How You Can Build a BETTER Tom Delonge Stratocaster Than Fender

[@landonbailey]

do you like it? Parts used (or similar) Get a Squier Strat guitar for modding: 🛒 *Sweetwater* sweetwater.sjv.io/VmxRYa 🛒 *Fender.com* fender.prf.hn/click/camref:1011lzDtv 🛒 *Guitar Center* guitar-center.pxf.io/9ge7kj 🛒 *Andertons* bit.ly/AndertonsSquier 🛒 *Thomann* bit.ly/ThomannSquier *Seymour Duncan Invader* seymour-duncan.sjv.io/3eEGXM *Pickguard* geni.us/Kaish11StratPickgrd *Steel Bridge saddles* geni.us/DoproSteelSaddles *Fender Knob* geni.us/TeleKnob *Fender Vintage Style Tuners* geni.us/FenderClassicGearTuner *Timestamps:* --------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 - opening tones 0:25 - what we're doing 1:50 - how much it cost 2:57 - all the parts in detail 5:35 - taking apart the Squier Bullet Stratocaster 6:15 - oiling the fretboard 6:30 - new tuner installation 7:30 - removing the pickguard and electronics 8:00 - installing steel bridge saddles 8:19 - Seymour Duncan Invader bridge pickup installation 10:20 - treble bleed demo 10:45 - trying various dirt pedals with the modded guitar 12:32 - my thoughts on the whole project

[@jasondorsey7110]

Sometimes a Squier is Kenough

[@ZitherBeast]

Nice work here Landon. Came out looking very cool.

[@landonbailey]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@BrokenStrings231]

Honestly, this really gave me an idea for making my own build of a guitar like this. I would only instead put either a superdistortion, d-activator or emg 81, locking tuners and a graptech nut. You did such a great build on such a good budget.

[@landonbailey]

have fun!

[@aitken1965]

That looked like a relatively straightforward build. Nicely executed. I love the TS Mini + Joyo Sweet Baby combination.

[@landonbailey]

Glad you liked it!

[@Erkinstien]

Less than Halfprice makes makes you think a little. Love these upgrades.

[@StupidGuitar]

I always lol at these comments who don’t understand a) the value of their own time b) royalties are a thing and c) simple supply demand economics. Edit all the upvotes on the surrounding comments show the guitar community has a lot to learn

[@Y33tastic]

​@@StupidGuitar all of those combined still don't really warrant a $1300 price tag when comparing it to other guitars (even signature models) in the price bracket though, at least imo

[@StupidGuitar]

@@Y33tastic 🤣🤣🤣🤣 guitar is sold out otherwise. I feel like the public school system failed a lot of y’all. I’m not even saying it’s worth the price to me but economics point to both of you being pretty ignorant to the market dynamics

[@Y33tastic]

@@StupidGuitar I’m aware that the guitar has sold well, people would pay 2k for so long as it tickles their nostalgia. I don’t think that the sales performance means it’s not overpriced, though I understand I’m a consumer making this point, not a Fender exec. Maybe your definition of overpriced is just the point at which your product doesn’t sell, but I don’t understand why you approached this trying to be as condescending and unlikeable as possible. For as uncreative a joke as this is, the name StupidGuitar seems to fit well enough lol.

[@StupidGuitar]

@@Y33tastic it inherently means it’s not overpriced. It may still be outside what you’re willing to pay. It’s funny seeing you get all uppity then make personal attacks. It’s OK to admit you’re wrong about something or ignorant to market dynamics. No reason to make sad personal attacks but you do you. Also jokes are funny…. That’s just a sad attempt by you to belittle someone else. Can recommend some good reading and videos on comedy if you so desire.

[@derekgenre8057]

Bad Ass !!!!! You ROCK !!!! Great job !!!!! They definitely should have made that version !!!!

[@andrewksadventures]

Well done, it's interesting to see the build.

[@BUNKERJR53]

I bought a MIJ 85' Contemporary Strat, Single Humbucker pick-up, single volume knob, with lock down trem system years ago. I upgraded it with a Floyd Rose trem and a Carvin M-22T Humbucker and it is my go to guitar. This guitar reminds me of it. I prefer a single pick-up, single volume knob guitar especially because I'm a Lead Vocalist. Less stuff to mess with. Great job on the build my man. Not a big Blink fan but I like Tom's guitar.

[@RF_Burns]

I just baught a brand new TD Strat in blue for £699 (list £1179). It has the neckplate art, a slab rosewood fretboard (not a veneer like most Fenders), a nice Fender gigbag with plectrum shaped zipper handles, and it will have the most important thing going forward... resale value. All good things come to those who wait :)

[@calbrockocat8728]

Do it right. Do it Pink.

[@eddiejr540]

Landon, I just have 2 questions…1. how tall are you and B. how much did it cost??….but seriously, how does a thermos know whether to keep something hot or cold??😮

[@ultimatesteve]

how are the frets on the bullet? i have been toying with the idea of making a a tom delonge out of a bullet or an affinity (for the surf green and classic headstock). one thing i dont want to have to do is reseat and file a bunch of frets. doesnt have to be perfect but playable with decent action is all im after.

[@landonbailey]

These frets were fine. Could use a polish

[@kurtz1993]

It is a Pink-182 guitar! Nice build!

[@hatchethank]

Seeing a stratocaster with no back plate is surreal 🤯

[@benjipc5637]

That's hardtail Strats for you

[@keilagarcia4030]

top loader? or body through?

[@miracleman7836]

I had a bridge invader pickup in the early eighties, sounds really good tapped and gives your sound more versatility. Good job.

[@andredmtr]

I would've gone with a rounded pickup slot pickguard but other than that it's a perfect build to me! And sounds killer too, congrats! 🔥

[@GoodfaYou]

The New Squire Sonic already comes with one pickup

[@landonbailey]

that is true

[@alanturingandthetapes5575]

looking forward to future zeitgeist guitar builds

[@3Torts]

you're awesome man.

[@landonbailey]

You rock!

[@michaelp8529]

That is an awesome guitar and an awesome video. I think I want to build one myself now. But I think I'm going to go with the Stratocaster Sonic in the lime green with a black pickguard. Not a big fan of pink guitars but it does look amazing. And it sounds just as good. Excellent job. I think that's going to be my next project thanks again for all the info I really appreciate you and your videos.

[@landonbailey]

lime green would be awesome!

[@19guitarshredder]

Solid video! I've been converting these hardtail strats for years now, they're a solid modding platform. Squier just released a new "graffiti yellow" sonic strat for $200 with the maple neck! I've got a pink as well.

[@Eugensson]

I really want to make a Tom DeLonge Parallel Universe Telecaster/Esquire. The question is how do I butcher the Invader to make it a single coil that fits into the tele bridge.

[@landonbailey]

Very cool!

[@guyincognito741]

@@Eugensson you're going to need a pickup specifically for a Telecaster. A Strat pickup or regular single coil won't fit. They make mini humbucker for Telecaster, not sure about the Invader though

[@Eugensson]

@@guyincognito741 yeah, that what i am afraid, is that a half humbucker is bigger than a tele bridge single coil.

[@funkyfinn1]

Most squier strats have HSH holes, even if they’re sss if you want to save 100$

[@rustyfenders101]

Cool build dude! 🔥🔥🔥

[@pierrepierre8920]

I’ve modded a lot of hard tail Squier strats and the wider bridge is a pain because you can’t fit any pickguard without sanding. Or buy another bridge. 😢

[@andybungert]

Alright this was killer. It's got the vibe and it's nearly a third the price. Totally worth it! ESPECIALLY when it's a single pickup guitar. Paying 1300 for one would def feel bad. Killer work!

[@Travis-guy-247]

Paying $1300 for a real and authentic one is still worth it. Plus, if the original run is anything to go by then it's an investment

[@StupidGuitar]

Nice video but a bit dishonest accounting as it devalues your time and the fit and finish you get typically with the fenders vs the squires which would likely cost another couple hundred bucks (at least) to account for

[@landonbailey]

ok it's a $20000 guitar. just estimated my hourly rate!

[@StupidGuitar]

@@landonbailey I think that’s a fair assessment of your valuable time!

[@cjhenry41]

I would take it a step further and have TWO pickups , and tone control and a selector switch.

[@Okla_Soft]

Dude, I started building Warmoth Strats a few years ago, except I left the pickguard off and stripped it to the bare essentials. It’s an homage to our favorite pop punk songs from Green Day (and Weezer even though they’re not really “punk”) But they’ve become my favorite guitars over the last few years. $1200 US and waaaaaaay better specs than authentic fender strats. I’ve played a few $4k strats recently and they’re amazing, incredible guitars with much more traditional build and specs, but you get so much more for your $ if you custom build your own using a reputable company like Warmoth to build the neck and body. It’s like putting legos together, and I’ve gotten pretty good at soldering. It should sound about as good as any other Tom DeLong strat with an invader. Mine just have single Seymour Duncan HBs with a single volume knob and coil split for some versatility, but otherwise just like this. I have mine on my channel if you wanna check them out. Props to you, that thing is beautiful and this was a sweet video. These are for guys like us who just love a great 2.5 minute pop punk song 😂🎉

[@donbishop6994]

You missed a good opportunity to call it the blinkenheimer guitar. 😂😂😂

[@DieselWeazel]

No offense but I didn’t know Delong was that big a deal. I don’t know why one pickup is appealing.

[@landonbailey]

why would that offend?

[@DieselWeazel]

@@landonbailey I just kinda thought maybe he’s an OG with a big fan base. I know how gear review channels work and I didn’t want to poop on anyone. I thought you did a great job. Me personally, I’d love the guitar with a trem and at least a neck pup. 👍👍

[@ASM881]

I still think they’re no better dirt pedal than a SD-1.

[@landonbailey]

I didn't like it on this one, but I do with other guitars

[@zjokka]

How do you pay 250 USD for a used Squier Bullet? 15.40 USD for one resistor and one capacitor? What is going on here?

[@landonbailey]

I didn't pay that

[@joshuascholar3220]

Forced to learn! I bought a cheap HHH strat pickguard from Ali Express and it's completely miswired. And the wires are so thin I'm gonna have to replace them anyway.

[@landonbailey]

👍🎸

[@ShaneBryson]

Top loading bridge, wrong headstock, incorrect cut for the pickup hole, nah... hard pass. Would like to see one with correct specs in shell pink, though.

[@landonbailey]

Have fun!

[@mightyV444]

Kinda cool, but to me personally it's sooo 'backwards' to swap 3 pick-ups for only 1 😅 Especially as the 3 and 5 positions on a Strat are my favourites 😊

[@eddykidd]

Anything to do with Tom and his crap band should be banned from KZbin! You've hit an alltime low.

[@landonbailey]

I can’t help you with that

[@careful...Icarus]

Yeah but did you assemble it on Jupiter,with parts found on the other side of a Stargate? Then will you ship via saucer?

[@landonbailey]

Yes

[@Nothing-gv8mv]

What a great build to create great content. I may have gone with a knockoff invader pickup.

[@maxbrown766]

i have a squire bullet but mine only has the one pic up near the bridge instead of the double will this still work or is there space for 2 underneith my pic gaurd?

[@landonbailey]

I wouldn't know, you'll have to tell me!

[@philljrton]

What do think about using an official fender neck? I got mine for my partscaster for 250

[@landonbailey]

No guarantees that it would fit on a Bullet body

[@stanphillips7277]

You should get a "Ken Cable" for Barbies "Input Jack" ! What? ✌️❤️🤣🎸🎶🙏

[@landonbailey]

😱🎸

[@Zilmayjaink]

Landon what are your thoughts on that style of top loader bridge? How difficult is to restring vs a string-tru?

[@landonbailey]

It was really tough to restring. I would avoid one in the future

[@wyldesteveo]

"I'm probably not the biggest Blink-182 fan in the world... I'm only 6'1"" Dude. Well played 😅😂

[@landonbailey]

it's just a guess

[@michaelp8529]

On an unrelated question I'm hoping you can help me because I just don't get it. After watching your video I decided I'm going to build one. I ordered all the parts and I ordered a CTS 500k pot. This is where it gets weird I received a CTS 1MA pot. Maybe you can help me and tell me what the hell is a 1MA pot I have no clue. So I called the company up and they're sending me a new pot but what is it ? I'm hoping you can answer this for me.

[@landonbailey]

I'm guessing 1meg with type A logarithmic taper. I googled it!

[@michaelp8529]

@@landonbailey thank you so much for getting back to me quickly I really appreciate that. So should I use a 500K or should I use the one Meg what do you recommend.

[@JR-mg6mm]

Showing the steps in more detail would be really helpful for beginners like me…

[@landonbailey]

how much more detail could I show?

[@LorSTApunk07]

I’m surprised they didn’t do a Tom Delonge in pink.

[@MashaT22]

I’m feeling’ this . . . Tom Delonge Barbie Strat by Landon Bailey! (Blink reference required of course!) This is a great one to build. It would have been so punk if they had also released a Squier Tom Delonge artist model for all the people who are making their own partscasters out of Squiers. Fender would make a crap ton - maybe they will reconsider?

[@BrentHood]

Great video, a real enjoyable watch. I’d happily watch the two hour version and learn a few things for sure. Sounded great in the end. P.S. if you enjoy short, power chord pop punk songs, check out my album! (Shameless plug) 😅

[@claudevieaul1465]

I'm looking at a cheap and cheerful Squier Strat with a hardtail - these are actually well-made guitars, and a perfect platform for modding.... EVH would certainly approve 😎🤘

[@JordanBMR]

Would it make a difference if it was a neck invader or a bridge

[@landonbailey]

Yes

[@lukesteverything627]

I have a question but I feel guilty to ask now. After my Father passed away my mother told me I had his feet (the only thing I inherited). Now the left one is showing serious signs of wear so I thought I'd upgrade them both. Could you do a video on how you would go about it. I could send you a picture of my ingrown toenail if it helps. Nice work Landon!!

[@patrickkem689]

Call me strange,,but I have always been a fan of the top loader bridge for non trem strat/tele bridge but have Always had a hard time finding a good quality one with some weight and girth to it. Like that one on that one.

[@barackmycat9448]

Nice job. The Bullit necks I`ve seen had horrible fretwork. I traded with Classic Vibe neck. It was way better.

[@christopherharrold3045]

hay I've just fixed up a 2008 Squier bullet rose wood fret board elder body factory. parts musiclily trem 36mm brass block. Wilkinson vintage 60 alnico5 pickups fender locking tuners and a Fender pre-amp mid boost kit. boost boost i like that word boost anyway it is amazing. should have done it years ago.realy like watching you up grade guitars got a bunch of other guitars im going to mess with now cheers.

[@doctoribanez]

I always thought those invaders were cool looking

[@MusicalNPC]

The worst part is when he almost plays real Blink 182 then he stops

[@landonbailey]

I thought that was the best part

[@eddiejr540]

Very nice job Landon…I really need to get/build a hardtail strat…for ease of changing tunings and I find myself using a tremolo less these days👍

[@Greuh]

Cool guitar. I did the same with the Squier FSR H HT last year, I saved myself from GASing those TD reissues without even knowing it.

[@landonbailey]

Very cool!

[@gnarlantlers70]

Try a direct-to-jack push/pull if you're going single-hum. Just sayin'. Youre gonna run a tube screamer in front of your amp? Try a direct-to-jack push/pull volume pot.

[@ChameleonHulk]

What was the extra wiring for? Didn’t see it being added…

[@landonbailey]

I thought I would need some, but ended up not

[@keilagarcia4030]

r u planning to mod some body through holes? those top loaders scare me that wouldn't do the job. it's the only thing stoping me from getting one. nice guitar and nice video!

[@marquisdecarabas1312]

In my country this colour is called Rosa. Little kids also call it "Schweinchenfarben" what means something like "piggy colour". We have "Pink" too but it is another colour. What we call pink is what you would call "neon pink" i think 🤔 Interesting that you use "pink" for both colours in english 🤔

[@landonbailey]

that's interesting!

[@DeeTee79]

Love watching these build videos of yours. The end result of this particular one was sweet. Looking forward to the Gilmour red strat build.

[@justinTime077]

You’re not the biggest blink fan but you’re into woke Barbie. Gotcha!

[@gnarlantlers70]

Why arent you making your own single hum custom squier? Hot rod your starter guitar. Get your bullet squier plek'd. Are you in it to flip it or are you in it to play it?

[@willdietzler1926]

Going to be doing this soon as a first project to my white 96 or 97(?) Squire Strat I found in my basement

[@davedavem]

A bit of wood glue and a toothpick would fill those extra tuner screw holes. But then the video might have been 15 minutes...

[@SixString_J5]

I've almost convinced myself to do this exact project on numerous occasions. Admittidly my interest in doing it now is high again because I'm not about to pay $1300 for a mim strat becaus it's tom delonge's, lol.

[@landonbailey]

you can do it!

[@glennw3909]

Came here for the passive aggressive tones. 😂

[@Spacexrover]

Made my own! They sell them new on Amazon. I learned how to solder on KZbin. It’s so cool! Sea foam green too

[@prisonmike4971]

The tuners take up way too much time on the video

[@landonbailey]

You should see how long it takes in real life!

[@richardclark.]

Warmoth now sells necks and the headstock has a thin metal plate sandwiched in the middle. This way, when you change tuners it keeps you from damaging the tape on your drill bit.

[@landonbailey]

😱😁🤣

[@Turboy65]

What do I like about this guitar? It has an Invader. What else do I like about it? It has a rosewood fingerboard. What do I NOT like about it? Pretty much everything. I don't like strats, and I sure don't like pink ones. I don't like one pickup guitars. Too tonally limited. And I don't like guitars that cost way too much for what little you're actually getting. This looks like a 400 dollar guitar to me.

[@landonbailey]

did you watch the video?

[@Turboy65]

@@landonbailey Yes, I know this is a cheap way to get more or less the same model.

[@nostro1001]

The one they should have made is the one without the name. Who is he anyway? I'm sensing this guitar gonna b a huge seller!

[@Ownerim]

Even tho the head stock comes with the guitar toi make it really feel like tome delonge id buy that 70s headstock

[@damienhaigh7666]

Needs to be through body strung like the delonge

[@landonbailey]

Wants!

[@steviemac8075]

Jag you are will be the correct phonetics. There are no wires in a Jaguar 🐆 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@interested_in_things]

Getting a string through hard tail strat body is the tricky bit.

[@kelvinklauck]

With a drill and some ferrules you can easilly do it

[@derekgenre8057]

Guitar Fetish … XGP hard tail bodies $89.95 …. They are great for this exact application … add a mighty mite neck to it …. And you have a great foundation for a killer Tom Delonge strat

[@Ry_Valz]

God bless on whoever deserves this very fine guitar giveaway! I wish us luck!

[@gorlagOv]

Yeah but like, it’s not a Fender.

[@landonbailey]

Exactly!

[@Got_Boost]

I think they just be a string thru hard tail

[@landonbailey]

what?

[@dbrown6451]

You paid 22.00 for a knob? 🤪

[@landonbailey]

it's a pack of 2

[@dbrown6451]

@@landonbailey oh, in that case you totally got over on them!

[@bristol1312]

I’m guilty I buy cheap invader ebay clones and China made knobs for cheap builds like this . He’s doing a video so I’d prob spend the extra money like he did to make it more authentic I guess.

[@JeremyLeech]

I was okay without getting the new strat. But damn I want this one.

[@richardclark.]

Waaaahhhhhskeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrrr! ( That's my feedback)

[@landonbailey]

😱

[@andrebuhrmester6054]

I just finished a similar project. Got the new Squier Sonic Series Hardtail Stratocaster for 199€, bought a used Fender MEX roasted maple replacement neck for 220€ along with used Fender locking tuners for 55€. The bridge saddles got upgraded with graphtech tusq for 80€ and finally the good old invader pickup with the treble bleed mod together for 150€. In conclusion that's 704€ approx. 1040 CAD or 774 USD. All together for an instrument that to me is far superior to the new ltd signature model. And i really like the combination of the california blue body together with the roasted maple neck.

[@landonbailey]

awesome! I was about to get that Sonic, but then this Bullet came up on the local used market

[@raceface_m2579]

I would advise against putting that much conditioner on the fretboard. It can loosen the glue in frets

[@landonbailey]

I like to live on the edge!

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

I want a Tom Deshort strat personally

[@landonbailey]

Demedium is also being requested

[@thseed7]

Shell Pink = more Punk 🤘

[@sonicaids]

i did this a few years ago. but my bullet strat had a trem.

[@miguelangelvacaheredia8230]

Dammed, your guitar looks and sounds Fantatic London, I was checking some guitars to buying for my daughter.....but now I feel I could follow your "tutorial" and get a Barbiecaster :-D

[@landonbailey]

Go for it!

[@BennyJet-u4t]

there are several modification possibilities with the Squier bullet. I was surprised to see that there is space for humbuckers in the cavities. I really liked your video. It's fun to see your evolution as a youtuber. You are now a luthier/tech who can pimp guitars. Very good work

[@landonbailey]

evolution? kzbin.info/aero/PLUKDOD2AiVCiTJPMKMUGtgFObUP7-SpqH

[@BennyJet-u4t]

@@landonbailey sorry, there are some of your old videos that I haven't seen 😊. Thank you I will catch up 😁

[@prisonmike4971]

Oooh man i can tell you wanted to go all the small things there..glad you didnt

[@georgecaplan11]

i would like to mod the new pink sonic strat and turn it into a barbiecaster.

[@jcedrez]

The DS-1 sounded awesome! The Sweet Baby and TS Mini was pretty good too!

[@landonbailey]

SD-1! close :)

[@NintenDub]

That's how it's done. I'd love to play this one, next to the fender,just to see what the difference in feel is. I have a lot of experience with squier, and haven't played a real fender guitar in like 10 plus years. My memory was that the neck always seemed more...dense,hard? And usually finished differently as squier alot of times goes for raw,natural or real light thin feeling poly. Maybe it's just a perception thing

[@OnTheFritz602]

Some music stores online have Bullet Strats in inventory selling at a discount, making room for the Sonic that's replaced them. I bought a single pup Sonic last month for just under $200 USD. Has a super nice neck. I bought an H-/-S pickguard from Amazon that was a perfect fit. Fun project, plays great! Cool vid btw!

[@SplyBox]

Same style and tone for a fraction of the price, I'm sold

[@scharrsilicio]

Nice build! I would add a finish to the neck so you don't have to wipe the sweat off after every practice

[@davidkay3443]

I like the recently released Tom delonge strat just the price for a Mexican made fender on this occasion is ridiculous. My sea foam green strat arrives today. And parts over next few days. Only difference is will shield the cavaties on mine as will be cranking it at gig level..Decided would just make my own.. so this has been a good and useful video from the across the pond. Thanks from the UK..

[@MKRYAN777]

If you want to give it away, I'll take it. I'd be happy to pay shipping, of course. 😬 Seriously, though, really good work. Keep having fun, playing guitar, and making premium content.