Fender Stratocaster HSS Shawbucker - Do You Need a "Fat Strat"?

[@JackFossett]

Thanks for watching! Remember to like and subscribe, and if you enjoy my channel please join me for some music! jackfossett.bandcamp.com

[@sevenonsunday3968]

I have had my fat strat since 2006, and admittedly, I have much to learn about it. Thanks for the information. I look forward to utilizing it's versatility.

[@TheSimpleBeatsTV]

This is quietly the best gear channel on YT

[@JackFossett]

Thank you! Working on turning up the volume 😉

[@CountCarbsNotCals]

Could not agree more.

[@thetincan_man]

I'm impressed, been thinking about modding my standard strat to an HSS and you've convinced me. Very informative video, now I know a fat strat is what I'm looking for.

[@JackFossett]

Oh No It's Ethanol cool, glad the video was helpful!

[@averagegearreviews4109]

Thanks for the clean tones. That Shawbucker seems right at home.

[@k-ondoomer]

Having that quacky neck and a high gain compatible humbucker is just super convient for when you got a varied sound

[@naturebox83]

I can attest to that being a great guitar. Great video, friend. Glad you’re enjoying it.

[@bozopennywize]

I second this, mate

[@hanovergreen4091]

Greetings! Glad you won the competition and hope to hear more of you soon! Tasty playing BTW! Best Regards!

[@LennySugiono]

So glad this video exists, my experience on the fat strat is mixed. I have owned my USA deluxe ‘shawbucker’ Stratocaster for about 7 years (7 oof), owning it for some time I can tell you that I find the hum bucker too be too much sometimes. The guitar I own comes with a blow switch too (turns humbucker on everything to 10) but in all honesty I never use it because the hum bucker is a bit too gnarly. It is excellent if you want to play some heavier styles of music and it sounds gnarly through classic distortion pedals like the DS1 or the rat effectively making it sound like a guitar that is NOT a strat which objectively sounds better through those kind of pedals. You would also think that having the bump in volume would make it effective for solos and yes it does make it louder but it seriously makes you think if louder = better. One thing I notice is that the dynamics play much differently on the humbucker and the single coils which can be very jarring when you have to adjust your playing to blunt the sharper attack of the humbucker. Yes you can adjust the pickup heights but you essentially remove the growl of the humbucker when you do this , you then you just want to sit on your neck or middle pickup all day instead of the bridge (at least in my experience) The way it feels, is like having the neck and middle pick up of a strat and then a completely different guitar at the bridge which in theory sounds excellent and ‘versatile’ and it is but sometimes options for the sake of options tend to get in the way more than they help. Versatile ? Oh yes absolutely Useful ? It really depends Does it blend well ? I can’t say it does Do the pickups sound great independently? Oh yeah they do To conclude, HSS strats are fun and they can sound amazing but don’t go expecting a stratocaster with a hotter ‘strat’ sounding bridge pickup

[@JackFossett]

Pretty much exactly the way I feel!

[@johnbenny7235]

You just told me exactly what I wanted!! But I just have a small doubt. Does having a humbuker at the bridge mess up my neck and middle pickup? They don't Right? My neck and middle still would sound like the perfect strat correct?

[@leoarjuncrasto]

@@johnbenny7235 yes.. if the Humbucker isn't involved it wont affect it at all

[@CesarB]

Agree with you. I entered in the shop to buy hss version and finally comparing both, I ended with SSS. Why? Guitar with two humbuckers are for me for one thing and I discovered SSS is for another context. So I prefer to have two contexts in different guitars and have much widen tone versatility with both. Honestly, I felt in love with classic Strat. I use the other for more overdrive sound.

[@JackFossett]

Classic Strats really just work.

[@ManlyMcBeardFace]

Found a black used mint on GC website for 1,200 out the door after watching this video. Very excited to get my first American Strat.

[@Jeepjones85]

This is one guitar I’ve had my eye on, the humbucker doesn’t bother me, I’m not a purist, I have a regular strat for that lol and I love Gibson’s lol

[@wz1musik]

In a band setting I like the hss purely for versatility of jumping around different song genres or types.

[@93greenstrat]

I love HSS Strats. I had a US Lone Star that came stock with with Fender's 5-way Super Switch; this allowed for the humbucker to be split in position 2. I further modified it to split it in position 3 which was now the front coil in parallel with the neck pickup (a nod to that Tele sound). But variety is the spice of life.....get one of each.

[@JackFossett]

One of each: for the win

[@berkayguner]

This is the video why I went for HSS "Fat Strat". I'm glad I have watched this 😁👍

[@aceman42]

My shawbucker is microphonic. How can i fix it? Its more microphonic than my single coil silver sky on the bridge when i turn on my drive pedal.

[@dcg1976]

Wonderful playing, sounds unique/ sounds best played clean.

[@Ray-Angel]

I have all three options. A traditional Stratocaster, a Les Paul and an HSS. But,for live shows, I like the versatility and convenience of HSS. It does a decent job of covering all the bases.

[@maraviyoso8473]

My HSS is splittable, so I can have HSS AND SSS with the same Strat

[@Ray-Angel]

@@maraviyoso8473 yup I had an American Performer that did that. But my current Strat has a Shawbucker and it doesn't have that option. I don't miss it.

[@spacejamgoliath]

I have this guitar in three color burst and it's my favorite strat ever. Amazing tones and mine really plays itself

[@JackFossett]

Thats awesome. Although I insist my guitars let me play them.

[@spacejamgoliath]

@@JackFossett I'm sure the guys I jam with would prefer if I did too. It does play too easy in a way. I think I might play a little more interestingly at times having to fight my tele

[@JackFossett]

I’ve found that with guitars that are physically harder to play. It may be less enjoyable, but it forces me to be more thoughtful of what I’m actually playing. With an easy guitar it can be a little TOO easy to get hacky.

[@donmunson4802]

You got the only tones I was looking for without activating the HB. So I'm staying with the SSS models

[@charlesmcgowen7238]

The humbucker sounds great clean. Better than the SSS bridge imho. Thanks for posting this video.

[@Astral_Wave]

Just subscribed!. I continually come across your videos and your playing and video layouts are superb. Keep going, you're awesome.

[@JackFossett]

Thank you, appreciate that!

[@wolfmannn2008]

*burp*

[@lordjs9726]

I have a guitar with the HSS pickup configuration. It's a budget guitar, but it's kinda good and I have used it quite a bit.

[@bohonea1602]

Your playing sounds awesome Sir ! Especially the " clean " tones !! I automatically subscribed!!! I'm a life long strat fan.

[@JackFossett]

Thank you, appreciate that! Fellow life long Strat fan

[@seanuvan]

The Shaw Bucker is voiced really well for sitting with those single coils. That being said, I like stacked humbuckers for that single coil bridge sound with a smidge more umph. Or blade style single coil sized humbucker if I want humbucker sound that pairs well with single coils, and both of these options are generally drop in and go, meaning no need for 500kpots.

[@donharrold1375]

HSS is the best compromise on the Strat. The weakest element of the Strat has always been its bridge pickup. It’s brittle and icy sounding. A moderate output humbucker at the bridge fits the bill perfectly and still sounds reasonable combined with the middle pickup.

[@thewilythylacine]

Great demo and playing. The opening chord sequence almost sounded Brian Mayish so I was surprised that it was a Bassman.

[@JackFossett]

Thanks, appreciate that! I’m a big Brian May fan, believe it or not the Bassman and AC30 (especially classic ones) are closer tonally than you might expect

[@matt.guitare4242]

Just bought a fender shawbucker pro i. Ive tried several strats models at the store but when I finally tried the shawbucker my mind blew right away

[@dominikruhrig7282]

First of all, great Video! Second, imo the shawbucker sounds awesome clean, third, imo strats are great for everyone, because there are so many pu-configurations (sss, hss, hsh, hh) and they are great for modifications!

[@eldritch6871]

I like HSS strats a lot, but anything else in terms of humbuckers (HSH, HH) I don't see the point. If that's the sound you're going for, there are plenty of other humbucker guitars made for it. When I see an HH strat I can't help but think to myself "thats a completely different type of guitar disguised as a strat."

[@Dam-oH]

Can I ask. Does the hum bucker have a different volume taper to the single coils. On mine volume 10 on humbucker is louder than single coils but if I drop to 5 on volume, single coils are louder than humbucker. Is that meant to be the case? Seems odd

[@evanpaulsmithfalconfogolin6147]

are single coil american professional stratocasters pre routed for enough room for a humbucker or would it have to be physically cut?

[@1funkybasslady]

Great demo! Just bought the American Professional HSS and absolutely love it! Have never been a fan of the bridge single coil pup. Pretty much useless to me. Love the Shawbucker with so much more depth than the single coil.

[@JackFossett]

Nice - they did really nail it with the Shawbucker

[@cheesesoup2894]

Tried both singlecoil and HSS version in my guitar store couple days ago. If you´d blind test people and them them stuff from both guitars I´m sure at least 95 out of a hundret would prefer the HSS. It sounds like a strat dipped in warmth.

[@timcastle165]

I agree, Leo got it right the first time, even though I’m a new player (ie: just learning at 64). But, after listening to a bunch of players like SRV, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Buddy Holly and Clapton just to name a few, who favor the SSS which sounds great and seems vary versatile and the sound I grew up on. But then you have STYX in which JJ Young plays a Fat Strat which sounds great as well, such the dilemma. I have a SSS Strat and love it, but may be layer way down the road after I learn how to play better I might get a Fat Strat. Great video! Just subscribed!! Oh and and I have two amps: an old Crate GXT Duel Triode 100 and a Fender Super Champ X2 Combo.

[@JackFossett]

Thank you for the support! And congratulations on picking up the guitar! I agree. I think Fat Strats have their place and are cool, but when push comes to shove I prefer SSS.

[@phenixreturns]

no coil split for the humbucker? Strange !

[@LameCarrot]

Think Strat's HSS is the best for me. Especially if I am going to stick to one guitar for quite a long time. It will allow me to play any genre of music than if I get a Les Paul or Strat's SSS/telecaster or an Ibanez's S series.

[@jjzuc]

Sounds great however...... the bridge/middle combo does not sound like 2 single coils out of phase. Close but no cigar. What's a fella to do? Can you do a video showcasing the difference between an H-S-S and an S-S-S in that position?

[@GShockWatchFan.]

The only issue with hss is they are not balanced. The humbucker output is louder

[@JimmyRadloff]

I'm considering buying one of these soon. Sounds great in this video.

[@JackFossett]

You should!

[@JimmyRadloff]

I wound up buying an American Professional SSS Stratocaster and a Godin Session plus, both used in like new condition, for the same price I was going to spend on a new Strat. I'm super happy I did that. Both great guitars.

[@JackFossett]

Jimmy Jams nice - Godin make great guitars

[@JohnBarrylizard]

Beautiful tone

[@nitramvoksmad2404]

Jack Fossett just has the best ear for tone if you’ve ever paid attention that aspect of his musicianship.

[@SirJamalot2000]

The Shawbucker can be coil split, so push pull pot on the bucker if you want both sounds.

[@matt.guitare4242]

Not on the pro i. This option came with the pro ii model

[@matt.guitare4242]

@@keithclark486 I believe you. Mine is a 2019 and no push pod. You can see the guitar on my channel.

[@M4D4F4K4.]

Had a no push model shit.

[@CodyCEngdahl]

You are funny! Great job by the way. I am a SSS guy, but I always think I need a humbucker somewhere, yet I never really dig the sound.

[@JackFossett]

Thats pretty much how I feel. This is my only HSS Strat. And I like it for what it is. But push comes to shove, SSS all the way.

[@johnnymarsicovetere7154]

Anyone have thoughts on adding a split coil to the Shawbucker? I did it with an SD JB and wasn’t a huge fan.

[@angusorvid8840]

I dig the Shawbuckers. Very good, general, do it all kind of humbucker and they split well. I'm one of those players who normally changes out stock to aftermarket pups, but I'd prefer not to have to do this. I'd keep a Shawbucker. They sound fantastic.

[@allguitar887]

Gotta love it. I really dugmy SSS 96 American Standard sonic blue on maple .my fav positions have always been 4and 5....I have my es 335 for humbucker sounds ..but missing so bad the strat ..I am looking at the Fat strats deluxe w roller nut rosewood ,compound neck, atomic humbucker ,shawbucker, s1 switching ..man this would hopefully fill the void from missing my sonic blue Standard..PLUS give me a lil more ... .any thoughts ??

[@JigsawJay007]

I thought I wanted that Blue crest color but there's something about that maple. It's beautiful!

[@JackFossett]

JigsawJay007 talking about the new Ultras?

[@JigsawJay007]

@@JackFossett no it's the Player Strat HSS plus

[@JackFossett]

JigsawJay007 oh gotcha -

[@JigsawJay007]

@@JackFossett I mainly play blues, would u recommend a fender strat SSS or can u still get the same sound with the HSS?

[@JackFossett]

JigsawJay007 the trouble is that a lot of stock HSS strats are geared more towards rock players, and the bridge humbucker doesn’t always sound quite right sitting with the others. That being said, you can still get bluesy with it. I’d just play some back to back at a store if you can and see which suits the sound you’re going for best

[@UmVtCg]

What kinda pot is this Shawbucker attached to?

[@garyclements6946]

I've got P-Rails on my Strat now. Would this brighten up things? (Compared to P90 p-rails)

[@SlavicSon]

Neck and middle sound great too. It I didn’t catch which brand of pups they were?

[@JackFossett]

All stock!

[@SlavicSon]

Jack Fossett okay but what did fender put in as stock? Texas Specials, Fat 50’s? Your playing is fantastic too.

[@JackFossett]

Kafka Films thanks! The single coils were just the American Standard set. The humbucker is the Shawbucker as mentioned

[@michaelevans512]

I like the the low output shawbucker they choose for the American professional because it still sounds like a Stratocaster, and it stays clear with my EVH 5150 amp

[@damien6685]

Thanks for the clip, I'm looking at guitar No. 2, my first is an Epi SG G400 Pro, which I love but now wanting to upgrade/expand to possibly a single coil unit [this afternoon, that changes constantly]. I typically do lots and lots and lots of research, and the bridge pickup seems to be a point of issue with many on the otherwise much loved Strat. The HSS seems to be the answer to this. I couldn't give a rat's what is traditional or which big name plays something the same, I simply play for laffs & giggles ~ but do want something that is a quality instrument that sounds good. This seems to fit the bill. I really enjoyed the various cleans tones. Although guitar choice is a personal thing, I do appreciate the opinion of those that have trod the path before me. In that light, thank you so much for the effort you put into this clip.

[@nickf9392]

Have this guitar and I am really sold on the middle and neck pick ups. They deliver some sweet sound. Was not sold on the stock humbucker, the sound was not impressive, so switched that out with SD, so now position 1 does sound a lot better and very usable, however that change for what ever reason does not work well at all in position 2. Don't think I am an HSS guy at this point. The guitar is gorgeous and plays well, but a little frustrated with it at the moment.

[@JackFossett]

Well, the lucky thing with a Strat is that a conversion is relatively easy. Just need a bridge single coil and a new pick guard to get back to the classic setup.

[@t3mors]

Have you had a chance to play the strat pro II HSS? When in bridge position, does it sound like the bridge position of the SSS?

[@karlabarth5464]

Obviously not

[@TheMacemen]

I added a hot rod to mine and love it....BUT... I Sometimes want the Fender back in it because it is a lot less powerful....

[@vascosantana9662]

Does anyone know if that bridge humbucker gets near the tone/sound of a bridge humbucker of a Les Paul (Im new in this kinda stuff)

[@JackFossett]

If you played them back to back you’d notice a difference, however, if you’re looking for a guitar that can basically cover all that territory this is a very good choice.

[@vascosantana9662]

@@JackFossett yeah I've been watching a lot of videos comparing the two and I cant seem to hear that muddy lp tone in the strat, thank you very much and nice video man 🤟

[@mennoengel8799]

What are the ss in the strat? I almost soled my hss select series. They strat could be named, fatter strat. Being the singel coils have a bit more mid than regular single coils. But after some food thoughts, and messing around in the studio I find it does really works for me. And mostly with some good overdrive/distortion. Bluesy stonerrock, it takes very well. Creating something different.

[@steevenare7160]

Do you think the configutarion of Mini humbucker with two single will stay the sound as the same,, meaning using the single on the bridge. __ [=)???

[@terrygore115]

Fat Strat for me. I'm a humbucker player and play heavier styles of music, but I like having the single coils onboard just in case I need a creamier tone . Hey you never know what the situation may call for.

[@jrenaud22]

Would you mind telling what amp you use in this video? I think the HSS sounds so nice and btw that guitar is absolutely beautiful. Doesn't hurt that you play so super smooth either.

[@OfficialRaddeck]

Is the Shawbucker significantly louder than these single coils?

[@maggieking9669]

I own this very strat. I don't think the Shawbucker is much louder. Seems to be a vintage output humbucker and is the pickup they put in the neck position in the dual humbucker Strat. It's probably around 8.3 out put and the v mod pickups are around 7- 7.6 I believe. The volume difference is not very noticeable to me. I know I don't notice it when playing with the band. The only thing that I don't like is the 2 position does not split the humbucker. The 2 position is thus a bit thicker and darker than with a standard strat. The humbucker though is a bright sound like a vintage humbucker tends to be. I love strats!

[@maggieking9669]

Also this demo is very well done in showing the sounds that my strat makes. Surprisingly accurate capture of sounds!

[@seanuvan]

I seldom ever play a Strat Bridge clean or otherwise, so for my taste, HSS is just a usable option. The fat Strat option is my favorite.

[@iaoshua]

everyone plays 4th position i think, so you loose that chimey mix if u take out the bright single

[@seanuvan]

You can have it wired so that the bridge is split in that position, as not to lose that Sweet Home Alabama sort of sound 👍

[@fordhammie]

Great vid boss... what's the main difference of a Shawbucker vs a Regular Humbucking pickup? Why would I choose a shawbucker over said Humbucker? Thx

[@5T3LTH]

I have 3 strats. 2 are fat strats and one super strat complete with a floyd rose. Also a lp with p90s and a sg. Maybe i need a classic strat or a tele now. None of my guitars have a single coil in the bridge am i missing out?

[@JackFossett]

I think a single coil in the bridge of a Stratocaster is definitely a classic, unique sound. Kind of like the tele bridge sound but more blues and less twang. Just depends on your style. But I’ll never dissuade someone from buying another guitar 😉

[@5T3LTH]

Thanks for the info. Great video by the way. I'll have to keep my eye out for another good deal.

[@henrikjohannessen3017]

I (with help from my dad) installed a shawbucker pro bridge pickup in my strat. But It sounds thin and "tinny". Os that because i made a mistake or is that how it should sound?

[@henrikjohannessen3017]

I should also add that the guitar has more hum and noise in general

[@JackFossett]

Yeah sounds like something might be off.

[@brandonkris8300]

10:00 - 10:10 THANK YOU

[@JackFossett]

Brandon Kris we aim to please here at Jack Fossett & Friends 👍

[@cdnpunk2270]

Short answer: Yes.

[@Joe_whatuknow]

I'm not much of a strat guy because I don't feel like I can do my rock style bridge pickup playing like I can on my tele or any Gibson. I think an HSS strat is more for me, on the other hand, I'm like you described as a traditionalist. I like for my guitars to sound like what they are, and I hate the way the HSS looks.... But I can't imagine having a guitar that doesn't do what I need on the bridge. Maybe I need to try some other pickups or something. the only Strat I have has Seymour Duncans SSL1's . Maybe those are just too vintage for what I want. I only use the neck pickup when I play that guitar.

[@JackFossett]

There are alot of alternate single coil bridge pickups for a Stratocaster that can give you more of an aggressive rock sound. Even humbuckers that fit into a single coil spot.

[@allansmith6715]

Is that made from Ash or Alder? Sweet licks man.

[@joepark9048]

is the bridge pickup Double Tap Humbucking pickup?

[@blizzbee]

The difference between my hss and sss is the stompbox they play through. My sss guitar needs one more boost pedal from the hss setup. (a Boss SD1 is fine) That's it. Both are perfect they way they are.

[@vinnieirvine1365]

I like the shaw bucker in my Lone Star Deluxe- 10k A5 still low enough DCR. I just wish the singles were Tex Mex rather than Texas specials which I think are too bright. The warmer tex mex I bet would be better suited. Anyway I love fat strats over SSS strats. The bridge pickup on a strat is too thin and icepick when it’s wired like a regular strat with no tone on the bridge. I like the bridge humbucker split with the middle pickup as well as the full humbucker with the middle pickup.

[@luenginidubois]

Hi, pickup height (showbucker)? Very nice demo, thanks!!!

[@marvinpues]

From a noob, played acoustic 18 months, getting first electric, this was a straightforward great video. Thanks.

[@JackFossett]

marvinpues glad to know it was helpful!

[@mikeavery1459]

Very good and comprehensive video. Thanks a lot!

[@JackFossett]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Juicexlx]

I would choose an HSS over an SSS, but that's because I'm into Hard Rock & early Metal played with Superstrats. No point in playing that instrument in Clean mode...Except for some kind of Intro/Outro. :D

[@QerstyBass]

Try overwound singlecoils with 500k volumes à la Blackmoore. Now thats metal!

[@gauravk30]

Did you try Ibanez guitars? They are made for distortion and metal.

[@goodboyringo9716]

I would put my 2000 Fender American deluxe HSS or fat Strat up against any new Fender today, it has the LSR nut , rosewood fret board and all stock, I bought it new. Once I tried to sell it on Craigslist but no one Called , they fu_ _ed up , ggggg

[@aircraftdoctor]

I got a Fender American Professional Strat with the hss configuration. Really love it. Excellent versatility. The deep C neck profile really makes the guitar feel like a really nice fit for my hands.

[@JackFossett]

Right on!

[@joaquimsodre5885]

I never took a deepC in my hands, but I’m really curious, do you keep with your strat until today? Thinking about buy 1 by internet

[@aircraftdoctor]

@@joaquimsodre5885 It’s honestly my #1 go to guitar that I able to play to this day, it’s comfortable and never feels like I have to fight the guitar to get the sound I want. I would recommend giving it a try from a local guitar shop. They do have a newer version American Professional 2 Strat, although the first version that I have still rocks to this day

[@joaquimsodre5885]

Thank you for information! I live in Brazil, so I don’t have the opportunity to just try. I played sometimes on American Strats and have a LITTLE knowledge, your advice means a lot 2 me, TY!!

[@eldritch6871]

Can't you just put in a coil split so you get a single pickup tone in the bridge position?

[@JackFossett]

Yes although I’ve never found a coil split humbucker to sound as good as a single coil on its own.

[@wattson6469]

What’s the best for blues ?

[@JackFossett]

I mean, that’s really subjective. I personally prefer the standard SSS Strat across the board. But for a modern blues rock band an HSS would be killer.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

This is exactly the guitar I'm thinking of buying. I haven't checked Fender's site yet, but does the bridge humbucker have coil tapping?

[@JackFossett]

Not on this one, but the one in the video is an older model. Not sure about the new ones.

[@emiliofernet9426]

❤️🎸 sienna sunburst

[@mrfender5001]

Who are you looking at when your talking?

[@JackFossett]

I watch videos by a guy named Bishop Barron who does that kind of "interview angle" which I really liked. Did it for a while but I got alot of comments asking for the direct in the camera look (as well as a few too many wannabe snarky retorts) so about a year ago I switched to straight on.

[@mrfender5001]

@@JackFossett Ah ok I see. Kinda like a 60 mins interview angle.

[@JackFossett]

@@mrfender5001 Yeah, just didn't seem to work in the long run. Sometimes I find the direct looking at the camera to be a little intense, but after trying both I think its the better option.

[@mrfender5001]

@@JackFossett I understand. Thanks for the reply. Do what works for you is always best I say. Thanks man!

[@87rushdi]

hi jack awesome video..going for the first one and fall in love with a preowned of this HSS in the guitarguitar store..would it worth..it was like £500..what details should i look into

[@professorprog4170]

Rushdi Delan Senevirathne if you like it or not and if it works is #1. If you can do blind tests that would be best

[@davegrohl486]

Great video. If you need more punch and don't want to lose the original stratocaster sound you can install Dimarzio Areas or even YJM set from Seymour Duncan...

[@babyheejin149]

the kind of music i want to play is all over the place - i want to play bands like Rush and GNR and then also grateful dead and then going way back to things like chuck berry, what pickup style and guitar would you suggest?

[@diddyfaplord]

Emg 81

[@Bruhaha9]

As someone unfamiliar with strats and electrics in general, I would have liked to know which pickup you were switching to every time with a caption. Thanks though.

[@keithm5224]

Look at the switch. The positions directly correspond to the pickups

[@tombain5665]

Great video, again! I have an HSS strat rosewood fingerboard for the versatility it offers. Its loaded with Texas specials, neck and middle which are just fine, although not as clear as your pick ups, they are darker. Which could be me! Or my Blackstar amp coordination. Unfortunately my humbucker pickup in the bridge position is just as harsh as a single but twice as loud. The bridge typically is not wired to a tone control. Is yours? Mine is, for me, unusably bright. Have you any recommendations please. My other electric guitar is a USA 72 anniversary custom tele, maple neck with a humbucker at the neck. All pick up positions are sweet. I just love Fenders and necks which I find very playable. Thanks for your great in depth videos. Tom UK

[@JackFossett]

I'd think about changing the wiring -- better pots and a higher quality capacitor may fix those uneven tonal issues.

[@tencoot]

This guitar is American Professional or American Elite ???

[@JackFossett]

Standard. Older version of the pro, basically

[@tecnoline57]

Hello, Congratulations on the tests. I would have to choose between a new STATOCASTER VINTERA 50 MAPLE NECK and a STATOCASTER AMERICAN ELITE MAPLE NECK ex demo (with guarantees) at the same price. Music genre: CLAPTON - GILMOUR - KNOFLER. I'll proceed to the tests anyway. Which would you choose? Thanks. I always follow you

[@hotrodsgarage]

The "Fat Strat" is THE most versatile guitar. You can play country, jazz, rock, and metal with this configuration. A good instrument to have in your quiver.

[@johndaugherty4127]

Fantastic!

[@JT-gm4fk]

HSH strat for me

[@vanessajazp6341]

I hate the shrill, thin sound of a single coil in the bridge.

[@yogsothoth4717]

Im torn between the HSS and the SSS

[@JackFossett]

I definitely prefer SSS, but HSS has its place

[@guswaves]

Excelent video man

[@JackFossett]

Appreciate it!

[@sixfoursoul2538]

I picked up one used are guitar center for great price has a FAT C Neck plays great , but I am on the fence about the sound. The single coils seem a bit muddy to me and the shawbucker lacks sustain.. like it the sound is compressed ..But yours does not sound like that.. hmmm , oh well for the price I paid its worth trying some different pups ..seriously why not just throw a JB in the bridge

[@JackFossett]

I think the fact that this one is Ash helps the muddiness. Was yours Ash or Alder?

[@sixfoursoul2538]

@@JackFossett Alder.. yeah I can't make sense out of it all other strats including Mexi Strat sound more crisp and clear I just called Fender today they said it's definitely V mods with the shawbucker

[@JackFossett]

@@sixfoursoul2538 there are really so many variables that go into a guitars tone that it can be hard to lock it down sometimes. I have two SGs that should in theory be identical but are like night and day (in context). Different pieces of wood I guess.

[@sixfoursoul2538]

@@JackFossett Actually I am not even sure if it ash or alder...hmmm its gorgeous tho some weight to it

[@yakacm]

When did you last see a Strat with the whammy bar still attached, lol🤔

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

Nice video, but I was looking for an answer to the name "Shaw-Bucker". Is it named after Tommy Shaw of Styx by chance?

[@JackFossett]

WhoWouldWantThisName no they’re designed by a guy named Tim Shaw

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

@@JackFossett Okay, cool, thanks.

[@voodoochild1975az]

To me? The Fat Strat is the Stratocaster perfected. You lose the least useful, least used Strat position, the bridge, to add a humbucker to give you EVH and a decent Gibson sound. With the flick of a switch you can go from EVH to SRV, Black Sabbath to Pink Floyd. It's more complicated, balancing the volume of the single coils with a humbucker is a hassle. Buckers want 500k pots, single coils like 250k... So to do it right, you need 500k everything with 500k resistors in line on the single coils to make them see a 250k load... But when you have single coils working well with a humbucker... The result is glorious and the arguably the most diverse single guitar there is. A Fat Strat will change you as a player. Your on the fly tonal arsenal is greatly expanded and I find myself reaching for that switch more than any other type of guitar. As my main, that tonal range is just... Part of my playing now. So do _I_ need a Fat Strat? Yes actually. After decades it has become foundational to my own personality as a player. I straight need one. Cut 14 guitars down to 1? It's gonna be a good HSS Strat. It's the core of my personal sound.

[@sharonapple26]

Are those the v mod pickups?

[@2112-j9j]

Yep sound great