Guitar Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Right Stratocaster for You

[@timhawkins2859]

Trying to pick out which guitar I want by listening to Cooper play doesnt make things any easier. He makes every guitar he plays sound amazing!

[@Hiro.the.God.]

He can make a box sound good.

[@marcostrujillo5286]

Ha ha my thoughts exactly!

[@jjgalletta66]

If all sound the same, then the least expensive one would be the logical choice from a price-performance standpoint. If money is no object, then get one of each, you rich basterds!

[@Allagi22]

Cooper is low key hilarious. Love this guy's deadpan sense of humor.

[@ravindramesh1397]

He got me at "red headed step child of the American factory" (@30mins) 😂

[@ldp7090]

vintera, vintage era, whatever

[@michaelshannon6558]

I recently bought my first Strat. I didn’t have the money to go for a Fender, so I settled on a Squier Classic Vibes 60s. It was playable right out of the box, and I’m letting it settle in for 3 weeks before I do the setup. I’m loving it so far.

[@Averitt13]

I have recently got back into the hobby after taking about a 6 year break. I hit a wall and felt like I wasn’t progressing. Fast forward to present day, I’ve been researching a lot of instruments recently and have watched several of y’all’s videos. Thank you for the information and the well put together videos.

[@charleszhang9780]

So which one did you get

[@Averitt13]

@@charleszhang9780 American Pro2 Tele

[@rjejames28]

I might get one of the 61 vintage American strat or an ultra not sure yet

[@telecaster643]

OK, Now please do an instructional Video of your Demo Jam....and/or a transcript!! Amazing clean playing!

[@TheWhiskeyCowboyLife]

I am not a fan when folks demonstrating guitars play super fast or complex, most of the time it just gets muddy and the complex stuff loses clarity... but when YOU do it, you keep it clean and the clarity and distinction of notes stays true. Wonderful job!

[@craig.encinitas]

American Pro II is on the list. If it’s a lifetime purchase, it’s worth it for myself. *edit* that being said, I have a Player MIM Strat. 🎸

[@albertceva1526]

I won a Blackie Clapton strat in 1996 from Guitar World magazine. Still great.

[@Starcraft2Sonic]

My cherry red MiM STrat still going strong from 2010 :)

[@zincChameleon]

If you have a cheapy Strat, and are willing to hardtail it, try using a piece of brass cut to fit tight between the tremolo block and the wood of the body. Cheapys always have a zinc composite tremolo block, which gives a thinner tone. The brass will increase tone and sustain, making the plain G almost talk.

[@cherrysmoke33]

Will other metals work?

[@zincChameleon]

@@cherrysmoke33 Probably; if you could find a piece of silver of the right shape, that would work. The principle is what kind of metals are used in musical instruments such as horns.

[@jonnyhammerstix1535]

I really like fender. They would Corner the left-handed player market if they would just expand their lefty options a little more. I'm not a Lefty player by choice. I was a Police Officer who was shot 5 times. One round blew off a few knuckles on my left hand. I know there are a lot players out there with disabilities that still were able to play righty. Trust me, the last thing I wanted to do was to learn how to play Lefty, but I did and due to my injuries there is no going back to righty. I would own several more Fender guitars/Strats if Fender would start offering some unique or more interesting lower to mid models or signature series in left handed models and so would many other left handed players. I probably just wasted my time with this comment but maybe someday fender will wake up and make more left-handed models. Anyway, good review and info. I watch your channel all the time. I'm pretty much a Fender/Taylor guy so I appreciate the information you pass on.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I'm in a similar situation. Medically retired firefighter. My left arm and hand had three surgeries but never got my dexterity and feeling back, the arm always feels like it's going to snap. So I have to try to manipulate the neck with my right hand. I really wanted an HSS but had to "settle" for the SSS.

[@jonnyhammerstix1535]

I have 23 years in the military also. I ended up signing up for the Fender play military program. I built a Mod Shop and saved 10% off. Way more of a guitar I need but it was the only way I could get something different.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

@@jonnyhammerstix1535 Big thanks for your service in both fields. I’m glad Fender has a military discount, it makes me appreciate choosing them for my guitar. I just bought a Player Strat last year and I’m trying to learn on that. The acoustic was killing my left arm. Happy playing my fraternal brother. 👍

[@cmorales5]

You have a story! I am a Lefty and well... I know it’s difficult to see a 10-1 ratio of choices for us. Good to see you were strong enough to go back to the guitar... Blessings!

[@craigthomson3621]

@@pinkiewerewolf many SSS Fender Strats are routed HSH under the pickguard, so you could convert a lefty SSS to an HSS. You would need one Humbucker pickup and convert the pot to be used for the Humbucker from 250k to 500k. A good luthier could do this work for you. I have converted 4 Fender Mexican Player lefty SSS Strats - one to HSS, one to HSH, one to HH and one with 2 x P90s. I also have an American lefty SSS Strat.

[@Ineedahandle75]

Clearly, the right Stratocaster must be cream, with a white pickguard, and a rosewood fretboard and vintage style split-shaft tuners. I thought everybody knew this.

[@charleslanphier8094]

I knew that, Mark. I knew it. It's the only acceptable version.

[@danielhartman5086]

The Fender American pro ll is all me. Come Christmas of 2022. Play 1 last week at my local music store in Roasted Pine. Loved it.Yes it will be mine.

[@ИгорьШаманов-ц3к]

Man, your reviews/comparison videos are top notch on youtube. Very helpful and enlightening. Tasty playing as well🔥

[@MarbsMusic]

Owned many Stats over the past, almost 40 years, never really bonded, believe me I tried so many times, with any of them until I got my Ultra. I've had it almost two years now and still play it all the time, loved it so much I bought an ultra Tele in TT. What do I love, the contours are great, pickups are very good but the neck my favorite neck of all time. I have a variety of guitars, some less expensive but some more and the Ultra neck ( on both ) just fits me perfectly.

[@joegriego9805]

Bought my first Strat way back in 1990 to celebrate graduating from college (still have it!), and bought an American Ultra from Alamo in red plasma burst w/ash body and rosewood fretboard. I *love* the new strat so much. That neck profile is amazingly comfortable, and I'm used to noiseless pickups (my '90 Strat Plus has Fender Lace Sensor gold pickups), so for me, it's just perfect. Thanks, Alamo Music, for the great guitar! Is spending that much worth it? As my dad was fond of saying, "Money is only good for spending, or wipin' yer ass, so choose wisely." Spending money on quality is worth it to me. A solid video showcasing the difference in the many current Stratocaster variations, so thanks for it!

[@kremepye3613]

I really want everything on that ultra except the noiseless pips

[@humbucker08]

I don't think I heard too much of a difference until you got to the Ultra. For me, there was a notable clarity there that made a difference. The necks on the Pro II and Ultra really feel good to me, it's very natural in my own hands.

[@mike1967sam]

Cooper I've seen several Alamo music video reviews of gear done by a few of the guys at Alamo but personally, and no disrespect to them, you really know how to do a quality comprehensive reviews of gear and guitars on a very professional level. Mike.

[@RocktCityTim]

I currently own 3 Strats - 2 American and one Chinese-made 1997 Squire Affinity. Bought it new for my son for $149 including the formed hard Fender case. Of course, he gave up after a year, so it moved back into my collection. The neck was excellent and teh frets were way above average (for even my American Strats). Tuning stability was fantastic and it had a 6 point bridge/trem. The only let down were the pickups. Fast forward to 2005 and my discovery of Guitar Fetish. $38 later and I had a loaded pickguard with Tex/Mex alnico V magnets. It's still my most grabbed Strat from my rack 17 years later.

[@James-uz2ne]

Shame you're son didn't stick with it. I wished my dad played an instrument. I would have loved jamming with him over a few beers. We played darts instead lol. I have a 70s classic vibe that is my current favorite. Cheers!

[@BL-gc6tv]

I disagree with the previous comment. Your tone was the almost the same on all the guitars. Maybe you put a little something extra into your playing with the more expensive axes but sure sounded like the tone was in your hands and not what you were playing on. That was a good lesson for me. Don't overspend. Practice makes perfect, even on a Squier.!

[@pepeguitarshop]

Maybe you could try listen to it with headphones.

[@Hiro.the.God.]

Definately need headphones, or maybe your ears checked out. I don't mean any offense, but there were clear differences.

[@SECURITY39]

Nope, tone different

[@vangledosh]

Get some decent speakers/headphones. I can hear clear differences in tone, not at all “almost the same on all guitars”

[@kremepye3613]

To be honest i think the noiseless pickups sounded dead and not even as good as the squier (apart from the bridge with the s1 switch on)

[@mikeaustin4138]

If you want the best *Fender* guitar, you should at least check out the G&L Legacy. It's a true Fender and has some improvements over the Fender brand models, notably the PTB (passive treble bass) controls and the dual-fulcrum vibrato.

[@jacobmcvay123]

Think ya meant to say Strat. They’re literally separate brands so what’s a “true brand.” “True strat” makes sense and in that case, get a PRS Silver Sky!

[@nuggers23]

Cool, one of the top strat comparisons ever on yt!

[@okancesur8416]

4:13 classic vibe 8:26 player series 13:15 vintera 16:34 american pro ii 21:54 american ultra 27:51 Custom Shop

[@adriansvarela]

Dude you’re my favorite guitar reviewer. Like you have such a calm voice. The outta nowhere you’ll bust out some jokes haha BLUES ever heard of it?! Hshshs love it. Great playing. Thanks for the videos

[@ffrederickskitty214]

I have two Stratocasters in my guitar collection: a USA deluxe HSS (£1500), and a Mexican deluxe SSS (£500) which I’ve retrofitted with Lace Sensors (£180). There’s little doubt that the USA is built to higher standards, but my Mexican plays and sounds better and feels “right” in my hands, which is really what it’s all about. My advice is try as many strats as you can, and find the right one for you

[@ronyeahright9536]

Great review. I have a 2008 American Deluxe Strat, which has locking tuners, noiseless SSS , with a push push for 5 extra pickup configurations. I find it almost impossible to remember which position of the switch activates which pickup combinations, with "specail capacitance" , but than again you really don't need to...if you like the tone, thats all you need to know. . I think the evolution of this guitar today is the American Ultra......might pick one up in HSS.

[@kyotosal]

I think I will start out with the Player Series. Thanks for this great video........Sal : )

[@shauncurtis4398]

Great video Cooper, thank you. You made me even more happy with my recent order of a Texas Tea HSS Ultra; can't wait to get it!

[@denis.yarmonik]

How is your Strat bro?

[@shauncurtis4398]

@@denis.yarmonik It totally changed me from a rosewood/(whatever) fretboard to a maple fretboard guy, which was the first real surprise. I love the guitar, but I’ve since learned a few things, both about the guitar itself and my own style and needs, that make me wish I’d bought the SSS version instead of the HSS; the two single coils are hotter to keep up with the humbucker, so there’s a noticeable decrease in that quacky/traditional Strat position 2/4 tone, even when splitting the humbucker; it’s just not quite what I want. So I’ll eventually get either another more vintage sounding SSS, or go the alternate route of swapping out the pickups. But the rest, the feel, the finish, the playing experience is all really nice and I don’t think I’ll ever sell it. Hope that helps!

[@jr0706]

One thing about the Road Worn series is that the finish is actually nitro. The regular Vintera has poly.

[@pablo9364]

Yes and that makes it feel very premium and different to the vintera poly

[@verruckterwissenschaftler]

I watch all your videos, because I like your voice and attitude, this one is one my favorite top five, you cover alot of cool guitars in one video. Have a fine day in the Alamo Music Shop. San Antonio is a beutiful city in the most awesome state. I have family in Austin and the music scene there when I was at UT was awesome on 6th Street, not sure how it is now! The American Preformer is a good thought too. I appreciate you actually saying what you like in the guitars.

[@robertestrada9643]

I picked up my first strat from OfferUp. The guy wanted $450 for a polar white player series. When I tried it out it had a bad middle pick up. It wasn’t a problem because i was getting it for the neck pick up. So when I offered him $400 cash, he interrupted and accepted the cash before I finished saying “…and $50 Venmo”. So I only paid $400. I fixed the pick up and turned out to have fender custom shop 69’s! Yes I still have that baby with anondized gold pickguard

[@sclg560]

I like that you replicate the rides on each

[@davidbible1469]

Well, the most expensive one is best for me. But that darn Cadillac taste and Chevrolet budget are in conflict.

[@AscendanceMedia]

Nice comparison! I bought an American Ultra last week. Ultraburst with a rosewood board. Glad they made lefhanded versions ^^

[@tommyholtMN]

I just bought my first strat! 2021 Fender American Pro II - Miami Blue with the maple neck. I saw it hanging to guitar center and the color sucked me right in - the neck is great on these guitars

[@gosman949]

I love the 64 imitation Strat that you played. I have a real 64 and it amazes me that someone would pay Fender a custom price to imitate my guitar!

[@dominuslevian9266]

wish I was born 90 years ago so I could afford one too that same year

[@brutallyremastered4255]

Weird flex.

[@gosman949]

@@brutallyremastered4255 what?

[@pd-kx4qw]

I went into ‘the store’ in early 2020 to replace my Mexican HSS I had since 2002 with the dark night pro2, left with a tri color burst ultra. Played all of them over a few visits to make sure, just felt so nice and can’t complain about the 0 hum.

[@sublyme2157]

Loved the honesty in this video!

[@HeliBenj]

Thanks, that helped a ton and confirmed my interest for a pro II!

[@PhilippeCorthout]

Just recorded a record with a strat after always using a tele. I do think it sounds more “warm” but used tele’s in a lot different situations (punk, hardcore, postrock, shoegaze, ambient,…) - I feel both bodies are equally able to be used in various genres.

[@michaelwoods6709]

The Vintera was a 60’s. The 50’s have a maple fret board. Love your videos

[@pinkiewerewolf]

The sound of your playing on the Ultra was awesome! Great on the other Strats but the Ultra sounded warmer to me. OK, the custom was magnificent. Thats to be expected, I'd hope. lol

[@SECURITY39]

It does sound the best, but the best value for the dollar is player series imo

[@airpaprika]

This is a refreshingly honest overview. Great job and thank you.

[@walterengel7425]

Lol this is one of the few guitar demonstration videos with consistently good playing. Thank you!

[@johntaylor8829]

Great playing as usual, Cooper! This is a great video for comparing Fender Stratocaster's. The differences in tones seem to be coming mainly from the pickups. If you have the extra cash, the more expensive models provide the better pickups and some extra features. Neck feel, weight, and better tuners or pickups seem to be some of the worthwhile extras that make the upper level Fenders justify their higher prices. Of course there are other brands outside of Fender that may offer a better value, but that's another story or video.

[@Dr.Barbapappa]

Ja, z.B. die Ibanez AZ. Die Spezifikationen sind - bei ungefähr gleicher Preisklasse - um Welten besser. Aber Du hast recht, das ist eine andere Geschichte. 😎

[@Katzper100]

With stratocasters is like with a beer... so much choice and so almost that same taste. Personally I can't find in the blind test any significant different between fender and squier. But maybe I am deaf

[@JoshuaC923]

I really like the descending notes that you play, superb stuff!

[@diddymies]

Squier sounds so good .

[@voiceofexperience]

CVs are great. TBH the Player was a bit of a let-down after hearing the Squier.

[@pepeguitarshop]

This guy is a great guitar Player. Cool stuff

[@kurtlonde5892]

the 64 Custom shop sounds like a real guitar... good sound

[@KP11520]

With a video this long, I was hoping you would have also included the "other" Strats. Ya know.... G&L Legacy guitars. Certainly worthy for consideration when deciding on our first! Versatility is most important when buying a first Strat.

[@TheMoneyMakingMentor]

Great information on the Strats. Thanks!!!!

[@andyseal8134]

great video. Learned a lot, thank you.

[@pdbordelon]

The American Pro II sounds the best to me. Probably best all-round Strat Fender makes.

[@pablo9364]

I agree. I have player, performer and American pro2 strats. They’re all good but the American pro 2 is the bomb 💣

[@jefff5842]

Just cannot get over the frets on the APII

[@lathspell87]

My Dave's Guitar Shop '62 Reissue is the best Strat I have played.

[@bldlightpainting]

I love that custom shop Strat!

[@mikecruise6991]

American pro 2 is the one tone for days😎🎸

[@anexiole]

man, this is the same riff you used for the SG comparisons. Damn, it's funky!!!

[@ozzymccartney4498]

14:04 the name of the riff/music you played plz? or is it an imrovision?

[@paydro248]

Very nice playing, my friend. I like your style 🤙🏻

[@michaelleipsitz5766]

Big difference with the noiseless pickups. So much cleaner, sharper, and better.

[@verruckterwissenschaftler]

Super duper thorough presentation on the many choices and which Squier for me, due to the neck being nice. I would grab sandpaper on the gloss neck. That AM Pro II is sweet. Did not realize the US factory is carving different on the backs and heel, seems like a gimmic not diong it on the AM Pro II and the Ultra. Do you think the lockinng tuners other than weight and ease of string changing adds tuning stability, and if so why do you think that is. Excellent showing the line video. The choices are vast. I think I could change tuners to locking myself on the AM Pro II for around 50 bucks.

[@tuguldurariunbold]

You're dangerous man Cooper! We can't listen honest sound of each guitar because of your awesome playing skill! 🤔😅

[@karengayle9331]

Did you say " dig it" ? Next thing you will see is Coop in a Black Oak Arkansas tee shrt.

[@gusgreely7816]

Re: the onscreen caption on the custom shop: ‘64 would be 1964; 64’ would be one of the Fender custom shop boats.

[@jimw2542]

My 04 MIM is simply harder to play than my buddy’s new pro2. Worthwhile upgrade. Love the press to mix pickups too.

[@James-uz2ne]

Yeah but that all boils down to a good setup. I have a 400 dollar classic vibe squier that plays better than my 1000 dollar esp.

[@gorillahawkpeacock4688]

BLUES! EVER HEARD OF IT? sorry. I laughed my ass off 🤣 Great playing my friend! Cheers from Canada.

[@chickenh0use]

Hey Cooper your a great picker! What’s your opinions on a telecaster and a Stratocaster, maple or rosewood neck? Can you tell me what you prefer and why? Thanks brother and have a blessed day! Bobby

[@robertclinger7351]

Great demo Cooper!

[@mikekilbride4575]

I think I'm going with the American Ultra. Cobra Blue.

[@catdaddy57]

I snagged one last week.. love, love love it...

[@skullmelodies]

Owner of a duo-sonic (fantastic for the price), I want to buy my 1st US strat... the more I listen the ultra, the less i love their tone... I think I'll go for am PRO 2... I like the jazzmaster sound too... but I never tried it and i'm afraid to have a bad feeling (no music store near me...)

[@kjata9139]

Killer playing dude.

[@masterquan4891]

Ultra and the Pro II just sound to modern, prefer the older sound, like the vinta sound. Vinta if you have the cash is about right amount if you plan to stay on the strat. I have the Stand/Pro 2016 Shawbucker, and I prefer the noise to the noiseless pickups it feels more vintage and with the humbucker you get a bit more versatility.

[@nikosmagnisalis6080]

I thought Player series bridge has two screws, not six. Also, the logo on the headstock looks different. Was that a Standard?

[@24avenged24]

Noticed the same thing. If it's a standard that also means the pickups aren't the same (ceramic in standard alnico v in player).

[@jambibaub8753]

yup it's a Standard

[@michaelburke9153]

Love my Player Strat!

[@guitargrandpa282]

I own both the Player series strat and an Ultra. They are both excellent guitars but the Ultra wins hand down on playability, overall feel and sense of quality and detail. The Ultra neck is absolutely superb, particularly if you like lower action. Personally, I like the noiseless pickups but I know there are those who disagree. After getting the Ultra I put the locking tuners on my Player series and I can highly recommend that upgrade.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I picked up the Player HSS Plus Top aged cherry strat a few months ago. I thought the string height on the Players was pretty high so I took it to a professional luthier and had a good setup done on it. I also had him install a Graph Tech nut and he lowered the action really nice. I also put locking tubers on it as well.

[@SECURITY39]

It is better but it’s also a lot more $. Player series is a great value for the $

[@kaizen209]

Any thoughts on Mod Shop strats? And how they compare with the professionals and ultras?? I really love that solid rosewood neck!

[@jnewcomb52]

Wondering your thoughts on the G&L strats?

[@jannevaatainen]

Stainless steel frets is a BIG improvement.

[@diegooliveirabenjamin]

This dude is awesome

[@juanlczpi7170]

Excellent review Thank you!

[@josephsantana3094]

Love my APII and bought it with intention to keep for life. There are improvements in feel and tone as you move up the range but even down to the classic vibe they all still sound stage and album worthy. I hate the pau ferro on the MIMs now but still would maybe like to get one to have as a cheaper guitar to take out places and not worry about it getting damaged.

[@justwinclassic]

"The tone is in the fingers" Bruh, they all sound great solo with your playing. As you rightly point out though, the lower grade pickups might struggle in a band.

[@timmotel5804]

I just ordered an American Ultra Strat HSS in Texas Tea finish about 3 weeks ago. I guess that this is just a standard build in the factory. How does this order compare in quality, etc. to a "team built" Strat? Shall I presume that even at this level and price, which isn't cheap the standard stock build that the quality is still high? About how long does this kind of order take to build and ship? Thank You.

[@NicolasGuerinetbloup]

Tutorial: go to Personal bank account > Savings | current bank account > balances

[@alexandergennaro8596]

I've owned strats for 50 years and the FOTO flame is the best I ever owned! They stopped making them cause they made the American look bad, I wish I could put it in your hands to try to bad!

[@brandonmccormick1571]

I walked into Guitar Center a few months back,and something on the used wall caught my eye.It was a Foto flame telecaster for $600.I don’t think they realized what they had until I was looking at it so I snatched it up quick!Man what a nice sounding and playable guitar!

[@reginaldjohnsonrocks]

What’s the first some you played? That was amazing

[@Hiro.the.God.]

The Ultra sounded the best ngl. EXCEPT when you hit the bridge pick-up. It sounded way too thin for my tastes. I'd have to switch that pick up out with a double single.

[@pushit91]

my god that custom shop sounded tasty

[@therealdoug1000]

Amazing review. Thanks!

[@ronmoore1219]

Thank you. Great demo.

[@TommySG1]

Love Strats, every pickup config too 🤙

[@dedza22]

Isn’t the second, black one, Fender Standard MiM?It has 21 frets and black Fender logo.

[@jambibaub8753]

yup

[@cherrysmoke33]

We really need the tabs for the first demo 😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@Jeymez]

nice guide on each Cooper, kinda new to the channel. but anyway there was one you left out, well two actually, the American Original Series and the Performer. now im not gonna say much about that one, because i don't see much value in it. even when they had the American Special, the upper Mexican stuff always out performed it. i do think it's a slightly better guitar than the Player series, but the Player series beats the Performer on value. the Player Plus and Vintera easily beats the American Performer, not by much but i do think there better. however the American Originals are great. i noticed that on the Telecaster video, but i noticed it even more on this video lol. i love the Ultra series, but the American Original series is priced in a similar ball park as the Pro 2, but is a take on the classic era. it's like the Classic Vibe, the Originals has the 50's and 60's. it's not exactly custom shop, but it's more vintage correct than the Classic Vibe. think of the Classic Vibe with American Fender quality, that's what you get. if the American Pro 2 is too modern for some people, the American Originals fits that bill. the American Ultra is like a fancier version of the Pro 2. of course you could get the Vintera series which would save someone some money, either way there's so many choices you can go with.

[@Krustenkaese92]

"Bluuuuues. Every heard of it?! Sorry." Oof, I felt that.

[@Robert_Fordin]

Light weight, ash or alder, SSS Fat 52, nitro finish, rosewood fingerboard, what else?

[@gitarbangsatchanel8036]

CS is level up.. nice low mid tone

[@mister-LA]

Love that Custom Shop!

[@attilathehun0]

It took 5 pickguards to drill before I got it where there are still 3 pots, but volume knob is further away from bridge pickup why doesn't Fender do that? The volume knob is way to close to the bridge pup and gets annoying when I hit while strumming.

[@sgeggbub1008]

What about the American performer? I find that to be the perfect middle ground

[@timsgarage1861]

Fake worn relic guitars are cool but I think before buying one I’d rather just take sandpaper to a regular one. If I wanted that instant worn look