I loved the Jazzmaster...but what about the Strat!? | Squier 40th Anniversary Stratocaster Review

[@em-yf7ng]

This is how a review and testing should be, most of the channels out there are just blasting their Squier with overdrive and distortion, this is how guitars should be tested too, clean tones, awesome!

[@AmbientEndeavors]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@valueofnothing2487]

Of course not. A proper review uses a fret rocker, plays every note, sees if the guitar *can* be intonated, checks the tuning pegs, measures the pickups, action, neck depth, nut, examines the solder joints, weighs the guitar, looks at the block, informs you of the competition. Playing the guitar is absolutely pointless. It just shows how great a guitar player the reviewer is or maybe if they have a great amp. Maybe KZbin has a million of these, wasting my time, wasting everyone's time. And the few people who do complete review jobs - like MusicNGear and Philip McKnight, (Scarr My Guitar uses a fret rocker) - get drowned out from the search results.

[@adamdoran235]

@@valueofnothing2487 I bet you're fun at parties .

[@j_music_8779]

Seriously amazing dude! I just got one of these in Seafoam Green and LOVE IT! This is my first Squier and I am blown away. Great video 💪

[@AmbientEndeavors]

thanks man - and congrats on the new guitar! glad you're digging it - I've been really impressed as well with these.

[@j_music_8779]

​@@AmbientEndeavors #subscribed 🤙

[@MrShooter72]

After years explaining how I am not a strat fan, saw the seafoam green in my local shop and just had to play it and ultimately purchase it. Turns out I am a strat fan. I was just waiting for the right guitar.

[@dave7-95]

@@MrShooter72 I dont think anyone is anything just play as many guitars as you can and buy whatever is the most comfortable to play

[@megatonhammer4723]

Love this piece that you played, so beautiful! About to get a Squier strat myself just coz it sounds so gorgeous and looks so fine for such a nice price. Thanks for doing this

[@AmbientEndeavors]

thanks! appreciate the kind words - hope you dig your new guitar!!

[@redalaska]

I got mine 3 days ago. Wanted the sonic blue, they had one but it was in a box. They pulled it out and I got a feel for it. It is nicely resonant and the whole instrument feels alive which is my most important criteria for picking a new guitar. Badly needed a setup out of the box, I left the stock strings on, lowered the action, backed off relief on the truss rod. Floated the trem and lowered the pickups down to where I usually like strats at. It now plays very nicely. The rolled edges on the fretboard are so nice and overall the playability is great. When it’s due for new strings I’ll level/crown/polish the frets and this will play like a $2k American strat. Im very satisfied. Frets ends are great but there’s a couple that are a little too high to get the action/neck relief where I want it. All in all I’m pretty satisfied with it!

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah , a little tlc and these have the bones to be great feeling, playing and sounding guitars!

[@jamesmichaelcabrera9613]

Same for one today love it

[@bookpills]

Oh man! Your intros are out of this world. Discovered your channel 1 month ago whilst researching for the JM 40th… Please don’t make me buy the strat too… please. All the best from Mallorca

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Glad you like them! Thanks for watching , and I take no responsibility for your guitar buying...well, maybe a little ;-)

[@ezrasandiford4693]

Great playing man! This guitar sounds amazing for the price!

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Thanks a lot! yeah they're pretty impressive.

[@bluesbondsman]

I was walking through Sweetwater a few days ago and saw a demonstrator model of that guitar in seafoam green and it followed me home. I have a few Strats from an American made 2004 50th anniversary to Mexican made Standards and this guitar is crazy nice!!! about 20 minutes of setting it up the way I like it and WOW !!!

[@AmbientEndeavors]

they're really impressive for the price, absolutely. glad you found one you're loving!

[@ak2112]

really well done review. considering one of these and this helped.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful :)

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

The Squier guitars are great especially the mid to top of the range. I was amazed with the quality of the 40th anniversary model. The neck is stunning. I sold all my Squiers except the 60s Tele Esquire. They’re cheap and with OCD you could end up with a ton of them. I’ll be totally honest, the latest Fender MIM guitars are still better than Squier for playability and overall quality.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Haha I know the feeling, the price point invites a "gotta try em all" mentality. I agree - the necks on these feel so good. I've honestly had quite mixed experiences/reviews with recent MIMs, but the Squiers have held their own. Even exceeding some of the fit and finish and QC levels of MIA stuff as sad as that sounds :/

[@KRAZEEIZATION]

While I do own 4 USA Fenders, 3 are Highway One and I’ve a 1996 Clapton signature, I seem to play my MIMs the most. The Vinteras, Noventas and Lead series are outstanding, but MIM are getting very expensive at over €800 on average now! In the last three years prices have shut up by at least %25!

[@diogomartinsmota5478]

the finish are stunning but the neck is still slim and the frets are those stupid tall fretwire that forces one to play with light touch, and the nut is better not even to talk about it

[@jasonhudson73]

You’re my favorite! Everything you do is spot on. Thank you for sharing.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Man thank you! Very kind - so glad you're digging the videos!

[@Enoch-Gnosis]

I’m picking that guitar up tomorrow at my local GC👍🏼

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Rad! Its been a fun one to play here, the neck feels really good! Hope you enjoy it!

[@mikewolfe9458]

I just got the red satin Tele and think it’s great. It’s at my luthier now getting a bigsby and some other goodies put on

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Oo, that sounds awesome! I love a tele with a Bigsby :D

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

Love this ambient sound. Rasta knows what he's doing. 🤔

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Who’s Rasta and what is he doin!?

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

@@AmbientEndeavors EXACTLY.

[@LesleyLesPaul]

Your playing/sound is amazing, btw, LES

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Thank you!

[@robertclarkguitar]

I am dying for the 50s CV white strat. This is right there too!!!! Awesome man.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

thanks for watching!

[@Jadevibration]

Really love your reviews man thank you! Do you prefer the Strat 40 or the JM 40?

[@AmbientEndeavors]

They both impressed me in terms of feel and tones. It kind of depends on your playing style/sound ultimately. For what I play I'd probably go with the JM, but the Strat feels and sounds great too. Something about the neck on the Strat was just so comfortable and inviting.

[@Jadevibration]

@@AmbientEndeavors love to hear your opinion on this I really appreciate the response! I’m really interested in the 40 anniversary squiers I feel they did an awesome job with all the models this time round. Keep up the great content cheers mate ☯️

[@mlowack]

Thanks for this, could be another option after i got the "paranormal tele w. cunife neck pickup" that i love very much.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Thanks for watching!

[@mondragonmsaul308]

I personally got the ruby red and gold squire 40th with mother of pearl inlays and it’s beautiful and I love it

[@AmbientEndeavors]

stoked you got one you like!

[@Villanotrh]

What do you think of its bridge and tremolo? Do you think they need to be replaced?

[@Stratisfied22]

This Squier is every bit as good as a Mexican Fender with the exception of maybe the tuners and it may sound crazy but the QC seems much better on the higher end Squiers than the Fender line.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

That’s been my experience too. Nearly all of the Squier stuff I’ve had in in the last couple years has been really good right out of the box.

[@jeremyyappy]

Giving me Digital Age vibes on that intro

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Definitely had that in my head as I was writing - good catch!

[@jerrysguitarshop]

Got a subscriber out of me today brotha! I hope to do videos like this one day with good production value and a straight forward honest opinion. Thank you!

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Thanks for the sub! Keep at it man!

[@Monsterdrumma]

My uncle retires and wanted to play guitar and although I am drummer he wanted me to help him pick a guitar to buy and the sunburst one of these was it and luckily for me trying to learn guitar he lost interest and I now own it for free :)

[@ediththeband]

My man and his intros...

[@AmbientEndeavors]

haha :D it's absolutely my favorite part about doing these videos.

[@ediththeband]

@@AmbientEndeavors I feel you on that. My videos are literally just "intros" haha.

[@EA99999]

great video! Looking to get one but wanted some advice. I noticed that across the range, different colours have different necks. I like the lake placid blue and the seafoam blue. what are the differences in the neck? Given I like both, I don't mind which one I choose, I just want the one with the better neck. Thanks!!

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Are you referring to the different models? There's a model that has LPB body and block inlays - that's the gold edition with Indian laurel board. I haven't played that model, but really like the feel of these maple necks on the Vintage edition ones.

[@EA99999]

@AmbientEndeavors yep I think I am referring to the different models. I wasn't sure if they changed it based on the 2023 release or not. Is maple generally better than the IL? I know preference is a big part but not sure how to make this decision

[@nadhilafiq]

beautiful guitar...hope one day i have one..

[@AmbientEndeavors]

They're cool little guitars and a really nice value.

[@GlenCraytonJr]

Anyone know how these compare with the classic vibes?

[@DanSainz]

I tried them both on the same day and while the difference in tone wasn't that big, I could definitely tell that the 40th anniversary felt much better to play than the classic vibe.

[@em-yf7ng]

I've been struggling for the last couple of days, I'm about to buy a guitar in this week and im deciding between the Strat 40th anniversary and the jazz master j mascis, which one would you recommend me?

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Both are great options! If you haven't watched my JM comparison check it out as I think it highlights the differences between 40th and JM well : kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHnNg5hpqd2CrNU The 40th anti stuff leans "vintage" sounding to me, while the J Mascis has a more bold, aggressive, modern sound to it. I've been really impressed with both personally.

[@em-yf7ng]

@@AmbientEndeavors I’ll check the review ! Thanks for the comment! I hope I take the right choice

[@pants1984]

What an intro!

[@AmbientEndeavors]

hey thanks! :D

[@marketingTUNEUP]

Did you change pickguard color? Im thinking of doing same/

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Nope, this is all stock.

[@wlawnsldj]

Looks great. price is great. Sounds great. Sounds like a Strat what else can I ask for. But a Squier logo on the headstock eughhkk. Time to put brand snobbery aside and I’m off to my local store getting one of these with free Fender pedal too lol.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Good call!

[@Phoenix_cataclysm_in_2040]

At least not the 1970s headstock. 🤔

[@ourawkfist]

I bought one, its become my goto practice guitar. The neck is ROASTED just FYI. The guitar was $300 from ProAudio and that was an absolute steal for this much quality.. Im looking at getting a JazzMaster as well. These are as good as any MIMs on the market.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Good note! Yeah I agree. Especially at $300 they’re killer guitars - especially if you’re needing a beginner/knock around/mod platform/etc. though I too think the pickups are pretty decent stock

[@lucchaumont7510]

hi !!!awesome video! What drums are you using for the intro track?

[@lucchaumont7510]

is that a plugin?

[@AmbientEndeavors]

thanks! I use EZDrummer for my drums currently.

[@repoman5581]

Mine arrived yesterday. 2nd fret is high which causes buzzing. The 2 lowest nut grooves are cut too low so buzzing on those open strings... nice guitar but... frets ends are fine all along the top but all fret ends on the bottom of the neck are sprouting. Hate to have to pay for a fret and nut job but also hate to have to sand it back and wait another 2 or 3 weeks...

[@AmbientEndeavors]

yeah , that is a bummer when it arrives needing work. I've kind of come to the realization that most all guitars across the price spectrum generally benefit from a visit to my local tech, and kind of factor that into the equation - if for no other reason than to get the proper gauge strings on and set up how I like them. I can't stand those .09s that Fender ships on most guitars ha!

[@repoman5581]

@@AmbientEndeavors yeah... lets see what I do... I did have a gretsch 2015 p90..that was perfect... I should exchange this for one of the 2010 gretsch.

[@hugin9444]

This one can beat the classic vibe series?

[@AmbientEndeavors]

To be honest I haven’t played many of the CV series, but these have been impressive.

[@hugin9444]

Great, thanks for the quick response man! Keep the great work

[@diogomartinsmota5478]

they're CV basically, just some fancy tinted necks ... the frets still those stupid tall frets, 9.5 radius, slim necks and tall nuts, bad intonated instruments shipped with 9's on those tall frets ... but most of the time is not an issue for those who are starting and don't know about specs as more advanced players. Their looks are deceiving. The first thing i did with my CV jaguar was sent to a luthier to level the frets to an acceptable height, lower the nut and put heavier strings, not to say that heavier strings are better but with those frets 9's are more difficult to play than it is with a vintage or even a regular Fender. Why Squier does not start to release models with this price range with narrow small frets, (real narrows not those modern narrows) thick necks and 7.25 radius ? no we want looks, looks ... is all about how it looks !!!

[@leighsayers2628]

Sounds fabulous ..they arent cheap in Australia ..hundreds of dollars ..nothing is cheap here ..

[@schubiduba1]

Really nice sound and playing. I ordered mine too before it is sold out

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Cool! What color did you grab?

[@schubiduba1]

@@AmbientEndeavors ruby red. For me one of the best guitar colors i have ever seen

[@AmbientEndeavors]

@@schubiduba1 awesome! Was so tempted to go with that one or the Lake Placid Blue - both look great but yeah that ruby is beautiful. Hope you enjoy it!

[@schubiduba1]

@@AmbientEndeavors yeah, nearly all of the 40ths anniversary models look awesome. Continue to enjoy your new guitar 🙂

[@LesleyLesPaul]

Clean a Monster Strat 👌🥇🏆

[@joseluismoreno3599]

"If you could only buy one between a Jazzmaster and a Stratocaster from these models, which one would you recommend?"

[@jamiesagirl6984]

Good show

[@AmbientEndeavors]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@laranjiinha77]

Man, trying to review and demo a guitar with an amp with reverb and delay it´s not the way imo. Can´t hear the guitar itself.

[@AmbientEndeavors]

I hear the critique. I know very few people who plug straight into a dry amp, so I choose to play the guitar in a context with moderate effects to give people an example of what it might sound like in their rig. I also intentionally focus most of my content toward the demographic I think are stopping by a chancel called "ambient endeavors" but I know that's at the cost of some who might be looking for something more traditional or in an entirely different context or genre. Luckily I'm not the only one out there demoing guitars :D hope you find a video that's helpful.

[@laranjiinha77]

I apreciate your reply@@AmbientEndeavorsSuggestion: you can easily demo it dry and wet. Dry for a few seconds so we can hear the guitar itself and then in the context (wet) you would like to show us. Keep up the nice work! Cheers!

[@valueofnothing2487]

The Anniversary was just an overpriced Classic Vibe. Now there is a surplus and you get them for less. But a lot of reviewers talk about fret sprout - likely because they have been sitting in warehouse for a long time. In any case, if you are going to take your guitar to a tech then there's a million other strats out there now with alnico pickups that are probably a better deal. Like the Firefly with stainless steel frets and roasted maple necks. Or the Harley Benton. There is Tease, Westcreek, Fojil, Fesly, Censtar, Musi. I would not settle for a cheap guitar today without stainless steel frets and ball fret ends.

[@paxonearth]

If only you had a pedal or two…

[@AmbientEndeavors]

would be nice!