FENDER Dave Murray Stratocaster - Full Review

This is a detailed review of the Dave Murray Signature Stratocaster.
I go over technical specs, characteristics, sounds, quality, feel, vibe and overall impressions of this very cool Fender Strat!
Sounds: Bias FX II
Affiliate links:
Soundcard: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 amzn.to/3jJJLI7
Strings: Ernie Ball Hybrid Slinky 9-46 amzn.to/3ivx7tt​
Picks: Dunlop Jazz III XL amzn.to/35RKJKv​

[@ryanhoskins01]

That opening solo, wow, excellent skills, and what a great sound.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks a bunch man!!

[@vikguitarbackingtracks]

Before I started to play the guitar 2 years ago, I had thought one day I would buy this guitar as it could look great on the wall, more importantly as it is DM signature. Then fate had eventually made me pick up the guitar at the age of 48 - that turned out to be the best decision of my life. Now, that I have some limited skills already, and a couple of other guitars, all of a sudden I felt an irresistable urge to have this guitar even if I am not the "strat type guy". Having watched your review - there were no more questions to ask. I am going to order it, it is on sale at a local retailer now, I'm picking it up tomorrow. The harmonies at around 8:00 are giving me the chills, so beautiful. (last night I started to learn the Powerslave solo)

[@peterk4626]

Damn that opening solo! You got some serious skills Nico!! I've always been an Ibanez man after my hero's Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, but, Dave Murray was who inspired me to pick up the guitar as a kid, tempting to add this to the collection one day.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you very very much! Funny enough, lately I've been getting curious about getting an Ibanez like an S series 😊

[@TobyKBTY]

I wish this had 22 frets, but other than that it's probably one of the coolest strats ever made.

[@willman100]

Awesome. I just wish it had 22 frets instead of 21. I guess that’s how Dave wanted it.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Vintage style... A 22nd fret could have been useful but then you'd have complaints that it wasn't an accurate representation of Dave's guitar... :)

[@willman100]

@@LicksOfTheBeast. That's very true. Have you tried any of the Charvels? if so, what are your thoughts?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

@@willman100 I have tried a few different Pro Mods (MIM) and I think they're excellent!

[@willman100]

​@@LicksOfTheBeast I Don't see any seam marks in the body from it being glued, unless it is hidden well. Is it a one-piece body?

[@Grandpalovesmetal]

@@willman100 its a bolt on neck

[@papakispapadakis678]

hey man i was searching for a video of this guitar for a really long time. This review is amazing and i decided to buy it only because of your video. .Thanks

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hey, glad you found the video and yes, it is a great guitar! I'm sure you will love playing it as I do 🙂 Cheers 🤜🤛

[@vinaymulukutla358]

I just got this guitar delivered today having ordered it last week. This is an absolute beast of a guitar and is rock solid in every sense of the words. Definitely one of the best heavy metal guitars on the market but it's also incredibly versatile. I don't care that it's made in Mexico, the Ensanada factory rolls out some incredible build quality in their instruments.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That's awesome!! It's a wonderful instrument and I'm sure you'll enjoy playing it for many years to come 🤜🤛

[@gabivege4264]

Dave hat original usa model,oder mexico?

[@vinaymulukutla358]

@@gabivege4264 Mexico

[@SwainBjornstrandt]

The beginning shred is insane man!!!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks dude! 🤜🤛

[@IbonIturrate]

I bought it. Arrived home today. Beautiful guitar with good SD pickups. Have to learn using the floyd rose 🤘

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Congrats! I hope you'll enjoy the hell out of that thing!! And Floyds can be quite awesome so...have fun!! 😃🤘

[@-CrippledNinja-]

I've owned this guitar for couple of years now. It's my main tool. You can throw everything at it, from blues to hard rock, even metal and jazz. Playability is great and the only caviats are the not recessed-FR (EVH-style) and vintage tuners IMHO. You can bring this guitar to any studio/live session and it will perform perfectly.

[@meloman4757]

It’s the guitar I received 2 weeks ago … incredible sound … very easy to play … the both hot rails are enormous …. All is perfect on this guitar !!!!! 🤩🤩🤩 ….. I will record my next covers with this incredible guitar .!!!!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@broony77]

Bought one second hand about a month ago. Love it so far. Like you say the pickups are great and have a lot of versatility. Great video again, thank you!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! Yeah the pickups are very versatile and I like that they respond well to the controls so you can really shape your sound to your liking. That's not always the case with guitars that are geared towards rock and metal!

[@SculptyWorks]

Awesome playing, and great review! I just ordered one of these, can't wait for it to arrive! 🤘🤘❤❤

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Congratulations! It's an AWESOME guitar!! I'm sure you will love it!

[@SculptyWorks]

@@LicksOfTheBeast I got it, and I love it! ❤ ...now if only I could play like Dave... 😊

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hopefully the new Strat inspires you to practice daily. Bit by bit, you'll get there! 🤜🤛

[@jasongeorgeson8551]

Dude your channel just keeps getting better. Excellent review of this beautiful guitar, your playing is off the charts. Please tell us your about yourself a little bit. Who inspired you to play guitar? How long have you been playing? Are you in a band? Do you have any cd’s of any bands you have played with? Great content mate I love it. Massive maiden fan here. Also fellow guitarist.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hey man, I appreciate that a whole lot! Thank you!! I have been doing this for just under a year now and I know I still have a long way to go but I'm glad to hear I am getting progressively better 😃 I am thinking of making a video about that soon - maybe my one year anniversary video! Thanks again for the encouragement and support! Cheers 🤜🤛

[@pltutor]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Which sig guitar do you prefer - Dave’s or Adrian’s?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

@@pltutor The US Adrian signature is a better guitar overall in terms of material, hardware, electronics and craftsmanship. But in practice, I really like both and it just depends on what I'm playing. In terms of sound, they're both great and in terms of value for the money, Dave's by a mile. 😄

[@suetruett3812]

@@LicksOfTheBeast as I pick myself up off the floor, man, 1 year. Now I have to get myself back together. I think a video about that too would be great. a year.......

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Waaaaaait... A year of making KZbin videos. Not playing guitar 😂 I've been playing for over thirty years

[@WhoDaF0ok1sThatGuy]

I loved hearing you playing the Prophecy, that’s one of my favorite songs! This one is so beautiful, I might have to pick it over the Ritchie Blackmore signature in the future!

[@wolowizard4441]

That intro solo was fucking gorgeous.

[@miguelanxomuradolo2638]

Thanx! great review & nice guitar; congratulations for your new axe, you'll enjoy it for sure 😜 I made my own Murray's early 80's guitar putting a DiMarzio PAF 36th Anniversary in the neck (modern), Seymour Duncan JB jr. in the middle (modern) and a DiMarzio Super Distortion at bridge (original from 80's) on a Fender Strat MiJ with Kahler Spyder tremolo. Man, really great for Dave's sound until Powerslave and catch his sometimes subtile pickup changes. I think a neck's PAF is first Murray's sound soul. Greetings!

[@RandyTheSavage5150]

I have the Dave Murray strat and it sounds amazing but the action is really high (2.25mm at 12th fret) and I cant seem to get it any lower. I believe it's because the bridge is sitting against the body. I'm curious to see if any other owners have the same issues.

[@Sebastian_Mroczek]

Apart from the great review of the guitar - I really like the way you play! It's kind of my "end goal" for now🤩. Would you consider making a video of how you practice and talk about your guitar learning/playing journey ? Do you teach? Do you have a patreon?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks a whole lot man! I don't teach for now but I am considering a Patreon thing. And I think you will really like next week's video 🤐😁

[@Sebastian_Mroczek]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Can't wait for the next week then! It's a shame you don't teach, I would be your first student:D. It would be awesome to ask you some question about the steps that I should take to play in style like you, which to me is Maiden like:).

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

@@Sebastian_Mroczek I am seriously considering it. Just need to work out some important details ☺️

[@booshting3520]

Keep coming back to this, I'm very tempted by the Dave Murray model

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

If you can get your hands on one, definitely go for it! 🤜🤛

[@ProfeOz]

Hi Nicko! That's an excellent review of a great guitar and the first solo blew me away. I have had mine since April 2020 and absolutely love it; it became the queen of the squad as soon as I tested it, sending my beloved Schecter Terry Corso and Sterling JP60 to the back seat. I have had the chance to play more expensive stratocasters and the Dave's Signature keeps up to the challenge. I would say it is a guitar that feels and sounds more expensive than it is. In addition, it is a guitar you can use for a whole variety of music types (not only Maiden) and its look is very classic and does not scream metal. Finally, I also own the Jackson SDXQM Adrian Smith signature and agree with you, that one is also a really nice guitar but the DM's signature is a couple steps above. Cheers from Mexico Oz

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks so much man! The fact that many of us had the same experience with this guitar is a real testament to Fender's consistency with their craftsmanship and quality control. 😊

[@ProfeOz]

@@LicksOfTheBeast It would be great in the future if Fender and Dave released the black strat w/rosewood fretboard and large headstock Dave has used since The Book of Souls tour...I have also been looking for the American-made Black Strat with maple fretboard but have had no success so I've had to turn to black squiers and strats knock-offs to build one at least for asthetics.

[@r.v.g.1679]

@@ProfeOz is it a new black Strat or the one he played in the early eighties?

[@MrPwstacey]

This is a fantastic guitar. I’ve owned mine for about six months and absolutely love it. I got my guitar luthier to roll the fretboard edges and it feels so much better. Well worth the extra expense.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Rolled edges are very nice, indeed!

[@verruckterwissenschaftler]

I was going to have some fun with you, but after I watched it all, you quit playing and what a thoughtfull fully qualified time spent, well done LOTB.

[@thefenian32]

I know I am just being a fan-boy but I finally sprung for Dave’s strat today and had to look back at your review. Got a great deal so I couldn’t say no. I had Adrian’s Jackson but did not feel it really lived up to the quality I would expect for Adrian’s guitar, so I’ll wait until I can do him justice and get a USA model. For the record, Steve’s bass is awesome too. Cheers!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I don't think that's being a fanboy at all! It's a great looking, great sounding guitar that's also a pleasure to play and it's very reasonably priced too! Not even professional guitarists are immune to the guitars that influenced them the most - think of how many players love the aged white and gold look of a Jackson V or Les Paul because of Randy Rhoads 😊 Double thanks for watching this video more than once and I hope you'll enjoy playing it a whole lot! Cheers 🤜🤛

[@laurentfemenias9410]

Great review (and great video as usual)! :-) I have bought one as my main guitar two years ago now (for my 40th birthday indeed :-)). And I'm really so happy with the way it sounds and how it looks.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Congrats on a great choice! It really impressed me a whole lot! :)

[@BernieZazz]

Good review, thank you. Really considering this guitar.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

A year later, I'm still loving it! 😃

[@BernieZazz]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Sweet. If only I had the cash…I’d get it today.

[@alexkolchev2588]

One of the best guitar reviews I've watched.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That's so awesome to see. Thank you!!!

[@musoseven8218]

Cracking, excellent, review and guitar - thank you. Nice to hear that you think it's VFM, you make some very good points. I love 'Maiden and Dave Murray, but as you say, it's nice that the signature is at the back of the headstock, makes the guitar more versatile, stands out less at gigs, avoids the 'that guy thinks he's Dave Murray' scenario. I dont know how much input Dave Murray had with the guitar, but those sorts of touches give it a wider appeal. Ive often liked signature guitars as an instrument and technically - but have avoided them when they're garish and/or have signatures all over them. As a fan of strats my wants/needs/likes are very similar to Dave Murray's, I've a twin HB strat that I've fitted SD pick ups to and modified the trem etc. BUT I'm obvs not in Iron Maiden, as good as Dave Murray and I play a wider range of styles - although they're based around rock/blues rock. BTW your playing is superb, very inspiring 👍😊

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Yeah I'm very much the same. I like my guitars to be classy and versatile. 🙂 Other thing about this guitar is is looks GREAT under the lights. Every time I make a video with it I think "Wow! This guitar looks so good on camera!" Thank you so much for the kind compliments. Cheers 🤜🤛

[@musoseven8218]

@@LicksOfTheBeast You're most welcome, credit where credit is due, superb, insightful review 👍😊😊

[@Futbol-vl9qd]

i always dreamed of a fender strat built for heavy songs and finally found it, the only thing is this aint available in my country yet and maybe never wont be

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Honestly, I think ultimately any Strat can sound great. The player series are great out of the box. Squires can sound good, and even awesome if you just change the bridge pickup. The ridiculously low priced Donner DST400 I reviewed a few months ago sounds great and I didn't even change anything on it! You put a super distortion, custom custom, or Hot Rails pickup in any Strat and it'll be great for metal! 🤘

[@MatteoAn93]

Now, that's a great review! It's definitely an interesting axe!

[@keithclayton1271]

Beautiful playing. Told me everything I came here to know about this guitar. Thanks.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank YOU for watching and for your kind comment! Cheers 🤜🤛

[@andrewwilliams4104]

Hey just stumbled on this video and subscribed on the back of watching it. Really great video and thorough review without being too long. Awesome work 👏

[@r.v.g.1679]

the bridge hot rails sound great in the neck.

[@stevenjennings5464]

Well done mate - you actually sound like Maiden when solo-ing. Really enjoyed that!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks so much man!! That's a huge compliment 😊🙏🤘

[@DBSG1976]

Thanks for a great review. I love the pickup configuration of Duncan Hot Rails and JB Jr.

[@adamburger858]

Really good video brodda! I've been eyeing this one for a while lol cheers-

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks man! It really is a great guitar... My opinion hasn't changed at all since I made this video...if anything, I like it even more! 😊

[@murilomartins6404]

Awesome review, Nico! Have you already posted something about your setup (amps, pedals)? I couldn't find any and it would be really great to check what you use to get that close to their sound, besides the guitars

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! I don't try to copy their sound too much - especially as it changes quite a bit from one album to another. I do pretty much everything with Bias FX II. I have settings I use for older stuff and another one for newer stuff which is what I used for this video. You can see exactly what the settings are in the highlights section of my Instagram page (Minus the chorus as I turned that off for this one). Cheers!

[@50089]

Such a great job reviewing the guitars lovely playing as always , love your channel so glad you are here hopelly maiden contacts you one day you deserve it thank you so much I’m sub to you since day one and it’s a like before I even see the video every time !

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Man you have no idea how much I appreciate your words. Thank you!!

[@Lizzieware]

Great review Nicko, sorry I’m so late to the party! Just wanted your view on the pickups. They sound great but the reviews I read call them dark and lifeless. How do you find them in the mix, do they cut through? What’s your preference in a strat for live, the Dave Murray stacked pickups, Super Distortion, JB, something else? Thanks

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Glad you enjoyed the video! ☺️ These are stock Duncans which have been used by a lot of players over the years, including Dave Murray, and I certainly wouldn't call his tone lifeless! 🤣 Of course, they are ceramic pickups with fairly high output so if you want classic, Strat tones... You're not really gonna get 'em with this configuration without an EQ. For live, I use the Adrian Smith signature which has a Super Distortion in the bridge and I really like it. Even the Ibanez Destroyer I use for some songs has a super distortion on it. But really, live if you want to cut through a mix, it's mostly about volume and EQ. Boost those mids, cut the lows a bit, and trim the top end a tad. Cheers!

[@Lizzieware]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Thanks! 🤘

[@AllThings80s]

That was a great review and I really love your playing.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you very very much!!

[@TheWelhaven]

My main strat is called «Dave», it’s inspired by two of Dave Murray strats (the sunburst and the white w/maple). 2-tone sunburst in nitro finish, sd hot rails/jb jr./hotrails, VIPots (550k), pearloid pickguard, decked bridge, maple neck, locking tuners, strap locks, 7.25 radius, vintage frets. Very fun to play. Bwt: I almost did buy a black Dave signature too, with two humbuckers. But ended up with an Am. Ultra instead. Do not regret, as it may be the ultimate strat (even though I play my «Dave» more).

[@user-kl7ug9dr2k]

I really like Daves taste in guitar like myself he likes a rosewood kneck ...he likes to stay traditional with a modern twist !

[@Tony_Kam]

Amazing video my friend!! I WISH I'll get my hands on this beautiful piece one day!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

It'll definitely be worth the wait man!!

[@omagodosgraves]

If Nico is shredding this crazy, imagine playing drums ...

[@akjl01]

Great review! I'm tempted.. Staying in tune is almost paramount. Is it easy to change the strings?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Yes, it's actually very easy. You just have to remember to just not remove all the strings at once without using a wedge to keep the bridge in place. Or you can also change the strings one by one, always tuning back to pitch before changing the next one.

[@takacgameshd7003]

Im revisiting this video and i wanted to ask you something, does the Adrian's Jackson has a thinner neck? And which neck is more comftrable to you? This one or the Jackson one.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hey sorry for the late reply - I literally just saw your comment today! The neck on the US Adrian Smith Jackson is definitely thinner with a bit flatter fretboard radius. They're both fantastic guitars to play but I found the Dave Strat more comfortable to play from the beginning just because I am more used to that type of neck overall.

[@takacgameshd7003]

@@LicksOfTheBeast not a problem🤘, im playing now on 12-16 radius and i know dave's guitar has 9.5-14 radius so i don't know if i buy his signature guitar will it be comftrable for me to play

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I often alternate between my Fat Strat (9.5" radius) the Dave Murray and Adrian Smith Models as well as my Gibsons with a 22" radius and my hands adapt pretty quickly. I don't think it feels that different except when you get into the real shreddy, very technical stuff where you end up with the thumb anchored behind the neck. Then yeah the flat radius definitely helps make some of that articulation a bit easier!

[@mikelecabezaguerrero]

Man, perfect guitar for a Rainmaker cover 🤘 that would be nice. A Dave Murray signature guitar it's definitely on my bucket list, very cool guitar but since I grew up watching and loving the live after death show I've always dreamed with the classic black one with the double cream DiMarzio

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I think that black strat is classic! Good thing is you can make one easily without having to wait for Fender to reissue it 😁

[@mikelecabezaguerrero]

@@LicksOfTheBeast yep, and all it takes is a black strat 50's spec and some parts

[@Sankaritarina89]

Damn, what an excellent intro! Love it!!!!!!

[@JD-vj4go]

Great review. Thank you.

[@alistairpraet9108]

you just signed the deal for me o nthis guitar lol once that solo is learnt my life is achieved lol

[@giannisskokos]

Thanks! Nice review, of a beautiful guitar! I think Fender had already delivered another Dave Murray model painted black with white pickguard and 2 humbuckers (bridge and neck)and 1 single coil pickup in the middle... isn't it? So this one must be the 2nd edition, great looking (for the guitar) and playing (for Nicko) !!! By the way , in 7.40 such a nice re-make of ''Fate's Warning'' there!!! Epic!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

#1 Thank you so much #2 Yes, they had a signature model of his black Strat but that was a more limited model and this is the more recent model based on his main Strat of the past 20 years. #3 Holy crap!!! I hadn't realized I based that little thing on Fates Warning but it's obvious, now that you've pointed it out, that it must have been in back of my mind the whole time. Crazy how that works! 🤣🤣

[@Sierra-tx1we]

Grazie per la recensione!

[@snooky1470]

I just buy it and really, it's amazing sound !!

[@pank4014]

Awesome video and awesome guitar! I was wondering if you could make a tutorial to properly play stranger in a strange land or like The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner. Thank you, as you can tell Somewhere In Time is my all time favorite album by Maiden lol.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! It's my favourite album as well and I will surely make more tutorials for it. For now there is a tutorial on the main riff from sea of Madness, the solo of Sea of Madness, I show the riff from Stranger in a Strange Land in the video about riffs you might be playing wrong and I did full covers of Stranger and Loneliness so maybe in the meantime you can check those out to get a better idea 😊 Thanks again!!

[@pank4014]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Of course! Keep up the amazing work!

[@richardhenley817]

Awesome demo and tone ! ⭐ What's the pots value ?? Thanks in advance.👍

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! I haven't taken the guitar apart but I believe they are 250K

[@xxxxx7876]

Nice video and review of the guitar. What amp/head are you playing through.? Great sound!!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! Always happy to hear that so much appreciated ☺️ I am using only the Bias FX II plugin. If you want to check out the settings I use, they're in the highlights section of my Instagram profile. Cheers!

[@kostapanis]

Great guitar and a great guitar player 🎸💯👍🏼🙂 greetings from Olympus Guitars.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks so much!! Cheers 🙏🤘

[@giacomorigon7444]

I had one of these a few years ago… a very good sounding guitar, it was fun to play, but setting it up was awful… I could not adjust the truss rod without removing the nut and the neck was very unstable so I had to do it often… Also the bridge was impossibile to lower over a certain height cause it’s not recessed… I sold it. I don’t miss it. Maybe I’ll get another strat in the future to install the same pickups with a better tremolo system and a better neck

[@neilrobinson7615]

Great comprehensive review, I'd love one of these. Do you know the output of the pickups?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you!! I didn't test the output myself but Seymour Duncan says it's 16.6 in the bridge, 10.1 middle and 10.9 neck.

[@neilrobinson7615]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Thanks, good to know.

[@NunoGuitarsSilva]

Great review!! Cheers from Portugal!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you!! Cheers from Canada 🤘

[@adamscottv]

Great review and nice playing.

[@godzillasimpson8357]

Rosewood fingerboards help the hot rails sound more like a humbucker. I think Dave knew this and that’s why he uses this type

[@VilleKuitunen6]

I doubt he was thinking about that. What’s the physical mechanism in rosewood that makes a pickup sound like a humbucker?

[@BernieZazz]

@@VilleKuitunen6Rosewood is darker sounding than maple?

[@Hoss1970ify]

How were you able to get some pull up on the Floyd Rose? Mine allows only for push down? Great video!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! Just set the bridge so that it's floating parallel to the body.

[@jordanpratt3821]

Damn, my guy laid it down.

[@chipsunday5563]

Man I wish Fender would make a Janick Gers signature. I saw a guy building one from scratch on KZbin. It was pretty cool

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I made mine from a Mexican Standard Strat and it plays and sounds excellent! 😊

[@user-en1tw4ge4b]

hi nicko i have a brief question for you, did you receive the guitar from a store, or you built this guitar by luthier? it is very important for me thank you.

[@jamesmacci527]

Thanks for this review of this Fender. I am looking at buying my first guitar after putting it off for so many years. I am looking at several options; This Fender Dave Murray strat, Charvel RG series or Ibanez DK. My hands are a little small so a thin neck may be important to consider. Especially as a newbie. I think the Ibanez is a little pricey as a beginner which leaves the Charvel and Fender to be compared in my thinking. Thoughts?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I have tried the Charvel DK 24 and I really liked it. I think they're quite comparable so it depends on the kind of music you will play... If you can try them both out it would be best because them you could best determine what suits you better. Good luck!!

[@rockonbaz]

I Have one, the neck is amazing!!!! And it's a real looker!!!

[@jskk9252]

Thank you very much for great review! Btw what is the opening solo?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Glad you liked it! Thank you 🙏 Everything in here is just something I put together quickly for the video. So that intro solo is basically something in the style of Dave (things like Judas Be My Guide etc)

[@jskk9252]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Thank you for quick reply🙂 Great playing like in the other your videos as well!

[@JockMcGorry]

Hi Nico. I just watched your review which was superb. I already own a Jackson SDX which has been modded and was considering the Fender Murray Strat as my next purchase. How does the neck profile of the Fender compare to the Jackson? I think I heard or read somewhere that the Fender has a thicker neck profile than the Jackson. If you can provide your thoughts on a comparison, I'll be very grateful. Thanks.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hey, thank you! I actually find the Murray neck a little thinner than the Jackson but the SDX models aren't always super consistent so it's possible that you might find some with a little thinner neck profile... Either way, I think both have more of a slim neck and they're both very comfortable to play. The quality of the Fender is overall better but it's also double the price so that's to be expected 🙂

[@JockMcGorry]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Thanks Nico, that's very helpful and much appreciated. I've found a pre owned model so might be able to get a deal if I p/x something. I enjoy your videos, keep up the good work. Cheers.

[@marcello3980]

Congrats bro, i have one too and i love it

[@DtB171]

Another awesome video mate! What maiden song are you playing 3:22 ish? I recognise the riffs but can't remember the song name haha

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

😆😆 It's the beginning of The Prophecy after the slow intro. And thank you!!

[@DtB171]

@@LicksOfTheBeast awh I should have known! Haha this one's definitely going on the list to learn after I finish red n black!

[@pukki34]

dave is so underrated imo. Wonder why that is

[@GuitarDoco]

Superb guitar, superb playing

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Many thanks!!!

[@barnettg66]

With the non-recessed Floyd Rose, I wonder if the neck has some built-in tilt back? Sometimes with Floyd top mount, the neck angle has to come back to compensate. That is typically a couple of degrees for a Strat style. Its easy to see if you look at the neck-body junction.... the neck butt/fretboard will appear to stick up from the pickguard a little more than a normal Strat. But I just don't know if that's the case here or not?

[@Sebastian_Mroczek]

I know I have posted a similar question below, but I'm just curious how you practised improvisation until now? Are your improv skills just a byproduct of years of learning Iron Maiden songs, solos, etc? Or you have specifically done something to develop these skills, and if so, it would be great if you'd mentioned a few or a lot😁😄😅

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

My first year of playing I took private lessons... 30 mins every Saturday. My teacher got me improvising from the first time be showed me the C major scale. He would record basic 3-4 chord progressions on a cassette for me and as homework I would have to try improvising over it even if I had no idea what to play. His thing was "just start by playing the scale, then stop on notes you like particularly over the changes and work from there". There are a lot of ways to practice improvising but the best thing for me is to just jam while working on one thing at a time specifically. Like one day I'll pay special attention to chord tones, another time I might try to work with patterns or motifs... Work in a specific technique etc etc. The other thing is to think about melody and not just cool licks. That is how this solo was built. Improvise, find something I like, keep going until I have an overall idea and then put it all together. It's not an improvised solo but kind of a composed solo the result of improvising 😊

[@Sebastian_Mroczek]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Thanks so much Nico for taking some time to respond. I guess I am doing similar things, but am 25 years behind😅. Good to have a point of indication from you though 😉😄

[@guitarristahobista]

Amazing sound!!! May a have the settings about your BIAS FX II?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! I made a whole video about my Bias settings... Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5bEdnZrpaibqLc

[@davidmurray9193]

How do you have your trem set, a vid on this would be cool. (setup). A decent video of the Dave Murray strat thank you

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

It's set to pull up about a step and a half. I don't do my own setups though...I prefer to have my luthier do it, so I don't really feel qualified to make a video on that sort of thing.

[@leffezlayer]

I'll get this one for sure

[@mathias6423]

Nice guitar! I finally ordered my Jackson SDX with black pickguard, I also ordered a Dimarzio Super Distortion to go into the Bridge of the guitar. However for the neck I think a hot rail like in this Fender is to hot, I could tell when you switched from the middle pickup to the neck that It is higher in output. I think I am going to order that noiseless fender single coil that Adrian uses in his guitar for neck pickup.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

It works for Dave's style. He needs a hotter neck pickup as he solos with it a lot. If you use the neck pickup the way Adrian does (quiet bits and the occasional slower solo) then yeah it's too hot. That's the thing with signature guitars... They're... SIGNATURE GUITARS 🤣

[@mathias6423]

@@LicksOfTheBeast True, it will suit me great the SDX.

[@dandupuis6678]

What is that song you are playing with the clean tone? Sounds awesome brother!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thanks so much man! It's all little things I made specific for the video. The clean thing is basically just first inversion chords over an A pedal... I've always liked doing that kind of pattern 😊

[@hampusvh2]

Love your videos! Which song is it you are playing from 04:15?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Thank you! That's just a thing I like to do with inverted triads over the open A string. Same idea as the accompaniment for the solo that follows a little later on in the video. 🙂

[@willman100]

I would like to ask you a few questions about the setup on your guitars. Just for your preference, how much relief do you usually like on your necks and what about your action height? Some people like super straight necks and such. Some like really low action and some prefer higher. Just curious on your setup preferences. Thanks.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I like the neck to be fairly straight... a slight bit of relief is sometimes helpful but in general I like to start with a pretty straight neck. My action is set a little higher than what most metal players typically prefer because I like to leave room for my fingers to get under the strings and really bend freely without the notes choking out on the fretboard. It also seems to resonate better... but realistically, that could be just me hearing what I wanna hear LOL

[@ianfurqueron5850]

I find your thoughts on the neck interesting. To me it feels a lot fatter than many of my other guitars, especially my 1990 American Std Strat that is sort of the basis for my Janick semi-replica (although my mods pre-date Janick in Iron Maiden). I cut my teeth on an early 80's Les Paul, so I've become more accustomed to thinner neck profiles.

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Yeah I find it to be a fairly thin neck for a Strat. It's about the same or even a smidge thinner than Fender's usual modern C. I'm pretty comfortable with most necks...I go from my Standard 50s Les Paul which has a rather chunky baseball bat neck to my Lado which has more of a shredder neck. Both are comfortable to me so... I guess it depends what you're used to and the shape/size of your hand and fingers. 🤷🏻

[@johnkavvadias483]

How does it play and feel compared to Jackson Adrian Smith USA?

[@BushidoMusicOfficial]

This is literally the perfect guitar. All it needs now is a hardtail.

[@jeanrunkle1059]

Im patiently waiting for dave and fender to release a white version with either a maple or a roswood fretboard...

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

That thing really does look beautiful!

[@jeanrunkle1059]

@@LicksOfTheBeast it would look like the strat he played in the early 2000s. I love that guitar.

[@miguelhenrique373]

I love this guitar, its amazing

[@Hadogei123456789]

Amazing guitar! Would love to know the name of the first song you played!

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

It's not a song... just something Murray-esque that I put together myself. A bit inspired by Judas Be My Guide 😊

[@Hadogei123456789]

@@LicksOfTheBeast That's how well you exemplify the Maiden sound!! Thank you!

[@kotdrauf]

@@LicksOfTheBeast awesome playing! I need ur lesson on his fear of the dark solo ;)

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

@@kotdrauf I'll definitely be making one 😁

[@kotdrauf]

@@LicksOfTheBeast awesome!!

[@peteroxx]

Didn´t hear enough what it sounds like in position 2, which is important for that egg sound for me. If it sounds brittle or just less and more mellow??

[@benjisaad]

Fender all time bro

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

🤜🤛

[@akjl01]

Can you get a low action on this guitar? One video i watched suggested there was an issue lowering the strings.. TIA..

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I don't have my action super low on any of my guitars but I don't see why you couldn't get low action - it has a micro tilt adjustment in the neck so you have to use that to lower the action. There are plenty of brief videos on KZbin explaining the way that works, it's super simple.

[@zinkpot2]

Did you write that intro solo? It is it a maiden solo? It sounds so good

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hey thanks so much! Yeah it's something I put together to emulate Dave's style.

[@JoeR203]

Didn't this have a sustainer in it? Or is that someone else's signature model?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Nah, no sustainer in this one.

[@JoeR203]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Yeah I checled after leaving the comment. Someone else has a sig. model that has a Sustainiac in it.

[@jordanpratt3821]

​@JoeR203 the ed o Brian strat has a sustainer.

[@guitarristahobista]

Great! I have one of these. How do I lower the strings since the bridge is not carved into the body wood?

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

On a Floyd Rose bridge, you can adjust the height by turning the studs on either side of the bridge with a 3mm Allen key.

[@bardock11]

I can't afford this guitar, because beginner, but I would love to buy a Squier Strat for about 200eur and the loaded pickguard for about 440eur. Is this a logical move? I really love the versatility of the Fender guitar and the sound of Iron Maiden. The Adrian Smith Jackson guitars are also in consideration, but I like me a Fender....

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

I wouldn't recommend doing that. I would suggest you get a player series Fender strat or even the Adrian Smith Jackson SDX and just change the bridge pickup later on. Even the Classic Vibe Squiers are quite good!

[@erwinpopo]

Hi, i'm a fan of Maiden, and your video is very impressive !! Thanks, i want to buy this guitar now ^^. Is it possible to have the lead tone preset you use at 7:45 ??? 🙂

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I think I used the same setting as I show here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5bEdnZrpaibqLc

[@erwinpopo]

@@LicksOfTheBeast Thanks à lot ! Sorry I didn't saw this video... 😊. Respect you are incredible guitar player

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Much much appreciated!! Thank you 🤜🤛

[@treetoker420]

I bought the Jackson SDX in Jan and just purchased this one yesterday! Super excited!! Also that into solo...🤌🏼 amazing!!

[@wilhelmtheconquerer6214]

I prefer his older signatures with the Di'marzio pups that's inspired by his strat from back in the day

[@iesusmi]

Are you family of Jim Root? PS: nice review

[@LicksOfTheBeast]

Hahaha I don't know why people keep telling me that. I don't see the resemblance but it's all good. Unless you mean when he wears a mask 🤔😬😂