Fender Stratocaster: Player vs Performer vs Professional - What are the differences?

From Jimi Hendrix to Eric Clapton the Fender Stratocaster is iconic! Over the years there has been many different models of Stratocasters at different price points. Now we have the Player the Performer and the Professional, but what are the differences? | tinyurl.com/25wlr4no
» Check out the full range of Fender Player Stratocasters | tinyurl.com/2xh39ech
» Check out the full range of Fender Performer Stratocasters | tinyurl.com/24d3uoka
» Check out the full range of Fender Professional II Stratocasters | tinyurl.com/2bh7euaf
» Check out all our Fender Strats! | tinyurl.com/25wlr4no
The Fender Stratocaster is likely the most iconic guitar ever made. With a shape that has inspired countless other brands to follow suit, its influence is indisputable. Gracing countless stages in the hands of many world-renowned guitar players, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck to name a few, you know if you pick up a strat you'll be playing the best of the best.
Several key differences separate the Player, Performer and Professional series of Strats. Made in Fender's Mexican-based Ensenada factory, Player series guitars stand as the entry-level and most affordable of the three ranges. That said, they are totally uncompromising on quality and playability. Featuring a wide range of hardware & pickup configurations and finishes, the Player series guarantees something for everyone.
A slight step up in price, the Performer series is the most affordable US-made range of Fender guitars. Formerly known as the American Special series, the Performer doesn't reinvent the wheel, but rather builds upon the stable foundation of the tried and tested Special. Featuring newly-designed Yosemite and DoubleTap pickups, smooth satin-finished necks and available in some tasteful colour options, there’s no reason why these guitars can’t stand proudly alongside their more high-end counterparts. With each model coming with a Fender Deluxe Gig Bag, you can perform with these instruments night-after-night - just as their names suggest!
Finally, the Professional series encapsulates all the greatness of Fender American-made instruments.It’s a re-imagining of the classic design from the ‘50s, housing new electronics and shaped ever so slightly different to improve the overall playing experience. All the retro tone, none of the clunky playability. Each pickup is specifically voiced for its position, be it in the bridge, middle or neck positions. Pickup master Tim Shaw designed the alnico V-Mod single coils to produce powerful nuanced tones and sound punchy combined with the treble-bleed circuit. The neck has a deep C shape embedded with tall narrow frets, so you get a hint of the retro flavour with the smoothness of a modern guitar.
Rob's amp: Boss Katana 50 1x12 Guitar Combo Amp | tinyurl.com/25qszhqg
Lee's Amp: Fender Champion 50XL in Black | tinyurl.com/28tbsf49
Check out our full range of Fender gear here! | tinyurl.com/25wlr4no
Check out our comprehensive Fender Stratocaster buyer's guide here: ➡️www.andertons.co.uk/fender-st...
Our Top 5 Strat Players & How To Sound Like Them:
➡️ blog.andertons.co.uk/sound-li...
👕 Buy A T-Shirt 👕 | tinyurl.com/vdq7rmg
You've watched the videos & seen the store, now join the Andertons Family with our exclusive, official merchandise! With free UK delivery on all orders containing only a T-Shirt, Hoodie or Jumper & super low international shipping costs, there is no better time to be an Andertons fan than now!
Interested in other Andertons KZbin channels? Click on one of these links to find out more…
Andertons Guitar & Bass KZbin Channel: goo.gl/kRJCpb
Andertons Drummers KZbin Channel: goo.gl/9yKSS9
Andertons Keyboard KZbin Channel: goo.gl/ns172M
Andertons Shopping Web Site: goo.gl/TPsG2Q
Make sure to subscribe to Andertons TV for more great videos like this: goo.gl/aAzyQM
#Andertons #Fender #Stratocaster

[@RTDURAZO]

For a second I thought this was about a guitar player vs a guitar performer vs a guitar professional and was waiting to get real philosophical, but I dig this as well.

[@jimishreds]

So Lee, Rob and Danish Pete?

[@Prince_Luci]

Lol

[@blakedavis2447]

It appears you don’t play fenders then huh ? Lol

[@peopledonotexist]

thats why theyre named the way they are so youre kinda correct lol

[@lucaswallo8127]

why philosophical

[@sublyme2157]

"Even the bridge pick up is usable" The nicest compliment a strat can receive.

[@fabiogasperini4809]

Jeff Beck is smiling.

[@melvynobrien6193]

If people are not using their bridge pickups, they likely aren't cutting through well in the live mix. The neck pickup sounds great onstage, but mushy and unclear fifty feet from the stage.

[@dbo4506]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@lucassmith179]

@@melvynobrien6193 say that to john mayer

[@americafirst847]

Can you guys please say the US prices too, thanks chaps!

[@Hoscitt]

When did it become a world where £1000 guitars don't come with a case?!

[@robcobi]

Inflation is bitch. I'd prefer no case at all since I have to pay for the soft case with the guitar then a hardshell after it arrives.

[@deeremeyer1749]

@@robcobi "Inflation" is a MYTH. If this were still a "world where thousand pound guitars" came with cases, you wouldn't have a wireless device to access the internet and bitch about "inflation".

[@kennethkennethson4991]

@@deeremeyer1749 what are you even on about

[@StudioBrock1337]

@@kennethkennethson4991 Maybe they're one of those blokes who thinks if we just act really hard like it's the 1950's it'll become the 1950's?

[@stephanguitar9778]

@@robcobi Especially as wage inflation for real people has been zero for the last 15 years or so.

[@WolchBot]

Let it be known, any guitar maker is welcome to use my bones to make guitar nuts after I have died.

[@teemusid]

I'm imagining a guitar maker re-releasing a signature guitar posthumously, with nuts made from the guitarist's bones. I've creeped myself out.

[@m0j0b0ne]

It's worth noting that while not vegan, bone nuts are cruelty-free, because the material is never harvested before the animal is deceased.

[@mcneish75]

James Wilczewski genius! I think there should be a donor campaign! Unless Gibson gets there first with “authentic deceased guitarist bone nuts”

[@johnheath970]

Mojo Bone “Cash for your dead black cat” ads like title loan ads.

[@mcneish75]

Bananarchy 🤣

[@dr7246]

The chemistry between these two, plus the irreverent video editing, make these things so enjoyable to watch

[@stanislavmigra]

yes

[@travisfarrell9222]

Top gear for guitars

[@WowIndescribable]

No 'glass breaking' effects in this one and still really enjoyable!

[@ghazypangerang6118]

How to buy a Strat: 1. Enter a guitar store. 2. Look at the Strat in its glass case. 3. Play the "May I Help You" riff with another guitar in order to call for assistance in opening the case. 4. Play the Strat, but no Stairway. 5. When the clerk asks to put the guitar back, it is highly recommended to feel a little bit "Saucy". 6. Pay for the Strat in cash. 7. Cha-Ching!

[@Therealbackslabbath]

Then raise the bridge, file down the nut and take the buzz off the low E.

[@Tarry182]

It will be mine, oh yes. It will be mine.

[@rick8575]

What was the may I help you riff again?

[@ghazypangerang6118]

@@rick8575 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqWVpnmdf9xnmJo

[@viewtifulgold4223]

EXCELLENT

[@symphotronix3725]

Quick A/b/C 11:09 Player Rob 13:22 Player Capt. 19:37 Performer Rob 21:37 Performer Capt 24:10 Performer Capt 28:00 Pro Rob 35:26 Pro Capt 35:53 Pro Capt 36:17 Pro Capt

[@CG-yf4qi]

Thank you 😆

[@ognovak]

Usually my anxiety kicks in when people balance guitars, but I was too busy dying laughing the way the video was edited. This is my favorite guitar channel on KZbin.

[@Gma7788]

You live a tragic life. So you like listening to liars.

[@wspeed657]

The honking when the captain was grabbing the neck had me laughing out loud!! Well done!

[@pawelpawel1396]

Yes, whoever is editing those Adertons videos - you're making my day more often thane anyone else. And I'm a married guy

[@Mulgy]

dont know what i like more the honking or the mugs exploding, the editors dont get enough credit for these videos.

[@maximilien_4382]

@@pawelpawel1396 The editor's name is Rory McClean. He's got a brilliant youtube channel and is a phenomenal guitar player. It's been a long time since he uploaded tho...

[@Millo1868]

It definitely got me cracking up as well!!!

[@JodySinclair]

Definitely hahaha. I came to the comments just to see if anyone else was in the same boat. I'm not even sure why it's so funny but it is!

[@ROLEPLAYA64]

One of the best videos you guys have ever done. Why? Unboxing (we get to see genuinely how they come straight from the company) no massively long jam intro (I love Lee's playing, but I tend to skip the jams, as I want to know about the product) actual in video stats for the guitars, and showing what you get at different price points AND daring to say what you like/dislike. PLEASE do more like this!

[@TheReliableBeacon]

Got a player's series strat for my 18th last year. I absolutely love that thing, plays perfect out the box and I love the sound

[@guitarradioshow]

I own a Pro Series and couldn’t be happier. It’s so different than any of my older Strats. It’s really the culmination of all the things folks have wanted over the years and either modded themselves or complained they didn’t have. The Bridge pup is just as useable and truly matched to the other pups. No Ice Pick sounds. The V-Mods and wiring is top notch. Great review guys..

[@RByrne]

I agree. I've owned nearly all levels of Fender, and the Am Pro ii is really where its at, along with the Ultra line. Both are a little different in tone and features, but feel very similar.

[@MiguelMartinez1980]

Honestly, it's a joy to watch these two gentlemen together you can see them genuinely having fun.

[@thehound2161]

The addition of the straight out of the box is very nice Andertons. TY. Someone should get a raise with that added bonus.

[@wpdoyle]

I love your videos. People come to see what some thing sounds like and learn about them, not to watch some guy use the demos as an excuse show off. You guys actually understand that. Thank you!

[@tomaskey6844]

Thank you for this review! I got my Player Plus Top SSS Tobacco Burst two days ago and am loving it and feel much better about my choice after hearing your review.

[@davidsargeant9312]

Could you do one for fender telecaster please, ie fender player, fender deluxe Nashville, and fender Professional. 👍🎸👍

[@stopstalkingyouspookybastard]

i bet they already shot it

[@abetteryou2025]

Love 2018 prof tele

[@Hoscitt]

Absolute yes to this! 👍

[@haus05]

got a pro tele and a pro strat both 2019 love both but that tele just has me .. thought i was a strat guy (I am) but man o man teles rule

[@davewalsh3885]

I have a semi hollow Tele Player with P90's. Great guitar.

[@krisjones329]

Guys, just wanted to say I watched this video and went and bought the Professional from your online store - just wanted to say it was a great experience, great service and delivered within 5 days, which is amazing given the current climate! I love it. Thanks so much!

[@rayyan1495]

Same

[@Gearhart_Music]

I know this is an old video, but I just bought a player series Strat and I LOVE it!!

[@spirit_green]

Same, bought mine recently. HSS config too.

[@epmstrathss4222]

I really like the concept and designs of the American-made entry-level Strats.... IOW, the Performer/Special in the HSS configuration....

[@mikeparham7994]

MIM is a quality instrument. All of them are workhorses.

[@mattmanley7118]

editing is top notch and hilarious and I've been WAITING for this exact video. Love you all at Anderton's!!!!

[@jasonprater7802]

Forgot to mention about the Pro Series: 1. Treble bleed volume 2. And bottom tone knob also controls the bridge pickup to cut down ice pick tone

[@donharrold1375]

Agree with Rob the S1 switch is killer. The ability combine pickups in series creates a guitar with absolutely unmatched versatility.

[@mikaelforss5725]

I've been following this channel for quite some time now, and I must say that Lee has really improved on his playing.

[@jasonbaker5430]

I tried the MIM Standard and Player series last year and both were great. After playing them for a while, I bought the Standard. One of the few cases where I actually preferred the ceramic pickups

[@mattheweastel129]

The pro series sounds stunning! Beautiful cleans with so much clarity

[@DropDee44]

Recently bought the Player Series Tele with humbuckers and its absolutely fantastic! Plays like a dream, holds tuning very well and sounds amazing!

[@Chtulushotsauce]

I got a player series Strat and for how much I wanted to use the Trem it wouldn’t stay in tune very well. But I got some fender locking tuners and now it stays in tune even with insane Trem use and I absolutely love it.

[@JimKerstetter]

Lee when a guitar makes you play better it means you should buy it. Your playing was outstanding in this video.

[@danialharis6640]

Loving the Andertons unboxing vids!! ❤️✨

[@settralives]

Just bought a Player Strat from you guys, Tidepool with maple fretboard. So excited for it to come on Saturday! Thanks for the vids :)

[@m80prs]

Great stuff lads. Love these shows🤘🏼

[@americafirst847]

I actually just bought the preformer and I can’t be happier with my strat. I love the headstock, looks like the one Hendrix used.

[@jamesdinopoulos2243]

Just grabbed a player Strat in Capri Orange. My first Strat ever having been a Les Paul guy for oh so long. I'm obsessed.

[@teemakarov9375]

What a great video. I have to agree with Rob that the player strat surprising sounded the best although I’d be in heaven with any of them. After 45 years of doodling on lots of different guitars, I’ve come full circle to a strat with a 5 watt tube amp. The only drawback is not being able to open tune as opposed to a lp or tele.

[@Dochorahan]

My first Fender was bought last year. An HSS player in buttercream. Beautiful playing and sounding guitar. In fact, I love it so much I bought another player series with SSS pickups last week and I'm very happy. I could have bought a professional but I am more than happy with the MIM value and the alnico 5 pickups sound sublime. Everything from early 60s rock, to Jazz, and even heavy metal (w HSS setup).

[@zachdods]

Just got my American Performer and I love it! It plays amazingly. But I played loads of Player series models and loved them too. I never looked at the American Pro because it was too far out of my price range.

[@parsycho]

Are you going to keep it forever ?

[@the.communist]

@@parsycho forever is a big word

[@elefsidi]

I like how the performer series strats are based on the 70's ones. Those guitars were amazing for rock.

[@koelink88]

So happy you did this. I now understand the difference better. Awesome guys!

[@justingarzamusic]

Picked up a tide pool blue player series with a maple neck about a year ago and it instantly became my main axe. I even bought it blindly and I’m blown away with how good it feels and sounds. Was pleasantly surprised with the neck being satin and super smooth.

[@darrellrobinson9354]

Is it my imagination or has Lee's playing really improved a lot over the past two years?

[@aliensporebomb]

36:42 you aren't the only one who noticed....

[@commentfreely5443]

better than getting worse

[@prestachuck2867]

He takes private lessons from the JustinGuitar guy.

[@spartan_xbox7169]

@@prestachuck2867 does he really?

[@TheBigDean18]

@@spartan_xbox7169 Yes. There's a ton vids on KZbin of them playing. On this channel and Justin's channel.

[@timg7942]

Omg that white performance series is absolutely gorgeous. It's stunning. Wow so beautiful.

[@Will_hickling99]

Loved your playing Lee!!

[@THEPHYSICALSPIRIT]

Nice video and playing all round. Always enjoy the across the pond stuff. Cheers.

[@lohanette]

I never knew about the tiny spring in the tremolo arm hole. Explains why I kept finding small springs all over my house.

[@JuanmaBlanc]

I have the performer in lake placid blue...one of the best guitars I've ever played. Looks gorgeous and plays like a beast.

[@charlie-obrien]

Everyone should have a LPB guitar. It's the classic color that says, "I've got taste!"

[@brucepiland]

I bought a standard Strat and Tele when they discounted them when the Pro series was released. Love them.

[@ayrtongraham]

Rob youre such a beast on guitar. Great to hear you smash out some Jimi

[@napalmhardcore]

I think my ideal Strat would be: 1) Nitro lacquer. 2). Medium-low output/vintage pickups. 3) No "treble-bleed" circuit. 4) 9.5" radius. 5) Satin neck. 6) Either traditional tone/volume setup or possibly one of the configurations that has tone for the bridge. 7) Silver coloured hardware I'm not allergic to (I'm allergic to nickel and possibly other stuff like chromium) including stainless frets. I don't care too much what trem system is used as I normally setup as a hard-tail anyway. I've not really experimented with different frets, but I'm guessing medium jumbo would be a safe bet. Playability-wise I'm fine with rosewood or maple (never tried pau ferro but I imagine it's fine), but I generally prefer the look of a maple board on Strats. When it comes to finish my overall favourites are either a traditional 2 Colour Sunburst with white pickguard and a maple neck or Black with white pickguard and maple neck. I already have a Classic Vibe in sunburst, so if I got another Strat I'd go for a Black one.

[@crorivpro]

This was an entertaining video but also very helpful to me as I'm trying to figure if I want to pop for the extra 500 bucks for the professional.It's looking like the performer will suit me just fine.

[@JohnUllyatt]

You guys are great. This is exactly what I wanted to hear about.

[@User-ew6cs]

CLEAN TONE 13:24 PLAYER 21:20 PERFORMER

[@gaelmargrace]

Rordon Gamsay thanks

[@User-ew6cs]

THE GAELIC no problem it really does help when your trying to hear the tone difference

[@MegiddoProductions]

Not all heroes wear noses

[@stevenpricehereford]

I played a silver sky a suhr classic pro and an American professional back to back and purchased the fender. Tone was so good.

[@stratsteveo106]

I have a player hss and being able to split the coil brings the best of both worlds. Amazing guitar and by far my number 1. After buying it I got rid of my American because my player was by far a better guitar. I switched to fender locking tuners but that's all it needs.

[@victortheriault5021]

I have a players series and got my guitar tech to give me one of those springs. Fixed that wobbly tremolo arm issue. And with the 2 point trem it feels like an American. Plus turning your volume down just a hair gives any guitar more cream. Joe bonamassa teaches that

[@caiusmadison2996]

Volume play has always been in the arsenal of many guitar greats. Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jeff Beck, Hendrix, Jimmy Page, they all did this. The thing that stood out to me was that these gents like the Kluson tuners, which are not superior as they say. They hold because the gears are friction heavy with the ratio they are made to. Not ideal when using the whammy as profusely as Rib normally does. Do dives allowed with those.

[@garyjford1981]

Lovely stuff - great jam out!

[@frankzappa951]

The blind fold test would have been interesting. Heard nothing but great things about the Player Series and the quality of these guitars. The Alnico 5s sound great to me too.

[@guitarfreak585]

That tone Rob's got on the white strat is magical.

[@markallen2576]

Love the player series keep up the good work guys enjoy the videos from the states

[@e.paradigm7415]

Got my pro2 last week, just waiting for the Fender Jr Amp to get going! Can't wait.

[@granthalbleib2593]

The Professionals are some of the greatest guitars I’ve played. Picked up a Pro Tele a few months ago and love it!

[@turamvar]

"the tones becomes a little less springy when you lose the spring". Brilliant.

[@MrCery01]

Nice video! I'd like to see the same video about the fender basses

[@BoozyBeggar]

15:50 "notched volume knob" ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT IDEA

[@mruncletheredge]

Recently got a new Player Series and I'm really digging it... The body itself seems just a tad bit thicker... I don't if I'm just seeing things though... But the neck is really smooth... I didn't care for the finish on Maple, so I sanded the finish off and put some Tru Oil on it and now it's just spanking... Also scalloped the high frets... Anywho, at its price point, it's pretty bad ass...

[@SeemsLikeSomething]

The Pro definitely sounded the most stratty to me. And the balanced tones made it very pleasing to the ear. No shrill highs and a nice tight low end. But even still, a nice warm tempering to the sound that I love.

[@guitarhiker4449]

Nice review so far guys! I played my uncles pro series strat and i did not like the narrow tall frets at all! The string height was a bit high too when he first bought it but that was adjusted. He purchased the double humbucker version aswell. I am curious to see if i would have liked it better with 3 singles coils instead being that i am a traditionalist? Although that doesnt change the narrow talls... I wasnt a big fan of the modern C profile neck either but to each his or hes own! I think i like the classic player 60's strats over the newer player series strats too. The performer series looks and sounded nice! Curious about these new yellowstone pickups too? Rock on guys!!

[@keithcarter9396]

Great episode, top playing from both guys. I liked the smooth tone of the professional the best.

[@maciejzygmuntowski6748]

I have the player stratocaster in left handed version. Definitely an awesome guitar and totally worth the money. Well finished, good sounding pickups, looks like high-end guitar and plays like one, 22 frets, spaghetti logo, tone pot for the bridge pickup,, stays in tune... what else do you need ?

[@Pawel82]

Dokładnie

[@lapk78]

If the Player was a bit too hot and didn't have enough "quack", perhaps the pickups were set a bit too high. Drop them a bit, and that could help. My Player Strat sounds very "traditional" with a beautiful tone.

[@JamnThang]

That little spring in the tremolo arm socket is crucial for providing the very tension required to keep the tremolo arm from swinging away from precisely where you like it. Fender and other parts dealers sell them by the dozen; packaged in a plastic bag with stapled hanging Fender label. A dozen lasts me over a year of regular use. It's an aspect of the overall Am Standard two fulcrum or Vintage six-screw tremolo systems that Jeff Beck and I rely upon to eliminate any wiggle of the arm in the socket, OR the arm from dangling away from quick use.

[@FLORIDAERO]

I wish Andertons was in West Palm Beach, Fl. I would totals live there. Thanks guys for all you do,

[@steven_84_182]

You just can't beat a hearty slab of Chappers and The Captain! 🎸🤘🏻

[@reviewforthetube6485]

Love the player series it can keep up with any strat

[@philclarke7712]

The others are for posers and lotto winners.

[@reviewforthetube6485]

@@philclarke7712 I mean I wouldnt say that man not posers now money I can agree with but owning a very nice custom shop are not for posers all of them are nice I'm just saying for the money the player series is amazing

[@philclarke7712]

@@reviewforthetube6485 well, diminishing returns. I suppose I value practice and skill over shiny bits but at the same time, if it makes you happy...

[@LonelyGamr]

@@reviewforthetube6485 custom shop look hideous.spend all that money to look like a hobo guitar.

[@thedaways]

Thanks guys really helpful, even watching a year later. The differences in your trem preferences is really interesting.

[@fabienv1146]

Very good job for this video:Rob's playing very well. I love the sounds of the Pro.

[@GabrielVelasco]

I just purchased a Player Stat (HSS, Maple Neck) a few months ago, and it's fantastic. Definitely worth the extra bucks over the Squire, but it was nearly impossible to tell the difference between the MiM and the Professional series American Strats. The Player series alnico pickups actually sounded better, to my ear at least, than some of the ones on the Professional series American Strats. I'm pretty happy. I like the 22 jumbo frets too. They feel great and were well dressed. Mine also has the 2-point tremolo and dedicated bridge pickup tone control. I think these are possibly the best Fender value right now.

[@rtomas47]

American and Mexican strats are the same quality, mexicans just dont want too much for their work

[@gabrielmuchacho5194]

@@rtomas47 hahahahaha

[@tilenjk02]

I'm plannign to bug Player Strat also with HSS, maple. What was your reason to buy with HSS and not SSS?

[@GabrielVelasco]

@@tilenjk02 I have lots of distortions. Sometimes I want the sound of a high-output pickup for that super-saturated fuzz sound. Sometimes I like the sound of the crunchy chimey single coil overdrive. HSS gives me more options.

[@OrbisFerrum]

@@tilenjk02 I also grabbed and HSS and FWIW the humbucker on the bridge gives you a darker tone than the standard bridge pick-up which helps tame those harsher highs. Also worth noting that on the HSS strats at least the second tone knob controls the bridge pick-up. That means you have a usable humbucker in the bridge position for more distorted stuff. HSS seem, to me at least, to be a more versatile configuration.

[@mattdotham]

That smile when Chap asked "How far do you screw it, Lee?", and a golden answer after that. Top comedy guys.

[@paulhorvat8750]

The ``Bone`` for the nut is usually horn from deer antler , or elk , witch they sell at auction in 100lb lots to 500lb , in Wyoming and Montana, Colorado area.

[@asmundlunde7762]

Great and useful video! Thanks:)

[@jimdemassi8788]

Great vid except I would have put the Elite in there as well. It is a production model and not custom shop and I would have liked to hear your comparison adding in the Gen 4 Noiseless pickups. It also goes to a two point Trem like the Players series and would like to have heard your thoughts on that as well. Next definitely do the Tele range...but include the bloody Elite!!! ;-)

[@stanislavmigra]

22:46 this talk reminds me of Steve Morse and his 4 pickup guitar with like 12 nobs and switches for like 60 different configurations and that madman use them all in live situations.

[@conorfurlong]

Really helpful video. Thanks.

[@sordel5866]

I'm not sure why but ... it really helps to see the unboxing experience here.

[@oyesuken]

Nicest grooves that I have heard from the Captain all the way through!!

[@mrericchwang]

Love my 2012 American standard, The now professional series. If you can, get one used for like 700-800, they are seriously amazingly built guitars.

[@robertiaccarino4363]

American Standard is the best "Bang for Buck" guitar ever professionally produced; I have 4 and thy are all reliable and consistent instruments.

[@dansands6363]

That’s what’s great about the MIA Fenders. They’re absolutely fantastic guitars but you can find them used for not much more than the price of a MIM Fender. Might as well just go for the USA Strat

[@harryfraser251]

Me too. I have a 2012 stock American Standard and it's the best Strat I've ever played. Have American Vintage '59 and a custom shop and it smokes them both.

[@potterman83]

As an American std owner I must say that the professional series is basically the same. But the pro-neck and Freya configuration is far more satisfactory IMO.... the only big difference to me!

[@jessesmith2906]

I just picked up an American pro and I’m still undecided about the neck it feels pretty thick

[@RubenMiguel10]

I Would LOOOVE to see one of this for the telecaster, player, vintera, performer, and professional. WE NEED THIS VIDEO GUYS!

[@VojtaHanak]

Happy you mentioned that little spring. If you lost it already a piece of surgical tubing should do the trick. (like for pickup scews)

[@mmaker83]

Pau Ferro update for those interested: he's doing absolutely great at Juventus

[@j_laf9575]

Have my eye on a Player series strat at the moment. Thank you for a very informative video!! PS Capt Lee should do ASMR videos of him reading guitar specs hehe Edit: could you guys do a fender vs Chapman shootout? Say like an ML1 Pro Traditional vs Fender Pro series Strat, or ML3 Pro Traditional vs Fender pro series Tele? Would love to hear the difference in pickups and your thoughts on their applications in song contexts

[@MrYatesj1]

GC on line is a great place to find used MIM for $400 or MIA for $700 ish. Think carefully and realize you get 45 days at GC to play the ax, if you don't like it return it for the shipping cost $20 or if there is actually something wrong with it at no cost. Happy hunting!!.

[@Blues-man.]

Another great video boys, Thanks...

[@stevemorris3710]

Great comparison, thanks Kryten, thanks Rimmer.

[@AidoneusPluto]

As much as I'd like to agree with Rob on the restrictions that having a "Standard" model Strat would bring to Fender, I'd raise the example of Gibson. They've had a Les Paul Standard for decades but they keep coming up with new sublines for other stuff like the Studio, the Special, the Custom, etc. If anything, Fender probably replaced the Standard with the Performer because it gives that placebo effect of, "Oh this model is what performers use so like musicians and stuff that means this must be THE guitar".

[@Randomguy547]

I wonder if this calls for an updated version of the Expensive Guitar and Cheap Amp vs Cheap Guitar and Expensive Amp?

[@nicoladolby2154]

Would love to hear a comparison between Vmod & N4 pickups. Really good video.

[@peterspokes4579]

Good mention of the protective film. I recently bought a Strat Performer and was a little disappointed by the scratch marks until my daughter noticed the almost invisible film. Knobs and a few screws needed removal to remove the film.

[@thetruth1024]

I played an American pro and a Player. I preferred the Player’s warmer sound and med-jumbo frets. The Player is a such a great value.

[@matthewgallo5555]

Not mentioned, but good to know: With the performer series you can use all three pickups simultaneously if the push/pull knob is up and selector switch one up from bridge position

[@heyou429]

They mention it around 22:25

[@svogender]

Thanks for info...!! 👍👍

[@bobubastardbbqandmetal9908]

I bought the 2020 player Strat yesterday. It plays like an American Standard..great quality. I will say for tuning stability, tighten the strings so that the bridge isn't floating. That made a huge difference. Also replacing the string tree with the rolling ones would be better. Its literally a less than 10 dollar upgrade...Rob and Lee's description of the tone is accurate. I play edgier blues/metal, so I need a usable less piercing bridge pickup. Think Yngwie for the bridge, and SRV for the Neck pickup. That's the tones I'm getting. Surprisingly hot. Noisy...yes, but that's what a gate is for.

[@alexshdvideo]

Very fun. Thank you for posting! I drift more towards the Pro series in all the videos. I am thinking of a new Strat but for recording. I don’t believe you have done the Fender Deluxe Mexican with noiseless? I almost never see them and people often roll their eyes when I ask about them. Is it because the the noiseless lacked some character though was cleaner was less pleasing? Either of your thoughts on this? Have you done a Deluxe video and I missed it?