FENDER HSS STRAT vs IBANEZ PRESTIGE - Guitar Tone Comparison!!

[@muriloescher8607]

Darrel's videos are so high quality, entertaining and useful it's incredibleXD My next guitar is defo gonna be an Ibanez. Awesome video.

[@JohnBarrow1961]

Yes, very good production values as well as his usual impeccable playing.

[@spectre5560]

Hey what’s up guys massive Ibanez fan here

[@RoyalProtector894]

@@spectre5560 Heeeeey what's up you guys**

[@ZinoAmare]

I bought a prestige as my second guitar and now its my main ^^ AZ2402-BKF

[@silentcovemusic]

It's absolutely RIDICULOUS that I own that exact Ibanez Prestige in the same color AND a Fender SELECT Strat....so it's like seeing my exact guitars being compared, which is an EXTREMELY RARE video to see! Thanks so much, Darrell!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Great taste in guitars! 😁

[@jasonfnorth]

Which do your prefer and why Anubis??

[@Jaba100]

Since 2012 I have been playing an Ibanez Prestige guitar and I must admit that it is the best instrument I have had in my hands so far. My first guitar was a Stratocaster in 1975, then I bought a Les Paul in 1990 to finally arrive at Ibanez, the difference on the keyboard is large between the three guitars. The extra thin and wide neck like a classic nylon guitar on the Ibanez Presige guitar offers precision that I have not achieved before with any other electric guitar. Playing the instrument is intoxicating, you always want to play one more piece before putting it away in the spectacular case in which it comes.

[@MrWTFish]

Man i want to spend like $300 on a new guitar cause my current one is so cheap and horribly i cant even do tiktoks with it and i struggle to learn cause its super rough. Do you recommend just going for the one thats more expensive since it would be worth it for the long run??

[@AC-yq2fx]

As a versatile guitar player myself, I've always found that my strat is for when I play jazz, rock, pop, latin, blues etc.. My Prestige is when I play rock solid, heavy metal, alternative etc... The versatility I find on my strat, I can't find on on my prestige, while My Ibanez gives me the sound and taste I need when playing solid rock music. For latin/jazz/blues playing on a strat there is no comparison. You can't put SRV/Eric J. playing blues with an Ibanez and can't picture JS or Vai playing their music on strats. Ibanez is very distinguished for its tone geared to rock music, period. Fender Strat owns the blues, jazz, pop arenas. My humble opinion. Great review my friend.

[@klerin2732]

Thanks for the review...I was so confused with the guitars which has more versatility

[@daleg.9673]

The Ibanez is an innovative, high-quality guitar, but the Strat has a sweeter tone.

[@paulwally9007]

Precisely.

[@TheAdjacents-ABQ]

As much as the Ibanez sings, that strat still has the voice that reaches me

[@strategicthinker8899]

Strat has a more natural sound. You could sometimes confuse it for an acoustic. Ibanez sounded good but not as good. Strat in SSH is the most versatile instrument.

[@lexburen5932]

@@strategicthinker8899 Ibanez sound good. But is a different guitar in it's setup overall. the 2 are not comparable. All comes down to personal preference.

[@SandordrEsik]

I had the exact same feeling. The Ibanez signs beautifully but then when the Strat stepped in with its less rounded tone I was blown away.

[@gavinBsussex]

The Ibanez looks beautiful and probably is the nicer to play. However the strat sounded the best to me apart from the heavily distorted sound of the bridge pickups where the strat sounded awful. So if you want a shredding metal guitar then Ibanez, but if you prefer more chilled bluesy sounds, then strat all the way for me! Great vid, thanks.

[@simonextra9689]

To each there own I guess. I loved the sound the distorted humbucker produced.

[@lexburen5932]

Definitely. If you want to play blues jazz chill kind of style, There are other Ibanez models to choose from. The prestige is more suited for hard rock metal and that kind of stuff.

[@rikashinozaki459]

If you want to play blues then it's better you use the single coil strat

[@salami_tommi]

Alright fine, you convinced me... i'll get both

[@ArsonComplex]

I'm a strat guy and now i want a super strat izibanes.

[@gonzaga8064]

Man that Ibanez sounds great!! But i'm sold to Fender I just love Tele's and some Strats too!! Nice playing mate!

[@izad981004]

That Ibanez looks awesome!!!!

[@ninoscholz1110]

The ibanez sounds more surgical, with less character in the cleans, which is also why it sounds better playing distorted riffs. Love my Ibanezes for their versatility and chuggerific tones, but still nice to have a strat for their amazing clean/slight dirt sound!

I loved both, but the Strat has that “something” that makes me go nuts whenever I listen to it. That being said, that Ibanez rocked the dirty stuff... sooooo... yeah... I guess I’ll go back to sleep 😆

[@nickienative5668]

Great tuto 👌. I m looking for to by Fender HSS Stratocaster... i my firts électrique guitare and i want a very verdatil guitar ? We can playing everything with Hss ?

[@PJYim]

Ibanez looks gorgeous and sounds amazing. I still prefer Fender Select. Comparing Ibanez with Fender Strat with HH configuration would have been more of an apple-to-apple comparison. Perhaps, we can see them in the future? You video uploads are one more reason for TGIF.

[@stylo9000]

love these comparison videos . I think I preferred the earlier version of this video where you had riffs in different styles of music and looked at the guitar's tone for each of these styles. It was really useful. I'm more interested in blues/blues rock, throaty tones and things like that, and often guitar comparisons only show off classic rock or heavily distorted.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Just got a drink ... Lets do this!!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Robert Baker 🍻

[@rosshorne4769]

Robert Baker hey Robert bakers in the house woop woop

[@JasperLinford]

You two please do a collab

[@dirkdigler595]

yeah robert ! 🤘🏻🍺

[@alphamilkrecordings8974]

Like a beer? Or like lemonade.

[@danlucas8136]

Ibanez make amazing quality instruments at all their price points, and I've never heard someone complain about their Fender having major problems. Awesome video!

[@hdroadrunner44]

Darrell, I really like the way you give enough technical detail about the guitars and the sound set up. But mostly I just enjoy hearing you play the instruments. Thanks for another outstanding, wonderful sounding video. The Ibanez is a beauty, very refined. But I like the rawness of the Strat. My heart stays with the Fender. Great comparison.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Glen Berger Thanks Glen! I really appreciate your kind words ☺

[@Burcelaa]

Ibanez for me, great video, man!

[@aptraver]

When you played clean the strat sounded like a bell and the Ibanez sounded muddy. Both nice but I love the sound of those single coils. Excellent playing as always.

[@JohnSmith-in1tt]

I have an American strat and it’s fantastic. It sounds great and it has the most comfortable neck I’ve ever played. But I prefer the sound of humbuckers so recently I picked up a 1990 ibanez RG570 made in Japan and both the quality and sound absolutely blew me away. Ibanez guitars are so much more than just metal guitars. They’re very versatile, extremely playable, premium instruments

[@alchemist006]

i have a slightly newer 570 that i bought in around 96 or so. it's still my go to and like you said very versatile

[@JohnSmith-in1tt]

@@alchemist006 I haven’t tried the AZ series yet but I would really like to. Modern playability and Ibanez quality combined with super versatile lower gain focused pickups. Seems like it might be the perfect guitar for me

[@alchemist006]

@@JohnSmith-in1tt definitely seems like a long term keeper for sure

[@Guidojackson1965]

Tone-wise the Strat kills the Ibanez (in my humble opinion) Keep ‘em coming mate. I love these comparison vids 👍

[@bakerXderek]

One of my strats I play the most I put the good ol Seymour duncan JB/SH2 combo and put a Dimarzio push/pull pot and you can get the best of both worlds. Good idea for anyone wanting to play heavy and also have some single coil action as well.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+bakerXderek Nice! 👍

[@thebassistthatcouldnt9994]

oh my god you watch there too my dude? Cheah😂👌👌 love you derek

[@wenisinvietnam]

CHEAAAAA

[@nicholasdorazio10]

Very true!i got a Fender Deluxe for almost 2 gs,wanted it more heavy after a few years i eventually got a super distortion in the bridge,fast track 2 in the middle,and a sonic ecstasy as the kneck pup!each pick up has its own switch to split it,with a 5 way switch and 2 tone knobs!have been very happy with it!

[@andrewtaljaard2669]

Ibanez is my choice... Love the thick sound it produces and it's so playable!

[@jonaspersson122]

I want my guitar to have the playability of the Ibanez and the sound of the Strat.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Jonas Persson I'll have to try to round up a HSS prestige to compare to the Strat ☺

[@katherineberger6329]

I just want a Fender Strat with a contoured heel joint.

[@justech]

Check out the G&L Legacy-- only a handful of changes from the Stratocaster, similar tone, but a thinner and flatter neck that plays more like an Ibanez. It was also designed by Leo Fender, who claimed they were the best guitars he ever made. I bought a used Tribute (made in Indonesia) model for under $400.

[@tuckerlane7995]

@@DarrellBraunGuitar ibanez used to make a prestige SA series, but they didn't make any money off of it. At this point, they're not too committed to HSS guitars, unfortunately

[@marike1100]

@@tuckerlane7995 Some of the nicest HSS super strats are the Ibanez AZ 2402 and the fantastic Charvel DK24. Roasted maple necks, Gotoh bridges, high end appointments on both.

[@mikem5371]

The tones of the ibanez gives me chills!!!

[@bloemundude]

Beautiful comparison video. Honestly, you could use it to sell either guitar. Your playing emphasized both instruments' strengths very well.

[@bigmikeh]

Another great vid Darrell. Thanks so much for saying what the gear is, really helps to understand what else is contributing to the sound. Really appreciate that you read comments and respond to them so well! Cheers mate!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+bigmikeh No problem! Glad to have you on the channel ☺

[@infinitesentient3545]

When I can afford a 2k guitar, then I'll worry about it

[@guitarman7573]

Infinite Sentient Ha ha for now we'll stick with the MIM !

[@infinitesentient3545]

@@guitarman7573 I gotta stick with muh GIO

[@lexburen5932]

Dont need a 2k guitar. I managed to find a Ibanez RG1120 Prestige black second hand. normally that guitar would cost around 1100 €, but paid 450€ for it. I tidied it up, made the paint and everything new again, upgraded it with D'imarzio pickups, it is as sweet as can be. Total cost 600€. I now have amazing value for my money. Doesn't need to be super expensive, just do it smart. :)

[@NoticerOfficial]

I’ve got a 2003 Mexican strat HSS that’s indistinguishable from any of the American counterparts and especially for the Japanese

[@Fireguy65]

@@guitarman7573 MIMs are amazing and even professional musicians gig with them

[@LilYeshua]

Both sound great. I'll take both.:)

[@moltpong]

Strats still sound so unique. Ibanez is good though!!

[@mikanunx]

Ibanez ftw, for sure. That baby is a beauty and sounds awesome

[@14TacomaDR]

The Stratocaster has the classic sound heard on so many great songs

[@keithrowe6608]

All hail the Fender single coil. No equal(though some TV Jones' are pretty close). IT should even be on bridge to get that awesome Strat quack(Knopfler, etc.) In fact, the contest isn't really even between Fender and anyone else, it's just between Strat and Tele tone. The Ibanez, even on single coil mode, doesn't have it. Lifeless by comparison. And Darryl, your playing is fabulous. A lot of players' solo work sounds like putting 3 cats in a garbage bag and beating it, but your stuff is always...MUSICAL! Which, unless I'm mistaken, is the whole point of music. Oh, and you're one of the few people on KZbin who understands that in order to do a comparison video, you have to play the exact same thing, in succession, with all settings the same. Thank you.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Keith Rowe Thanks so much Keith! I really appreciate your kind words ☺

[@TheVirginianRambler]

I think you mean his playing is melodic, which I perfer over just shred. Vai is like that. Melodic, but can shred. Im not saying Darrel is like vai, because he plays for from him. But you get the point. Melodic

[@brian1749]

When it came to the bridge pick-up, I preferred the Ibanez, hands down. I thought the Strat sounded better in all the other pick-up configurations. Great video!

[@dbFretWorks]

Going to have to go with the strat. Love the single coil options.

[@derekthompson2383]

Both guitars are awesome! I already have several Strats, I'm definitely going to buy that super thin Ibanez.

[@DBSG1976]

Strat always! And you made the argument with your very thorough demonstration! A well built Strat (like the one you have) can play most types of music. The classic quack of the Strat cannot be achieved with humbuckers, however on a Strat, you can thicken the sound or in the case of your Fat Strat...you are already there with the humbucker. Quick update: I love my new Daphne Blue MOD, the only mistake I made was having two SSL-5 in the Neck/Middle. I should have done SSL-1/SSL-5/JB Jr. to achieve a "modern" versatile Strat sound. The SSL-5 are wound a little hotter than I'd expect...still love it and will keep it as is for now. Thanks again for the advice and great video, as always!

[@EpicStuffMan1000]

Constable 1976 I love my strat, but can you really get a huge powerful crunch (acdc etc) from it? Everyone should have a strat (or something like it) and something with a bit more punch (like a gibson or ibanez). All guitars are different, and one guitar for everything is impossible.Sounds like a good build though man!

[@DBSG1976]

S2000 squad Thanks, yeah the MOD was my passion project (I couldn't justify a Custom Shop build). I was trying to create a modern/versatile Strat because my other Strats are "Vintage types": a Surf Green '57 AVRI and Daphne Blue 50's Player with SSL-1's. My metal guitar is a Specific Ocean Charvel San Dimas with Seymour Duncan '59 and JB Humbuckers. My argument for the video is that a Strat is extremely versatile compared to an Ibanez or Gibson, but you are absolutely right, that Ibanez is built for speed: leads, solos, and "thicker" sounds. What kind of Strat do you play?

[@mindcrazer]

So why doesn't he use an Ibanez with a HSS or HSH ? This vs has no real use as it is now.

[@DBSG1976]

mindcrazer My opinion is that he is allowing people to see the differences/gap in sound, between the Fat Strat and Super-Strat, especially since it's the age old question...can a Fat Strat be the "catch all" guitar that can also play heavy....can you take a Fat Strat and use it like an Ibanez for metal, shredding...etc. I was glad to see it myself, because my latest Strat is an attempt to link my Vintage Strats with my Charvel San Dimas, I feel better about the investment now because the Fat Strat does come close to the Ibanez, but still retains the classic Strat tones. I put two single coils with a single coil Humbucker(Fat Strat without the double Humbucker appearance) into my newest addition to get a "modern" Strat and metal sound. With my new Strat I can play Guns N Roses, Queens of the Stone Age, Iron Maiden...Songs too heavy for my Vintage Strats, but not heavy enough for the Charvel San Dimas with '59/JB Seymour Duncan Humbuckers (Nile, Cannibal Corpse, Cliff Richard.....;)

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+mindcrazer Because the HSH and HH are by far the most popular Ibanez guitars. I've compared both up against Strats. There is a weird sentiment among some people that only very similar things should be compared. But there's only one way to find out what tone and features may resonate most with a player - and that is by comparing two different variations on a theme ☺ That being said, I'm sure you'll see an HSS or SSS Ibby on the channel at some point.

[@gabepachawo9975]

Position 5 - ibanez Position 4 - fender Position 3 - fender Position 2 - fender Position 1 - ibanez Definitely the fender for me though. Super biased 😅

[@arifmiftachul8626]

I love the fender tone, but i love the ibanez for playbility

[@superceotto4584]

The ibanez is perfect. You can play like anything on it. Every position of the switch gives you a very distinctive sound. 24 frets for the most metal solos. Thin body for best playability. A very premium looking with the quilted maple top(not that the flamed maple doesnt look really cool, but i prefer the quilted). With the gibraltar bridge you can change tuning with no problems

[@colinbutler5676]

Hello Darrell you are one of the best presenters on KZbin and you're an amazing musician

[@SamB-fv6su]

The Ibanez sure sounds and looks great ! Your awesome playing doesn’t hurt either Darrell !

[@steewardpresley7820]

Hey Darrell, just wanted you to know that your amazing playing skills and sweet tones are what made my mind 6 months ago to start the guitar journey. Picked up a MiM strat to start with (once again based on one of your reviews) and soon will get a humbucker (most probably Ibanez) to have a wide range of tones.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

That is so awesome to hear! Keep it up ☺

[@parabatx]

5 years later how is your progress?

[@joeszeto8859]

Once again, more jaw dropping playing and sound!!! You're one of the biggest reasons why I took my guitars out of storage and back into the bedroom. Now, correct me if I'm wrong... I know you've done tons and tons of videos on guitars... think I've watched all of them already. But I don't recall very many videos on your other gear... like amps and pedals, etc. I'd love to see your setup and how you get your awesome tones!! Keep up the great work!!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+joe szeto Thanks Joe! I really appreciate the kind words. Yeah, my channel is mostly focused on guitars, but I'll see if I can put together a video on my pedals ☺

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Hey guys! Let me know which guitar would fit your playing style the best - the Fender or the Ibanez? Also, let me know which guitar you preferred on each riff :)

[@arronbrowning2752]

Darrell Braun Guitar I've always been a huge Fender fan so I'm gonna have to stick with the good ole' strat

[@andermartinez3946]

Darrell Braun Guitar Your Ibanez is beautiful, can you tell me what song is the one in minute 8:05?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Ander Martinez Thanks! The riffs I used in this video are my own. The jam is just me playing over a backing track ☺

[@andermartinez3946]

Woooooow, you are amazing!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Ander Martinez Thanks man! Right back at ya! ☺

[@vencemcadams2927]

Both are beautiful instruments, but I like the sound of the Fender in most positions. I really like the sound of the Ibanez in position 2. Great video!

[@AeolianReflex]

Great comparison and playing! I was a Les Paul guy for years until I played a good Strat and I was a die-hard Strat guy until I played an Ibanez JS1000. Now I play an S series similar to the one in this video and when I pick up my Strat it feels like driving a 70's Caddy compared to driving a Tesla. Everybody has their preferences and whatever guitar lets you play your best is the right choice but I love Ibanez. I do think a better tonal comparison would have been an H-S-H model Ibanez since positions 2 & 4 are closer in tone to the Strat quack.

[@justech]

I've owned a Les Paul, an American Strat, a PRS Custom 24 SE, and I live near a guitar center and have played just about everything they have at one point or another-- I was not prepared for how seamlessly I jelled with the JS1000. It is on another level.

[@ddilley83]

Couple years ago, went into the music shop to get some new pedals, picked a random guitar off the wall to try them out, and it happened to be a used JS100. Wasn't planning on buying a guitar that day, but the JS100 is the smoothest, easiest playing guitar I've played on. Previous owner upgraded to Dimarzio pickups, and I replaced the bridge with a gotoh. The 100 model bridge was severely lacking, the 1000's were probably better quality. One of the best guitars I own.

[@ddilley83]

how does the S series neck compare to the JS?

[@SpringOffensiveCat]

when you played on the Fender, it reminded me of the good ole Frusciante, gosh that hammer ons are so beautiful.

[@gretschbasher]

The strat has this special thing it does, it blooms a little more

[@timcastle165]

Love the video, but as usual you make it so hard to make a decision!! I am a Strat guy, but they both sounded GREAT!! Have a Great Christmas!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Tim Castle Thanks Tim! Merry Christmas to you too ☺

[@baumfr]

Darrell, once again, great video. You play so purty. Had to chuckle a bit; "Oh man, this thing suddenly feels really heavy." You don't hear that about a strat very often; maybe after playing an SG. Tell me, is the Prestige a neck-diver like an SG or is it more balanced?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+baumfr Thanks! No neck dive - it's perfectly balanced with is so nice. ☺

[@johncarter4131]

They are both great instruments that do slightly different things, the quilt maple on the Ibanez is stunning and it looks a very comfortable guitar to play, the fender is, of course, iconic, so you pay your money and take your choice.

[@PhoenixDecim]

That contoured cut-in in Ibanez really helps in accessing high notes.

[@mauriciogarcia7818]

Nice video. I’ve been a fender guy almost all my life. But now I want to try a prestige thanks to you.

[@Rocco11510]

I’m an Ibanez guy, but I have to admit, choosing between these two is HARD! They both sound great!

[@lindsaycantrell2612]

Thanks Darrell, Great comparison, I love the sound of the strat, but the Ibanez looks mighty fine play-abillity wise..Cheers !!

[@VOYAGEUR-YT]

Ibanez any day of the week

[@VOYAGEUR-YT]

Nice soloing btw

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+RealGamerManz Thanks!

[@TheyCallMeMannes]

@@legaciestr tell that to Iron Maiden or Yngwie Malmsteen :) but they are mostly exceptions

[@James-hh1lq]

Ibanez by far there RG 550 is my next guitar

[@DusterBuglas]

even Tuesday?

[@dinohelmefalk7399]

I'm a long time fender fanboy but lateley ive been looking into Ibanez axes. Thanks for this very helpful video :)

[@rhyhood9328]

Loving the riffs today!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Rhy hood Thanks man! 😉

[@19kibster46]

I enjoy your comparison riffs... unlike other you-tubers you play comparative licks so making an opinion is easier... I owned a large music store in So Cal for many years. I still enjoy watching product reviews. I’m a Bassoon, Saxophone, Clarinet player.

[@anti_gravity8446]

I used to hate strat's neck before but now I find it more comfortable for me than the Ibanez' wizard necks.

[@TheVirginianRambler]

mac guinto but you still have an ibanez in your profile picture as if thats what you mainly use

[@anti_gravity8446]

James Tillman hahaha yeah dude. This photo was taken long time ago and this guitar was already sold too. I still have one ibanez though and I know it is ironic that I dont have a strat as of now but all the strat that I have played at guitar center is really comfortable for me. Might get one in the future.

[@TheVirginianRambler]

mac guinto I'm getting a Made in mexico 1999 strat soon. It's awesome to have. Its like a metalic dark blue, that also looks purple. Once i get it I'll change my profile picture

[@anti_gravity8446]

James Tillman whoa! Im excited for you man!

[@TheVirginianRambler]

mac guinto i am too! Thanks man!

[@kevinreynolds7125]

Man, that's like picking which of your children you like more... Not fair! I would want to own both because I find that every guitar has a unique voice. Great videos, love to hear you play!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Kevin Reynolds 😄True! Thanks Kevin!

[@abruenin236]

Thanks for that video. I would also love to hear a comparison between the Prestige and a LP

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Arne Brüning I'll add it to my list ☺

[@jasong546]

I only recently found your channel and I don’t know if you will see this. But I really like comparing different guitars like this. I know it’s nice to hear an older strat and the latest strat, but these give a good example of what you can do with each, rather than deciding if the latest model sounds better than the last only. I really enjoyed this great job!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Thanks! Welcome to the channel ☺

[@gabriellesta7568]

I'm a 'metal'guy but i prefer the sound of the strat

[@elefsidi]

Dave Murray. The most prime example of a metal player with a Strat.

[@kennethh2430]

Slam some Texas Specials (SSS) in your strat, you'll be amazed at how they sound when playing metal.

[@topografer]

Metal started with super strats no news here :D

[@megacahh870]

Strats do metal! ; )

[@happyhappy85]

Same

[@tonidupont-mora1572]

That was amazing! Two beautiful sounding guitars. But the person playing helped a lot too!

[@DSilvergun]

Would make more sense to compare it to an Ibanez HSS model.

[@stevekaufmann8109]

Take it easy on the guy he's already bought dozens of guitars for these videos

[@hadijamali-rad9601]

@Darrel - as always loved it! The intro music you play (1st 35 sec) is a cover? Amazing sounds there. Guess I replayed this 200 times today 😀

[@dkelban]

Prefer the strat: cleaner chiming tone, even with distortion

[@moneyball32]

My first ever guitar was an Ibanez RG. I’ve played Les Pauls, Fender Strats, Teles, etc. I just keep coming back to Ibanez. Love the neck, the feel, the tone. Ibanez guitars really sing.

[@48schecter]

These guitars seem to serve very different purposes. If I were to play some blues or soft rock, I'd go with the strat any day of the week: Its clean tones are warm and full, and really made for the kind of music you play on a rainy Sunday afternoon. If I'm looking to play some At The Gates songs, however, I much preferred the bite and clarity of the Prestige's distorted tone.

[@ToddSauve]

The Strat just reaches out and grabs me by the heart--it is SO soulful in tone that nothing can touch it in my opinion. Did I mention that I love the way you play Darrell???

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Todd Sauve Thanks Todd!

[@chiscogti]

Ibanez for heavy or modern music, strat for traditional sound both are beautiful

[@skyscraper7474]

with the difference, however, that when the strato played already heavy metal, ibanez was probably still to be born!

[@chiscogti]

@@skyscraper7474 if you wanna talk of time when Fender born Ibanez was at least 25 years old

[@JesusChrist-ss4pz]

Love your playing man I bought a fender pro hss after watching one of your videos

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Jesus Christ Thanks! Hard to beat a HSS Strat 👍

[@MitchRossMusician]

I'm really torn on this. The Strat has such a classic sound, but I'm always drawn to the sound of the dual humbuckers. I liked that you showed how the 5 way switch on the Ibanez worked. I've been curious about this for a long time, and I don't think Ibanez has done a video on this yet.

[@benirodriguez9516]

a pamphlet explaining this came with my Ibanez js1000, so I believe it comes with all Ibanez guitars, but I understand that the info should be available before getting the guitar. maybe in their website? not sure

[@valpodesideromontoya2097]

Beni Rodriguez It says on the ibanez website how the pickup switch works. Just scroll down a bit on the product page of any guitar.

[@chatter7653]

my 02, the video demonstrates why the best answer, is to have at least 1 humbucker(s) equipped guitar and 1 traditional strat and pick either up for whatever sound you want. The thicker and stronger but slightly less distinctive clean to mid crunch of a humbucker pickup, regardless of position and the instantly indentifiable single coil sound, regardless of position.

[@ORION2180]

Nice videos, Darrell! How about new manufacturers? Washburn? Dean? Jackson?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+ORION2180 Thanks! I mostly stick with the big guys, but I'll see what I can do ☺

[@ORION2180]

Darrell Braun Guitar some of those little guys can wreak some havoc! 😁 🎸

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+ORION2180 😀👍

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Andrew Levister 😀👍 I've got some prs content coming in the new year!

[@ORION2180]

Darrell Braun Guitar how familiar are you with Eastwood Guitars?

[@lrdstrahd1]

That opening lick tho...wow. Nicely played.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Canuckvapor Thanks man!

[@cameronogilvie1075]

That strat is beautiful!

[@BBQ1953]

Darrell - that slow Blues thang in minor never gets old! Frankly, both guitars sound amazing. That’s why I own a G&L S-500; I can super Strat or simple Strat, all from the same guitar. Even so, those guitars you were playing are beautiful!

[@MarcCoteMusic]

These are two truly beautiful guitars. I haven't had an Ibanez in decades so that would be nice... but I really need that middle single coil for what I do, so it's the Strat for me. I really had no preference in terms of sound... two different tools for different jobs.

[@raulperez2308]

Marc Cote you can always get a prestige or premium RG, they're awesome

[@MarcCoteMusic]

Don't think I haven't considered it. I guess the issue is justifying the purchase. I already have a whole bunch of guitars and I certainly don't NEED more. But they're hard to pass up, sometimes. Maybe a deal will come along that I can't refuse... who knows?

[@MrFunRI]

I have the RG prestige with the center single coil pickup - and the Strat American Standard and both sound very different but amazing

[@MAXIMUSISADOG]

I have Fenders two USA Strats and a USA Professional Tele, a Gibson LP, a Jackson and a hollow-body Epi, the Strat is my all time favorite with the Gibson the least played. Love your vids.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+MAXIMUSISADOG Thanks! Thats a well rounded collection you've got! 👍

[@1106Winter]

I'd love to see the Ibanez being compared to a Gibson LP or the LP double cut.

[@AbhisekChakravorty]

Hi Darrell first 4 comparison strat ruled in the 5th one ibanez, howver in the mix Ibanez does it better, this is just my ear says

[@rodrigoantunesguimaraes9587]

Id like ibanez beauty with fenders sound haha

[@justech]

I really love both of those guitars. Which one to use would depend on what you are playing, of course. Playing classic rock? The Strat will get the tone you are looking for with less tweaking and effects. Playing Satriani, Vai, or basically most metal (other than Yngwie, obviously), and the Ibanez is an obvious choice.

[@cesarpreto1093]

Amazing playing and beautiful guitars , i prefer the Ibanez

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Cesar Preto Thanks Cesar!

[@damien6685]

Great stuff ~ slideline, I'll be happy when my skill gets anywhere even in the same city as yours ~ I'll looking into a HSS Strat as the next argument with my bank account, that was an excellent demo. Think it's going to the top of the choices of the multitude of great guitars

[@Leo_ofRedKeep]

I prefer the Ibanez on nearly all accounts. Sound-wise, only the middle position I felt did not fit the music that was being played as well as the cleaner Strat' (or was that saturation some external artefact?). Otherwise, the Ibanez sounds a little fuller while remaining in the same type of sound. Loved that position 4 on it. The flame top looks beautiful on the Strat. Much better than all these cheap looking plain colours we see all the time. There's a Strat' I would like to have if it weren't so thick. The Ibanez is stunningly beautiful and those who would object to the golden look would find many alternatives to choose from. I played an SA which I understand is heavier than this one and I wonder if I'll want to play anything "normal" afterwards. Now this one looks so thin I'm worried about the wind carrying it away…

[@CornCake03]

Hate to be the lone fence sitter but both guitars sound amazing in their own right. It all comes down to personal preference as both guitars shine so brightly in the looks and tone department. Phenomenal playing as always, Darrell.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Mark M Thanks Mark!

[@faustohernandez3434]

Thinking about the price of these guitars make me sad

[@TheVirginianRambler]

Fausto Hernandez same. I'll be broke with you though

[@justech]

You can get an excellent condition used Prestige (though likely not as beautiful as that one) for under $1k if you look around.

[@paulschelly1]

Awesome video Darrell, love your guitar playing. Well done!!

[@shamm354]

I chose fender!👍

[@scottperry8162]

I love every video he makes always incredible!!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Scott Perry Thanks so much Scott! I appreciate it.

[@stephenbass6537]

The man can play

[@garymcaleer6112]

Nobody gives better demonstrations than Darrell. All the best this Christmas season. I ordered a Chinese custom axe. Late on delivery (as expected). Will explore Arlo's pickups. Just a beautiful low distortion clean sound. But I have to make sure the intonation is clean first before I invest.

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Gary McAleer Thanks Gary! Congratulations on the new axe 😎

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+Gary McAleer 😄 No kidding!

[@garymcaleer6112]

My arpeggios' limitations forced me to change the 12 string into six. The limitations of my violin trained fingers forced this. It was the same when learning the cello. Fingertips must be vertical over the strings. But always glad to hear your dexterity, Darrell. You have a good heart. Especially for us who can't achieve what you have in the skill of playing the guitar.

[@SUPER8_GUITAR]

did you notice a difference in string spacing?.... i grabbed a kiko lureiro signature ibanez few months ago and could not play it correctly. i realized the string spacing was huge compared to what im used to (prs se's, mim tele)

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

+SUPER8 Yeah, doing comparison videos can be challenging switching back and forth between guitars that are so dissimilar ☺

[@Skytalker777]

I have the Elite HSS and very happy with it. I still think the Strat sound better. Thank you for an excellent video.

[@admaxadvertising953]

How many guitars do you have?😂

[@ryanfong9270]

Very good , I was deciding whether to buy a Ibanez S series or Fender standard stract