Comparing 10 Strat-Style Guitars... WHICH IS BEST?

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0:00 - Intro
0:21 - Strat 1
1:29 - Strat 2
3:00 - Strat 3
4:14 - Strat 4
5:09 - Strat 5
6:40 - Strat 6
7:35 - Strat 7
8:34 - Strat 8
9:22 - Strat 9
10:10 - Strat 10
11:30 - Clean Tone Comparison

[@MusicisWin]

Which Strat do you like the best?

[@sukitha]

the hollowbody looks so cool

[@braymation]

The best one is definitely 1972 fender Stratocaster. The Ernieball or strat 4 is probably the second best in my opinion. I really like it because of the vibes it gives off. Another close second would be the one with shotgun shells. I love the design and all of its other musical features. Also the silver sky gives me red hot chilli peppers vibes. I love the design of the ice blue guitar. Especially the fretboard.

[@1_ab39]

I love the silver sky

[@paularnold4411]

I just like strats in general, they are just the best

[@ufukaka7570]

I love your new vintage blue strat. Definitely a great investment from your part.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

You can’t go wrong with an HSS Strat. It’s got something for everybody.

[@tomm1413]

My first guitar was an HSS strat and I couldn't agree more

[@fayyllfayyll]

First and most likely only electric guitar for me!

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@tomm1413 My absolute favorite guitar out of the 100+ I’ve owned over the years was an 04 Mexican HSS Strat. It was a FSR model, (1 of 166) and had red sparkle paint with a matching headstock. Had to sell it because my VA disability wasn’t paying the bills, but man I miss that guitar.

[@Matthew_Klepadlo]

Not entirely. There’s no humbucking neck pickup, so if you want to do shreddy leads, then you are kinda forced to have that strat sound.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

@@Matthew_Klepadlo I never thought to use a humbucker for a lead, I personally just love the way a single coil cuts through. I use bridge humbuckers for rhythm primarily.

[@braymation]

Stratocaster Fenders are some of my fav guitars . Interested to see how this goes :) Update: the fender Stratocaster 1972 is definitely the best of all of them.

[@TheGrimmCommoner]

I would argue that the 1961 is the best version. The first Fender Stratocaster in Ireland and it was picked up second hand by the best guitar player when he was just 15 years old.

[@UltraZombie]

Nah the squire bullet is Better

[@billmozart7288]

I've been on board since the F book days. It's been awesome watching your channel grow. Keep up the good work

[@chriskrentz2300]

Tyler: "Maybe when I get 10 more strats some day I'll do a part 2" Tyler 3 months from now: "Comparing 10 Strat-Style Guitars... PART 2!"

[@jaminpartanen9058]

It would have been awesome to see a G&L make the list. I’ve become a big fan of those guitars

[@lucadi-rito6193]

Thinking of getting a g&l fallout myself They look gorgeous

[@jaminpartanen9058]

@@lucadi-rito6193 I have an asat special. Definitely a great guitar.

[@fredflintstone5860]

Love my G&L American in lake placid blue with rosewood fret board and matching headstock.

[@savedplayer]

G&L basses are great too I prefer them to fenders they are so versatile.

[@lucadi-rito6193]

@@jaminpartanen9058 they’re absolutely stunning! Does it have a hard tail or trem? I

[@GuitarWithReese]

I love your channel so much man inspired me to pick up guitar. Keep it going man💙

[@ZenthisGaming]

That tone comparison at the end really through me through a loop. Surprisingly found myself gravitating towards the sound of the H.E.R signature strat, followed by either the '72 or the Paoletti. Seemed to have a nice warm tone while maintaining that single coil clarity. Wasn't expecting that.

[@jamminben998]

This guy lives every guitarists dream. Keep rocking on man 🤘

[@ultraballstudios5221]

For me I think I like the Custom Shop Thinline the best. It’s an absolute beautiful guitar and I love the warm sounds it gives off. Of course it may not be everyone’s favorite but that fine because we all have preferences.

[@Sinnsonido]

The Texas Special spoke to me, kind of unexpectedly. Nice chimey balance in the tonal qualities of that instrument. I really dig that in a Strat.

[@dechamo]

Nice collection Tyler. I followed you since your Facebook days. I know doing what you do takes time and dedication. All I can say you’ve earned all the nice guitars you have. I do love Stratocasters. I remember when you played the green single cut PRS and those early funny videos you made. I’m looking forward to buying a PRS myself. The Eriza Verde SE is the one I have my eye on. Thanks for sharing your guitars they sounds amazing

[@davidupton8100]

Great video as always. If you're going to buy more Strats, try a Clapton Strat with the boost wiring. That gives you a massive range of tones.

[@larrywhitley3359]

Definitely the 72, hands down. All sound incredible, but the 72 does it for me. Thanks this was cool.

[@2good2betrue3]

Love those strats: My Fave are the: 3) Paoletti (looks awesome) 2) Yngwie scalloped fury - bullet truss rocks! 1) Fender USA 1972 (sounds the best!)😃 Cheers Tyler!

[@hunterbushell3276]

Would love too see more videos like this. Comparing singlecuts? Teles? Etc

[@giannijimenez5684]

Hey cool I’m actually looking for a strat right now, awesome that this came out when it did!

[@ipuya]

For looks i love the thinline one most followed by the Paoletti, and for sound I love the vintage one most followed by the Danelectro!!! Can't believe it sounded so unique!

[@bldallas]

The 1972 LPB Strat is by far my favorite and my dream guitar!!! That color combination is perfect and the sound is amazing.

[@ruthlaing5064]

I just got a Mexican player strat alongside a couple other players for Christmas and just started my guitar journey the difference already having something so comfortable and versatile to play is unreal and allows for a lot more practise rather than getting pain after a while very excited to see where this leads me =)

[@luckydog-287]

Thanks for the comparisons. Awesome!

[@scottrockit7680]

72 Strat, Silver Sky whoa!!!!! Sick tone! Awesome video! Maybe next time compare Nash, Suhr, T Anderson, Shabat, Xotic, or Whitfill.

[@jamesromanoski7292]

Man, I want that 72 Strat. Such incredible tone. My second favorite is the Texas Special. But it's still a big step between those two.

[@SeanWeaver]

I’ll take this down if it’s misunderstood or offensive but with no criticism of Tyler, guitar for guitar, please, from a 30+ year player, if you’re ever in a position to buy something like that ‘72 Strat, do plenty of research. The ‘70s were largely responsible for the rise of the vintage guitar market altogether when players had to track down ‘50s and ‘60s Fenders & Gibsons because production was at such a then all-time low. Without getting into the instruments I’ve owned and played throughout life, it’s far better for someone to experience it for themselves. Take money out of the equation altogether. Passively compare a 1970s three-bolt bullet truss rod one to a pre-CBS ‘50s or ‘59 or ‘60 slab-board (big slab of rosewood). Then ask yourself if you can get the sound of the pre-CBS anywhere else. Realistically, you can’t completely, but you can get staggeringly close. Look into finding a good body and neck, and then upgrading tremolo block, nut, saddles, and seeing if you can’t find a luthier to adjust the neck angle and body joint such that you can get the truss rod adjusted to raise the resonant frequency of the neck. Go back and play the romanticized ‘70s Strat after that. It may not be so charming anymore. The vintage guitar market may well have done it to itself by pricing out anyone young and learning what an instrument can be, but it doesn’t change the instruments themselves. It’s far better experienced than heard on KZbin or lectured to by a pretentious idiot such as I may well be called for saying anything at all, but it’s not about me at all. Just an encouragement, that’s all

[@jamesromanoski7292]

@@SeanWeaver No offense at all Sean. Thanks for sharing all the details and your feedback. I bought my first guitar in 81 which I still own and another I bought in 83. But I've never spent any crazy money since it's just a hobby. But I've always enjoyed playing some of the older 60 and 70s guitars that I've been lucky enough to play. If you happen know of a good luthier in the Dallas area, please let me know. On a separate note, I've been considering investing in finding a new acoustic with that vintage Martin resonance. I've played a few over the past 40 years and always loved them, especially some of the older models. But they were always out of my price range. It looks like the only new Martin model that might fit the bill is the Authentic Aged line. Any thoughts on those or alternatives I should consider?

[@soundofwinter]

@@SeanWeaverwhat do you think about the 1978-1982 Tokai Springy Sound guitars in comparison to Fenders from the 70s or even the 50s and 60s Fenders?

[@CS-ys3ew]

Would love to see a tour of your teles next 🤘

[@harrisontownsend910]

Gotta say I loved them all looks and sound. I wish I could do what you do.

[@helihead11]

I bought the first Fender at that same GC in Asheville, that was a gift but other Strat style there also.

[@chillyguitarplayer]

To me, the 72 strat sounds best. Followed by the CS Thinline! Great video! Greetings from Norway🎸

[@SIXX2772]

THOROUGHLY enjoyed this sir! Thank you.

[@sideasoundlab]

really liked the growl of the cs thinline and the clarity of the silver sky

[@jacobandmore3915]

You should do a Gibson comparison with all your Gibson guitars.

[@ESP77769]

The '72 and the Yngwie!! Seems those have the best "note-definition" - This is essential, especially playing shows!!

[@hunterfontaine5832]

I haven’t checked this channel in a while, you really lost a lot of weight. You look great!

[@urbanobstacles]

Man you don't gotta apologize to us. I liked that you called yourself out though for a mistake I couldn't even hear 😆 I think it shows a lot of confidence. Love your channel man

[@RC32Smiths01]

I still feel as though Strats are some of the most versatile guitars on the scene. They accommodate for so many styles and genres of guitar playing, and the feel of one is so smooth.

[@rafaelelmachs]

Of course they are, i would say they are #1 at versatility.

[@0megalul309]

Just use a hss

[@maxawdford5263]

@@rafaelelmachs tele

[@samme79]

@@rafaelelmachs 335

[@michardsmichard5014]

Tyler, the best thing about your videos is when you play, you look like you're falling in love with the sound all over again and you're actually having fun while you're playing.

[@TELE_GRAM_ME_MR_MusicisWin2]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊🎁

[@RandomCarGuy_]

You should do an updated guitar collection video!

[@yetimatzenightcat8702]

I found the H.E.R and your homebuild silver surfer with aluminum neck best in the clean neck pickup comparison. The H.E.R. is more oldstyle stratsound and your silver surfer sounds more modern and really really awesome. If I had the choice, I would definitely choose your silver surfer 👌

[@skateup2291]

The old strat you have is the best sounding but that silver surfer one also sounds incredible

[@Levelheadd]

The ‘72 Strat was my fav, then the Silver Surfer, then the Danelectro. ✌🏼 Great Video 🙏🏻

[@stuffjoeyloves]

Wow...that Danelectro kinda stood out for me. I sort of knew what to expect with the Fenders, but the Danelectro was a pleasant surprise!

[@teamrockettes]

The H.E.R. neck pickup was nice at the end

[@Tetsaraku]

You need to get your hands on an Ibanez AZ prestige HSS (the one made in Japan). As a work horse, it just can't be beaten. The roasted neck is super stable and slick to play.

[@riffdex]

I have a fender strat with ruined paint job. I was wondering if I can take my squier strat body and install the fender neck and pickups onto this? It would the Squier body have inferior parts and make it not worth it?

[@giovannidykes6158]

That 'Wine Barrel' Strat is fire also. That lone Golden A string, nice touch

[@gustoguitars2343]

The hollow body guitar sounds INCREDIBLE

[@stevenpipes1555]

I agree the 72 sounds the best, and also, as much as i HATE to say it, the one with the aluminum neck sounds incredible as well!

[@jparkerriffs]

really cool video 🤘

[@shred5]

Good choice on the Super Reverb. They bring out the best in my Fender Strat, my Charvel Model 1A strat, and my Les Paul (with low output, clean pickups).

[@DangerAmbrose]

Save you money, you can get great tone from a Squier Strat and a Boss Katana.

[@shalomshalom735]

Love the video!! I love the Cutlass and Silver Sky best. Hey, which cutlass is it? CT50?

[@indiecomicsjones]

I like the Lake Placid one, because of its color. I have three blue guitars in my stable. The green PRS and Silver Strat with silver headstock look awesome as well. They all sounded great to me.

[@ericheideman8839]

Tyler wearing a Gibson sweatshirt to test strats. classic

[@syalda0001]

You don’t have a strat with a humbucker in it?

[@HawtSauwce]

the one in my 75 anniversary Mexican Strat is flat and Tin can sounding.

[@RabidPrimeape]

The aluminum neck and Squier body guitar sounded sick. My favorite sounding one was the wine barrel guitar.

[@cheems7447]

What are your thoughts on Ibanez RG370. I LOVE the blue burst, pretty much the best burst on any strat/superstrat, almost as good looking as Black Night Fender American Pro 2

[@jpy1104]

I only have one one guitar, so I don't have any trouble figuring out which one sounds best. Always count your blessings and look for the bright side in life 😊

[@cptvanier]

I have one acoustic that I love and one electric that I love :) It's all you need!

[@jpy1104]

@@cptvanier Same here! So true

[@Iskaral_Pust]

Every time I stumble upon this guy I marvel at how successful he's become despite being a pretty pedestrian player. Just goes to show that content, editing and film quality are so much more valuable than playing ability.

[@grantmayos9639]

You have got to be kidding. Tyler has dedicated his life to this. Have some respect. He's an incredible player. He has given me so much inspiration. Keep going Tyler. 🤘

[@pinkyellowblue007]

Yngwie is my fav guitarist, I'm glad I subbed your channel a few days ago.

[@ricinro]

I only own a '89 strat plus which makes choosing easy. Hearing the comparison at the end was surprising as I didn't think the differences would be that noticeable.

[@ransombaggins9301]

The 72 lake placid was absolutely wonderful. I've always wanted a 72 or 73 in that color. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford one. :)

[@peepkindoesstuff4066]

yes this is awesome, keep it up!!!

[@TELE_GRAM_ME_MR_MusicisWin2]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊

[@EthanWilkinss]

Nice to see the silver surfer guitar once again cool video Tyler

[@gohamm8629]

The HER strat is so sick. Only other strat I’d throw in there is Corey Wong’s sig. also, you were talking about what you can do for brands - well PRS 100% owes 2 of their sold guitars to you, man! PRS SE SS, and 35th anniversary SE 24 are mine because you pointed me toward the amazingness of PRS!

[@platinumpengwinmusic5564]

Got my first American Deluxe HSS in '07. Such a great instrument because...versatility. You can get any sound you want. Coil split is a MUST.

[@heavymetal19610]

I own two electric guitars: '89 Godin LG with Seymour Duncan P90's and a '94 American Standard Stratocaster, love them both....your Lake Placid Strat sounds tasty! Cheers from the West coast of Canada

[@TheSavagederek]

The best guitar model of all time. So comfortable, nice weight, sounds fantastic, and easily modded to your own taste

[@williedeuel]

My USA G&L Legacy is my favorite Strat-style guitar I've ever played. It has the deep V neck profile.

[@TribalGuitars]

That Paoletti is gorgeous! The best part of the video is you playing Strats while you wear the Gibson hoodie. 😆

[@jordandotson9354]

The 72 is just gorgeous looking and sounding. I love old guitars man there’s just something about imagining all the great guitarists before you that may have played it or soloist bought it, etc. I have a 1974 Gibson southern jumbo that just invited so much imagination into my mind every time I play it. It was on the road with the doobie brothers and has some crazy stories that I know of and so many that I don’t. I’ve always wanted an old Strat and there’s just something about them being truly aged as opposed to the custom shop ones I’ve almost spent way too much on 😂 I just figure if your going to spend so much anyway, might as well make it the real thing, even though the custom shops probably play nicer and cleaner without some quirks that older relics might have. Thanks for this video man!!! So cool to see and hear some amazing instruments!!!

[@michaeldionne3139]

I owned a 74 Fender Strat that I purchased new in early 75. It had a natural ash body and maple fretboard. It was the best playing, feeling Strat I ever owned. My PRS John Mayer Silver Sky is the closest I got in playability and feel to the 74 Strat.

[@robbyclark6915]

Definitely the blue, 72, strat for sound and looks imo. I freaking love that one! Doesn’t hurt that I also own a blue strat with maple fretboard, but mine’s much, much, newer. 2019

[@csongipartos7458]

Really cool video! Cod you do a similar one but with semi-hollow, hollow body guitars?

[@TELE_GRAM_ME_MR_MusicisWin2]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊.

[@chrisvanegmond3157]

What's the tune you're playing on the H.E.R. MiM signature, around 6:00? It sounds so familiar but I can't place it. I love the sound of that guitar (or maybe it's the Optimist box that I love), sounds great.

[@joermnyc]

I would check out a Squire Cyclone, it’s not bad (note I love Fender Jaguars), and the rout under the pickguard is wide open swimming pool style if you wanted to switch to other pickups.

[@thomasdeleon5830]

All terrific strats I could only narrow down to 3. The Danelectro, the H. E. R. Signature model and the 1972 Fender. I'm giving the '72 strat the very slightest edge. You gave it the best description. Workhorse of a strat.

[@PoppaWheelies]

The 72 is my favorite of yours . I have a Frankenstein SRV tribute I pieced together and refinished myself . It sounds and feels great. I keep coming back to my 2001 all original USA hardtail . i got it new for Christmas in 2002, still my #1

[@TELE_GRAM_ME_MR_MusicisWin2]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊

[@mikebecerramusic]

I personally have the FSR American Special 2012 run and it’s amazing. I would like a PRS and want to build or mod my own but with a squire body. I have found all the parts to piece together and it cost basically the same prices if I buy one off the shelf but something appealing about building one yourself and choosing all the parts

[@funkysoulman3861]

I love strats and have 2 of the 2020 HM strats in flash pink. Have you tried a Shijie? I've been looking at those.

[@TwentyPercentDash]

It would be cool if you told us what a scalloped neck guitar is. I had to look it up. What's the point of scooping out all that wood? What advantage does it give you?

[@craigthomson3621]

The two best HSS S-Type guitars I have played are a G&L Fullerton Legacy and an Xotic XSC-2. However my two favourite single coil pickups are Fender (Abigail Ybarra and Josefina Campos).

[@NunchucksHabit]

As far as quality (not pedigree, custom shop or appearance), would you say Music Man is the best, or do Duesenberg, Suhr and PRS rule that sector? Overall as a brand, not just "best neck" or something. I'm ordering a Paoletti without relic, and with the new 'star' inlays, this fall, with the same color combo as the HSS Strat here. I will not rest until I have it!

[@norseman61]

All of them are great strats, but that Thinline intrigues me. I’ve got a 2001 Squier (Standard) and a Schecter Nick Johnston HSS. Love them both!

[@jessefillmore]

Tyler , this video reminded me of the issue I'm having . I have a few single coil guitars and I can't play them through my DAW cause of the bad "HUM" grounding issue . Is there a video you can recommend or have you made a video showing how to reduce the ...."HUMMMmmmmmm" lol . The noise gate I use robs the guitar of tone and definitely sustain . And the "popping" noise you get when you first attack the strings can drive you crazy . Any help on the issue would be greatly appreciated . I would love to learn how to deal with this LIVE and in the Studio . - Jesse

[@TELE_GRAM_ME_MR_MusicisWin2]

ʜɪᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴜᴘ ᴏɴ ᴛᴇʟᴇɢʀᴀᴍ ɪ ɢᴏᴛ sᴏᴍᴇᴛʜɪɴɢ sᴘᴇᴄɪᴀʟ ғᴏʀ ʏᴏᴜ 🎁🎁🎊🎊🎁.

[@hymerdl1]

originally i thought i was going to like the silver sky the best, but it's actually my third favorite. the cutlass and the 72 were my number 1 and 2. i'm a heavy metal (metalcore and deathcore mostly) guy but i still can't help but love a good clean strat tone. I will say the big surprise from me was the H.E.R. signature model, very nice looking guitar, very flashy obviously but with a good sound to back it up.

[@shawnschaffer5320]

Would love to see you add a Suhr Modern to your collection. Think it fits perfectly with your capabilities and is a fantastic instrument!

[@massimobargagna5641]

They are all wicked awesome

[@Hickeroar]

I looked for a Danelectro "The '84" for a while and could never find them, except for one running waaaay above MSRP. If they ever start producing them again, I will absolutely pick one up. The Paoletti wins the list for me though. What a beautiful guitar.

[@Mr.Goldbar]

the Musicman was my favorite for the cleans, but that Yngwie Strat sounded unique!

[@sabinedddddd8745]

My G&L Legacy. Awesome guitar. Looks beautiful and sound amazing. You should try one

[@jemstar7616]

Really want to see you do a Ibanez prestige AZ series.

[@seanthomasmusic]

Im just amazed at the clean tone comparison; they ALL sound different enough to warrant different uses. But I can see why your 72 is a go-to-guitar. The Paolete (?) and your OG strat were a close 2nd and 3rd place toss up

[@andrewvelasquez79]

What do you think about the 2006 fender American strat HSS delux?

[@humansnotai4912]

Great video mate. Did you know you can press the finger-pedals on your board with your foot? ;0) And yes, I agree; your 1972 blue Strat does sound the best (even with KZbin's compression algorithm). Namaste x

[@michaelaiello9525]

My God, there are so many Strat models out there that my favorites didn’t even show up. But that ‘72 is my favorite of yours.

[@jdcordle7082]

They all sounded like a strat on the neck pickuo! Cool!

[@broderickbethea9003]

Do you have an ibandz I just started guitar and I can play enter sand man badly and I have a gio ibandz. And I think it is metal.

[@thisguy2973]

I love the Jason richardson 7 cutlass. It’s incredibly nice!

[@jasonhoffman4834]

I think I actually like the aluminum one the best. They’re all really nice though. Second choice probably the Dan electro. I do like the 1972 a lot. Good job Tyler.

[@pgsv1p3x]

Don’t u have a PRS Fiore? Idk if u count that as a stat but it has a s type body look.

[@robandangie7775]

1972 Fender Strat is the winner for me. Great review!