Dear Strat… Meet Stevie Ray Vaughan

[@jeffrowlette]

What people fail to remember is no matter the amp, no matter the guitar or even the pickups, he would still always sound like Stevie Ray Vaughan.

[@Ottophil]

He was the Kobe Bryant of Helicopter passengers

[@arisl2370]

exactly ! and the texas special pickups was all marketing.. he never used these high output pickups

[@rachelqueen7310]

An ex husband showed me Stevie Ray and I am so lucky to have enjoyed his music

[@johnplaystheguitar123]

what if SRV was playing an ES355 through a dimed Mesa Triple Rectifier? would he still sound like SRV?

[@jeffrowlette]

@@johnplaystheguitar123 Yes. He would.

[@rockerbuck967]

It's a beautiful guitar, and I'd love to own one - I'm a huge SRV fan. But to keep myself from going down the rabbit hole, or start "tone chasing," I always tell myself no matter what artist it is, I'll never have 2 essential items - his heart, and his hands. The guitar dealer I buy from once said "You could plug into his exact gear, and it'd still sound like YOU playing his stuff." That saved me a lot of money over the years lol.

[@Sonny2299]

To me that’s the fun of tone chasing IMO. Yes your not gonna sound like SRV but you have the tone that inspired you to wield for yourself now. To play with it how you play.

[@2010njdevil]

No,,,,,you just do not have enough faith in yourself. I started in 1987, started playing acoustic sets in 1991, started gigging around NYC leading with voice and lead a power trio (sometimes 4 man). I've done session work for many large-name recording artists. My biggest influences are the same that influenced Stevie Ray. I have gigged his material since 1921 not caring if I sounded like him. I play the SRV Strat and an '06 HWY1 Strat and the truth is for years, many in the audience have told me that they cannot hear the difference in both tone and attack from my playing to Stevie Ray's. I am honored but, the playing is mine as I can turn it on a dime by playing different material. Even better is that the tone is there.....Example: SRV Strat > Vertex SSS pedal > Roland Blues Cube Artist is the excat tone of the Stevie Ray's "Texas Flood" album. You really can do it.

[@Toutvids]

@@2010njdevil well, if you are just a cover band then that's cool, but I prefer to play my own stuff. SRV was SRV, I don't want to sound exactly like him or anyone else. I like parts of his tone, but also like Robert Cray's tone even more and David Gilmour even more... I prefer to take influences from them, not copy them.

[@2010njdevil]

@@Toutvids Yes, I write my own material, I have multiple tones, I have a cover band also but I enjoy covering multiple artists' material but enjoy copying SRVs. I make my main income in corporate finance but supplement my income as a professional musician through shows with my main band, backup guitar for recording artists and session work. btw... I was responding to rockerbuck967 so not sure the reason for you input. If you are happy with what you do musically, that is cool. I feel lucky having it as a hobby that I can make living off of.

[@BradyHensley-u6y]

I am a simple man. I see SRVs name, I click. Very simple

[@owaindavis-jones7191]

Are you interested in marriage?

[@Medic397]

I bought one new in about '92. I absolutely love it.

[@juancarlosmolesini1230]

I got a '97 SRV. That guitar was and is the dream of my life. I love SRV and Double Trouble. Their music change my life. I know I'm not a great guitar player. But this guitar represent one of the best and More soulful musiciians ever.

[@GaryArmstrongmacgh]

I'm a fan of the fact that SRV made me want to play my 1982 Strat! It was just a regular ol' Strat made in the original Fullerton factory. Thanks Stevie!

[@1-eye-willy]

my dream strat is a c shaped neck, stainless steel frets, reverse headstock, 12 inch radius with a striped walnut board, with a single humbucker preferably a PAF or even one of the new filtertron style super distortions, locking tuners, hard tail bridge, hotwired through a momentary kill switch, and some obnoxious pearl inlays.

[@paul_domici]

I seen SRV live in the late 80s and it blew my mind! One thing to know is that he used really heavy strings, had a high action cause he played really hard! That's also why his sound was pretty unique!!! Great video!!!

[@MartinStrang]

I have been playing texas specials for years now. I agree, they are wonderful

[@Trebor_I]

I bought new a 1998 SRV Strat, and I still own it today. Still plays incredible.

[@DSmicklas]

According to SRVs tech, his string gauge was down to 11s and 10s later on. They would especially do that at the beginning of a tour. Then they might ramp the gauge up a bit as the tour went on.

[@daustin777]

I just read a couple days ago in his biography that he switched to lighter gauges after getting sober.

[@shanetx81]

@@daustin777that is correct. He was also developing pretty bad tendonitis at that point so the lighter strings helped.

[@Dzamora612]

@@daustin777that’s what I was gonna comment, all cocked up you might want heavier strings to keep up 😂

[@mikesmith9246]

Yep. Winch created a clearer sound. As you hear later on I'm sobriety. I love both. But he was playing at such a higher level right before he died. Can u imagine the music we missed 😢😢

[@jackiechan7288]

​@@Dzamora612cocked? You can edit your comment yk? 😂

[@buzzstankos8532]

Thanks for another great video Mike… Your attitude and enthusiasm is infectious…

[@larrys009]

Love my Clapton Strat. Fits me perfectly. Again... your presentation is solid and beautiful playing. Keep it up!!

[@timjones9727]

Mark Knopfler’s signature Strat had Texas Specials in. He played multiple sets and kept on coming back to them as having the best vintage sound.

[@sonnywolfblues]

I own many Strats and was gifted an SRV model and it is a lovely guitar.I find it really does well if you play Blues in the SRV/Albert King style where you like to bend and sustain notes which is enhanced by the 12 radius with large frets and the heavy midrange voicing of the Texas Specials.Sure Stevie's original didn't have Texas Specials(his pickups were Formvar coated...not Enamel)and the fretboard on his was Rosewood but overall the SRV model is great for that type of music or any music that requires a Strat with just a tad bit more growl to it.

[@markcraig3702]

😅I purchased a custom shop SRV about 4 years ago and it without a doubt its my most treasured guitar that I own. The craftsmanship is incredible. Fender knocked this model out of the Park.

[@jr0706]

I played a CS SRV a few months ago. It was incredible.

[@BlueTheChannel]

I love how Mike's really excited about this.

[@xzorter]

This guy is chill,, and very personable 😊

[@alesantiago]

When I bought my Jeff Beck Strato in the store I tested this SRV. The sound was crazy, it gets right into the brain making me love it, but and the end the versatility of the Beck's Signature Version got me. But for sure SRV is an amazing Strato.

[@teresathomley3703]

I want a Beck strat badly. And I'd love to have it set up the way JB had it- I think the third string should go up a minor third when you pull up on the whammy?

[@turdferg098]

My dad built me a knockoff version of this guitar for Christmas one year and it’s one of my most prized possessions. It’s more of a wall ornament now but Stevie is the reason I’m a guitar player and having that on my wall is a constant reminder of how influential his playing has been to me.

[@soulassasin10]

Love me some SRV strat, however a couple of years ago i got my hands on a hardtail Robert Cray signature .... OMG bruh that guitar is a different beast .... Mike you need to get one 🤩🔥🎸

[@No_Use_For_A_Name1981]

I bought mine about...10 years ago or so, new. I wanted one since i was a teenager in the mid 90s. I think they're gorgeous, it sounds great paired with a blues jr. I've *never* played like him, didn't aspire to play like him or really even that into his music, other than being in awe of his ability. Its just the guitar i play when i want to play with clean tone and slow down. I especially use it when playing clean smashing pumpkins songs. I did have the "SRV" pickguard replaced, just because i got a little tired of people asking me about it and then explaining that I can't blues-shred and just have always thought they were gorgeous overall (that being said i also have a dean VMNT "rust in peace" mustaine signature, but thats my favorite album of all time, and I can play those songs... it is also admittedly tacky, lol) The hard thing about the SRV is that the neck really is baseball bat-ish. its meaty. Playing it so much ended up being rewarding in another way: I find on my slim neck guitars i almost have a lighter touch. its like "hey, i don't have to grip near as hard". A lot of people on the internet groan at artist models, but to me... buy whatever will inspire you to play. I've got three various artist models, and i'm the least connected to SRV's music out of the three; It just grabbed me as a teen; something about the rosewood/flipped gold trem/deeper sunburst. the package works for me, and it inspires me to play the opposite of my normal aggressiveness; brings out that creativity. take the time to save enough to buy the most quality guitar you can afford so that you aren't fighting with something poorly made, and then... just play it! If you get to the point where you want a few guitars, make sure you get one that you really want vs. 3 that you sort of want. You will appreciate it more, trust me!

[@oscarlanza-galindo3004]

Loved this video, all your content has been amazing, to be honest. But what I appreciate most is your storytelling and video presence. Keep on going. :)

[@sackman1886]

I never even really liked PLAYING strats until I played the SRV strat. My Dad has one, and it plays like a dream. So freaking nice. The neck, the sound, everything. It's perfect.

[@nicostark7194]

that fender for me... is the best.... because the neck is so amazing to play blues...

[@RawAutos]

I’ve had my SRV Strat since 2001, and it is by far one of my favorite guitars. While I understand your points, I would say that it’s actually quite versatile. But I think that’s because I prefer a bassier tone in my playing, no matter what I’m doing, haha. I’ve had 3 Strats in my life, my SRV, a 2004 ‘57 Vintera, and then a ‘93 American that I gave to a friend many years ago when he was diagnosed with cancer. All 3 of my Strats are the perfect representations of what a Strat can be. Each one is wildly different but perfect.

[@1148-w1d]

My SRV Strat has been my number one since I bought it new on August 8, 1994!

[@xzavyer08]

Also remember folks.. resonation exists through all things that vibrate.. so SRVs finger size, bone density and size of his hands all coordinate to his tone.. no one, can ever truly sound the same.. you can have his amps, his guitar, and possibly his passion.. but never his compositional make up.

[@gpf32]

A lot of people pass this up but this is so true

[@Mrbrycejames]

Thank you Mike been lovin your recent videos.

[@grdnmellesmoen9845]

man these videos are great, i love that you focus on what you like talking about and think you should talk about versus trying to create some formula, you're an inspiration and a half brother.

[@Petequinn741]

Touch is everything

[@philiprourke7732]

I had a mate that had a custom shop version of it...loved that guitar. Gonnabuy a SRV strat someday..

[@mr.bluenotedoobop]

I just finished his biography, Texas Flood. That guy played whatever he could get his hands on, like literally. Sounded like he constantly went into music shops and just bought whatever he could afford and just shredded on it, until he came across "number 1". Also, if you haven't, check out the sound of his performance at El Macombo. It's insane, I even paid for the video release. Lastly, I just got my texas specials delivered an hour ago. So, hopefully in a few days I'll have them in.

[@arisl2370]

yeah SRV never used these texas special pickups..Just fender marketing BS

[@joemccarthy641]

I like the SRV strat as well. I have 2 other favorite Artist strats. The first is the Eric Johnson strat with a bound rosewood fretboard. The second is the Kenny Wayne Shephard strat.

[@davidturkos8502]

Hey Mike, great deep dive into number 1. Your take is spot on.

[@tfajsh]

Awesome playing brother

[@BigCheeli]

0:24 i used to have a guitar just like this with gold trim and a trem system, cool finger screw adjustable action on the bridge. I left it in my garage and it got stolen, every time i see a guitar like this i shed a tear

[@zanzabar4ky7]

The 1st wife and most of his guitars had pau ferro fretboards at the time he died. When he was ordering things everything has pau ferro, and his specs for the signature model were pau ferro

[@jasonmoore5675]

Got this one wrong Mike. SRV did not play Texas Specials, his pickups were just 50s and early 60s stock pickups with some slightly oddball grounding setup, but stock fender stuff. Texas Specials are WAY hotter than anything he played. You can get his tone more easily with those pickups, but he got it by playing with tree trunks as strings and playing like a madman.

[@shanetx81]

I want to see a super cut of the egregious error Mike makes in every video like this. There’s always one. 😂 Love the content all the same, but some editing after the fact would be a great idea!

[@aaronkerr2481]

Fender stated from the beginning Texas Specials were designed to get the SRV sound with 9s and 10s. Stevie himself never used them. I've had TxSpecs in my #1, a 1989 American Standard for years. They're great pickups and blend well with a Duncan Little 59 in the bridge very well.

[@707king]

@@aaronkerr2481they’re essentially just super hot pickups meant to help you drive the amp easier to get you the SRV overdrive tone easier .. Stevie’s pickups in Number One were said to be 59’s or early 60’s. So you’re correct. I noticed the error in the video too.

[@wilfredmcgillicuddy7902]

Very nice! I have a 1981 Greco SE600 Jeff Beck signature. Great strats.

[@robertott9286]

Hi Mike, I built a partscaster with an alder body, roasted maple neck, and Texas Special pickups. I had no idea this was part of the SRV specs. The neck has a 12 degree radius and I used all Fender parts except for the strap locks. It sounds great! Thanks for the great content!!

[@shanetx81]

Just a note… it’s not a 12 degree radius, it’s 12 inches. Picture a circle 12 inch in diameter. The fretboard curvature is the same as that circle. The larger the circle, the flatter the radius. I’m glad your partscaster is working for you! Mine is one of my favorites. Left handed trem, but only a 9.5”

[@arisl2370]

SRV never used texas special pickups... this was all marketing hype.. He used low output vintage style pickups from the 50's and 60's

[@rickycompton2610]

I have a 1992 SRV strat I would not sell it for anything, I love the bigger neck with the 12 inch radius my Main guitar is a Gibson Les Paul R8 so I like the fat necks, I’m glad your digging the SRV strat it’s not for everyone but I think if people try it the would see it is a very versatile guitar,Great Video!!!

[@12babyapes59]

I have an early fender SRV I also have a real vintage 65 sunburst Stratocaster a Mexican Squier sunburst that I SRV'ed it.

[@frankiedrocks765]

The Jimmy Vaughn Strat comes with Tex Mex pickups. Not Texas Specials.

[@timothymaine4084]

I love my phat Strat Texas special!!! It’s an amazing guitar.

[@JimWalkerMusic]

Liked and now subscribed! Been watching your channel for a few weeks now. Good content! I played blues a lot in the 90s. I purchased an SRV new in 1993. Within 30 days I ripped the Texas Specials out and threw them in the trash... YES BIG METAL TRASH CAN! Then installed a set from a '83 Dan Smith 2 knob and life was grand! Since then I have owned many Strats and if they come with Texas specials, I remove them ASAP AND Destroy them by fire, trash, road side ditch or what ever is handy.... I HATE TEXAS SPECIALS! lol

[@patrickhuhn9193]

I own quite a few guitars, but I only have 1 Strat. Fender Mexican 60s Roadworn Strat. Alder body, lacquer finish, and Texas Special pickups. I had the frets leveled and the Eric Johnson wiring and it is an amazing guitar that cost less than $1000. The tone is incredible.

[@spenceralridge4958]

Rock on Mike. I really like your style in these vids - you let us know what you think and why. That is refreshing.

[@Roy_Gaber]

Nice video Mike, thanks.

[@bbb462cid]

Great video

[@MyJc1967]

Yes I’m fan of it definitely. Stevie Ray Vaughan it was one of the greatest guitar players I’ve ever heard in my life. I have a Matt number one. But it just my opinion only

[@MrEvanBacon]

My dream guitar has always been a 24 fretted HSS Strat with compound radius, stainless steel jumbo frets, roasted maple neck, iffy on the fretboard but probably leaning on rosewood. locking tuners. I don’t care if the neck is bolt on, through, or set. It has to have a 2 point trem bridge.

[@stevenpipes1555]

My signature Srat, would be a replica of one I've already built up for myself. Gloss black hotrod flames over bare wood. Flame maple neck, rose board. Tele neck pickup with Texas Specials in the middle and bridge. 3 way switch working neck and bridge, just like a Tele, while the middle pickup swells in and out on its own volume. Master volume and tone controlling the whole thing. Brass block, Graphtech saddles, nut and string retainers, and a set of open gear locking Hipshot tuners. With a killer setup on top of it all it's awesome. That's my signature model, and if I could get Fender custom shop to build me one like that I'd be in heaven!

[@drock55551]

SRV used stock 59 fender pickups. The texas specials were designed to emulate his sound.

[@bigcoop5938]

SRV......FOREVER!!!!!!

[@Minpingirl1958]

One like SRV had......❤

[@LakakaMalvagio]

he also used narrow jumbo frets and his original neck has pau ferro fretboard (he replaced his first one with the "red" one because was unrefrettable casue the amount of times he already did). Late in his career he switched the 13s to 11-15-19-N28-N38-N58, and his guitar tech Martinez says he only used the "GHS nickel rockers rollerwound pure nickel". He used the medium fender picks hitting with the thick part, that change totally how u pick and the sound

[@kaptainskarlett9927]

My Number One Strat is a 2001 Hot-Rodded Texas Special. It’s the Texas Special pickups that give it the voice.

[@AnthonyOwen-w1e]

I’m with you, I got one too

[@tmmuscics2753]

I’m very fortunate to have an srv strat at a younger age. The srv strat is probably my definition of the perfect strat. The neck of the srv is massive, it’s like holding a baseball bat it’s crazy, going from the Stevie neck to any other neck gets some getting used to lmao. Would totally recommend that neck if you want a comfortable neck. (Don’t mind it being pau ferro, I was able to find one with a dark slab of it) Also those pickups are the definition of a strat pickup. The pickups have a perfect blend of treble and midrange and bass. Imagine a strat with a smidge of eq boosting. They are also hotter, than normal, which means that they breakup faster and get the Stevie sound. With pickups having a slight eq boost and a hotter output. Its has the craziest overdrive sound. The srv is the definition of what a strat for blues should be.

[@coldshotblues]

Steve liked the lipstick pu’s (Danelectros) in the white strat for the clean Lenny and Riviera Paradise sound.

[@ericajohnson7535]

SRV always sounded like himself on any strat, including non-Fender one.

[@mattlaw1350]

Now you got me thinking. Being an amateur I never gave much thought to the construction of a guitar. When buying a new guitar I would first gravitate towards the interesting looking ones. I would then pick it up and get a feel for it. The question I would ask is "Do I feel a connection?" Next I would play it listening for that specialness. I would find some great guitars but honestly they were out of my league and budget. I would then pick one that fit me and my budget. Now that I think about the subject, it's a lot like how I dated before getting married.

[@ranman58635]

My heavily modded SE STRAT. I don't want to sound like him, I want to sound like me. Nobody can be him and nobody should. The neck on the SE is amazing! 12 degree radius, slab fretboard, 50's headstock shape, baseball neck, medium frets, locking tuners and some flaming. I was sent some random alnico pickups and I added the humbucker diel blade and did a Gilmore dpdt switch. I can get some cool cleans and nice humbucker sounds. No pedals, just cool vibes. It's a sweet guitar I got for free. Was so beat up that I had to add wood back into it. Full thickness heavy body made of agathist with. A veneer even.took most the paint off and now it's it's relic. I keep thinking, I can sell it but then I take it back. It's made for so many tones! 😊

[@SummerRain-n5u]

My ideal Strat. would be a G&L Legacy with a HSS pickup configuration, or a Yamaha Pacifica with a couple of different pickup configurations I can come up with 🙂

[@TribalGuitars]

Great vid as always. Love Texas Specials. I stuck one in the middle position of my HSS Strat bc that was so much of Stevie's sound. The "SRV" is engraved not embroidered. Embroidery is sewn.

[@nerd_herd]

If SRV played a strandberg, he would still sound like SRV.

[@Sthvhvn]

He used bass frets too. Live at El Macombo 🤯

[@DailyOpen-wn3go]

Love your channel Mike. Your quality of video's are top notch. You list your speaking mic, but what mic do you use on the amp, and what type of camera do you use?

[@soulagent79]

Don't forget he used super fat strings and he had the action set up really high. For most players SRV's original Strat would be very uncomfortable to play, but that's what made his sound so unique.

[@rudedog551]

Great video Mike ,I added a sub , like what you are doing.....I have Texas Specials on a new Mod Shop Strat and love it , my 4th Strat w/specials

[@Myoldnameiscringy]

I had a set of Texas Specials installed in my Fernandes Strat in ‘97 - ‘98. They were a huge upgrade from the stock Japanese pickups, but I’ve never truly bonded with their sound. I think it’s because they are SOOOoo SRV inspired, and I enjoy being more versatile. I’m trying to decide on the next set, and I’m thinking either Red White and Blue Lace Sensor set for the modern vibes. Or option 2, go with a set of 60’s for a more vintage vibe. But the Texas Specials have got to go.

[@sho7924]

Great video, 🤔 could you also do a video reviewing the Valeton GP-200?

[@garycoates4987]

Personally the signature strat I'm most interested in , is the Nile Rodgers HITMAKER strat, I have no idea how it would fit into a lot of what I play as far as leads and heavier riffs but I always loved his tone and the funky jazzy percussive stuff, especially on the David Bowie stuff and the early Chic stuff Plus the guitar is so quirky and cool with the details, adding that my main guitars are hard tail strats or strats with trem blocked to make them hard tail

[@jamescarlotayag4526]

Mike, can you do a video about the Lincoln Brewster signature stratocaster?

[@93greenstrat]

I had a USA Lone Star Strat which had Texas Specials in the neck and middle positions. I hated them......mm until I lowered them and then they were awesome. I did play an SRV Strat once and I just couldn't get along with the neck.

[@bluesoverlord]

I love SRV, but this guitar has to be the most guilty pleasure guitar ever made. One that you play in your bedroom with a Texas Hatter’s plateau hat (with concho band) and 2 Vibroverbs with re-coned 15” JBL130Fs connected to a Dimension D….but not out in public. Or so I’ve heard…….☺

[@mykhedelic6471]

It's interesting that his vertical stature was slight yet he sounded and carried himself as a GIANT.

[@ReifSpano1]

I have always preferred maple fretboards on Fenders. I find them faster and brighter. The SRV Strat is a masterpiece, but I would be more drawn to the Lenny, which has my preferred clean Strat tone of all time. Nostalgia is cool, but modern features like roasted necks, stainless frets, and locking tuners are now must have features on any new guitar for me.

[@djaybeetoo]

Rosewood matters

[@anmolatwal]

The neck radius on the American Pro is not 11 inches....its 9.5. No strats have 11inch neckk radius!!!

[@ronnynast]

Exactly sometime he seems like he doesn’t know but says it anyways. Lol😮

[@anmolatwal]

@@ronnynast also, i didnt understand how the SRV strat is not as versatile in comparison to the jeff beck strat. They are both great strats, but strats.......so same same.!!

[@timbrackeen3508]

Love your Vids Brother!!!

[@philwertz1]

I definitely prefer a little bit chunkier neck. Most strats have very comfy necks but then you find one with some meat on it and its like....whoah....that feels great!

[@J.Moore_1775]

Mike I have a really special SRV Strat I want you to see!

[@thedoyleharcavy]

My Strat has fender Tex-Mex pickups. Not as nice as the Texas specials but good enough for me

[@Dadogb0i-l7z]

you should totaly make a pod cast talking about you experience with diffrent kinds of guitars

[@RobertFairweatherMusic]

Best live concert is 'El Mocambo'. Second best, 'Austin City Limits' after Stevie cleaned up his act. Did you know the #1 had a dummy coil? Does your copy have a dummy coil?

[@sandesh.sange.moktan]

Olympic white one with texas special pick up and texas tea pick guard

[@isurfnerd]

I like my E.O.B. Strat but there are some things I could live without. The 9v battery that powers the strat is an issue because it won't work unless it has juice. The neck is also like baseball bat and I prefer 60's-70's slimmer C shapes like on my Teles. Just my thoughts on my Fender signature model I own.

[@breaux2806]

My dream strat with perfect specs is a Vigier Excalibur Shawn Lane Master signature

[@KarstenStrauss]

Put a dimarzio chopper in the bridge and it’s a very versatile guitar.

[@mkds1109]

I’ve had two of these, it was my childhood dream guitar. The Texas specials are higher output, I think they did that to get more grit at lower volumes. I couldn’t vibe with that neck whatsoever and it never sounded nearly as good as a regular American standard to me.

[@captainsalty5688]

SRVs #1 was originally Christopher Crosses guitar and was a very faded red not Sunburst

[@xzavyer08]

@mikecole. They designed a "Number One" that was Lazer scanned.. even included a bite mark of Stevie's tooth.. it was originally sold for 10k plus.. and was extremely limited. There is a documentary that follows the making of this replica.. give it a watch.. I studied SRV for my lifetime and have a lot of knowledge on the subject, hmu anytime.

[@ziggyu3667]

steve lacy signature video maybe?

[@windellpenton]

Pick you up a fender John Meyer signature strat .

[@blindog2u]

you are your own sound; you have or you don`t....

[@nonethelessbysignificantvi197]

Mike buddy, What the Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy strat Models? What's your take on those just curious