Fender Guitars - Is The John Mayer PRS Bad News for Fender?

[@jascoplumbingsupply4224]

Rick please do more videos with the 3 of you. I can watch this for hours. Guitar in hand listening to you guys. Much better than cable.

[@kennsakurai9582]

You guys are absolutely correct. Most of the non USA made artists signature models were made here in Japan. Those guitars are made in the Nagano prefecture where the air is dry and people with precision workmanship. Say the John Jorgenson models, those are made here in Japan with meticulous work. And such workmanship is extended equally to all the other model.

[@sergiopedro4668]

I am really grateful for Dave's knowledge. Bring on more Dave!

[@zombie92272]

The reason that Mexican Fenders sound really good is because same reason all the Fender Golden era vintage guitars sound good... They were built by Mexicans 😄 🎸

[@SleepingGiant45]

Jim Root said something similar on one of his rig rundowns. He was talking to Fender about the difference between the Mexican plant vs the Californian plant, and the Fender guy said, "Do you want it built in Mexico by Mexicans, or built in California by Mexicans?"

[@Aokitadamitsu]

nothing wrong with that, after the first thousand or so anyone would be an expert.

[@michaelquintana1178]

the cool thing about Mexicans the usually don't know alot... but u can teach them....and then they know more... its hard to teach someone that already knows it all..the know it alls…..that they are not

[@byronofcalgary6985]

actually early 90's Fender Mex had one more body seam than USA and weren't kiln dried - Mex bodies would show shrinkage and the seams would "bevel" but not open up

[@eltorpedo7774]

@Nintariz you’re right and I apologize. We all read through our own lense. In the US right now there are racists who feel they are victims when they really have every opportunity but are too lazy or stupid to capitalize on them. They would say something like your original post supporting that they are not allowed to be proud to be American. Sorry I misunderstood you.

[@nategarcia5501]

Honestly love these three of you guysconversation videos would love to see this become a regular thing. You should do a name for it.

[@acuteteacher]

Wow, I just love it that you mentioned Jack Pearson. I just saw him last night and he was awesome. He was playing at the Mane Room in Florence, Alabama. It's the second time I've seen him.

[@joshfulmer3689]

Jack Pearson is probably one of the last great southern rock blues player alive.

[@brianzielkeii7540]

When talking fender, no one ever seems to consider what fender himself did...which was start G&L. Smaller company, still boutique. Their custom shop is killer. Seriously well built guitars.

[@Shining_umbreonz]

dude was lost.

[@martydibergi5228]

I own 2 of the JJ models Rare 😇

[@TexanUSMC8089]

He sold Fender and then started Music Man, then sold Music Man to Ernie Ball and started G&L. All three are great guitars.

[@Fireangell2]

They talk about It in this video for like 10 minutes towards the end

[@davidgangemi3314]

G&L guitars are well built,but I find most of them impersonal. Not a lot of MOJO. Not sure why. I did play one that was excellent,but it wasn't up for sale that day.

[@Heisenberg_SC]

If it wasn't for Anthony Fantano I'm not sure I would've ever discovered this incredible channel. Really enjoy the content you put out.

[@marcusvaldes]

I swear to God I love KZbin. I can watch interesting content like this which is pertinent to me vs. channel surfing to some BS show on cable. Nice episode Rick. I love this kind of stuff.

[@wodenoftheangles3339]

'Haven't watched TV in years.

[@eval7952]

For things like this utube is amazingly! But for political stuff utube is teaming up w government and politicians to sensor us. Whoever doesn’t agree w establishment Narrative are getting shut down or making content hard to find.

[@wodenoftheangles3339]

+e val79 - yes true, but they can't win ultimately.. with the internet the 'genie is out of the bottle' now so to speak. They can't be the gatekeepers like they always have been..

[@marcusvaldes]

And you are a racist.

[@ALEXONLIFE]

You can call me racist if you wish but I just stated an irrefutable fact. The Jew has always run and owned the entire music industry as well. Rick will tell you the same thing if he has awareness and is sincere. You better wake up and get an education. You sound like an moron.

[@angelmoncada382]

I'm glad G&L got some recognition on this video. As a bass player, I got my first G&L a couple years ago and I don't think I could ever go back to Fender. Sure, there are some great ones out there but there are other builders making better instruments more consistently and at a more competitive price point.

[@Luckyrider1958]

I had a G&L Tribute strat i sold .. and regret it to this day.

[@hieronymus932]

In the Framus factory tour from the many Guitcon videos it’s mentioned that the CEO doesn’t want to grow. It’s the expectation of continuous growth that ends up killing these brands.

[@ALEXONLIFE]

There is nowhere to grow, the only direction is down. Nobody is buying guitars, especially new guitars. Go to any high school and ask how many kids play the guitar. You will count them on one hand. This is what guitar companies will never tell you.

[@coffeewaldo]

ALEX ON LIFE stop already Alex Lifeson. There’s too many guitars being made. There are still plenty of guitarists.

[@davidburke2132]

ALEX ON LIFE And yet recent guitar sales statistics in the US over the past few years are actually very positive, especially for acoustic instruments.

[@777Yoni]

A Jack Pearson shout-out will always get a thumbs up from me. Appreciate you spreading the gospel.

[@madmikemike]

Fret work is like 80% about what I care about with looking for a new guitar. Fret sprout is such a pet peeve of mine. Most fenders aren’t very good at this. Prs, even on the cheaper stuff do a great job on fret work.

[@NikkenMagboy]

Their approach with Gretsch is on point. Not too many models, but 3 very distinct ranges at very clear price points.

[@SantOrozco]

I LOVE the bird inlays on a Strat, that was literally a dream come true hahaha

[@Lifeisrife]

Subscribed because I like this kind of format. A sort of podcast with knowledgeable guys about the guitar industry. Good job!

[@jakobmorningstar]

"why is John Mayer trashing fender?" If you paid any attention to what John has to say, especially on his Instagram Live videos, he has nothing bad to say about fender and certainly isn't "trashing" them. He said he had some ideas that he wanted to pursue and if he stayed with Fender then he wouldn't get to see those ideas through.

[@Somuntioalt]

There you have it, that last statement is why John Mayer is “trashing” Fender hehehe

[@jamesrouse3466]

People act like he owes them his loyalty because they put his name on a guitar, it's just so bizarre. I'd be willing to bet that John and Fender both benefitted equally with their collaboration, so the deal is transactional... they both got something they wanted out of the contract. John then decided he wanted something different, and according to him, Fender was not inclined to meet all of his requests, so the deal is no longer transactional... as one party is not satisfied with the terms. It's that simple. For example, say you wanted to build a deck onto the back of your house and it had odd dimensions that would suit your needs perfectly, but the contractor that built your front steps or deck said he wouldn't do it because it was out of his area of expertise or it wasn't something he was interested in doing... what do you do? Do you just not get the deck built? Or do you find someone who will do the job? The answer should be simple. Just because you worked with someone previously, that doesn't mean you owe them your hard earned money or loyalty. Furthermore, if you inform other potential customers of what each builder is willing to do, you are not trashing one and praising the other... you are giving an honest assessment of what that potential customer can expect if they decide to do business with them.

[@jeremyhickersonsalem]

Leo's genius for simplicity is what makes it so easy to "build" very inexpensive versions of the same thing. The fact that they are simple doesn't mean they're not elegant, or effective, or killer - but it also means "why am I paying so much when I can do this myself?" And internet makes this so easy, easier than pre-internet. Good video!

[@juliansedor7101]

I would like to say, I tend to stay away from signature products. I don't really want to play a guitar with someone else's name on it.

[@marksea64]

@@TheGreatGadfly So did Les Paul.

[@DonLytle]

Would you play an EVH Wolfgang? Not really a "signature" model, but designed to specifications from Eddie. Just wondering.

[@marsattacks7071]

As long as you're comfortable on any guitar, signature or not, everything is cool... No big deal with that...

[@jefferyaldaz4665]

Julian Sedor smae here

[@subtlehills3844]

This. I understand gibson and fender are guys'names, but I don't want an additional guy's name on my guitar. The only exceptions may be page's les paul and the radiohead guy's strat cause of the infinite sustain pickup. And maybe b corgan's strat cause it's blue...

[@Tremonti78]

You guys look like you have a lot of fun together. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@NealB123]

Fender is fine. They don't have an idiot CEO trying to turn them into a luxury brand. I'm a big fan of the MiM models. They play/sound good from the factory and can be easily upgraded if necessary. Great guitars for the money.

[@TheDownbeatruler]

Neal B but the resale value is awful.

[@NealB123]

That statement applies to every guitar built in the past 30 years.

[@69zenos1]

The very reason I buy USED Fenders and never a brand new one...

[@colebowman2833]

I get the resale value problem and everyone's always talking about it. It's weird to me that it's a big topic because I would think most people (like me) buy guitars to play and gig them. Not sell them. If I was going to sell I wouldn't buy it in the first place. I would think only collector's care a lot about that instead of just caring a little like I do. Maybe there's more collector's than I think, idk... I mean no disrespect to anyone of course. It's just, when I buy a guitar, I keep it, and i upgrade my mim Strats.

[@guitarguy97]

I agree 100% Neil B

[@chrisnewmandeluxecombo6545]

I have a few of both Gibson and Fender guitars, and I have learned so much from your discussions. Thanks Beato!

[@kraigompls]

Re: Partscaster - no resale value, but by all means follow your bliss and get the guitar you want. If it's close to a catalog Fender item though, buy the Fender used and you won't lose as much.

[@joshfulmer3689]

Definitely agreed on that

[@georgewilson1354]

Great video guys. I bought a used Mexican Strat from a freind for $150.00. I totally stripped everything down to the neck and body, and didnt mess with the frets. I put in a fully loaded pick guard from 920D Custom Shop at Siglar Music. It has three Seymour Duncan humbuckers: Little '59, Duckbucker, and JB Jr. Also put in a Callaham steel tremelo with David Gilmore bar, Graph Tech TUSQ XL Fender Style Slotted Nut, Graph Tech Black TUSQ XL Sleek String Tree, and a Chrome Fender F Neckplate. So I took a $150 Mexican Strat and for less that $600 I now have an all American Strat that sounds and plays amazing. Did all the work myself and gave it a good setup to boot. So glad I didnt spend 2K on an American Strat.

[@jmattbassplaya90]

"Your body is another brand."

[@Galant5x]

Oh you!

[@toneleudy]

lmao

[@stephenfiore9960]

*......”Your Body is another mans”.....*

[@KyTaundry]

😅😅 somebody had to drop it...

[@moms_rank9815]

Wow

[@craigparrish9677]

Nice discussion. Seriously you guys are really helping the guitar community with valuable info. Modded Blues Jr are so sweet. Used or new G&Ls with real quartersawn necks are an awesome value for a great playing Fender style guitar. Especially ones after G&L started using the Pleck system for grinding the frets. And you can swap the already nice sounding G&L pickups with Lindy Fralins to get the vintage Leo tone if that is your goal . Leo's G&L era PTB tone circuit is very useful too. I have a Legacy, an S-500 (with a Suhr tele p/u in the bridge) and an ASAT Bluesboy. I also have two stock basswood Anderson droptops and a 1999 Suhr maple on basswood tele with a dual output HH and X-bridge setup by John to get an acoustic guitar tone for doubling during recording. In a fire the maple neck Anderson droptop is what I would grab first. I'm so old I worked for Fender at the plant (sweatshop) in Fullerton in the late 1970s . The 1980s Fender Japanese guitars and basses smoked most all of the standard US line.

[@Napalm93]

instant thumbs up for the MC5 shirt

[@Sundowno4]

Great discussion. I agree with virtually everything thing you guys said. It's refreshing to hear good sense spoken about guitar build and pricing, with rational comparisons.

[@MrKittles1123]

This video is lovely. Really got some good thinking out of this. Personally though, I think this PRS Strat business is no more or less ridiculous than any of the other zillions of copies and imitations of the original idea that are floating around. What it really suggests to me (along with the issues Gibson has been having) is that the business of guitar as a whole has become a joke. Companies just copying other companies and mostly recycling the same general ideas just with slight differences in their features yet hugely discrepant prices. And all the while big companies (like Fender and Gibson) have, in true corporate fashion, operated for decades under the unrealistic assumption that they can continue to grow and profit indefinitely, regardless of the actual value of the products they create. I particularly appreciated some of the comments in the video regarding companies who seem to be doing better work because they are smaller. I think that type of thinking is what Fender and Gibson should be looking at now more than ever: just going back to basics and trying to make the best instruments they can in their style at reasonable prices. Because as it is suggested in this vid, it’s pretty silly to spend thousands of dollars more for the same thing. I don’t particularly care where a guitar is made or what letters are printed on the headstock... I care about whether I can actually afford the instrument and can make it sound good. And I care about knowing that if I buy it and drop it, it’s not the end of the world lol like seriously, it’s reasonable to want nice things but paying more than two thousand dollars for any guitar just doesn’t make much sense to me outside serious collecting and pro recording purposes.

[@douglasaxtell]

I bought a used G&L Tribute Legacy after hearing a Rhett review. It was poorly maintained but after a bit of work is a great guitar. That lead me to a USA Legacy (2011) and S-500 (1982) which are extremely well built.

[@AaronAJaeger]

"If you don't play it, what's the point?" Best said words in the video. Been binge watching your channel over my Christmas vacation, gonna go grab your book right now, it's looks great. Better than Netflix or Hulu or Amazon..etc.. or TV. I really enjoy your WMTSG series of course, but even better getting down to the nitty gritty music theory. I've learned a lot from this. I also know how much work it actually takes, you deserve a sweet income for your hard work. Cheers.

[@bryana297]

These 3 talking helps my guitar purchasing decisions more than anyone I know. You don't get this kind of info from the shop guys. I only know 2 local guys who go in depth but even they just don't have the time, it's not their fault. But my local talked me out of a Gibson studio and now I know why. Same with strats...you can get low end MiJ/Mim and just mod them out. Prs is high on my list too. Man this is deep level info.

[@richiewilliamsii6548]

dude on the right (Dave) is correct; the MIJ stuff is pretty fabulous quality. IMO specifically, the 80's MIJ Squire Strat models are simply sublime in terms of build quality. my guess? my guess is the post-WWII, quality control (e.g. W.E. Demming) in Japanese mfg. was/ remains pretty much nonpareil. i've never held one/ played one as yet that didn't feel, play, sound, &c. just plain... killer. those Fender, 'Vintage Vibe' models are badass as well (i own a Tele 'f'-hole Thincaster model & the p'ups are just wicked, the neck is butter & build quality is darned impressive for an Indonesian made guitar).

[@edwardgonczy3170]

I really enjoyed the conversation and especially the comments on G&L as I have been contemplating the purchase of one in lieu of a Fender Telecaster. But you really got off the topic of the new John Mayer Silver Sky built by PRS. I'm an old fart who saw many great bands "back in the day". I thought the Grateful Dead (saw them 8 times starting in 1969) were finished when Jerry died. I was flabbergasted when I heard John Mayer had stepped into Jerry's shoes and think he has done more than a competent job. And I have watched a prior video of the same three fellows in this video where you talk very positively about some of the great guitars being built right now in lieu of the often ridiculous prices commanded by vintage gear particularly of Gibson and Fender origin. In fact, a 29 year friendship ended with a friend who has a modest website selling mostly lefty vintage instruments because I had the audacity to state my PRS Custom 24 is better built than the bulk of vintage instruments I have encountered. You may hate PRS guitars because of style or tone (or it seems many people just like to hate "the man"), but I have never picked up a PRS guitar that wasn't immediately very "playable" and stayed in tune endlessly. I had a '68 SG that went out of tune from one song to the next.

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

Why sell Hendrix pickups ?? Hendrix didn’t played Hendrix pickups. He played Fender pickups. Signature guitars are scams.

[@quintonudink3538]

But doesn't John like play his prs?

[@roinerwonkler8754]

Quinton Valdez it's not like a signature model it's a complete new guitar

[@str8harry]

He played Fender pickups from that time period. Those pickups are much different than today's no?

[@whiteflame24]

He actually played custom seymour duncans

[@vintagepipesnightmares]

@@whiteflame24 never. Seymour gave him a set. That’s all. Hendrix had 28 Strats in his life time. He didn’t kept them. He didn’t even intonated his guitar. Never set up the pickups nothing. Look at thousands of pictures. Look at the saddles. Always intonated for right hand playing. He left them as he found them. Don’t believe Seymour. He sales pickups. Keep that in mind.

[@GrafxsoundsPhoto]

Thanks for mentioning G&L. I have 4 ASATs. Love them. One is 93' ASAT special. 91' Leo Fender Signature ASAT Special, 97' ASAT III, 97 Deluxe ASAT with Bigsby.

[@stevendiaz4104]

The volkswagen guitar was a First Act strat. Fender does do the upgraded car audio speakers on current models.

[@peterracer1]

Dave, I own a Japanese 52 Fender Pawn Shop series, Strat body, maple Tele neck, P-base style volume and switch, split coil bridge pickup and Texas special bridge pickup. String- thru, rolled American bridge. It plays like a Tele, has rock and country sound!

[@dougnulton]

Idk why you guys keep thinking this online "outrage" is a "PRS vs. Fender" feud. It has nothing to do with PRS copying a Strat in a vacuum, it's been done 1000's of times as you noted. No, it's about the hilarity of JM leaving Fender and working for 2 years on...what essentially turns out to be a Strat. Can't you see the humor and resulting incredulity in that?? Coupled with the fact that JM has a lot of online "haters" just for...being JM I guess. Trust me, if this was a C-list guitar celebrity, we wouldn't be talking about this. To your other debate, Fender is not anywhere close to being in the same "trouble" that Gibson is. Guitarist preferences aside (Pickup selection, scale length, etc), it's pretty close to a fact that Fender has been producing more consistently quality guitars for less money than Gibson. Gibson's in hot water because their flagship guitars are 2-3 grand, and there's a growing sentiment that you are rolling the dice on whether you get a "good one" or not. At that price point??? Not good. There's a lot more confidence in American Fender guitar's QC, and they are still way below PRS USA's or Gibson USA's prices.

[@brandoncasasnovas8165]

That’s pretty spot on. I remember in the mid 90’s when I started playing, a les Paul standard was right around 1500 bucks and the quality was way better than it is now but the same guitar costs just about double. At the same time, a fender American standard strat ran about 1000 bucks and the same guitar now will set you back the same amount and the quality is far above your average Gibson. Construction techniques aside, why is it than fender can charge the same amount they were charging 20 years ago and Gibson’s prices have nearly doubled?

[@allanwilson8878]

I’m with you Doug.

[@eddiegalon3714]

yep. I own a SG, but wear my Fender t-shirt proudly. Superior company.

[@harrypothead42024]

So what is the greatest songs that "JM" ever did because I can't name one. I always giggle a bit once and boys get all indignant over "the internet" not respecting who they love. George Carlin said the only thing that John Mayer ever needed to hear which he didn't hear apparently white boys especially rich white boys got no point no business playing the Blues which I guess is okay for John Mayer cuz he doesn't really play the blues anyway, he plays this bullshit corporate, tone down, fluorescent light, shitshow, Walmart Blues

[@TheBillyKmusic]

You got that right. I can only think of three, the "halls of my high school" song, "Your Body is a Wonderland", and the somewhat sappy "Daughters".(Not really my favorites, by the way). Mayer definitely can play, without question, but there is an image problem with him being a salesperson. He is "pigeonholed" as a lightweight pop star, and "ladies' man", and many do not take him seriously. Especially other guitar players. If someone wanted to buy a "signature" model, there are lots out there.....and certainly would look the Santana, Slash, Bob Weir, Bonnamassa, Van Halen, and even the Noel Gallagher model before considering something with Mayer's name on it.

[@theknowerandtheknown]

The clean cut simplicity of the Tele and that neck pickup sound for is the best guitar out there

[@darrenguyton9652]

Thanks for the shoutout to Gretsch; they are still owned by Fred Gretsch, with Fender handling production, distribution and marketing.

[@donwengler8018]

WIth Fender handling Gretsch production, dist & marketing, that sounds like Fender does everything except that Mr. Gretsch still owns the brand name.

[@LokkieF]

Never bought a new Fender. My first Strat was a '86 Japanese Fender. Must have had many owners. It was beaten up, the Kalhler bridge was total loss, so I replaced all the hardware (Callaham tremolo and steel block, new pickups and pots) and its great now. Than I bought a secondhand Tele neck. A local guitar builder made me a nice body. I spayed some coats of nitro, put a Burstbucker in the neck and it's great too! My last project is my best one. A Strat body that was again beaten up, I stripped it to the wood, put a big headstock neck on it, a blocked tremolo and a single humbucker near the bridge and it plays very, very nice. What I like to say is that it's very easy to make your own 'Fender'. Everytime I worked for weeks on it, but the best hardware on it, I still wasn't sure what the final result would be, but it turned out great each time! All three were far under 1000 dollar, probably 600 or so. And you got an unique guitar with all the electronics that you want and it' fun too.

[@danielkrause7914]

Hmm...I really can't agree with the conclusion. At least with Fender, you have the option of buying a cheaper guitar, which isn't a sh*tbucket, as opposed to Gibson, who have cheaper guitars...and you can really feel that. Getting a Classic Vibe Squier isn't a waste of money, like you said yourselves. But if you want a higher end Strat, pay 2500 dollar and you have killer guitar. Nobody has to buy a 7000 dollar Strat...but if you have the cash, why not. I have an '83 jap Strat, an Eric Johnson sig. one and a David Gilmour sig. model...and the quality actually shows the difference in price. My Classic Vibe Tele is nowhere close. You really had a point with Gibson, but I think Fender does it right more than wrong. They have the "same model" guitars in a huge range of prices and quality...which is good for everyone, in my mind. They don't buy into "wrong" markets, which have nothing to do with their core business, either. At least I hope Fender doesn't go wrong anywhere...and I really hope Gibson will be saved somehow. PS: I'm really not sure what to think of the PRStrat...looks weird anyway...lol

[@r3d5ive87]

Interesting. I find epi phone to be of much better quality than squire.

[@DriveCarToBar]

This is especially true with Fender and Squier basses. You can buy a Squier vintage series bass and with very little work, have a rugged, high quality bass for less than half the cost of the American basses. Like, it needs a setup and a set of good strings instead of the crap strings most imports come with and it's awesome. It used to be that if you put pickups and a bridge and tuners in it, you might as well buy the real deal. But not anymore. A Lace Man'oWar pickup, a set of good strings and maybe a Tusq nut, and you have a killer rock/metal P-bass for $600, ready to go.

[@JDAfrica]

Mayer Loved the PRS Silver sky so much - he wrote a song about it… “Your body is another brand”

[@misterknightowlandco]

PRS HAS MADE STRATS BEFORE! Look up the PRS SE EG!

[@Pecospup]

There were 3 USA EG versions before there was an SE EG version. All of them really cool guitars. They built the SS because that is what JM wanted. I like the older EG model body style better, but that's me.

[@guitarguy97]

EXACTLY

[@pthornburgh1]

Long format, gear discussions! I could watch these for hours.

[@crusherolies8195]

things being made in the same factory doesnt mean they are made with the same quality. worked in a door shop, low end door, 100 bucks, high end door, 900 bucks, same factory. worked in a tier 2 manufacturing facility, low end passenger car stuff, meh quality, high end police car systems all highest quality parts. the same factory argument isnt so great.

[@colinwallace5286]

In Canada in the 80’s, fender was out of reach for teenagers. There were a ton of Japanese ARIA guitars. Affordable quality. I have a Strat copy I bought new in 82. $300. I’ve had the frets dressed and put on graphtech bridge blocks. Still looks and plays great. Red sparkle, headstock front is finished same as the body. My first electric.

[@JasonTMays]

Respectfully speaking: It doesn't seem like you guys took the time to properly research a lot of what you're talking about. An American Fender starts at $999 with the American Special and goes up from there. If you don't want to spend more than $500 there's the Squier Classic vibe or the Fender Modern Player series. Fender pretty much has a guitar for every price point. The high end of any brand/series is going to play and sound better than the low end of any brand/series. Also, I can only speak for myself...but I don't really care if PRS made another Strat (they did that with the EG in the 90s) what makes this so funny to me is that John Mayer left Fender and went to PRS and basically just had them build him a Strat. to a degree it contradicts his criticism of Fender.

[@parkerjansen908]

Jason Mays an American standard does not start at $999, when i look at the fender American standard's at my local shop the lowest priced ones I see( that are not used) are around 1500 to 2300. The Mexican ones(ones that aren't used) are around 800 to 1500. I know because when I go to the guitar shop to get strings or whatever I always take the time to look at the guitars on the wall.

[@tuirnb]

He didn't say "American Standard" (currently Fender isn't selling anything by that name), he said "American Special". Those do start at $999 - check Fenders site for current guitars and pricing. "American Professional" is going for around $1399, "American Elite" starts at $1799 and "American Original" at $1899. You might be able to get different pricing on guitars from previous years if they just want to move older inventory or you can move down to non-American guitars (MIM or Squier).

[@JasonTMays]

Parker Jansen hey Parker, just to point out...I never said American Standard. I said, “American Special” Which new starts at $999 for the American Special strat in walnut finish.

[@grajmahal]

Dude, you took the words right out of my mouth. These guys didn't do the research, and have no clue that Fender, of all guitar companies, has their crap together and is certainly not in the same boat as Gibson. This is the golden age of great Fender/ Squier guitars we have before us- and there is a reason they offer so much variety within their traditional product line. It's because they can. They have been successful doing it. And why anyone would buy anything other than a Fender amp, I don't really know. I mean, come on- don't we all really want that Fender clean sound in the end?

[@eddiegalon3714]

+grajmahal that's why I love my Vox. Best of both worlds. Think all the major amps sound good though. In the end it's the quality of the parts, how it's put together, and the ease of use that separate the great amps from the crowd .

[@antoniodalfonso]

these two videos on gibson and fender are truly fine!!! auguri bravo

[@grantwalkersound]

Rick is correct that Gretsch is distributed and designed by Fender but not owned by them. Fred Gretsch still owns Gretsch. Also Fender Japan up until two-three years ago was an entirely separate company from Fender. It's only recently the two became one company again. There is a long, crazy, complicated history behind that.

[@fposmith]

Gretsch has their own design team. It is headed by Steven Stern that runs the Gretsch custom shop. They lease space from Fender for the custom shop. All fender has is an exclusive distribution deal with Gretsch.

[@CoachDave12]

Great video. Best part is that they made me research Jack Pearson. Dude is a legend!

[@zeroman614]

I have a 2015 VW GTI with “Fender” audio, it is actually a Panasonic system branded as Fender.

[@RCAvhstape]

Did it actually come with a guitar? Would be cool to have a Strat with a VW logo on the headstock lol.

[@gwbenites]

And I believe the guitar was a First Act.

[@paulillingworth90]

Gary Benites was definitely first act. I remember the commercial or one of like 3 of them. The one I remember best had slash in the ad.

[@davidrusso675]

My guitar teacher was praising G&L guitars 25 years ago. Great guitars!!

[@rayfridaymusic]

Hey Rick: I said the same thing about Gibson but I'll say it again, "F.M.I.C." (Fender) owns many other companies, the list is too long for this space. You guys are talking about musical instruments but Fender thinks in terms of "units", tremendous pressure from shareholders to show an increase in profits in every quarter and a desperate need for new market segments. If you are a real musician (and you certainly are!), you have some guitars, probably all the guitars you will ever need right? Would you go down to the store and buy a new Fender? Probably not. Let's face it guys, we look for what is most likely a used instrument and buy it because we're in love. The high-end stuff was an attempt to squeeze money out of normal building techniques, the writing on these things is the biggest difference. Let's add the exponential growth of starry-eyed boutique builders and we have a world-wide glut of guitars, both used and new and this explains the absolute crash in prices of the last few years. Meanwhile all the companies are trying to increase production which is of course "the" recipe for disaster. I bought my 1980's Japanese Strat (mint) for 125 dollars, it's better than any Strat I've ever played, price no object, seriously. All things considered, this philosophy of increasing business all the time, does NOT work, a great guitar is a great guitar no matter what it says on the head-stock. I'll end with a quote from Chet Atkins: "The best guitar in the world, is the one you can't put down" THE END.

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Ray!

[@fposmith]

Nobody seems to be happy with a healthy profit . It has to be more and more and more every quarter until the company gets sucked dry. Then these so called investors move on to the next company, like Locusts. Fucking greed.

[@rayfridaymusic]

Hello again; Thanks for adding your voices Douglas, Junior and Rick: In Alberta, Canada, where I live, (population 3 million) there are always about 3,000 used guitars for sale. Some of those are great instruments at very good prices and because of the exchange rate which makes expensive guitars from makers ridiculous, this market has bloomed but what I've seen in the past two or three years is a steady downturn in those prices as well. The big companies have tried to build what I call "Dentist Guitars", lot's of emphasis on exotic tonewoods (which is pointless in a solid-bodied guitar) over use of terms like "Custom Shop", "Special Edition" and so on. The profit in a dentist guitar is much higher but the process of building one is exactly the same with another hour or two needed for attention to detail and some more expensive bits and pieces added. My all time favourite is "Custom Shop Relic", what a hoot. A well worn guitar is great when you can remember that time it was knocked on the floor by that girl or the countless hours you rubbed the thing raw by playing the hell out of it but who's memories are included in one of those "brand new but looks old" guitars, just the guy who built the thing. I've started to advertize free help and advice for younger players and those who haven't bought a lot of guitars, it has worked really well and is saving some people from being victims of hype. I also ask those who have a great deal of experience to do the same in thier own towns and cities, we're trying to help talented younger players to find instruments that suit them without caring what it says on the thing. I don't care what you do with the extra money from your injury law practice but encouraging these guys is bad for everybody. Basic "fret-dressing", "soldering" and "set-up" skills would give every musician a world of choices in a good used instrument, that's what they're supposed to be, instruments not collector items. I don't post reviews but would love to see someone doing that, talking about how to get something reasonable and make it your own by doing a few simple fixes, presto! a great guitar you spent 400 bucks on. The end is near for all the big guys, there are already too many guitars on the planet and so many sitting unloved and worse, unplayed and unheard, adopt one today and for heaven's sake, stay away from BS. Cheers guys Ray.

[@rayfridaymusic]

Hey Junior: Thank you for the kind words about my playing, I truly appreciate that. I started my little "one take off the floor" channel for friends and family mostly and I'm always surprised by anyone else listening. I also agree with everything you've said about guitars. Some new music will be coming pretty soon. Cheers Ray.

[@stamppedals7114]

WHICH STRAT DO YU HAVE?

[@JohnRotonto-ql9ds]

Beato, Onorato, and Schull. Sounds like a rock trio. I own several Fender acoustic guitars also. They're well-made very good sounding instruments. I gravitate towards the mid- priced guitars because that's what my budget will allow. Again there are companies out there making good guitars for a lot less money.

[@jstanley011]

"If you want a Fender, buy a Squire." SOLD!

[@borisgrgic842]

Yes! Squire classic vibe 50! Great guitar !

[@jefferyaldaz4665]

Jeff Stanley not the same😭

[@volfgankamei5348]

Squier

[@jackcame2]

@@jefferyaldaz4665 Tell that to Jack Pearson!

[@SnookOnTheFly]

Love my affinity

[@jimross9429]

I retired from a major beverage company that was bought and sold so many times they should have hung a blue light over my desk. The best owner was the one that said do what you do best and innovative on the side. They called it "core competency" that was the reason they bought the business. During those years we did just that, focused on what we did best and were the #1 world wide brand in our category. Fender, Gibson, Gretch.... could learn a lot from that mindset.

[@Lamo2100]

I’ve always said that Fender won’t sell any American Guitars if they allow the Japanese craftsmanship to sell over here.I also felt like those Squier Classic Vibe 60’s P basses(Fiesta red) sold so well, that Fender discontinued them in fear of cutting into profit of the Mexican and Standard P basses.

[@gorillafunk725]

The most dangerous mistake an outsourced manufacturer can make is to better its original. And what a beautiful "mistake" we aussies are so thankful for. Made in Japan is a badge of honour.

[@hino-ucanada4506]

1980's Japanese Strats are still some of the best value Strats you can find. Why buy a MIM for $1000+ when used MIJ Strats can be had for $600?

[@ThatOneRightThere]

I laughed when you said you had an 83 JP Strat, a buddy gave me one a few a years back and I fixed it up and it still plays perfect.

[@briandietrich1373]

I would rather have a G&L for "Fender" style guitars, and a Heritage for "Gibson" style guitars..

[@gorillafunk725]

G&L IS the real guitar players Fender. Where the man himself refined and honed his designs.

[@tcbgigs7613]

After 20 years, I discovered G&L. I now 5-6 of them. Incredible guitars.

[@jefffredenburg7231]

Fred Fender himself

[@erikarneberg11]

Jeff Fredenburg Errr... I’ll bite- who is/was Fred Fender? I don’t think you’re referring to the musician Freddie Fender?

[@krskadave]

@@gorillafunk725 yep...

[@DennyBob521]

Interesting re-watching this years on, I own two "Strats", a 1985 MIJ Contemporary HSS I was given by my mom as a HS graduation gift - even if it didn't have sentimental value I would keep it, those FujiGen MIJ Stratocasters are amazing. And now I own a US Silver Sky and it's my "other #1", the first #1 being a US PRS 594. PRS is smoking everyone in quality, tone, etc. Beating them at their own game. My Silver Sky is killer. Roll the tone back on the bridge pup and you don't need to put a Humbucker in it - it thickens right up. The Neck pickup is where it's at - I've never owned an early 60s Strat, but the tone is there in spades.

[@shadowscott9910]

Once any company decides that they can profit on the BRAND NAME while undermining the things that originally made the brand worth owning, the business is headed for trouble. Gibson is well down that road, Fender not so much. Being profitable is obviously important, but rapacious pursuit of profit above all else inevitably leads to disaster. Too many MBAs looking to sacrifice the product for maximum profit. Cart before the horse.

[@shadowscott9910]

Junior Kong well I am now a bit more optimistic about the internet. Maybe with enough improved vocabulary we can improve the content of commentary above the infantile drivel that is far too common.

[@shadowscott9910]

Junior Kong Nicely done. Sometimes it can be simple.

[@ewetoo]

That's my concern about the Squier line, they noticed how well they were selling and bumped up all the prices, idiotic. No way am I going for a CV Squire at that price.

[@Vortigan07]

Speaking as (predominantly) a bass player, I'll completely endorse the G&L love shown here. I have a Tribute series Jazz bass and you could absolutely go to war with it, it's absolutely immense, both in build quality and tone! In addition, I've got a Mexican Fender P and a Squier CV Tele...between the three of them I've got everything I need.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

What a great show every 3 minutes a contradiction from what was said 3 minutes before. :-)

[@heychrisgreen]

I really enjoy these videos. Keep it up!

[@rconcha3]

My favorite Fender I've ever owned is a 2012 Fender Classic Player 60's Strat in Sonic Blue. Made in Mexico and is "Custom Shop Designed". I purchased it new for $720. It's at least equal to if not better than American Vintage models that I've owned.

[@chrisfelix7257]

AWESOME !

[@ravelg]

Love these discussions, your channel is excellent!

[@smokinjoe4709]

The Mexican fenders are great. Slap your favorite pickups in one, maybe get a new nut and you have a fine guitar!

[@robertprice5039]

I just got a closeout Classic 60s Telecaster, and with the pickup change to the Fender 64 Pure Vintage set, and setting up the guitar, I actually like the feel of the guitar better than a Jimmy Page Mirror Telecaster I played. The Page Telecaster's neck was too thin for my taste.

[@mrnelsonius5631]

I toured for years and years with a Mexican Pbass, stock pups too. Got to make a record at Sound City studios (where the producer had a 1959 Goldtop LP on hand, stuff like that) and they wanted me to use that bass on most of the tracks! It served me well, finally had one too many airline abuses last year and I’ve retired it for time being. Needs a new neck. But for a bass that costs $700 new it gave a lot. They def need setup work out of the box more often than not, but so did my $2,000 fender vintage reissue bass ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@albuteroljunky]

Agreed. Replace the nut and its basically American. I have a nashville deluxe with the noiseless pickups and a 12° fretboard that I would put up against any American tele.

[@milanherich4169]

no need to buy mexican... you can just buy Squier, ofc not some bullet or affinity, but CV does the trick

[@JoeKyser]

@@milanherich4169 ya the CV series is badass. I actually bought one this year and pretty happy with it. Before I used to build guitars I had the same mentality though. Some pickups and a nut and now you have a quality piece. It sounds good but it's not always the case. They aren't always that close like that. I used to wonder why spend all that money. Now a lot of it has to do with the labor. I can't argue that. Money saving cuts besides the labor aspect, usually reflect in the guitar. I can do the same and try and go cheap with all my supplies but when I do, the guitar suffers. It is hard to find the $1000 extra like they say. I can agree some of these guitars just don't have it. I'm a Squire fan though, absolutely 100% they are doing it right. Even the bullet I bought my kid for $120 is amazing for $120. You can't even find bodies painted for that price let alone a whole stick

[@powie9313]

Great video and good discussion thumbs up to you guys

[@markfahey3921]

Japanese built Gretsch guitars are superb, as are all top end Japanese guitars - I own a couple of Japanese Tokai's , both are excellent.

[@briand2614]

I have an older Japanese Epiphone Les Paul Elitist. Beautiful.

[@jc.1191]

Japan is just excellent at manufacturing. I'd prefer that to American guitars qc wise for my dollar.

[@Luckyrider1958]

This was an awesome, fact filled, ideas filled discussion!! Good stuff!!

[@diazzsama]

Most likely no, I even thought Fender was laughing when they released that mayer's signature guitar.

[@raco2937]

@@detroitfunk313 "real guitarists"? what do you mean, he is not good? if so you are sooooooo wrong

[@a.reallymcrealperson256]

I think he's actually a great guitarist myself. I don't care much for modern pop music, so mostly I don't dig his style of music but I do respect his skill.

[@stevedunn2621]

One thing that I didn't hear mentioned, in terms of what guitars to get, is the investment factor. I am not in a position to buy $5K plus guitars but I know that if I buy an American Standard vs a Japanese or Mexican version, I will much more likely be able to sell it down the road for considerably more. Kind of my personal supplement to my meager 401K!

[@douglasdennis797]

Almost every time you say Fender needs to do "such and such" you following it up with "but they have done it up to a point." Contradictions don't make good commentary.

[@BluesHawk101]

Rhett... you absolutely nailed it with Jack Pearson... The guy has the best tone with the least expensive guitars... I think the guy is amazing... Good Call

[@fresherstraighter]

I would love to watch Rick talking about, for instance, the G&L american strats. I think they don't get the credit they deserve.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

You guys nailed it. Fender should dissect this video and come up with a new marketing plan and retool everything. To me it’s a no brained. It’s all about getting back to basics

[@gregkocis]

The Volkswagen Guitar was First Act, not Fender.

[@ALEXONLIFE]

At least now you know who to take your guitar to for repairs. NOT

[@drbrainguy]

I found this article about Fender making audio systems for Volkswagen showing a picture of the First Act guitar. www.thecarconnection.com/news/1052383_2012-volkswagen-jetta-gli-first-to-get-fender-car-audio-system

[@djfrank68]

I thought the same thing when I heard him say that.

[@TheWaters222]

Right, the idea was buy a VW and John Mayer will pop out and play for you. :)

[@DBCisco]

That is a clue to not take the "experts" as experts. lol I have only one MIA Fender that I restored on the cheap. I have over 40 guitars. Nothing wrong with Squires except the pickups ... but "Real Fender" pickups are over hyped. Get a Squire and put in Seymour Duncans and you have a cheaper and better guitar than a "Real Fender"

[@themikeaustin]

I bought a totally custom made G&L Legacy for $1249, including a fantastic case and shipping. It's easily as good as the American Professional Strat. I suspect the reason there are no signature pickups is that a lot of the famous Strat players use third-party pickups. IIRC, Gilmour uses Duncan, at least in the bridge, Bonnie Raitt has used Kinman, Beck has used Duncans and did Clapton use Lace Sensors before or after Fender started offering them?

[@braddietzmusic2429]

The answer to the question in the title is: No, PRS won’t sell enough of those to “threaten” anything or anyone.

[@devidasa9637]

Three years later ... PRS Silver Sky pretty much sold out. Cuz I'm lookin' to buy.

[@rigsby556]

My favorite is a MIM I spent a few hours with polishing things here and there then added fender locking tuners and a set of texas special pickups. simply amazing for what I play and can not see spending the amount they are asking for some of their models.

[@asims1066]

I’m disappointed that the Johnny Marr Jaguar didn’t get an mention for being one of the few “good” Fender Signature models

[@jamiej14544]

I had a Japanese "Blackie" Stratocaster that was a replica of the original Strat design. I switched out the original pickups which hummed and lacked the "vintage "quack" I was looking for, for noiseless and upgraded the pickguard, and it was a great sounding guitar and very solid.

[@BrianAnderson-7]

"tone" is in the hands gentlemen ;)

[@DasDhaza]

Listen to your hands, are there any sounds?

[@marsattacks7071]

@@DasDhaza Tone start with the hands. If you don't know that, you know nothing about guitar and guitar players....

[@josephhutchins8]

Nah tone is stored in the balls

[@NoName-to5xl]

60% in the hands.

[@bradleyard4195]

You guys mentioned the Fender Blues Jr., which I used to have (I actually had the first generation). Unfortunately, I abused mine, and with finances and such, I couldn't afford to replace it when it failed, so I went with a Frontman 212R, which isn't bad with a decent overdrive. Recently, I decided to take a leap back into tube amplifiers, but still being on a budget, I shopped around, and I stumbled across an amp by a company called Monoprice. They make an all-tube, 1x12, 15 watt amplifier that's actually a rebrand of the Laney Cub 12R that uses a spring reverb instead of digital, and has front-mounted controls instead of top-mounted. The price? $180. So, I took a leap of faith and bought one, since the overall reviews said it was a pretty good amp. Short take: This amp is ridiculously good. Long take: It really is an amazing amplifier that sounds a lot like the Blues Jr., but has a few features the Fender didn't have, particularly an effects loop and a presence knob. I use a chorus pedal a lot, and having the effects loop allows me to use it in stereo with my 212R. Also, with the presence knob, I can get a darker tone more akin to a Marshall, the balanced tone of a Fender, or if I turn it up, it sounds like an AC15. It's also quite a bit louder than the claimed 15 watts. It easily keeps up with a drummer, and has enough headroom to stay nice and clean with the exception of when I put my Les Paul in front of it, and that guitar isn't clean with any amp since I put ceramic 'buckers in it (500-T). Why spend $450 on a Blues Jr. when you can get this one for $180? Fender should be worried, especially if these guys start putting out 50 and 100 watt amps, which I would love to see.

[@geetarbube]

Fender and Gibson guitars are profitable for those respective companies. Their financial woes have come from other financial decisions and acquisitions.

[@ALEXONLIFE]

That is not true. Its the other way around. They are buying other companies because guitars don't sell any more. Guitars are not even needed in popular music and recording. Ask Rick. Never judge the popularity of the guitar by going to a YT guitar channel.

[@robertofrejat6907]

I’m on that Squier Classic Vibe with additional premium parts route for some time with no regrets

[@gregperryman1010]

I’ve got a 90s model “American Standard” Tele, & a 2000 something Strat, and they are my favorites. They just play great, also I’ve got a 60s reissued Les Paul that is really nice.

[@tombryant52jumpscoach]

Rick, these talks are great. Even though I'm not a musician and I don't understand everything I still get a lot out of them. If it's fun it's worth while I guess. Thanks.

[@JasJones123]

One would think that if three guys were going to sit down and do a video on Fender they might Google Fender before they start assuming because we all know what assuming does. Guitars: Fender 1000 Bronco Coronado Cyclone Duo-Sonic Electric XII Esquire Jaguar Jazz Bass Jazzmaster Lead Marauder Musicmaster Musicmaster Bass Mustang Mustang Bass Precision Bass Starcaster Stratocaster Stringmaster Telecaster Urge Bass White Steel Amplifiers: Bandmaster Bandmaster Reverb Bassman Blues Junior Bronco Champ Concert Deluxe Deluxe Reverb Harvard Hot Rod Deluxe Hot Rod DeVille Princeton Princeton Reverb Pro Pro Junior Pro Reverb Prosonic Showman Super Super Reverb Tremolux Twin (Twin Reverb) Vibrasonic Vibrolux Vibro Champ Vibrosonic Reverb Vibroverb White Amp Series: American Deluxe Series California Series Lead Series Hardware: Vintage Noiseless Wide Range Fender vibrato systems Subsidiaries: Charvel Custom Shop DeArmond Gretsch Jackson KMC Squier Sunn SWR Tacoma

[@sixstringer98]

I have a Billy Corgan strat and I love it. Had it for almost ten years now. It was super well priced and is really taking on a true '70s strat look and feel

[@patgibsonguitar5000]

If the idea of acquiring these instruments is to collect them, or merely repeat the ideas of rock and roll and blues ad nauseim over and over without any sort of real guitar PLAYING innovation, then yes, the supply has outpaced any sort of future demand. The future is not looking good for mass-produced musical instruments that only fit into one time and space; the past.

[@gabrielr4329]

Spot on.

[@250garbear]

There is this idea within the business community that there has to be a never ending increase in profits year after year, oftentimes causing the leaders of these companies to attempt to expand the business into areas better left alone (Gibson and Phillips). I remember my grannys tv was a phillips and they also made her radio,and who wouldn't want electronics like granny had? Turns out no one did which to me was a silly gamble in the first place. The real trouble with Gibson and Fender is the same trouble with many companies,they have to take absurd risks especially once they've saturated their core market in order to stay alive in a very competitive market.

[@MichaelBLive]

Who cares what guitar brand a Dentist buys. Most of us buy something sub 1k. And if we want, upgrade the parts and playability ourselves.

[@Teleken1968]

Michael B True - I spent an extra whopping $300 for a better setup and parts out of the box just so I wouldn’t have to take it to a shop right away. I agree with you - building guitars for dentists (lawyers, other “collectors” rather than players) is why Gibson is hurting right now.

[@Grooove_e]

Same here the only reason I have over 1k into my Epiphone is because I bought a high quality Floyd and nice Seymour Duncan pickups, everything was perfect when I bought it. You can get an Epi LP nowadays that sounds just as good as a Gibson. And if you dont think that's true, throw some decent pickups in your Epi and it might even sound better than a Gibson

[@IgnorancEnArrogance]

The problem is certain companies like gibson catering only to those rich dentists and doctors. A rich guy is willing to waste an extra 5-20 thousand on a guitar, and a company is like "oh there's gotta be more of these guys, that's where the money is at."

[@williamwinn948]

@@IgnorancEnArrogance You can get an American made Gibson tribute for a 1000 bucks a Les Paul studio is around 1400 a Les Paul standard is 2700.

[@IgnorancEnArrogance]

@@williamwinn948 - Yes but even those american mades are considered inferior quality by many. Most standards I have seen are at least 3500 when they come with a case, and you are stuck with a limited choice of finishes. They will bump it up an extra thousand or more for another finish not in the main 3 or 4 types.

[@aristoskarvelas2606]

I bought an Fender Stratocaster in candy apple red color made in Japan 1987 and it plays like heaven!

[@geetarbube]

There needs to be less signature products and more signature products. Which is it, guys?

[@MrTwodogshumping]

They were talking about more sig electronics

[@ribaluigi]

I second G&L for basses too. I've just bought an l2000 tribute and it's just amazing.

[@angeltorres4089]

There with you Luigi. My favorite bass is an L2K tribute. I will never sell it or give it away.

[@geetarbube]

You keep talking about companies "coming out" with affordable products. They already do.

[@goldsmithstrings6842]

Dont think PRS do. There not extortionate but I dont think they take part in any price wars.

[@goldsmithstrings6842]

There not like mega value though. Not like IE Ibanez that have like a giant spectrum of price range from $90- $2k. I think PRS are pretty firm where they stand on price. Even SE models are more expensive than your average axe

[@samlynes7015]

Wow... this is a meandering video. All I will say is that I've owned a number of Fenders. Some of them worked out, and some of them haven't. Same thing with Gibson. At the end of the day, we're all on the same search for the best tone and playability, and the answer is different for different folks depending on playing style and what their ear perceives as the perfect sound. While I believe that both Gibson and Fender have made some mistakes along the way (robot guitar? really?), I think their products are generally pretty good... albeit the price tag seems a bit high. I have also had some limited success with some Japanese Squier models... which were great playing guitars that only cost a few hundred. I think sometimes we have a vision in our head of which guitar brands should be perfect because we see photographs of our music heroes playing them... but; my feeling is that those players can make any guitar sound good.