Fender Custom Shop vs Masterbuilt - Is There Really A $3K Difference?

I have always wanted a Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Guitar, In my mind, these are the tip of the pinnacle of electric guitars. But is there really a noticeable difference between a Fender Custom Shop Teambuilt guitar and a Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt/ In this video, we find out.
Here is what Fender says.
A Fender Custom Shop instrument is extraordinary. You know it when you play one-it’s definitely more than the sum of its parts. It’s filled with intangible, electrifying elements that add a new dimension to your playing experience. It’s as if the instrument itself is imbued with history, alive with the spirit of the place where it was built and the devotion of those who crafted it.
The Custom Shop is home to Fender’s most skilled and talented builders. It’s a bustling, noisy and creatively volcanic place that re-earns its nickname-the Dream Factory-every day. Custom Shop builders are completely dedicated to their art-part craftsman, part artist, part music fan and, more often than not, part mad scientist. They’re the best at what they do, and they pour all of their passion, hard-earned knowledge and skill into every instrument they build. It’s no ordinary place, and the creations that come from it are no ordinary instruments. Welcome to the Fender Custom Shop.
For players who wish to create a completely custom instrument-anything from a humbucking pickup-equipped banjo to a custom-engraved aluminum-bodied Strat®-we offer Masterbuilt, a singular experience working one-on-one with one of our Master Builders. Custom-Built is for those prefer to start with one of our time-honored models and personalize the specifications to meet your specific needs. Use this guide to design your very own Masterbuilt or Custom-Built Fender guitar and make your dreams come true.
Masterbuilt
In every art form, there are those who have mastered their craft so thoroughly, through years of training and experience, their work routinely commands extra acclaim and admiration, not to mention outright awe. These astonishing artisans are the Master Builders of the Fender Custom Shop; a select group of the most talented builders recognized around the world for their matchless skill, limitless imagination and utter devotion to their art.
Crafting a guitar with a Custom Shop Master Builder is the ultimate artistic partnership-simply put, no idea is too crazy and no job too large or too small. They’ll walk you through everything-body design, neck shape, tonewoods, pickups, hardware and more-to give you the look, feel and sound that you’re searching for. From start to finish the Master Builder will personally ensure that each guitar is built with the highest possible quality and to your exact specifications. Additionally, it’s about more than just specifications, it’s about making the instrument of your dreams a concrete reality.
The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.

[@OrangeMicMusic]

Some random thoughts....Tom Morello recorded all the songs on Evil Empire using a no name pawn shop guitar worth $50.... Brian May playing all his life only one guitar that he built himself from some wood found around his house. I have really nice (expensive) guitars on my collection, but when it comes to have nominated albums, I think it doesn't really matters what you're using. It's like the song says "I know it's only rock and roll, but I like it"😀🎸🎻

[@JCroozy]

It's the Indian, not the arrow 😎

[@Ottophil]

@@JCroozy native

[@subzero308]

yeah but guitars dont feel the same at all like they did back in the day... feel a CS and then feel a real Vintage guitar very very different. and we wont even go into the trash they r putting out for just the basic stuff and still selling it for 1500-2000$ smh... it doesn't cost anywhere near the prices they r asking for to make these guitars and amps and TVs and shoes... its ridiculous how over priced and ripped off people r smh.

[@OrangeMicMusic]

@@subzero308 my point was about something else and you missed it🙂. It's all good 🎸🎸

[@djurt02]

Use your ears.

[@Sixstringer666]

The Masterbuilt is the best Strat I have ever heard, so rich, blooms, harmonic balance, sweet, there arn't enough words simply awesome. Thanks Paul, that was great.

[@hlcotten6587]

Paul, the masterbuilt was truly amazing. The look; the growl. The resonance chime of a classic Fender. #Spot on!💎

[@spawn302]

Sounds the same lmao. Yes I've listened through studio monitors, studio headphones, and IEM's.

[@jeeefthegreat7555]

You're listening to your computer speakers. Just FYI.

[@bobdillon1138]

Put the same pickups in the other one and you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

[@musicmann1967]

I'd have to say the Masterbuilt is simply a better built guitar. But since they're different pickups, that alone might be the difference in the sound. I like the sound of the Masterbuilt better, especially that great sustain on the notes. It's more alive sounding. But the pickups could be the explanation for that.

[@godbyone]

Picks are a huge part. It’s neck feel /playability. And pick ups for electric. What’s odd about fender Gibson. Go any large store. 90 percent of fender Gibson.from factory. Need set up work Custom are set up better and master built. A little better than that . Pick ups Eric Johnson are awesome . . Masterbuilt are personal thing from that builder but are going to very good . My friend got a used Godin electric 150$neck was a 9 out of 10 fast easy to play fast ergonomically. Great But the pick ups sucked . I told him get fralins I think they were 300 $ That guitar was better. Than most 2500$ guitar s. Fast easy to play intonation great .

[@bradwoods371]

@@godbyonepartcasters can be amazing too especially once you have experience on how to match up bodies and neck

[@docdoc8556]

ive been on a bit of a guitar video binge, i dont play guitar and ive been pondering electric or bass. Your playing at the end of this video from 7:51 has actually made me want to learn electric so thanks for that, beautiful playing.

[@docdoc8556]

was it a specific song you were playing? i need to know!!!!

[@97guitarzan]

Love that E maj9 or E add9 chord you use...F# bing in the middle of the chord is cool!

[@1970Richiez]

Both are beautiful guitars.... The Red just has more girth, it could be because of the more resonance... defiantly want to keep the tortoise shell on the red one Paul... Amazing guitar

[@micktheman6]

I’ve played a lot of great masterbuilts but team built to me is just as good I can’t justify the price.

[@rv6205]

buy tesla stock ....thank me later lol, then buy a master built

[@sooparticular]

@@rv6205 THANKS!!!

[@mikeaaron2819]

I had a master built ultra relic in faded white and it was ordinary, a dale wilson. I had a team custom shop nos 57 in fiesta red which was the best guitar I have ever played the build quality was extraordinary and it sounded great. I had to sell it for the money I needed back.

[@helder6175]

Difference is in the price. I've owned Strats from Squier to Masterbuilt. Still have the sunburst Squier SE that I modded to my liking with a WD soft-v maple neck and upgraded pups, and it is pretty awesome. I sold the Masterbuilt and purchased an EJ CAR Strat for myself and an American Tele that I gave to my teenage son, and still have change leftover. Believe it or not, the sound/quality is in the pickups combined with the amp it delivers through. The setup & action are also important, of course. Quality is important but not nearly as the aforementioned especially with the type of woods, hollow/solid/semi-hollow, etc.. That's more subjective, but from my experience with tinkering around with practically two of the same model/specs it really comes down to pickup selections and that specific guitar itself in how it resonates regardless in the type of wood selection. In other words, "the sum is greater than its parts" when the whole thing is assembled in its final stage.

[@neilevans6229]

You seemed more connected to the master built it made you smile . I have a Squire Esquire which I'm connected to regardless of cost it just makes me smile and play better . Lovely playing 🎸🎶

[@glennmartin4232]

Paul, the master built has that classic warmth with a little natural buzz combined with the fat 50’s. Sounds epic to my ears. Definitely one of the best looking strata I’ve seen. Keeper mate

[@keithbriscoe99]

These are tough ones. The "regular" CS will likely sound glorious when it's not being compared to anything. Only when bringing in something (MB) that might cost 2x do we tend to hear differences or areas where the CS is a little "less". Good problems to have for anyone that may get to make a decision on this stuff. My regular CS 60s Strat (2008) is still the best guitar I have. Had a Core PRS 594 (sold it), have a Suhr PT Sig (great, but not the connection I have with the Strat). Doubt I'll ever be able to compare side by side my CS with an even higher end Fender. Always enjoy your videos. I do always get something from watching, a new chord or progression or something, so thanks.

[@jasonshermandds6034]

I just found your channel! First, I want to say that you have very great playing. Second, I looked at the guitars initially, and then I put the phone in the pocket and listened without looking, and I definitely preferred the sound of the red Masterbuilt. I understand that this is purely a matter of choice. I just wanted to compliment your video and compliment your playing. Thank you so much.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Jason.

[@pauljazz818]

Nice job on the video. It’s great to see a comparison between the custom shop and the master built, although it would’ve been more helpful if you were able to get your hands on a set with the same specs i.e. same neck, same pick ups, etc. That way you could really see if there was a difference between the team build and the master build.

[@ernieb3626]

Hey Paul beautiful guitar I love love love a relic job especially a great one like that. Fender really has great relics I would love to watch them make it

[@guitarthink]

Been listening to 7:52-9:22 for three days.... Stuck in my head... Soooo good.. and fun to play !

[@gabrielpssoa]

Is that a song? Do you know the name?

[@skordys]

@The Studio Rats how the heck did crave that sound ! its amazing !! Could you share your settings and toys etc also will be great to see Your strat setup! Amazing player !

[@lazvt8469]

I got a 2023 CS Tele yesterday...and what really struck me was the sustain... of the 8 Teles...USA, FGN, G&L, CV50, TelMex, LSL, HB...the CS's sustain was off the charts by comparison. It has 'hot' Chicago Specials....perhaps that's it??

[@pez---]

04:50 "happiness...comin' and goin' .... cos I'm a lucky man!" - yes you are to be playing those two beauties. The red one looks stunning. You probably need a masterbuilt tele now :)

[@rylieriley]

I love the way the necks feel on Fender Custom Shop guitars, but that Masterbuilt Strat is oozing mojo. It's spilling out all over the place. I was drooling over it throughout the entire video. 😍🤤

[@rv6205]

me too......isnt it crazy how some guitars just reek of mojo ..!!!!

[@willgoodfellow3144]

Great video. I love your playing and content

[@TheStudioRats]

Thank you Will.

[@yvandewever6518]

I was wondering on what amp you played/compared them. Those clean tones are the exact ones I would like to achieve out of my Katana artist MK2. Thanks.

[@andyperezherrera9300]

Hi thanks for the video! I’d like to know what are the pick ups for the red Fender

[@pdbordelon]

So wonderful! I want that red strat! I have a CS GT-11 Strat and 59' Tele. Not sure if a Masterbuilt is worth the extra money but if I could swing it I would buy it! These tone comparisons dont "tell the tale" as far as mojo and inspiration.

[@jlr022159]

Great video! I’ve got 4 custom shop Strats and a fifth that is masterbuilt. I love my masterbuilt Strat but I also love the other custom shop Strats just as much. For a masterbuilt you’re paying for a little more quality wood upgrade but mostly you’re paying for the privilege and attention to detail of a particular master builder. Honestly the off-the-wall custom shop stuff has an unbelievable consistency - right up there with PRS. It’s nice to own a masterbuilt but in all honesty if you have a standard custom shop guitar and cannot afford a masterbuilt, don’t worry about it - there’s just not that much difference. Owning a masterbuilt certainly does NOT make me want to get rid of any of my other Strats! They’re all beautiful… not only to look at but to play.

[@Andrew-wb2zq]

Yeah, if I had gobs and gobs of money, I'd get a masterbuilt just for the knowledge that one guy handmade it to my specs. But I can't imagine they actually sound any different to another nice Strat that has the same pickups and set up.

[@76booge]

I'm not a fender guy, but I love that master built. Looks and sound. Beautiful.

[@williamhsi3597]

Fender custom shop strats are great! The ones I have played are flawless. Just bought a 1967 heavy relic vintage white strat and it’s the best guitar I’ve had so far. One question have you tried masterbuilt strats by other builders from the custom shop?

[@flashbak01]

DIfferent pickups?

[@apidyahex9213]

Fantastic video ! but mostly wow!! your playing is immense! such beauty in your phrasing and tone!

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks again!

[@elwynsmiles]

I have a CS 1963 reissue Strat journeyman relic with the hand wound fat 60’s pick ups. It’s an amazing instrument 😎🤘

[@HanaRoadPictures]

That Masterbuilt sounds like an entire orchestra! Insane. However....it also has Fat 50s which are the best pickups Fender makes. I have them on a CS and I want them on everything from now on.

[@Wolfman1902]

The red masterbuilt in the video has fat 50s pickups?

[@bluzzjazz]

Great demo, it would be interesting to know what you are plying through. What amp, drive etc.

[@denskilmusic4408]

Excellent video and presentation gents!

[@Messiah36963]

Thank you for your comparison, This was very well done. I could hear the warmth of the 50s pickups and a little more spank of the 60's pickups. I enjoyed your play as well. Currently on the fence about relicing. I like the look, but U pay a lot of money for something that is tastefully beat up. Cheers

[@Messiah36963]

I have a team built J5 Tele, and I enjoy it greatly, although it has no tone nobs on it, just volumes. But I guess that's the genre of the artist and his ideas.

[@paulcowart3174]

They both sound great IMO the pups make the difference I picked up a CS Troposphere hard tail strat Under 7 lbs Lightest one I could 6 -11 ounces's Super faded shell pink Looks almost white Paul Waller creation Josaphina wound pup's Great guitar

[@beeps123]

This is more about the quest for perfection. Beautiful guitars. Definitely works of art. I’ve yet to play a Master built. Nice playing by the way.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Bee

[@harryliao8557]

It's an awesome demonstration. For my personal preference. If I have US$8000+. I rather to select Gibson custom shop. (murphy_lab_relic or old_CC series) You could truly feel the difference for this extra $3K. (Louder tone, sound of touch, More harmonic) Different case in Fender. You may spend on extra light weight wood (Better wood), Master handmade fee(Second hand Price guarantee). I try both of them(Master VS Teambuilt). Of course Masterbuilt got a little bit extra "soul" in each of guitar. Similar as score 90(teambuilt) to 96(Master). That's it. you can feel the "roof top". Does it worth for this extra $3K? not for me. but I definitely can feel this extra $3K in Gibson as mentioned. (It's my personal preference and experiences. Of course, you may disagree with it. :D)

[@kindnessmakesushappy]

I know I am late to the party on this, but this also inspired me to start playing more again - specifically that tune you play around 7:51. I was curious what amp/pedals you are playing through for that part of the video? Thank you and keep up the good work, you are a fantastic player!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Patrick, that’s really nice to hear. I’m okaying through an AXE FX 3.

[@massimos6863]

Awesome playing Awesome guitar's and awesome Tone great Demo 👍

[@TheBLSCamo]

Love this video, watched it 200 times at least 😊😊😝😝😝 Both of them sounds and look great..But i like fingerboard on the teambuildt way better. Is the sound you use from a Boss Katana?

[@lelov1392]

Good lowd!!! That masterbuilt really sings! Probably the best strat I’ve ever heard.

[@johnbird3722]

Very nice, thank you very much. You mentioned the difference in weight, what does each one weigh? Is the additional sustain of the MB from more weight, or less? And if possible, which PUs are in each? Thanks again.

[@johnbird3722]

Sorry Sir. I hadn't made it to the end. Asked and answered. Thanks.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

Hey, Paul-did you mention which woods the bodies are made of? I'm about to spec/order bits for a partscaster, and you've just sold me on the Fat 50s pickups, but i'm wondering about whether to go Ash or Alder. I had an Alder MIM Strat that i didn't love, and my recent partscaster has Ash, which i like much better, but i don't know if that's just a sample-to-sample variance.... I love the sound of that masterbuilt, but i'd have to have a very healthy bank account to consider paying that much. That, and my skills are still not even up to my $1200 partscaster budget....

[@chrisbourne4687]

Are the tab’s available for your own song? Awesome chord progression

[@cliverkay]

That MB is stunning !! Just has that extra ...but if they werent side by side you would never know !!

[@dr.leonidas]

Since the begining of the video I thought, wow, the red one sounds really better! a few moments later, I learned that it was the Masterbuilt one!

[@jamiebriggs8277]

Love the review. To me the answer was quite simple before watching it 😄 I do love seeing the breakdowns of these higher end guitars, especially the way that you do them. It wouldn't make sense for me, personally, to spend $3-4k on a guitar, never mind $6-7k. For a someone who makes a living with their guitar it's obviously a different story. The master built guitar definitely sounds better IMO, but the vast majority of the difference in tone is the pickups and how close they are to the strings. I'm sure the master built guitar is amazing to hold and play, but. for us mere mortals, a $500-600 used MIM, with an hour of setup work and new set of pickups will get us 90% of the way there at a fraction of the cost. As far as the relic treatment - the master built is really nice. Nice than average for sure. But again, is it worth thousands for it? I'll take a stab with a chain and a railroad spike and see how it goes :D

[@JR-to8sn]

It's really a placebo effect. I wish you wouldn't have said which was which. I bet many who think the MB is better wouldn't necessarily choose that one. Also, my thoughts are that IMO it's not worth it. It's been said in the comments below that it's all about the player and the pickups. Many pros play cheap guitars, and they sound wonderful because of their ability and touch. There are so many factors that go into a good playing and sounding guitar and that is different for everyone.

[@dustinadair7893]

Exactly, you can’t compare guitars with different pickups and say which one is the better guitar all around. Swap out the pickups and get the exact pickup height and do a blind sound test and 99% couldn’t tell the difference and the other 1% are just lucky guesses.

[@timmotel5804]

I guess that if money is no object, at all, then go with the master built. But you can design either guitar how you want it. Money talks, but so does More Money. Beautiful demonstration Paul. You truly Are "Master Built". Thanks and Best Wishes.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Tim.

[@smith981]

I know this isn't the point of the video, but I think Paul's playing is absolutely mesmerizing. What an incredible player!

[@udoschillings1490]

I totally agree with you! Paul plays so soulfully...his playing from 8:21 to 9:22 gives me goosebumps :-). But - what if both guitars had the same pickups? Would the difference be so clear as it is in this video? I just can´t wait to get my new 60´s NOS teambuilt ;-). You have to wait for almost one year for delivery, nowadays...

[@paulmckenfitnessnutrition2434]

Yep, totally agree. The man is bloody good.

[@victorformosa228]

Not at all, you made a valid point, Paul's playing ability brought out the best in both guitars.

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks guys I really appreciate it. I’m going through a bit of a phase where I’m personally picking holes in everything I’m playing, Your comments have picked me up.

[@smith981]

@@TheStudioRats It's always good to keep pushing oneself to progress-- but, just for reference, I've been playing for about 25 years on and off, and I've actually bookmarked several of your videos and I use them as a reference for practicing my own techniques. It's a bit of a trick for me because when I was young I started out more of a metal rhythm player. Over the years, I've migrated a bit more towards more blues-influenced rock, so I've hard to work to develop a sound that differs from what I did in the early days. For instance, developing skills that work for single-coil pickup guitars and medium-gain amps.

[@craigthomson3621]

Josefina Campos pickups are incredible. I was lucky to get a lefty custom shop with Josefina Campos pickups fitted (before Josefina’s became Masterbuilt only).

[@onenotesolo256]

I decided to swap out a set of (really nice) Josefina handwounds on my CS strat, just for a change and to try a different flavour for the bridge in particular. I wound up with a set from Monty’s, having been through a couple of other makers, and I prefer them in this particular strat, for the time being anyway. Actually the best Fender Pickups I own are a tele set of 50/51 blackguard pups that currently reside in a TMG blackguard copy. They are stunning. 5-way switching mod to blend in the neck with the bridge as well, sounds great for my taste. I didn’t know the JC pups are now Masterbuilt only - good info, thanks.

[@richardvielwerth6460]

Tell me what Amp you play please, coz of this perfect sound! Rich

[@DBCooperPDX]

I truly hear differences, and as I built my '89 USA Ultra Stratocaster Body, put the Reverse Hendrix Artist Series Mexican neck, there is a huge difference when they sit and go into every micrometer of detail in your setup, I am lucky I got it for dirt but there is a gigantic difference

[@xtimator]

Both sound fantastic (Maybe its the player 😉) but I definitely prefer the Masterbuilt. Is that gold under the candy apple red? Freaking beautiful guitar! Thx for the great content Paul!

[@warrenbarrett5558]

Great comparison, and excellent playing! Both guitars sound fantastic. Might I ask what amp you’re playing through?

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Warren I’m using a Boss GX-100

[@chatolars]

Love your playing dude ….so tasteful

[@sroelit]

To my ears the Masterbuilt had both more body and more chime; it had greater clarity while also being more mellow. Just beautiful.

[@bluesysamurainao4557]

Great play. I had owned team built. It was the best I had ever owned. In this case, teambuilt one is less dirtier. Masterbuilt one is dirtier and crispier. Nowadays CS is too expensive in my area.

[@gmsatvai]

Great playing and cool sounds. Which amp / amp sim are you using? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@TheStudioRats]

I was using a boss Gx 100

[@dezionlion]

Great video! I got a lot out of it! Its not about the price, different people get em for different prices

[@Lou_cypher]

Both sound Fantastic! What are they running into? That clean on the verge of breaking up tone is truly inspiring. Really great tone😊

[@TheStudioRats]

I was using a Boss GX-100

[@wozabrown]

Great video 👍 The master built guitar does sound better but it definitely comes with the fender cost attached to it !! A better option would be a G and L custom shop which everyone is master built by Dave Brown even there Usa deluxe series is on par with a Fender custom shop you definitely get more for money at G and L !! Down side is there not as good investment long term .

[@davidolsen9425]

Paul, look into Monty’s Pickups relicing wax. It will feed and darken the rosewood board (and it can be stripped back with lighter fluid or steel wool). Works like a dream. I love a dark board and I use it all the time.

[@ladislavmertlik]

may I ask, what amp or distortion is used as hi-gain at 8:00? thanks

[@joncrane9735]

Ive played guitar for nearly 40 years so i got a ear for a nice sounding guitar....whether its hearing a guitarist in a band or playing myself ....recently i was in the fortunate position to buy a nice strat ..custom shop or one from new usa range ....after trying many in the store ( fellowship of acoustics) here in the Netherlands....i just could not justify the money on a custom shop....i ended up buying a handmade 63 strat replica from a dutch custom builder ..built with top quality woods and parts..own brand handwound pickups...it felt better played nicer sounded to my ears better....it was half the price of the fender c/ shop.....its personal choice but if its a strat to play ....the name is irrelevant...but 7.. 8 thousands on a guitar is insane ....by the way it a kauffman 63.....killer guitar ..

[@ClaudioMartella]

Haar?

[@IndyRockStar]

That master bulit Strat Roars. I'm looking at getting a Stat. Been looking at Custom Shop. I think you convinced me to go Master built.

[@rjo8500]

I wouldn’t be able to get past the looks of that Masterbuilt.

[@RyanMcQuen]

That intro was phenomenal.

[@satchyvaihalen]

What amp and effects are you using for this demo

[@-Atmos1]

The Masterbuilt has warmth & more sustain , I'm guessing it's lighter in weight too . Great demo .

[@KristianH1986]

Can you tell me that the piece of music was you were playing at 7:51?

[@deplinenoise]

Gorgeous playing!

[@Stratblooz]

What is the soundchain on these recordings? Amps, pedals etc?

[@RayB.I]

What is the tonewood used for the bodies ? Alder ?

[@jontypiper9881]

Ahh the sound of a Strat in the right hands, a little bit of heaven ❤️

[@mark-hollis]

This Masterbuild Strat is the best Strat I've ever heard. That is exactly the Strat sound I've always been looking for and I would buy it even though I absolutely don't like its looks. The Teambuilt Strat probably sounds great on its own but compared to the Masterbuilt it sounds flat and dull. Do you know what wood has been used for the body? Is it alder? I also love the amp sound. What amp and what pedals did you use for the video? That sound is to die for!

[@IainFrame]

Beautiful playing sir. To answer the exam question though, I honestly can't imagine that that expenditure could ever be worthwhile, other than as an "art" piece. But then again I'm just a glorified amateur and journeyman. 😂

[@archirobi]

Where does that amazing hard overdriven sound comes from??? It's absolutely great (as your playing man)!!!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Roberto, it’s a Boss GX-100

[@tonepilot]

Forget which guitar is better, I can listen to you play all day.

[@letfreedomring6906]

The Red Strat has 'Van Halenesque' sound to it, very nice.

[@parousia2771]

is there a difference between their frets? meaning does the master built get some kind of fret treatment? like an Ibanez j custom

[@GuitarHugo]

I just read in the comments you played this straight into a Boss GX-100. Sounds amazing! Care to elaborate on the preset(s)/ settings you used?

[@TheStudioRats]

Hi Hugo. Just a quick patch I programmed. It’s nice to see someone checking the notes before asking questions. Cheers!

[@joesguitars4833]

do you know if the necks are quartersawn or flatsawn? a photo of the back of the necks will tell, or the very edge of the neck

[@alexholdenii4946]

If you order a master build you can get any neck shape you want and whatever pickups you want. Also sort for dark wood on the fingerboard and light weight on the body. The lighter strats always resonate more and sound better….. at least to me. Josefina pickups are awesome sounding and they add to the value of the guitar. I guess it’s all about what you want to pay for a guitar. I think with the master builder you get their attention and they build the entire guitar so there’s more attention to detail. Both are awesome guitars. Hard to go wrong with a FCS

[@Johnfitz014]

The answer sounds obvious within the first few seconds of the video. Masterbuilt has such a beautiful, rich tone. Subjective opinion, of course.

[@Pegasus4213]

Masterbuilt fender strat guitars have (As I understand it) pickups wound by Josefina Campos or Abigail Ybarra where does this fact feature in the Masterbuilt - which is a dimension the better sound to my ears?

[@TheBLSCamo]

Is that Rosewood on the masterbuildt? Looks so bright compared to the teambuildt

[@Celiodcasa]

Hello, the red guitar shines and sustains the note, the subtlety is incredible, but both have their application in music.

[@mattmanley7118]

I have a Silver Sky but my gosh I’d love a custom shop. Candy Apple Red or Olympic White rosewood board

[@bsbrooks455]

I'm going to hop on my jet now and come over with my plain old factory built 64. I would really love to compare them. If I had just heard the custom shop alone I would have thought it was one of the best sounding Strats out there, but compared to the master built, it seemed like you were comparing an American standard to a Squire. BTW, if I really had the jet I might really do it.

[@robertdaprato3314]

perhaps one of the great things about the MB is resale value particularly if you have popular builder

[@goeldner87]

Such great playing

[@scanvids]

It’s down to personal choice , I’ve played a one in 4 master built fender C/S , for my money , I purchased a Suhr light weight Paulownia hss 6ibs something, the singles 63 pickups sound very good the bridge adds some fatness to that tone , no spikey top end ! ; and for less than half the price of the master built , it’s a bit like a $5k horsey pedal , or a great sounding dual protein pedal for $350. Just my thoughts .

[@user-bp7rx2bz2s]

Can I ask the radius of red guitar? Radius is 7.25 or 9.5R？

[@waynejohnson3214]

Sitting in an audience, with 100 watts of amp coming at me, I'd never hear the difference. In a nice home at bedroom volume, I do hear a difference.

[@matthiassoellner]

Thank you for this great comparison! You did a great job showing the difference. Both guitars are amazing, but the masterbuilt is more convincing in terms of resonance, sustain and sound. That's my opinion.

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks for watching!

[@fleezfreeg]

I didn't read all the comments but, The MB sounds better to my ears. However, how does the CS sound with the MB electronics?

[@IamMusicNerd]

It’s all in the pickups to me. The difference between the custom and master built woods don’t make nearly as big of a difference to my ears, and they both feel amazing as well. Custom shop pickups are excellent, but the master built pickups just seem to have even more character and dynamic range to me. Each one gives you something unique. Same thing with a Made to Measure master built Gibson over the normal custom shop Gibsons. Sadly I have only been able to play other people’s as I am not a good enough player yet to justify the additional $3-4k for a master built.

[@johnkirk3187]

Got to agree with the pickups making a difference.

[@Halliday7895]

that was my thought too...the pickups will do the heavy lifting in this situation.

[@geev33]

not really. the wood dont make such a difference its more the harmonics and stuff. if you hear closely when he lets the chords ring out for as long as they can the two guitars have different speed of modulation through the notes of the chord. thats the way the neck and body resonate together and its different in each guitar. these two pieces shouldnt resonate against each other which seems to be the case with the custom shop here. thats random most of the times but i expect the masterbuilder to have that under consideration...here we have an obvious example because they seem to be one of the best masterbuilts and one of the worst custom shops. but the pickups wont do much in a situation where the resonance of the whole guitar is kinda messed up.they amplify whatever is there thats why wood doesnt matter in color but in consistency. feed any pickup with shitty resonating guitars and wont get a single good tone. then try different pickups in well balanced guitars and there starts the coloring process all pickups sound good but with different - but all acceptable - colors...and you might say its the tuning or intonation that causes the modulation effect during the ring out but even if thats it then the sustain proves that the woods in the masterbuit resonate in harmony with each other or sth..or it could be that the one is relic and the other heavy relic so the "wood breathes more" hahahaha

[@frankswildyear]

@@johnkirk3187 I find that if the guitar sounds good unplugged, it generally sounds great through an amp. My favorite guitars, always sound crisp and resonant before you even engage him or the pick ups.

[@johncrace911]

Masterbuilt reminds me of a Melancon Strat I played once. It was ALIVE !

[@thecappy]

I have two team built ltd edition models. It is my understanding that one master builder is in charge (project manager)of those but is team built.