Just Another Stratocaster Clone?? - NOT SO FAST!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

It's like two guitars in one! Budget brands are killing it when it comes to specing out their guitars without ridiculous prices. This one sounds beautiful too! Enjoy :)

[@raynunez6027]

I’ve been waiting for this demo. I absolutely love my t-380 from eart. The only thing I’m not super sold on is the super switch. It seems like they tried to copy the Ibanez aZ models but some of the tones sounded off. 🫤

[@Shadow_with_me]

Guitar full name?

[@ShawnSullivan-d8x]

Nice, friends in Europe have been talking about this brand for a while. Makes ya wanna run from big name brands. Much bigger bang. Question how does it compare to a Sire7?

[@blekenbleu]

What happened to promised thoughts on the super switch?

[@hadeseye2297]

I wouldn't call them budget but rationally priced. Most of the wood work is done by CNC machine and not luthiers anyway.

[@SeekerGoOn2013]

Two things I’ve got to mention: I never set out to make sure I see DBG videos on Friday night, I just find them anyway! (Subconscious?) Second, Darrell is a helluva guitar player! No clams, no bad bends, always on the mark. Impressive!!!

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

One of the only guys not playing heavy metal most guys just chug on the Guitars can’t learn anything from that

[@dancrowe7860]

Compound radius with stainless steel is great. Will probably never need to replace frets, and you get the more comfortable and modern fingerboard radius. Very impressive at this price point. I imagine it could take on some $1500 guitars....

[@rocinblues]

Dead on with your comment, these guitars off Amazon (Eart or Musi) will equal a $1200 Ibanez AZ from Indo, but not the Ibanez Prestige MIJ line (I own/owned all four mentioned). BTW these guitars from Amazon (EART/MUSI) are a bit better quality than most really decent Made in Indo guitars. Cheers

[@Lovell93]

It’s funny because people are so obsessed with SS frets but I have several older, heavily played guitars with nickel frets and they’re just fine. Haven’t had to refret any. Some people must be really abusing their guitars.

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

I have this guitar, and it is great in every sense that Darrell describes, but honestly, the pickups slot somewhere between the Squier Classic Vibe and the Fender Player series. They are solid, you don't need to replace them, but no they are not going to compete with a USA Fender or similar.

[@rocinblues]

Great feedback, when you pay under $500 and you're not a touring pro or a studio rat, the electronics are fine. However, adding a good used set of high quality pups, really puts a great guitar in you hands at a fraction of the cost of a much more expensive guitar (new or used) from one of the big two. Cheers!!@@robertsguitarsandgear

[@tedsmith2186]

​@@robertsguitarsandgearhow does this guitar compare to a standard Fender Strat in terms of shape and ergonomics? I'm very comfortable with my Mexican Strat.

[@nmcg2587]

That's a nice one Darrell - seems like a pretty good value with great sounds. Thanks for sharing!

[@bldallas]

What a killer guitar! As you stated in your comment, “budget” brand guitar companies ARE killing it! Can you imagine what Fender would charge for even a MIM Strat with those specs? Crazy. I wish all this stuff was available 50 yeas ago, when I started playing!

[@silentj80]

I just saw this guitar comes in gold. Very nice

[@joesatchton212]

Very clearly an Ibanez AZ inspired effort, especially with that mini toggle. XD

[@tbone2451]

Really nice sounding guitar.

[@passivepuppy]

I do this kind of wiring on my strat for a darker more humbuckery tone.

[@franktaconelli9095]

Look into a 10 (!) way toggle for Strat; this guy demos one in one of his videos; it has changed my Strat for the better

[@ronpatterson6420]

What a coincidence, I played an Ibanez strat style with the same switch, at first I didn't know what to make of it but after a while I started to dig it. I voiced it through a fender tweed and dialed in presence it started to sweeten up. Thanks Darrel for this video I would like to try that particular guitar out to compare the two.

[@thebaldshredder]

I really need to try an Eart.

[@norseman61]

I can’t believe what you get for the money. The fit and finish looks flawless, too. Just one thing… it doesn’t sound like a Strat. That’s not good or bad, but I wouldn’t consider it a replacement for a Strat. It WOULD be a nice addition to the arsenal, though!

[@clivematthews95]

This is an incredible guitar, I love all the features and I’m not somebody who’s big on the pickup toggle switches but I love the addition that brings on here. This guitar definitely gives the S-style Sire a run for its value proposition 👌🏾 EART, I shouldn’t forget that name

[@joeblankenship377]

They make a nice Tele copy too, with split humbuckers so it's plenty versatile. It's on my short list of potential new guitars.

[@rodgerbell810]

Hi Darrell, very nice model by EART, can’t believe the features for that price. Great review. Cheers ✌️🎸

[@thseed7]

I use Freeway 5-Way/10 Position switches in my Nashville Tele and my SSS Strat for that Series Pickup Combo in multiple variations. Love that EART is giving players one of the most usable/least appreciated wiring mods in these guitars. Stainless frets are an awesome bonus too

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

It is hardly subtle the damn thing really has some great sounds. I love the chime it has. A lot of the time on budget guitars I see swapping the PU's so this is a big exception.

[@ShawnSullivan-d8x]

After seeing your review of the Indio, I bought one off of Amazon for $87 which was great! Because I just wanted something tentatively to hold me over, since I had to sell my Mexican strat years ago. Thanks. I think I’ll give the Indio Cali classic to my daughter (piano player) and by an EART. That to me looks like a better option. Back in the 90’s I had a Lake Placid Blue USA Strat & a Blonde Les Paul, but unfortunately had to part wth them and my Martin OMM Ughhhhhh, but I’ve learned that nowadays there’s a plethora of affordable options . Oh and wow gave Cort guitars came a long way since tge 80’s they were junk. Back then I was 16 and bought a Japanese MATAEO (which I believe would be Ibenez now) Les Paul when I started still have it 38 years later still kicking. Thanks again Cheers 🍻 Speaking of the 80’s I did get a sweet deal on a Kramer Pacer Classic and wow, took me back to 83/84 when Eddie was working with them. Not sure how it would compare to other affordable super strats, but I paid $220 and figured since it came with a licensed Floyd Rose I couldn’t go wrong. Please forgive the dissertation, just jazzed to see what’s out there.

[@Zisch2]

Just received it. Really interesting instrument! The fret leveling is very good. The neck heel is way better than the Fender block. The rosewood fretboard feels nice, not too dry or so often found on Harley Bentons or other brands. Dimensions pretty close to a Fender Modern C which turns to a D higher up the neck. The tuning machines are great! I only would swap them if you change you´re strings often. Tuning stability seems to be pretty good. To really judge that I would need to put on some new strings with just 1-2 windings on the tuners, replace the crappy string trees and put some lube on the nut. But I got a really good feeling about that.The pickups are interesting - nothing I would swap right away and the alter switch is lovely, although some of the sounds (especially middle and neck in series) are muddy and distant sounding. That doesn´t have to be a bad thing as long as you find the 2-4 sounds that you really like. Personally I like that there is no agressive peak in the 2,5k area. I would double check the guitar against another guitar (maybe not even a strat). That helps with objectivity. Downsides so far: The bridge saddles have sharp corners and the grub screws in the saddles are to high. I´m sensitive to that, it bugs me (of course that can be changed, maybe just with a file?). The nut slots are too high and its corners are also sharp. Doesn´t really look like bone but what do I know ;) Some people will be dissapointed with the pickups, cause they don´t really have this typical strat qualities. They sound good but darker, so especially the in between sounds are way less quaky. I dont trust the 5-way switch to work for a very long time. All in all this an instrument worth checking out if you have high standarts but little money!

[@rocinblues]

Darrell, been saying this for almost years now, so glad you are getting this out to younger guitarist. Fender and Gibson have priced themselves out of the market, and the suits at the big two have made a KILLING. Eart, Musi, and others are putting out excellent guitars from $350 and up for models you'd have pay Fender $2600 (Fender Ultra Luxe). Also the electronic you get sound (IMO) as good as anything out there. Even if you want the Fender noiseless pups you can put in a EART or Musi for under $800 (ALL IN). Some may differ in opinion, but if you haven't tried an Eart or a Musi just save the hate or must buy USA comments for the good of the workers. Guitars are still made from wood and wood is still cheap, so why pay a suit for an emblem on the H/S? Regarding buying USA, MIM, or Asian in today's economy get the most for your money and be open to the quality you can get outside of the big two. Plus, if you really hate the guitar Amazon takes it back with no problem. I bought a MUSI Fusion (sale at $309), put on two things (1) set of string trees (S/S for $4) and a S/S trem ($35) and the guitar rings for days, and the pups off that guitar are as good as Seymour Duncan or any high-end aftermarket pups. Been playing Fender Strats and Gibson LP's for over 50 years, but understand there are alternatives that will get the job done just as well. BTW if you want that Fender Ultra Luxe new, pass on it and buy a Ibanez AZ Prestige - it kills the Fender!

[@rocinblues]

Go get a real job @Vladimirfitness..-.-

[@Mr.Goldbar]

For a while I wanted an HSS Ibanez AZ to match my HH AZ. This literally has the same mini switch and tonal capabilities! I'll definitely consider getting one, modding it and remove the Eart badge :D

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

poser

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@flogginga_dead_horse4022 why exactly?

[@flogginga_dead_horse4022]

@@Mr.Goldbar just messing with you. Why you have to remove the brand?

[@Mr.Goldbar]

@@flogginga_dead_horse4022 because it's hideous :D

[@Krullmatic]

EART is gonna be a brand competing with the Big Boys, instead of an off-brand eventually. It does sound good. I would put Strat pickups in it to get as close as I could to a real Strat sound. No matter how many clones are iut there, nothing sounds as sweet as the real deal. Edit: I don't know if you take requests, but I was looking on Sweetwater today, and I came across this satin black Jackson Dinky arch-top for $200 bucks. It looks really good. It's got the proprietary Jackson pickups in it, the thin 12"- 16" radius neck and a two-point trem. It had great reviews, and would be a great mod project. I just wanted to know if you could look into getting one for review, because I know you'll thoroughly inspect it, and give an honest opinion. Thanks for the consideration in advance.

[@stevesheroan4131]

I think you could possibly be chasing a ghost by putting Strat pickups in one of these. The mahogany body is going to likely keep it from sounding exactly like a Strat no matter what pickups are in it. I always tell everyone that if you want a Strat (or a Les Paul for that matter) there is only ONE solution…. As open minded as I like to think I am, I’m pretty sure that I’m not above “confirmation bias”, and if you handed me a Strat with PRS Silver Sky pickups and a Silver Sky with Strat pickups I’d still think the Fender sounds more “Stratty” 10 out of 10 times. YMMV.

[@callfourzero1931]

It's a nice rig for sure. I re-set-up my 2010 black/cream Squire Strat today and fell in love again. Possibly future interest, good review.

[@Andreas_Straub]

This switch looks very much like the multi tone switch on the AZES guitars from Ibanez ;-) The guitar sounds really nice in clean mode!

[@VeitLehmann]

I just looked it up on the Ibanez website - I guess you're right! The sounds match with what I'd expect to hear from the Ibanez AZES40 switching. But I think the EART looks better, and it seems to have better components and a better build on top!

[@Cimmerian101-JH]

Came out with original Ibanez AZ224 series

[@VeitLehmann]

@@Cimmerian101-JH Yep, very nice guitars. Ibanez brought it to the masses with their AZES range, which is really cool. This EART sits between the two specs-wise, actually closer to the high-end AZ, but it's just a bit more expensive than the AZES. And that's awesome!

[@jamiemorand2627]

@DarrellBraunGuitar..- like What ???

[@Kasper911band]

Can’t find one with the nickel covered humbucker and white single coils, where are they located

[@Flashbry]

Lovely sounding strat clone!

[@Flashbry]

@DarrellBraunGuitar..- I got all excited there for a moment and then saw all the other comments...

[@ClayAllred]

That seems like an insanely good deal. I wish you could get a Squier with those options!!

[@MichaelNeumeyer-n6q]

I just picked up the Eart T380 and it’s awesome for the price! I’m up in Canada so not as good as US prices but great right out of the box!

[@robertscully9686]

Same here in u.s. awesome

[@MichaelNeumeyer-n6q]

@DarrellBraunGuitar..- what do you have for me?

[@_JustinCase_]

Polished stainless steel frets play like butter and are no longer a nicety, they're a requirement in my humble opinion. That Eart is quite the feature packed guitar for the price, and the tones are amazing.

[@robertclarkguitar]

Agree. Once you go SS ...you really want nothing else. I am sold since the fusion T I got.

[@robertclarkguitar]

In my opinion that is. There will be others with theirs.

[@robertclarkguitar]

@DarrellBraunGuitar... You joined 47 minutes ago to give me a prize ? Come on man. Lmao. You guys dont quit. How many fell for this ?

[@mikecarreca7864]

Spectacular sounds Darrell. I looked up the price and it is ridiculous . Great video

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

For sure. Three years ago you could've gotten 3 of these guitars for the same price. Way too much for a generic brand. I'd rather go for a Firefly at 169.00 bucks. The bargain value on these has disappeared.

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

I added locking tuners, Graphtech string tree, and a Seymour Duncan Trembucker to mine and it is just great. I believe it compares very favorably to an Ibanez AZ Premium.

[@ykar18]

So, what are your final thoughts on this special switch ? You said we had to wait a bit later to know...😢

[@bevinmodrak4997]

How much value would a push/pull coil split on the bridge pickup add? Awesome review, love your channel!

[@markbrooks8623]

This is actually the DMX-9TC, because it has a covered humbucker.

[@robertscully9686]

Tc. Not available in u.s ?

[@kevin_lanthier]

Wait… where were the thoughts on the super switch you were going to get to?

[@tymanngruter1808]

There is a lot more than meets the eye, as we see, thank you brother!

[@tymanngruter1808]

@DarrellBraunGuitar..- tell me, please?

[@ofric11]

Another superb review. Thank you Darrell!!

[@johnlucier8572]

My concern is the way the neck is bolted on with these screws without a plate. Would that be an issue down the road?

[@D-8-Tone2]

Ibanez AzES40 has the same switch they introduced it a good couple of years ago and yes it is an extremely good feature. This guitar looks great anyway. This amazing competition on the market serves the guitar players' interests very well: more and more guitar for less money.

[@sauljames2221]

Hi Darrell, can i ask do you notice the fret width is shorter than the fretboard? as that's one of the tricks to making mass produced ss frets like that.

[@ShawnSullivan-d8x]

How does it compare with a Sire S3? I ask because the link prices it at $599 and tfe S3 is $399 I’ve heard great things about both.

[@TheGuiterguy]

the super switch reminds me of the Ibanez AZ pickups switch.

[@stuartcarter7053]

The EART EGLP-610 Les Paul version looks like an incredible deal. Stainless steel frets and sparkle finish for a lot less than an Epiphone. Also the strat style pickup switch looks great. Would love to see a review on that beaut!

[@ellsworth1956]

EART Pickups are surprisingly good. Not saying there Seymour Duncan but close. I wish they put on nicer String trees.

[@lestermobley1551]

Great demo and guitar playing as usual. Any chance of you reviewing the new Dean Zeleski thin line guitars?

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

I'll see what I can do :)

[@christian-van-e]

I thought it was hard to believe, all these positive reviews about Eart. So, I bought one, the CP-1 model, in light blue (which I love). Well, ... I really love it! Although I'm used to a-brands like Jackson, Charvel, Music Man... This Eart is simply great...

[@thisdyingsoul76]

So the switch is not just a coil tap? It seems they went after the Fender American Deluxe wiring or something similar.

[@robertcovell2787]

Gawd it's gorgeous!!!

[@matthewfarren5423]

Say E ( long vowel ) Art Sound good? Got to have this one ,the 355 and the new tele !

[@BrokenStrings231]

Looks like such a sick guitar!

[@riffs66]

The problem with these guitars is they snip off the tangs on the edges of the frets. This allows them to get those nice, super smooth fret edges BUT it also allows the fret end to lift out of the fingerboard. Since there’s no tang, you can tap the frets back in. They end up floating off the fingerboard edges and you’re pretty much S.O.L. Speaking from first hand experience with these.

[@ophiuchus1970]

It looks and sounds like they copied the Ibanez AZ series wiring on this.

[@lukemorron]

Yes, exactly my thoughts after hearing the model's name (DMX9).. which is Ibanez's propietary switching system on the AZ series (DMX8, DMX9 and DMX10)

[@brandonanderson2066]

Sounds nice in all positions

[@chrisgmurray3622]

Stainless steel frets don't wear down like nickle ones, but they chew up your strings more, and to some (me), they sound a little harsh compared to the slightly soft nickle frets ...six of one ,half dozen of the other.. swings and roundabouts, but the sound would take some time to get used to.

[@dragan4658]

Ok so sounds great clean but what really counts is what it sounds like with distortion! Good value here!

[@timchalmers1700]

Amazing !! For me, this price point does not need locking tuners. I don't need locking tuners at all.

[@robertalan2427]

Great demo

[@dennyclosser8456]

I bought one of the original Stratz at $260. Ended up changing out the electronics for a vintage set through Tone shaper. The frats I do have to say do wear a little bit. I have a tendency to bend a lot and play heavily, but they are phenomenal guitars, especially for the price point. I have the explore from EART also and it to is just a Killer guitar.

[@robertsguitarsandgear]

I just bought one. It is a great overall package. Some great features and the pickups are quite good. My Player HSS Strat has a higher overall quality feel and finishing, but lacks those special features and is much more expensive.

[@mrskint55]

What a lovely sounding guitar.

[@GC_Performance_1]

i got something for you.

[@scottbaker1991]

They should put eart on the back of the headstock and then put a small e on the front of the head stock.

[@jamiemorand2627]

Geez ,Wish I could Afford one ..,It Sounds AMAZING !!!!!

[@GC_Performance_1]

i got something for you.

[@svenwalther135]

Very very cool ... Love IT!!

[@ShawnSullivan-d8x]

Have ever done a demo on an AIO Wolf ? They are out of LA I think you’ll like them, not only cost, but attention to detail.

[@ShawnSullivan-d8x]

@DarrellBraunGuitar..- fantastic

[@johnnyringo8174]

I would add that in addition to locking tuners, some Wilkinson WLS 30 locking saddles would complete this guitar!

[@davefrank2537]

Great video Darrell! How would you compare it Sire line of guitars?

[@Nizodizo]

Looks like a cool guitar. I have been playing Fender Stratocasters my whole life. That is a very long time.

[@Drumgirl1982]

Sounds great I’d add some Grover locking tuners and a good set up and bam you got sweet ax for little cash

[@Ron_Presley]

Would it sound and play better without the string trees?

[@BriansReadingHovel]

Any chance you can review the Silvertone 1423?

[@d3w4yn3]

That sounds amazing!!! All those whiners about you reviewing expensive guitars, well, you have vindicated yourself my man!!!

[@vampiredreamz]

I just bought one of these off of Amazon because of this Video. Eart needs to give U a Cut of the Sale!

[@robertdonosobuchner3129]

I was on their website and they have a lot of different instruments in stock. A lot of high quality guitars coming now from China. Maybe this will be increase a better quality for the traditional guitar brands... It will get harder for the smaller companies and I think one trend could go into the special custom made market. Perhaps this will lead also more creativity and innovation. I have a Fender Stratocaster Pro at home and I was a little annoyed that a little later the pro II were released, with better features like the ultra, but with the option of being able to switch on the neck pickup in different positions... I'll retrofit a switch now to get the same effect. But I'm still happy with my Stratocaster. 🤘

[@indiecomicsjones]

Great tones!

[@bostonbesteats364]

I'd still go for a $750 Yamaha Pacifica 612 with name-brand hardware/pickups/locking tuners (but not ss frets)

[@Lovell93]

Ibanez/Fender mashup? So it’s basically a Charvel, which I LOVE. My favorite axe is a Charvel DK24, so I may need to try this guitar out!

[@imnotthatguy4765]

Why is yours completely different than the one for sale? Yours has a chrome humbucker cover as well as white bobbins and knobs. The one for sale has an uncovered humbucker and black bobbins. If that ain't a ringer idk what is lol

[@conniechamberlain6586]

block inlays would be a nice change.

[@romsky]

This or a sire s7?

[@tedgrier6249]

Fretboard edges rounded? Battery required?

[@joeblankenship377]

Y'all gon make me play guitar, up in here! up in here! Y'all gon make me shred some strings, up in here, up in here!

[@justvoss47]

every time Darrell says "well", take a shot EDIT: Hospital

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

Lol. Not well.

[@martinhensley2377]

Eart guitars are the real deal bro. You need to a video on the Eart Explorer one bro.

[@mikestroud9969]

Very nice Quality indeed ❤👍✌️🎸🎸

[@bramswinkels4961]

Try a PJE strat, handmade in England with fender custom shop quality

[@tekunmartono4569]

@darrel : i really like your channel brother, overlooked so many types of guitars .. btw, i hope you can help to solve my problem : I really like playable frets of ibanez, but in same time, love to fender's sound character, which i can't find those two in one guitar. Until i found ibanez az in youtube, specially tff series .. but it so expensive.. so, according to your experience, what brand and type of guitar, which closest to ibanez az character ? I mean cheaper one in any brand.. thank you and success for you 😊👍

[@space1217]

Hey Darrel, have you ever reviewed the affordable version of Brian May's Red Special, the BMG Special?? If you did I'll be looking for it and if you don't, I would love to hear your opinion on it, thank you. Leo from Orlando, Florida USA.

[@Josie.Merchant]

What guitar? I couldn't get past that beak of a head stock.

[@bertvandersanden2008]

Specs are more or less similar to my Ibanez AZ 2204 prestige. The Ibanez got locking tuners but is also far more expensive. Makes one think ……. Great video as always 😊

[@GorgeousRoddyChrome]

Price is the whole point. My Ibanez MIJ Prestige is the nicest axe I own. Better than my Fender Custom Shop. Literally PERFECT right out of the box. But it cost more than 3 of these EART. For function, performance and playability -- compared to price -- I can't see how my Ibanez is "worth" that much more than the EART.

[@edigabrieli7864]

Eart are fantastic guitars I have three of them.

[@thiagoogando]

Nice video, cheers from Brazil

[@glynjames5948]

Darren Great review Great Guitar but surely the super strat of all super strats needing your review must be the Dean Zalinski . Please.

[@VeitLehmann]

This seems to be the better Ibanez AZES40 - similar versatility, better looks (imho) and looks like better quality too! I also like the color options, my choice would be gold with tortoise pickguard, or sunburst with tort, like this one. Not only Fender, but also Ibanez, Yamaha, Sterling by MM, Sire, FGN etc. have some serious competition here!

[@DougHinVA]

Very nice and NOT extra cheap! Go look!

[@damberarebalosfanta8860]

How about JET guitars ? Place make a review

[@Peasmouldia]

I swapped out the tuners for locking staggered Fenders, £67. To be honest, I haven't really noticed any difference. I could have left the EART tuners on it. Since I got this banjo, my other 23 guitars have been neglected. This thing is the dog's biscuits.... Ta.

[@Bobbydoesarchery]

That switch is similar to the Ibanez AZES40

[@patmarcy1210]

Nice!

[@sinjon]

I’d put in some creamier sounding pickups personally, but I like the idea of the switch and what you get for the money. So I’d put in another 300-400

[@nukejamir9644]

Please Review HEX E300S, flagship killer on electric guitar

[@bluwng]

I like regular tuners you just have to know the super fast easy self locking technique. It is easier than locking tuners.