Fender Lead II & Lead III - Which is the best, which is the worst? YOU DECIDE!

[@buffdaddy2032]

You suck ! I like how you kicked in hi gain and looked around like your impressing people lmao.

[@60CycleHumcast]

That’s a funny way of interpreting that moment. But ok.

[@mikhaelSpeijer2122]

None of those people can even hear him..

[@Seventeen_Seconds]

*you're

[@steveb.3057]

@@buffdaddy2032 can't even spell.

[@levijmiller]

That ultra-thin sound is what I really like from my original 1989 Lead ii. Perfect for weird, off-kilter post punk stuff

[@crisp9929]

1979 you mean?

[@levijmiller]

Crisp no I mean 1980

[@nunyabidness4655]

Sure are some suspicious looking characters at NAAM.

[@PooNinja]

Yea there called buyers very greasy folks 😂

[@DMSProduktions]

MOST musicians ARE dodgy! (Present co excepted of course!)

[@DMSProduktions]

@Zach Isley Ya habibti!

[@khoroshoorange]

I think they are the most beautiful people i have ever seen!

[@davidhollowelljr949]

I'm so stoked they're reissuing these. My uncle had an OG Lead III in some kind of gorgeous sunburst and he let me borrow it when I was a bidding guitarist. I kept it in drop C/B. It was such a killer instrument.

[@ExpazzGaming]

Have two on order and was planning to keep one in Drop c. Glad to hear someone else has done this!

[@flekkzo]

Love how you stand in, what I assume is, a super noisey environment and can play and speak in a way where it’s interesting to watch it. The scream interviews and everything louder than everything else is a massive PITA.

[@60CycleHumcast]

John Gustafsson I’ve worked hard on my rig, I’m honestly amazed that so many of the other channels with multi person film crews and serious budgets haven’t figured better ways of doing this when I’m doing it on a shoe string budget.

[@flekkzo]

60 Cycle Hum One of the hardest things there are is to come up with a solution that’s simple and obvious. Turns out they are only obvious after you hear about them. :) I bet 5 internet points others will copy you within a few years. Won’t make me watch their channels, posers :)

[@charlie-obrien]

Ryan, I think you've got the best "One man band" KZbin channels for all things guitar. Always a pleasure to watch.

[@markkeneson6806]

I would pick the Lead II. There are so many Dual Humbucker guitars already. The Lead II is a much less common Dual Slanted Single Coil configuration.

[@bluepedalsrock9271]

Agreed!

[@terrystyles4316]

I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a Lead II and have air norton s and tone zone s installed.

[@stefpenfield5918]

For 4 years, I've been playing a Lead 3 as my main. Love the neck position and the middle position with the bridge coil cut engaged.

[@wlawnsldj]

Love your dedication Ryan you’re just chillin makin videos at NAMM while it’s chaos everywhere haha

[@peyotepete4903]

I'm a humbucker kinda guy but they both sound nice so I'd rock either!

[@tonepilot]

Was waiting for that dude’s hair to get caught in the tuners lol.

[@charlie-obrien]

Ryan, I think you've got the best "One man band" KZbin channels for all things guitar. Your knowledge and presentation is among the best and being able to do it from right on the floor is excellent! Always a pleasure to watch. BTW as a product of late '70s and '80s that Lead lll floors me, man.

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

On the Lead 3 the top toggle is the three way pickup selector switch. The lower toggle is two way and taps the humbucker! You end up with 7 different tone possibilities. On the lead 2 the top toggle is a three way pickup selector while the bottom toggle is an On/Off and alters the phase of both when they’re selected.

[@markhammer643]

It sounds to me like the 2nd switch aims for the partial-out-of-phase setting found in the Jerry Donahue Telecaster, and dreamt up by the late Bill Lawrence Normally, when you combine two pickups out of phase with each other, you get a very thin nasal tone with a big volume drop because of all the cancellations. If you shave off some of the bass from the neck pickup, however, you don't get cancellations at the low end, and the level seems comparable to when the unaltered pickups are combined IN-phase.. That would probably be why the neck pickup sounds a smidgen different on its own when the phase switch is flipped. I've experimented with the partial-out-of-phase idea on several of my guitars, and it provides some very usable alternate neck+bridge sounds that bypass the nasalness and volume drop. In one guitar of mine - a unit fairly similar in many ways to the Lead, with two angled single-coils and a hard-tail bridge - it cops a respectable Strat cluck, despite lacking a middle pickup.

[@gti1647]

I always combine a humbucker in in my out of phase pu configs...helps retain bottom end.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

Life is strange. I was working in retail in the 80's. The vibe from the players was that these were dumbed down guitars and not cool to buy. lol You nailed it when you said it was thin sounding.I find if a guitar is well made with some decent wood the right PU can turn it into a killer.

[@darrenfleming6225]

you can't judge either of these based on this video. They both sounded terrible which I think is down to what they are plugged into and his terrible playing more than the actual instruments.

[@jameswilliford5478]

I'm liking the III but like that green color on the II

[@60CycleHumcast]

yeah, the green is nice. I ended up getting a III though and the purple is very striking in person.

[@gregorypeterka5189]

I'm so glad that they are making the lead 3 again!!! I played one through the 80s & early 90s then got married and had to sell it. The switching allows each pickup to play in either humbucking or single coil configurations. Awesome axes!!!

[@russellives6069]

I had an original lead 1, added a single coil to the neck and later sold it for 5x my investment. Now if they made THAT, with a 2 point trem, they might have to take my money.

[@IlNeige]

Interesting electronics, but my brain can’t seem to comprehend the “almost-strat” look of it.

[@DMSProduktions]

There ARE tablets for that now.

[@jmacc9876]

Really like the look of the green lead ii with the white pickups on black guard

[@simmonphoenix3206]

I have a 1980 lead II and it plays really will. The finish is all checked and faded on the black ones apparently they used some clear that didn’t hold up over time but it adds mojo. The out of phase switch really to doesn’t add much to the sound but I like the straight up neck pick up strat sound anyways.

[@johncollins5552]

O wanted to like the lead 2 but don't think super thin sound is for me, Purple and humbuckers....yum yum. Now I want a purple Gibson LP...

[@abuzafeera]

wow, I'm surprised they made it again, still have it the original 80s US made from my father, but the first build sounds more like strat and tele in one guitar 👍

[@wmg1958]

That's what Eric Clapton said too back then.

[@guitrus]

my first 'real' guitar was a Fender Lead II (wine red, rosewood board), bought new in '81Added a Kahler, bridge humbucker (Dimarzio super distortion, then a Carvin M22(?), Schecter neck single coil.Moved the jack to the edge, toggle on the lower horn, sanded the neck.None helped much, was glad to see her go in '88

[@thepickerhat6996]

Gorgeous Guitars. For that Price... have to consider getting me one probably. The green one looks Killer!

[@stanparsley9186]

Nice review Ryan.

[@zoeyjune2193]

The lead2 was definitely thought up to be the mustang for people who don't like the trems

[@Khonichev]

Plenty of mustangs with hardtails around! More like mustang for people who want 25.5" scale heh

[@BeforeTheDarkAge]

I would like to know how they are routed underneath. Can you buy a 2 and get a new pickguard and put in a humbucker in the bridge might be a cool option. Lots of fender are routed for more pickup options some aren't.

[@grif5332]

If you look on Darrell Braun's channel, he tears a lead II apart.

[@BeforeTheDarkAge]

@@grif5332 I did finally check that out it is routed for humbuckers good to know.

[@grif5332]

You could always get a tech to split those humbuckers with a push pull pot. Get a hybrid-esque Lead II/III...right?

[@pedalscapes]

Coolest coverage of NAMM Sir! Thank you 😎

[@bropotatojoemanna]

Honestly I like your playing, you rock Ryan

[@sassycat]

I get the impression that the first mod players will make to the Lead 2 will be new pickups. The L3 sounds good as is.

[@biconditionals]

You know what, I just picked up the green Lead II with the intention of putting new pickups in (DiMarzio Fast Track 2 and SD Hot Rail in the neck)... but actually the stock pickups aren't that bad at all. Way better than they sound here.

[@willistaylor4077]

Steve was giving you shade man... 🤣

[@dimiaraujo90]

I'm looking for a Fender Lead 2,5: the one that comes with a single on the neck, and a humbucker on the bridge

[@Dead-Eye]

That's the pickup configuration on my Player series Jaguar. Works for me.

[@TheChristafershawn]

Not the same pickups that's why it doesn't sound the same different neck as well. I had to Lead III MY whole teenage childhood into adulthood that I played hundreds of gigs with. I was stoked to see these being reissued but disappointed to see that the humbuckers are not the same nor is the neck. At first I was like I'm totally getting one and now I'm like ehhhhh.

[@Cstark86]

same. bought one at a pawn shop as my first guitar and didnt know what i had. sold it and always wanted another one. was excited to see these but disappointed. oh well, maybe ill save up for a vintage haha.

[@soulagent79]

Originally the parts for these were made in Asia and assembled by Fender in the USA.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

They have been doing that for about 30 years. I met a guy from Korea that worked ate Cort factory and he said they did the whole guitar up. Then took off the neck and took out the pick guard with it all assembled with the pickups and electronics then put the 3 pieces in a rectangular box and shipped as parts.He said it had to be something someone with zero experience could put together because Fender hired casual workers just to put the one model together.

[@ninevehguitar]

Dude... Was that “I Got a Job” I just heard you play?!? Man... that’s taking me back haha

[@60CycleHumcast]

Sam Miller yep!

[@barrywilson871]

You can't beat the original made in USA lead Is ,iis ,and iiis ,I have all three of them Awesome guitars

[@nixternal]

Lead III or a any of the PRS SE guitars under

[@60CycleHumcast]

Rich Johnson totally different guitars. I could never make that decision for someone.

[@silverpairaducks]

I actually like the hum hum one. I had a squire bullet with hh and it had push button taps a tele style headstock and strat body.

[@squiddly-diddly]

The lll way more versatile....gives you thick punchy or mellow or twangy.

[@MuscleDad420]

Hey dude, love your content. Quick question: That your headset mic or was Fender providing them to social media folks? Saw a few folks sporting them throughout the couple days I was there. Kudos to Fender if it’s the latter.

[@60CycleHumcast]

MuscleDad420 I bought those.

[@MuscleDad420]

60 Cycle Hum seems they are popular! Hope your Winter NAMM was a good one. :)

[@mikhaelSpeijer2122]

That lead III Sounds great.

[@shaunw9270]

I remember everyone thought they were crap , first time around. If I had to pick one of these I would go for the single coil but in purple .

[@jeffc4862]

Never understood that with the Lead Series - They were lighter, the Lead 1 and 3 had those Seth Lover pickups that sounded fantastic, and unique, and they were made well for a good price. I think the bad rap was that they were unique - kinda like how the Jags, and Jazz Masters had a cold receptions when they were first out.

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

I personally like the sound, and look, of the Lead II better. It sounds more unique, and that green is spectacular! :)

[@stephenspeer3123]

Show us your video gear!

[@lukehenderson436]

It's like two of my favourite guitar shapes had a secret love child (Strat and traditional Les Paul Double Cutaway)

[@squiddly-diddly]

So it looks like an SG .? Lol

[@sonijam]

They should have kept the original pickups. That was an important part of the whole Lead look!

[@myohmyDesign]

Lead III for sure

[@PooNinja]

Purple for the....(9:22 By Felicia) Win wif da double hum buggas 🤘🏽

[@jorge711]

that red & black one

[@StamatisStabos]

60 Cycle NAMM 🙌 make a blooper video with people who disturb you while recording videos

[@AndruJorj]

Would like a green one with a humbucker in the bridge and a single in the neck. A Fender Lead 2.5, if you will.

[@60CycleHumcast]

Andru Jorj if I had one I’d put a hot rail in the bridge.

[@DarkDare47]

@@60CycleHumcast Or maybe one of those single coil sized humbackers, but I would change both pickups, they didn't sound that good.

[@jman1428]

It is twangy because it is a Fender guitar, did you think it was a Gibson?

[@DMSProduktions]

It's SUMMER NAMM for me!

[@glenkepic3208]

Cool guy,,,,speaker swap vids have been shall we say amusing.

[@eljoel89]

So the second switch on the Lead II is a series / parallel switch for the neck pickup? Edit: Nope. Damn. It's the out of phase sound.

[@60CycleHumcast]

eljoel89 that would probably be better. It would give more output. Out of phase is a little wasted with already weak pickups. I have a feeling these will be a favorite with modders. They feel nice and look good but the sound isn’t for everyone.

[@eljoel89]

@@60CycleHumcast My thought was Lace Sensors as you could pair whichever two together like Light Blue or Emerald for the neck and Burgundy or Purple for the bridge. I had a 1980 Lead II at one point, and I could swear it was a series switch.

[@MisterJawaman]

@@eljoel89 The Lead I had a series/parallel switch with a regular three-way selector switch (bridge coil, both coils, neck coil). I love the old Leads.

[@chromosomehoarder6927]

i have an og set of x1 lead II pickups if you would be interesting in testing the difference

[@LM-kg9wf]

Bring The Green one to an Exorcism!!

[@michaelhelgeson6625]

Steve strikes again

[@grene1955]

I had a Lead 3 back in the early 80's. Selling it is one of my great guitar regrets!

[@gregorypeterka5189]

I feel you brother!!

[@LM-kg9wf]

Or you could get a Godin Session LTD:)

[@joewalsh8217]

That purple is nice 👍

[@MrCarsandguitars]

Lol I love how your press pass says clickbait

[@theroguetomato5362]

I don't know which is the best, but I know the worst is the other one.

[@danteminardi9364]

I swear for a second I heard rumble

[@jordanpratt9384]

I just heard it

[@clockwork914]

L3 FTW

[@wbm3085]

Sweet axes mannn

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

The slant askew pups and 22 fret hangover on the 2 is a little bit annoying. The originals had 21 frets. So the necks are just stock necks used on most Strats now. The humbucker model be better but Pau Ferro is a dealbreaker. It's poor value when you can get a Player Strat for the same price. Is the body full thickness? Still a cool axe.

[@dionr1168]

Lead 3, because humbuckers are superior to single coils.

[@bandname]

6:02 Leo man!

[@spiritoftime8464]

The lead 2 screams grunge as fuck

[@robertisrael338]

Awesome guitars, great demo. #shaneflute

[@rootsradical]

4:00 Ryan breaks NAMM

[@icu469]

The new Fender Lead guitars look cool but I won't be buying one. I like that they are light but the sound is not that great.

[@RobertoPhilipp]

Please tune.

[@jbess6505]

The Lead III is more vintage bro, the II sounds more modern. This could have been a great video If you followed through on note-taking before you started your video. P.S. - Always research your gear before you do a showing, especially a review, that is 101! Thumbs down for not doing your home work man. But I'll give you props on comparing them. Sorry but I'm off to the next review where the guy actually did his homework. Best of luck.

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

Choosing one as the best doesn't qualify the other as 'worse'. Unnecessary negative.

[@Tonymorales660]

I wanna see someone play something heavier and not just jazzy stuff

[@aaronabubo]

I wanted to like this, but you already had 69 likes, so I’m leaving a comment instead!

[@DominikGuerriero]

Aaron Abubo LMAO SAMEEE IM SO GLAD IM NOT TTHE ONLY ONE

[@60CycleHumcast]

Aaron Abubo this guy gets it

[@anthonyrosa5006]

Yes I remember these guitars from around the time I began playing. At the time I didn't care for Fender as much as Pauls. Drop a TELE pup in the Lead 2. I like the LEAD3 better. Bet they will sell for $450-480 and will be regular members of the stupid deal of the day for less.

[@JS-rg5ic]

Are those made in USA? Sounds way thin and muddy to me yet maybe just the video? Have strat ultra plus got back in 90's with lock system and lace pickups.... Sticking with that for the strat plus sounds really good and plays excellent

[@fabianguerrero1544]

mac demarco wuz at NAMM

[@noi5emaker]

Looks like an entry level, priced like an intermediate. Odd.

[@Dead-Eye]

You sound totally underwhelmed. LOL

[@60CycleHumcast]

yep!

[@DMSProduktions]

$600US is hardly a 'beginner's' guitar!

[@Alphawolf2325]

I'd consider it beginner since you're paying for that fender logo instead of squire haha

[@DMSProduktions]

@@Alphawolf2325 What's in a name?

[@eddykidd]

Save some dollars and buy a Squier classic vibe instead... opinions. Sounds crappie ... not the playing just the guitar

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Wonder when harley benton will get on the band wagon ☺

[@_charwyn]

I wish they had one with 3 singles

[@owenhilton2045]

Elijah Charwyn bruh that’s a strat 😑

[@jameswilliford5478]

Lol...right

[@phenixreturns]

2 are very bad no locking tuners no trem classic scale no bypass switch no better wiring alnico 2 for a bridge pickup (lol) alnico V but only single coils = next

[@rldickie]

DickiE don't play dat.