Fender Player and American Professional - My Experience Owning American and Mexican Telecasters

[@landonbailey]

What's the better value in your opinion? American Made or Mexican made?

[@sheamaddy9893]

I love my player series stratocaster. It's a limited edition HSS with a shawbucker and 2 vintage 59' single coils. The best strat upgrade for the price IMO is a Graphtech Tusq nut. It provides excellent tuning stability and more sustain. Great video Landon, keep it up.

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

The MiM is the better value I feel, but I'm still a rookie, so for me, the value is in a well set up Jay Turser s-type. I'm looking forward to graduating, but I'm in no hurry. I'm just having fun making music and watching videos. :)

[@dragan4658]

For many the MIM is the better deal coz of cheap labour. Is the Pro price justified? No it is not, imo. Its a matter of choice. There are equally good if not better brands for less money: AIO, Wolf, Artist, Sx, even higher end Squiers.

[@stanparsley9186]

Love my "American Standard" but the "Player" is a great guitar, so...🤔

[@SithTracy]

Warmoth custom made is a better value, IMO, if you have the time and patience. No, it will not have the Fender name on it, but does it matter in 2020? My new Warmoth build tele is perfect for my bigger than average hands... 12" radius neck with a 1.75" tusq nut and a 59 roundback next profile. Stainless steel frets, Pao Ferro fret board on a roasted maple neck.

[@jburdsinfuse]

I took a quick look at Reverb. MiM Tele’s are there around $400. All of the Fender branded Tele’s are EASY to upgrade because most aftermarket parts fit without drilling. And no matter the cost of a guitar, pickups are matter of taste. At the end of the day, MiM and American Tele’s are nearly indistinguishable unless you get into the custom shop or upper tier priced models.

[@renealarcon3970]

Thanks for the demo. Cleaner , less confusion, "transparency" , that is what we need more of in this world, especially now. Cheers

[@landonbailey]

hey thanks!

[@26MbtD]

This is by far the best guitar channel I've ever come across. Such a bummer I didn't find your channel earlier. Keep rocking dude.

[@landonbailey]

Welcome aboard! Appreciate the kind words!

[@briano.5746]

I love my Mexican Tele! You can play anything you want on a Tele. Rock , County , Jazz , Blues , you name it. So freakin' versatile it's scary! 🐉💀👽🎸🎶🎵🧠🤖👍

[@stevenhoffman6241]

Your channel is fast becoming my favorite. I very much appreciate your honesty and attention to detail.

[@landonbailey]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bluesrocker91]

I used a MiM Standard Tele for about a decade, and it never once let me down in that time... I retired it after wearing the frets down to the wood and practically fossilising the bridge and pots with sweat. I will get it refretted and fixed up one of these days. I bought an American Special as a replacement for the MiM a few years back, and I was honestly quite disappointed with it. It had a few quality control problems, plus I never quite got on with the Texas Special pickups or the jumbo frets. The finish was nicer than the Mexican, and it's a fair bit lighter but that's about it really. Just never quite bonded with it like I did with my old Standard.

[@landonbailey]

MIM models are great. I still have my first Standard Telecaster

[@emilloffler1216]

I love my 2022 Fender PlayerTelly, same colour as yours. It'll be my only Telecastor for life.

[@wengjai]

Sometimes its about having a guitar that you want to pick up and play and what inspires you to play. Who cares about value really ?

[@johnjacks5599]

Summary: the difference between an American Tele and a Mexican Tele is about $900.

[@landonbailey]

ya it really comes down to that

[@stevekelley1536]

Difference between American made and Mexican made.......60 miles 😂😂

[@georgemercer5977]

THAT ABOUT THE SIZE OF IT....

[@aridxy6975]

Thank you so much made it very easy for me

[@wistaban]

I've owned many brands and makes of guitars, For Fender Ive owned MIA and MIM.. I now own 5 MIM and I wouldn't really go back to spending 2x as much since Im good at making adjustments on MIM so they play as well. Rock on bro

[@crazee-eight3603]

A few months ago, just before the Corona Virus changed the World, I bought a 2019 MIM Fender Tele at my local music store. I am primarily a bassist and I do own an American made P-Bass, but I enjoy playing guitar also. Having bought a used MIM Strat many years ago I knew that buying a Mexican Telecaster would either meet or exceed my expectations. Let's just say that playing my Tele through my also recently purchased BOSS Katana Mk. II is a real pleasure.

[@keithpennington6141]

I have a Player Series Plus Top Sunburst Stratocaster that is beautiful and the Katana MK2 50w and it is a beautiful pairing. I actually just convinced my mom and dad to get my brother the same exact amp for Christmas and we got to jam out. It was amazing!

[@shaunw9270]

I love the fact the channel (and you ) is so Telecentric. Fender should make a Landon Bailey signature Tele ! My only Tele is my Avri '52 , love that guitar . It is a pretty accurate rendition imo which is subjective in itself because there really is no one correct set of '52 Telecaster features, because so many small changes were made over the course of that year. Both my Strats are Mexican , 60th Anniversary with nitro Desert Sand , anodised guard & gold hardware, and the Jimi Hendrix Olympic white polyester. Both these Strat models came with American pickups. I'm pleased with them all and think with Fender ,you get what you pay for and Mexican quality of fit & finish is usually on par with the American stuff, especially if you're able to spend that little bit more on a Player over the Standard model, for example.

[@simonbirch2013]

Thanks Landon really enjoyed your guitar insights. I got a Tele Player recently. Loving it! Thanks!

[@landonbailey]

Great to hear!

[@chrishyde1216]

Good, honest points, and I like the humour you use to present this, which makes it original and not copying others. Andertons is my local store and my favourite. Modding guitars is fun, and makes them personal and cheaper guitars lend themselves to this. But one characteristic that matters to me is weight, and the USA tend to be lighter on average.

[@landonbailey]

👍🎸😊 cheers!

[@ringoheywood3255]

Just bought a player Tele. I don't regret buying it in the least. Great guitar. Helped my decision owning a mim Strat that I love.

[@landonbailey]

Rock on!

[@MFPick]

Nice to meet you Landon Daily. Like you channel a lot. It seems that all of my favorite guitar channels on KZbin are Canadians.

[@landonbailey]

cool!

[@Gaslight.Guitar]

I own mim and us fenders. Personally Im looking for proper specs like neck shapes etc. I dont care where its made actually. ;)

[@yoditonugrahacky765]

Gunroar Guitar true, neck shape and thickness is the most important aspect for me

[@raullopez5132]

Amen

[@francisdimarzio]

You can get great value with used guitars. Thanks for the fun Landon! Keep up the great work!🤙

[@landonbailey]

Always!

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Landon I really appreciate your point of view on guitars. Very practical and no nonsense. I just recently purchased a Gibson Les Paul Studio to replace the Les Paul Classic I had to sell during rough financial times. Why do I love Gibson Les Pauls? Because Slash, Jimmy Page, Peter Frampton and Ace Frehley play them. It really comes down to that. But I can’t objectively say that Gibson Les Pauls are exponentially better than Epiphone Les Pauls. Frankly I find the Epiphone guitars quite similar to the sound and feel of the Gibson. I just got a Fender Player Tele and Classic Vibe Strat. They play and sound exactly how they’re supposed to. And they’re both well made. I really like the Player Tele. I’m going to change the string tree to a Graphtech. Fender Mexico and Squier have well made guitars. I was thinking of getting an American Ultra HSS Strat down the road but frankly it would mainly be because of the “prestige” factor. I’m sure the Player series HSS Strat would be more than enough.

[@Vor_Tex_Sun]

I got a fender player series tele. I had to some work on the neck and tone controls and also the switch. But now it's great. I use it for recording and I have fallen in love with it. The neck is awesome and it's so versatile and cuts through the mix

[@landonbailey]

Great to hear!

[@timcastle165]

I have a Fender MIM Stratocaster because of the price which leaves more money to do upgrades if you want to. Like you said it is a personal thing and you really won’t recoup your money. I will be looking to make another purchase in a year or so and I will be looking at Fender MIM Telecasters. Great video!

[@landonbailey]

thanks Tim!

[@Mecha-ddafi]

I have a $1000 Charvel Pro-mod DK-24. I play my $160 Squier Bullet Tele more than the Charvel... I LOVE the Charvel. Feels so insanely nice, sounds incredible, would recommend to others. There's something about a tele that I just love though, can't explain it. Trading in the Charvel for a Player Tele whenever i can get to my local store.

[@wagzzzz]

I’m ordering an orange player strat in a few days. Thank you for making me feel more comfortable doing so. Sounds like the things that could be inferior can be easily upgraded if I feel compelled to do so. Great channel!

[@craigclark5845]

I have a Fender player Stratocaster and it’s the best playing guitar I’ve owned, so much so I sold my 2011 American Strat. Great guitars.

[@landonbailey]

Rock on!

[@supergroovalistic1]

I bought a Vintera Mexican for 700 pounds UK. I needed to roll the frets and also the pickguard was ever so slightly unparallel to the bridge so I had to sand it down slightly by about 1mm to get it straight with the bridge, the volume and tone mob were at slightly different heights which I adjusted and the switch knob was loose. Apart from that it's a beaut!!

[@musicharrygiles]

love the radiohead in limbo guitar at the beginning

[@landonbailey]

nice catch!

[@musicharrygiles]

@@landonbailey ;)

[@DanielBz1]

Hard times… recently sold most of my US made guitars including a Tele Highway One. Missed the Tele the most and needed replacement. Picked up a new Butterscotch Blonde MIM exactly as in this video… it’s surprisingly good. I don’t miss the nice US guitars sold. Smitten by this one.

[@SithTracy]

I have a Player series tobacco burst Plus top Strat. I have modded it since I got it... Changed the nut to a Graphtech Tusq, changed the saddles to Graph tech string savers, Fender locking tuners, Bootstrap Sun City Selects pickups, and wanted to try the Obsidian Wire 7-way Gilmour switch (like it, but don't love it). I rounded the edges of the fret board. No plans to sell it ever as a Strat was my first guitar in the 70's and I wanted another and got this one for my 50th birthday from my wife and kids. My biggest beef with the mexican strat was the plastic (aka synthetic bone) nut. TUSQ nuts are great.

[@landonbailey]

nice mods!

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Bi-flex means the truss rod is adjustable both ways, tightening and loosening. Actually after my previous rant, the American one is nicer but I for one don't have any extra money these days. 2 grand for a Tele custom is a lot. If I still had my 76 custom it'd probably be worth 3 grand. Oh well. I'm going to rebuild an Indonesian Squire Strat I inherited. You're observations about the building of guitars is spot on. They all require a lot of hand work.

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

I have had Fender guitars starting in 1968, with a Mustang, a Tele Custom in 1980, then an American standard Strat in 1997, and finally a Squire 50 classic vibe in 2019. I've never played a Mexican Fender. For the price difference these days, I'd get a Mexican for sure. I'd never pay over a grand for a Fender of any type. I'm happy with Chinese Squire and American surf green Strat. I like your fancy Tele man!

[@landonbailey]

Cheers!

[@paulbanner9612]

Always great reviews Landon 👍👍👍✌😎

[@powerballad8108]

Great video 👍🏻 As an American deluxe strat owner , I purchased a player tele. It’s a solid , awesome sounding guitar, what more do you want really.

[@landonbailey]

cheers!

[@stevekelley1536]

Correction you have to know which squier to up grade. And don't get rid of the old parts. When you want to sale you put them back in.

[@jimmythefish]

Yeah agreed. I have a MIM FSR butterscotch Tele I bought from Long and McQuade about 5 years ago. Its my only electric. It’s the one with the reversed control plate and the vintage style bridge. At the time I couldn’t justify the price difference between that and the US model. I’ve since reversed back the control plate, put compensated barrel saddles on it, installed Custom Shop 51 Nocaster pickups and put those classic gear notched tuners in. Great guitar now. My kids are just starting to play and they can use it whenever they want and I don’t worry about it. The professional series is kind of a no man’s land for me - not different enough from the MIM to bother. It still has a poly finish and the feel to match. My other guitar is a D28, which I spend most my time with and was worth every penny. I’d like a guitar to match it in feel, which means something with a nitro finish; either a custom shop or something like a Nash. That’s the end game for me. I’m looking at a Gretsch semi hollow to pair with my Tele - the G5622T with the Bigsby. Same deal with the Gretsches. The Electromatics are so good now that it’s hard to justify 2 grand more to get the Japanese version. For me it’s the Electromatic or a jump to the custom shop.

[@csgameover]

i also have the mim fsr butterscotch tele and like it just as it is

[@cjpritchard]

Thanks for the video, Landon. Greetings from Victoria. Just picked up a Fender Tele Player at Tom Lee today - $599 Cdn. Seriously good guitar for the money!

[@landonbailey]

great deal!

[@rolandolopez847]

I bought a used MIM Tele I’m butterscotch and I had to take it to my luthier to get the frets rounded and sanded. They were scraping me above the 9th fret. I do love it though

[@dirktucker77]

MIM Player cost 749$. MIA performer cost 1199.. watch the fender Corona factory tour videos on youtube. You'll be happy to buy the American made fenders. Support your country.

[@landonbailey]

I live in Canada 🇨🇦😀

[@cliveclive54]

Totally sensible comparison,keep safe and healthy mate \m/

[@landonbailey]

thanks you too!

[@steventhomas231]

I really admire your passion for guitars, particularly the teles.👍

[@landonbailey]

Thank you kindly!

[@runningwithscissors0911]

LIKE! You tells it like youz sees it Brandon and that is refreshing, respectable and trustworthy. Thank you. I LIKE your assembly videos too! Yep ~ Subscribed!!

[@landonbailey]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@raphaelsmith4134]

I like the looks of player much better. Simple and sexy. Also sound seems crunchier

[@tomdameek]

I’ve been agonising for weeks over what Humbucker a Tele to get and I just can’t afford what I want from Fender. I’m going for a G&L Tribute Asat Deluxe it €200 cheaper here than the Player and it has the same bridge as my fallout which is unreal in its sustain. Someday I will get the American ( bucket list) I’d love to see you review a G&L someday. Great video Landon it’s always fun - cheers

[@landonbailey]

thanks Tom!

[@voiceofexperience]

Definitely prefer the sound of the single coils to that of those "Shawbuckers".

[@AnomieTrain]

The neck makes all the difference in the world to me. My 2003 American Strat feels so comfortable in my hands with that rolled fretboard edge. Anything else feels like grabbing the edge of a table to me. I can accept that with cheap, intro guitars like my Squier Affinity Tele, but if you're going up to $700, screw that--I'd rather just save my money for an American Fender.

[@georgemercer3013]

Thanks...Alot man ... 699 SOUNDS BETTER TO ME... DON'T THINK I'LL BE SELLING IT ANYWAY BUT YOU MADE MY MIND UP...

[@jeffreyking5206]

Love mim fenders for the price & quality.

[@greggriffiths9053]

Over a $1000 for a player telecaster in Australia and nearly $3000 for a US version I went with the player telecaster.

[@landonbailey]

you could get 3!

[@greggriffiths9053]

That's brandi new i picked up one second hand for $850 they're great guitars had to own one.

[@mikeaaron2819]

I’ve found from owning and playing Fenders for 20 years or so that locking tuners are less stable than ordinary ones as far as staying in tune is concerned but are great when you come to change the strings. I actually prefer the simple old~fashioned vintage style tuners every time. Except when changing strings of course.

[@landonbailey]

easy string change for sure! or quick removal during mods

[@snowcie]

Love this new angle, real nice

[@landonbailey]

cheers!

[@joestriker2100]

Just purchased a used Plus Top blue Player Tele. I love it. Stilll want one with double humbuckers, but looking at Sire T7's due to the contours and the tremelo, and the roasted maple neck, ..........and the price.

[@Fernandoorejudo]

Hi, Landon. A fan here. I have the certainty that current Player Series are those good old now discontinued American Standard series from 2008. Same specs, same sound.

[@Terry3Gs]

Cool about the change !! And nice job on the diffrences between the 2 guitars !! :)

[@landonbailey]

Rock on! thanks Terry :)

[@aitken1965]

I love the neck feel on the MIM Player Series guitars. Playing and soundwise it's hard to tell the difference between the Player and American Standard series Teles.

[@JoeKyser]

Ive mixed and matched parts on squires with no problem. Im not sure what measurements are different because they are made in Asia but Im open ears. I cant say ive done it all but a heads up with examples would be awesome.

[@davidkastin4240]

Good comparison Landon. Just my preference in sound I'll take the players series.

[@webingerphoto49]

Great video Landon! Sound wise I prefer the Player MIM. Be Well and Be Safe.

[@landonbailey]

Thanks! You too!

[@barneystinson4183]

I find instruments just as subjective as the music I listen to. It all comes down to personal taste. You also need to think about what you want to get out of it. I am a beginner and will never become a pro knocking out licks left right centre. I have had cheap guitars before that I would pick up every so often but didnt feel much for it. I have a steady income at the moment (well until current global situation but hey all in same boat) I went for a MIM butterscotch player tele. Bought from andertons (im uk resident) and i cant put it down. Frets bit ruff on edges, that can be fixed easy. Apart from that it feels great. For me it's a feeling of owning a fender, a peice of music history. It is lovely just to look at and i went for a VOX AC10C1 to pair with it. Total £950 gbp inc amp. The value for me is sentimental. I wanted something nice to show for my work. When i was younger i wasted pay on drink and drugs. Now in my 30's I have a steady job, nice car and I enjoy just relaxing with my guitar trying hard to play a bit of rhcp and staring at stevie ray vaughn tabs and thinking if only. Now that i have it i would love a custom strat. Its going to cost prob 6 times my player tele and it wont make me a rockstar but everytime I pick it up it will remind me that if you work hard you can get nice things. Also owning something like a custom guitar and being able to appreciate the time and effort that went into crafting it, I think I would feel humbled to have the chance to own such a thing. Anyways I didnt really have a point to make. I just felt like sharing my thoughts.

[@landonbailey]

👍🎸😊

[@robyoink]

I'm of the same mindset, Barney. Sometimes the instruments we own are a reward, a luxury; at the end of the day they make our lives that much better. I recently went through a hellish week of work and overtime dealing with pandemic response for my job. As a reward for getting through that rough patch, I ordered a Fender Vintera 70s Telecaster Deluxe with the extra earnings. That guitar will always remind me to take things one day at a time and focus on the better times ahead. Now I just need a nicer amp like your Vox! Cheers!

[@generatornoiseheavy_a6546]

What’s going on? Hope all is well. The American Performer Tele SH came in today. Seeing that you love Teles, you have to get one of these in your collection. The neck feels so good. It’s satin on the back and the fretboard. I’m hoping to see you make a video of yours eventually. It feels amazing playing this guitar. If you need any more information let me know. Take care.

[@landonbailey]

cheers!

[@alexwalker5645]

I would argue that the you lose money on any new guitar. It’s a matter of which is easiest to resell or trade. I think especially here in the states that both guitars are a great value for what you get. The American Pro’s or older Standards immediately have a higher end feel to the neck. The rolled edges are so nice, the neck finish, the appearance of the necks are more consistently nice etc. The case they come with is tops. BUT...MIMs still feel substantial, the pickups are more raw and I feel more expressive! Electronics a serviceable. You can’t go wrong with either guitar.

[@lexestrada4382]

I bought a Fender FSR American Pro stratocaster in Long and Mcquade just this month. But before that I had Fender American Standard Strat which I sold to my friend two years ago, I did regret it. I am keeping my new Fender FSR stratocaster for sure. I currently also have the Fender FSR butterscotch blonde MIM, which I do really like. I need to get a hard case for it.

[@landonbailey]

nice!

[@v12cat]

Just a comment on price of MIM Players and their residual value. From what I have experienced recently, they hold their money extremely well and any mods or work can easily put their value up above new price. I've just missed out on a nice tidepool player with locking tuners and some luither neck attention. It made £60 more on eBay than I have just paid for a brand new identical one (less the lockers obviously) from a Fender main dealer here in the UK.

[@landonbailey]

Thanks for sharing!

[@cliftongardner4367]

Funny, this went live while I was eyeing a butterscotch Fender tele. I’m blessed to still have a job, so when things start opening up, I think I’m gonna try to go play a few Player series teles and walk away with the one I fall in love with. Nice discussion.

[@landonbailey]

ah good timing! ya try one when you can :)

[@bobbyklipper6290]

I like the American Tele with that nice pickguard for the price of the Mexican , Nice demo Landon !

[@landonbailey]

cheers!

[@BikerBry]

I have a Mexican Strat that I love. I'm thinking about the Mexican Tele. I was looking at the Squier Vintage Vibe, but keep coming back to the Fender Player. Just a better deal all together.

[@froydian9185]

Go Fender for the tone with more character. Vibes are amazing guitars as well but I can’t help but to feel they sound a bit more flat than Fenders. It’s best to just wait and save up for the Fenders.

[@spotterstockholm]

The natural finish is gone from the website because it's Ash. Fender had to discontinue more or less all of their Ash guitars due to an infestation in North America. They are not able to get instrument-quality wood, so 44 products are gone. There's posts about it on The Gear Page and TDPRI, if you want to read Fender's letter to dealers.

[@landonbailey]

no way! thanks for the info

[@rsaragosa]

Good job Landon everything about guitars is subjective. I have both USA Strats and MIM Strats I agree there is a big price difference I don't feel it is justified in my opinion. I heard someone say you could buy guitars made in Mexico by Mexicans or you could buy guitars made in California by Mexicans which I thought was funny. I have heard that at the Mexican plant most of the workers there are musicians so who would know better what a guitar should feel like. Price doesn't always mean it is going to be better I bought a USA Eric Clapton Stratocaster which I got on a really good sale that had to have the nut replaced because the nut was cut wrong and the high E string would slip off the fretboard and I have never had issues with MIM guitars that I have. Your USA Tele doesn't sound like what I think a Tele should sound like because of the humbuckers but that is just my opinion but it does sound nice. Your MIM tele sounds like a tele and as you said is a great value. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@miguelfuentes5047]

I plan on buying a new Fender tele sometime soon. I think I'll go with the Mexican made one. I see a slight difference in overall quality there. It's just simply not enough to make up for the difference in price, in my point of view. I've been a musician for over nearly 4 decades. So I really know what I'll be paying for when I get my new telecaster. Every musician has their personal choice which is something to respect, of course. As for myself, that gigantic price difference doesn't mean that the US of A Fender telecaster is going to magically make me fly, or something like that. I find that the made in Mexico fender tele is good enough, which also means it's not bad at all. I also plan on keeping the damn thing and not re selling it. So that gigantic extra price difference is pointless to me. I'll go for the made in Mexico tele any day over the American one.

[@mattltech]

What's messed up is I have a 2015 Charvel San Dimas that came out of the Fender Mexican factory and it has rolled edges. It also has some of the best fretwork I've ever seen in my 31 years of guitar playing. I paid $600 for it brand new. Now they're $1000. It's just interesting to see Fender cut features while jacking up the prices all while paying Mexican workers an average of $2 an hour.

[@gman2380]

Mexican all day long.. I buy guitars purely on how they feel and play. Choosing an acoustic I played dozens Landon , all the big names and big prices to match and could've bought any of them as I had the wedge to. Yet the one that felt and played the best in my hands was way under a grand. I would bet money I'd find MIM teles sufficient for my needs 😁 ps I buy to keep so resale value doesn't enter into it.

[@Shaun.Stephens]

I agree. 6:44 I laughed out loud, thanks. I love Teles and just found your channel today. Subbed and checking back catalogue as soon as I finish typing. Cheers.

[@landonbailey]

ha thanks! I think I have a lot of old videos that are undiscovered gold. might be fools gold, but anyways! welcome

[@Shaun.Stephens]

@@landonbailey Thank you kindly. :) There's some good stuff there.

[@billhannum4117]

Got a american pro 2 strat and a player series strat in buttercream . I love my player series and just gravitate to it more often the feel is very much like my 2015 american standard strat . The fit and finish on the player is outstanding . Frankly I think a fender is a fender and the difference these days is more about the features rather than quality . I paid 849 u. S. .Dollars for the player I don't think there is a guitar that can touch these at this price. They are solid real deal fenders and I don't buy them with the intent of selling them. I play them . Gonna get a butterscotch tele next like yours . Such a classic work horse of a guitar at a working man's price .This was Leo Fenders original mission and this series is true to those ideas. Can't go wrong with these I own high end american made guitars like les Paul's and strats and I am floored by what fender is offering here with the player series ..what's not to love here. Great perspective Landon and you are spot on with your review of this . My experience has been similar . Goodhonest stuff ....keep it heavy and rock like a mutha ......

[@landonbailey]

the Player series stuff is solid

[@generatornoiseheavy_a6546]

Great video. I’m currently waiting on a Fender American Performer Tele HS. I had the same Tele Deluxe in Sonic Gray but the neck was too thick and there was circular marks all over the body plus the D string would buzz when I was tuning it up, sent it back. The major reason for the difference in pricing is based upon labor of making the guitar. Workers get paid more in the US compared to Mexico and Asia. We never see an American guitar for under $500 brand new but in Asia, they vary from Squier $150 to Ibanez $1000 plus nowadays, that’s crazy. Hopefully you’ll get an American Performer Tele and do a review on it. When it comes to buying a guitar it all comes down to what the individual is looking for. I like the roll edged fretboard of American Fenders and I wanted the Tim Shaw designed pickups because hopefully they might be worth something someday like the pickups he made for Gibson’s back in the day.

[@landonbailey]

'Fender American Performer Tele HS' nice! what colour?

[@generatornoiseheavy_a6546]

Vintage White with the maple fretboard.

[@jrc480]

Used MIM's is all I buy any more.

[@vyvynylification]

I have 3. A stock one, a ltd one with a custom shop paint that replaced the first one and a new ltd with CS '51 nocaster pick ups. ALL three rival my american instruments (pro II, AO60 tele and ultra). Most of the stuff those american ones have can easily be added to the mexican. I take my player series out instead of my fragile, nitro AO60. It's why I got them. they really make me wonder why i paid 3 times (nearly 4 times) as much on my american instruments. They're, at best, 10% better.

[@tonedriverss8629]

MIM or CV any day . Besides , for me the most important part of any guitar is the neck . Its what you play on . Over 2K just because its USA is foolish for me . Made in usa does NOT necessarily make it a better guitar neither does triple the price . Esp a tele , all it is , is a plank with a neck . The neck makes or breaks the guitar for me . I stay clear of bad necks and sharp fret ends . Again bro , excellent honest well done video . Always interesting stuff . Love all your Tele's man !

[@larryalexander900]

Rolled neck is not such a good thing, I've one of those and both e strings slide off if you're not careful. You can get around this by adjusting the saddle spacing but it would be better not to have rolled edges. This from an AO owner.

[@fabioa.565]

I agree with you. I prefer my squier classic vibe 50 strat (2015) over my american standard strat (2009). I onestly regret of buying the american one.

[@mikeledwith4543]

You didn't mention the different nut widths. Wouldn't think 1mm makes much difference, but I notice it right away, and much prefer the wider one.

[@landonbailey]

hey thanks for pointing it out. I definitely did not notice that

[@dragan4658]

MIM better deal due to cheaper labour. Get the MIM, sand the neck edges and the frets. Too bad the MIM doesn't have a belly cut. Many as good if not better guitars for a lot less money even compared to MIM or American Fender: AIO, Wolf, Artist, Sx! Gr8 job Landon!

[@landonbailey]

thanks!

[@Dave062YT]

i just bought a Vintera 60s modified and it's amazing tho it's a shame it doesn't come with a bone nut when a Squier CV at half the price does .

[@mardybum2165]

I'm afraid I'll regret not buying Professional if I buy a Player. Should I save more money and buy Professional? Or wouldn't I regret buying a Player?

[@landonbailey]

I can't say what you would feel :)

[@chrismorgan7494]

I grabbed a butterscotch blonde Professional. It plays like butter. The neck profile and narrow tall frets are very comfortable. I originally wanted to go cheaper, but I got a great deal on a trade in. I like the V-Mods. I might swap the bridge pup for a '54 Seymour Duncan, but really not finding any need to at the moment. It was $1500, kinda pricey but no remorse. The treble bleed circuit is a big plus.

[@stockholm1752]

@@chrismorgan7494 Butterscotch that plays like butter. Not Scotch? 🥃 Seriously though, it’s great to get a good deal, but it’s better to get a guitar that makes you happy. No second guessing, no regrets. Cheers.

[@u2acrobata]

is are everything alright man ??? you sounded a bit "sleepy" on the vid ... but well ... oh well i guess we all ae in this "qurenTimes" we're living ... i hope everithis is going fine with you ... ... great vid ... i agree with you ... we should try before buy it .. sometimes the difference isnt worth the increased price ... but well ... the more you pay ... the best you get ... Keep Rockin ... stay safe ... greatings from Portugal!

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

It all boils down to manufacturing costs -- especially American payroll requirements and other regulations placed on businesses by California. I owe a couple of MIM LE Fender Players. Custom shop pickups ('51 Nocasters in the Tele and Fat 50's in the Strat) and roasted maple necks. Payroll and other business expenses/regulations are far less in Mexico compared to California, as is the cost of living. Quality-wise, the differences are minimal.

[@peterschattmann8298]

Landon, I wish you would take a few minutes to talk about the Squiers, especially their classic vibe models. I think they bring a ton of value relative to their cost.

[@landonbailey]

hey the classic vibe series is great. ya I've done a number of videos on them too :)

[@peterschattmann8298]

@@landonbailey I think the Classic Vibe series offers a quality experience for another tiered price reduction vs Mexican. Honestly, if you are not a professional player for whom the small quality difference might matter more, the Mexicans and even more so, the Classic Vibe offer tremendous value. I am a beginner so I can buy several Classic Vibe guitars of different type and get a feel and learn what I really like. As far as resale, I think with the uprated quality in the Classic Vibe series over the last few years, they will better hold resale value than say an Affinity Squier. Couldn't agree more with you on mods though, mod to your hearts content but don't think you are adding value for someone else. My mods are sensible. I keep the original parts so I can bring the guitar back to stock for resale if I ever get to that point. Cheers and stay well.

[@lomoholga]

The only thing with telecasters is I wish they had more versions with a bigsby. I play fingerstyle Jazz and the lack of a bigsby on most telecasters is a no go for me. Love the chord shimmer they provide.

[@PEPPERMINT606]

Hey check out the schecter fastback 2 series. Im almost an always fender tele person because i like the classic look. This schecter looks exactly like a fender but with more flair. Seymour duncan pickups which are coil tapped, grover tuners and a bigsby that comes with it. Goes for about 600-700 its a tone monster!

[@omervermeulen6832]

-

[@coreysgarden6169]

I suubbed for the tele, but you seem like a real good fella. I'm mar 27 too :)

[@landonbailey]

thanks! happy belated bday :)

[@russellsmith6881]

My USA pro shawbucker Tele has narrow tall frets.. It takes getting used to but have a few pros like easier string bending. Sliding across frets is biggest con..

[@pataleno]

I’ve got a MIM Tele and absolutely love it. I’ve always wanted a Strat and looking to buy a American Pro II. I’m really torn now whether I should.

[@DidarStuff]

Radiohead in the beginning and the end 👌

[@HeiTheDarkReaper]

appreciate your videos landon

[@landonbailey]

cheers!

[@BensMusicDojo]

In the past, I had a MIM Strat and MIM Tele. Both had neck issues that were not solved by taking them to professionals for additional setup/adjustments. That said, I picked them up for free just by being the guy that all their friends knew was in to guitars. However, they never could be setup to where they wouldn't fret out and buzz on certain areas of the fretboard. I'm sure there are good ones out there, I just never have owned one. Personally, I'd buy used if I was in the market for either, but I would buy a G&L used, before I bought Fender. Buying new, I'd buy a Nash.

[@decayedvanguard2014]

I have a 2011 mim j bass and I’ve had none of those issues since I bought it, the quality control is a whole lot better with the mim player series basses and guitars, who knows though

[@BikerBry]

Locking tuners... always!!!! They are the bomb! - for making string changes easy!!!!

[@landonbailey]

for sure!

[@jessekitts3976]

I actually have both of those( I got the red pro) I feel the same as you. Both great guitars!

[@landonbailey]

hey cool!

[@jessekitts3976]

@@landonbailey I flipped the control plate on my player series. I like to cut the tone on the bridge pickup. Just makes life a little easier.

[@planeguy95]

Just bought a MIM Player Telecaster in Butterscotch. Placed the order online with Peach Guitars in the UK. Ideally I'd go to the store to try them, but obviously impossible atm. Heard so many good things about them I thought I'd just go for it

[@landonbailey]

I got mine on Amazon last year and it worked out. Have fun with it!

[@planeguy95]

@@landonbailey Awesome man, I didn't even realise Amazon was an option. Cheers!

[@Andrew-qq8fb]

Locking tuners are more for ease of changing strings than anything. Yes, they will improve your tuning stability, IF your previous tuners were inferior.

[@landonbailey]

definitely an upgrade over cheap tuners!

[@gabthefisherman5030]

Played my father in law's american telecaster for a while and fell in love with the tele.6 months ago i went to buy one i picked up a MIM fender player tele...To this very day i still cant see the goddamn difference when i switch back and forth between the 2...There is probably a difference but never a 1000$ worth difference.

[@landonbailey]

it's not a huge difference for sure 👍🎸

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

They are both great! but the price is way too high for the MIA. My dad has a Gibson Les Paul, super nice. I have a MIM strat. I played both, I like the strat more! I could not believe it. The point is, price is not everything. The MIM is MUCH better value. I would say it is 87% as good, at half the cost. Good deal. Just my two cents though. Good video!

[@landonbailey]

Right on!

[@Rogijimbex]

Nice job - thanks. Man you are a replica of a young Bill Murray - even have a comedic touch. If not mistaken he was Canadian as well.

[@diahndrummond8238]

I agree upgrades will not make you money on the resale market.