar would always go out of tune and he still made music history and called his guitar just a piece of wood Meanwhile these spoiled fairies have not made any music history other than just complaining about the neck shape because they get cramps.

[@michaelthompson9070]

@@EM-km8em There were fewer choices for Hendrix, etc. EVH created the guitar he wanted because it didn't exist. And lots of my favourite players use custom shop guitars. Why not get the tools you want that make you happy? I'm just a weekend warrior (for MANY years)...I guess I should just buy a $200 guitar because it's what you like?

[@russelllagow9169]

Omg noise !! 😟

[@stanesposito2664]

Regular Fenders are too much, I'd never consider a Custom Shop one. You make a parts-castor with everything you want for less. It's not about the name to me, it's about the tone and playability. Also, I'm not a fan of relic guitars.

[@kosmicwizard]

No such thing as tone woods on an electric instrument