My New Fender Stratocaster. Let me explain.

[@MarySpender]

More on the guitar I'm recording with: www.fender.com/en-US/electric-guitars/stratocaster/70th-anniversary-american-vintage-ii-1954-stratocaster/0177002803.html 🎸 *MY TOUR DATES* bit.ly/MarySpenderTour 🥁 *SUPPORT PATREON* www.patreon.com/maryspender

[@SamuelCorvus]

Attitude... I own three American Stratocasters, two American Telecasters, along with Fender amps, and for sure, God forbid, if something happened to them I would be on a search for Fender replacements.

[@Xnake]

Leo's innovations with Fender, Music Man and G&L forever changed music. He literally worked until the last day of his life in his workshop at Fullerton, California.

[@I.am_Groot]

I am a fan of Fender but how is Ms Spender mix into that discussion? Sure I would do a video or two if Fender offered me some gear but then I already play them. This clip reminds me why I don't fw this channel anymore

[@criskatan]

@@I.am_Groot Well, for one; her last name rhymes with Leo's!!

[@criskatan]

@@I.am_Groot She's also a natural. She also seems fairly gifted. What's there not to like??

[@I.am_Groot]

@@criskatan I guess for you a pretty face and some good playing is enough. 0k

[@criskatan]

@@I.am_Groot I get what you're saying. She's probably from the families which is why she's being promoted. It's just that it was my first time seeing and hearing her and also that her last name sounds so similar. Also, the history lesson: I didn't know that Leo had a presence, here, in S.L.O. town, as we like to call it, so that was a nice surprise.

[@TorToroPorco]

I just love the way a Strat sounds when finger played on a low volume.

[@martinbaggott1052]

Beautiful instrument. I’m 77 now but one of the most powerful experiences of my life was when I got my first Strat at the age of 15. I had never held one before and as I held it as I took it out of the case, it was an experience I can still feel. Grew up in England and only had a Hofner V3 before! Around 2008 got to tour the Fender factory in Corona. A dream come true. Fender kid all my life👍

[@z4570]

Finally some clean playing and not just overdriven sounds. Thank you, thank you, thank you.!

[@Fm_gray]

I used to have the pleasure of working at the factory in G&L and its wild that leo's old workshop is still in use to this day for the wiring bench. The Fullerton factory holds a special spot in my heart.

[@markmcdonald5711]

I have a 2004 lefty G&L George Fullerton model Strat that I will keep till I die.

[@bazzer124]

Big Fender fan here. Love me a Strat and have owned several - from the Mexican to the Corona-made and have never been disappointed! Cheers....

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

I'd be curious to know in which context you use it and what do you play... Owned an American Standard bought as new from 1988 to 1997... I wouldn't say I haven't been disappointed. Dumped it for an Excalibur and never regretted doing so...

[@7000ironman]

I agree 100% Fender has never let me down! From Mexico to America!

[@Haroun-El-Poussah]

@@7000ironman I was happy twice with my Fender American Standard'88 : the day I bought it since, and it's still the case today, I owned the worst electric guitar I ever touched, an East-German Musima DeLuxe25, the when I sold the Stratoaster... There were Japanese Squiers that sounded better, e.g Steve Rothery's (Marillion)... I've not took a look recently at pricings at artisans luthiers, but I shouldn't have issues at having something made as good as a $10,000+ CSMH if not better for about €1500... But I'm not really interested into getting bolt-on or even setneck constructions for next solid-body guitars or basses, thus, it's clear that a bolt-on with a 90/10 neck is damn good, I think Mary (Spender) can confirm, these are likely what she uses the most...Now they might be approaching Mary as they did with me 15 years ago for endorsement purposes while I was in a Pink Floyd tribute band... but, if you're intellectually honest, there's nothing a Strat can do against... EXCALIBUR !!! They couldn't get a real one for the Wayne's World movie, but Excaliburs are absolutely real... And my ex-Strat was, in some ways, as, if not more customised than Dave Murray's Series-L... So, let's review my ex-Stratoaster: 1.) The planimetrics had to be done because guess what happened past 12th fret??? The fret job had been totally botched! I hope they fired the guy named Jesus Contreras who signed the QC... 2.) Since Strats don't stay in tune and the original trem is made to make you break strings so you buy Fender strings, I didn't went Floyd Rose, I'm not that whammy-bar maniac, so I went for the Wilkinson one, added a rolling nut and Spertzel locking tuners... 3.) Then, the electronics wasn't shielded, I could even receive katsap speaking radios in my guitar amp... Had to shield the cavities... Then, the en-80's pickups were just good at doing funk on posn 2/4... Dave Murray uses 3 double rails humbuckers, I went a bit funny: no issue to PU stuffing with the pool-routing, so I kept de Fender set, added a DiMarzio FS-1 in neck posn, and a HS-3 in bridge... You need to notice that the Fender PUs has such a background noise that if you were using a distortion, the powerful Rocktron Hush had to be put to the max while with the Some cretins DiMarzios, you could keep it to the minimum... 4.) First tendinitis signs came when I was practising the Surfing with the Alien songbook, so I had the Strat for about 18 months+... 5.) Tendinitis disappeared within 1 month after I received the Excalibur #1. 6.) Some cretins believed I had great sound with this guitar... Well, NOPE! I have a distinctive sound in the fingers. In clean sound, I sound too close to Knopfler to my taste, In distortion, I'm somewhere in between Santaana, Fripp and Oldfield, note that I use the violin trick like Fripp and Oldfield, caught it while playing the fretless bass... Then, I also was building my own boutique tube amps and my hybrid Mesa/Marshall really became a signature sound... No secret, better have a bad guitar with fingers that really sound ans a super amp rather than a good guitar with a crap amp...

[@PaulHillGuitarist]

Before my dad unexpectedly passed away, we were designing an electric guitar from scratch. He had made quite a few hand carved archtops over the years and we thought it would be an interesting project to design a solid body electric guitar from scratch with my many years of playing experience. Quite a few body prototypes were roughly carved from cheep wood and quite a bit of thought went into the project. The result... the realisation that Leo Fender had got it 100% correct with his designs all those years ago. Who else has designed such an incredible piece of gear and gets it right first time? Genius.

[@LXS-ud6yf]

I'd love to see a video where Ms. Spender takes us on a tour of her entire guitar collection. Giving us the story of each guitar - where she acquired it, what she likes about it and so on. That could be really interesting.

[@Tonetwisters]

My very first guitar was a 1954 Fender Stratocaster. Beat up and worn out, I found it under our Christmas tree in 1963, in place of my dad, who had just been divorced by my mother. I started my stint with Fender around 1960, when my brother bought a Jazzmaster and a PRO amp. I sold Fender in the early '70s ... I've seen a lot of Fenders in my day ... I, TOO, fell in love with the Strat because of Buddy Holly. And your new Stratocaster is quite lovely, as are you. Congratulations.

[@pdbordelon]

I love her voice.

[@a.m.5805]

and her beauty!

[@pkjmfineart1593]

Doesn't matter what a woman who speaks like that looks like. A soothing, kind, but humble voice indeed. :)

[@svbarr]

GREAT DETAIL!!! I studied guitar repair with Doc Kauffman when he was about 70? and I was in my 20's. I'd go to his house in Santa Ana. We'd putz around his garage for an hour or two. He'd show me stuff then at around noonish all work would stop and we'd go to the house where he'd eat lunch (he always offered to feed me but I declined -- he wasn't charging me a penny for the lessons.) He ate off a TV tray and usually had a sandwich or maybe some soup but ALWAYS had a thick slice of raw onion -- which he crunched on like a carrot. He watched "The Newlywed Game" and cackled like a mad crow at jokes that were corny and not that funny.He told me Leo Fender stories -- most were kind and respectful. He also told me that he was the one who showed Leo the value of a good drill press in all kinds of manufacturing processes.It wasn't just a drill, it was a precision sander, a buffer, a punch and all kinds of tools depending on what kind of tool/head you used. Doc had lots of experience from Rickenbacker/Rickenbacher (they had 2 spellings depending on the year -- the first was "Bacher" more Germanic which they changed out of fear of German/Nazi anger) and he taught Leo A LOT about manufacturing. After about 12 weeks I realized I had zero natural skill as a guitar tech. "Ham handed" was an understatement. Doc would have taught me for free forever -- but I was kind of wasting his time. A truly great quirky guy. There is a moving song by Guy Clark "Desperadoes Waitin' For A Train" and our relationship was like that song. A older guy and his young apprentice/pal.I went away to the East Coast for college and we stopped calling each other.Then he passed away, while I was 3000 miles away. I still have a couple guitars we both worked on and I will NEVER sell them.

[@anthonyj.lobreto5544]

What an amazing story 🙌

[@moosey62]

That's a great story. Thanks x

[@svbarr]

@@moosey62 you are welcome - Doc was a hoot.

[@Complicaadd0rock]

awesome!!!!

[@mikefetterman6782]

My '99 Mexi-Strat (lefty) has been with me 25 years now through moves, lots of hot and cold, lots of nights in, just "noodling" with it, learning thousands of songs and yet still seemingly playing the same thing, writing songs, thousands of hours of abuse, now, the paint is almost all worn off, the action isn't perfect, I have put 5 springs in the bridge, and always play with 12s. She aint pretty anymore, but it is always hanging right here above my desk for a "quickie". Sure, I have dreamed of Les Pauls, 335s, a nice P-bass, or a another amp other than my Fender Champ 20, and G-Dec (built in drum/backing) practice amps, but my Old beat up black Strat is the true love of my life. (well,.........my 1994 Martin Sigma acoustic and Hofner bass play pretty good too)

[@voodoochild1975az]

Anyone that gets snobby or looking down their nose at a MIM Fender simply reveal their ignorance about guitars. It's not exactly an insider secret, but those that know speak no ill of Ensenada. Pros do not even blink when someone takes a MIM on stage. Any stage. A good Mexi Strat is right at home on stage in front of 50k screaming fans.

[@anorexorc1st]

So set it up. It takes 2 min. Measure and adjust your relief and action. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ButternoteBackingTracks]

Respect to you to be able to even play a Strat strung with 12s.. 😳😂

[@nickk8416]

@@voodoochild1975az Great comments. Right on. I have a 92 MIM Strat, black with a white pick guard and maple neck. It plays like a dream! I bought it by accident by killing time at a guitar shop. I had no intentions of buying a guitar so I picked it up and it fit my hand and played itself. I had to buy the damn thing! :) So glad I did.

[@TheSavagederek]

My US Standard is 25 this year as well . I bought it early 2000 before I got married . It's hands down , the best guitar I've ever owned , and there has been a good few 😂

[@markanderson5077]

Thanks, Mary. Great rundown of Fender's history. My Strat story: circa 1992, I was playing rhythm guitar in a church band. My guitar was an acoustic. The band leader was a musician and piano player. Most of the music was written for piano in challenging keys for guitar. I had to play barre chords all the time and one day I said enough. On the way home from practice I stopped at a local guitar store and picked out a translucent red American Strat and a Deluxe Reverb Twin 10 tube amp and a new world opened up.

[@iliana_b]

Sunburst finish with maple neck - that’s the most legendary Strat ❤

[@frankdardano3182]

Brings back good memories. I to am a Gibson SG fan, but my first electric was a sunbust strat, in sixth grade,1964. I WILL NEVER FORGET the smell of the case when opened, like a new car smell. Good video,compact,but salient features and history are covered .

[@jamesjcaseyjr8535]

I'm a Les Paul guy, but I thoroughly enjoyed the video. Mary did a superlative job guiding us through the history and I have more appreciation for the Fender brand that I did previously.

[@larsmadsen8351]

Mary, thank you for these documentaries/history lessons, they are always a pleasure to watch

[@southernflight1]

Mary, I love your commentary histories on the Fender guitars!! I could listen to you for hours. You are such a great public speaker. God bless and keep up the good work!!

[@almirsantosmusic]

Of course all videos had an amazing quality, but your audio is perfect! It's lovely to listen you speak so calm, and with any noise and só clean sound. You are not just a great music artist. Also a great video producer! Tks so much for all of this!!

[@recumbentrocks2929]

Once again another smooth professional documentary Mary. Fender are not daft, this is such a good advert for them. Fascinating story too.

[@JojoFryrocks]

Fender marketing have been knocking it out of the park for years; putting their weight behind a superb independent artist like Mary is the way to ensure that their guitars get in front of a young, cool audience and not associated with boomers and Dad rock like Gibson are 🧐😎🎸❤️✊🏻

[@jvin248]

One major difference and advantage Leo had was a sweaty dance bar not too far from his shop where displaced Oklahoma Farmers played all night and were willing to test Leo's prototypes and give him feedback. I am certain those practical farmers suggested the replaceable neck, having had experience with trying to get headstocks and necks from other companies repaired by the local guitar tech and taking days or weeks of backlog. A separate neck with screws made them easily user serviceable.

[@flouisbailey]

Farmers want things to last and be replaced if damaged or repaired.

[@Dragon_rls]

I own several strats, and I have to say, they knocked it out of the park with the player 2. I absolutely love it.

[@KevinMerinoCreations]

Yet another wonderfully rich history lesson! Your gift of entertainment covers a variety of media types! Thank you for all that you do! 👏👏👏

[@LapsangTe]

It's lovely to see a beautiful guitar that hasn't been reliced. Nowadays you see all these videos where someone builds a beautiful guitar and then relics it so it looks like something that's been run over by a train, and then he sells it for twice the pirce of a nonreliced one.

[@guitarhans]

Well balanced history lesson. I'm as old (1950) as the Telecaster, played it, but never owned one. But I have my strat.

[@jamesfestini]

My dad‘s engineering firm was right on Fender Avenue but we never talked about his proximity since he worked in the building next to them through the 70s and 80s. I still live close enough to go by but I haven’t in a very long time. This video was done so well then I’m inspired. I might go this weekend just to see

[@realityboost4405]

Mary, I have one of these rare, 70th Anniversary, 54 Strats… And I truly feel privileged to take care of one…Much love to you. X

[@RByrne]

These aren't rare. They were just released. I got one a couple days ago. It's a great guitar, though.

[@firebir11]

@@RByrne can you tell me which production line these are manufactured on? I have one and I'm very curious. thanks

[@blakerbnsn]

I have watched many a doc on Leo Fender and his history, but heard in your words and voice just makes it better. Thanks Mary!!!

[@clintonroushff7068]

I was thinking the same!

[@sbai4319]

Mary, I have listened to your channel for a long time! Just got my first two Fender Guitars! A Black and White MexicanTelecaster and a White Stratocaster! I couldn’t let both get away from me! Excellent condition. Now to learn! 🇦🇺

[@chrisjones6496]

The video with the tour of the Fender Factory was amazing and this was an amazing addition to that one. Thanks Mary for making these as they are timeless… and give us an insight into the instrument that has revolutionized the music we all listen to. Much ❤️ Support & Respect from Toronto, 🇨🇦🌹

[@bashdachivo]

Nice addition to your Home, I'm from Corona and took a single music lesson along with my sister as a kid at fender. Welcome to my Hometown Mary Thanks for the upload

[@mikecrean8849]

Great video Mary. Love strats. Interestingly if you read Hank Marvin’s bio. He reports that Cliff sent off to California for their first strat. When it arrived they were totally knocked out by its beautiful red appearance. However it proved difficult to play. It came fitted with very heavy 13-56 strings and a highish action. Eventually managed to get lighter strings and a better setup. Then went on to feature on many big Cliff and The Shadows hits plus inspiring many of the big name guitarists. Bruce Welch still has this iconic guitar. 🙋‍♂️👏👏🇬🇧

[@wfhaselbarg]

😍Love your enthusiastism about the guitar and especially the Fender's rich history and ther iconic Stratocaster. About a half year ago your enthusiastism about the Highway series inspired me to buy my own guitar and learn to play the guitar as well. I bought a Fender Stratocaster Ultra Luxe Plasma Red Burst, also with an ash body and am now learning to play the guitar. Thank you for your inspiration!!!!!

[@GratefulHead1969]

Great video Mary! You deserve that Strat! I love single coils too. I have 3 single coil Strats, different colors, all same set up, just different tunings. Cheers!

[@timmotel5804]

Good Day. Excellent Video. I bought a Fender HSS Ultra Strat 2 years ago. This is my third Strat. There's nothing to not like about a Stratocaster. Thank You & Fender Very Much. Best Regards

[@wa1ufo]

Leo had a form of innate genius I think. When I hold my candy apple red Precision Bass it integrates with my soul. Fender instruments will last almost forever if they get proper maintenance and care. They are easy to repair and the bolt on neck design makes the most sense. I won't mention that popular guitar from that other company but it can be a nightmare to work on and it has a weakness which was never corrected as far as I know. It is where the neck meets the headstock. Beautiful axe Mary and thanks for the history! 🌝🎵🌈🇺🇸

[@douglackie3777]

I can listen to this Beautiful woman speak for hours! She just has the nice soft voice and knows here history!

[@BlueandBroke]

Bought the same guitar a while ago and I am heavily impressed. I have two vintage '63 Strats and a partscaster that looks seventies, and who are great. This guitar can stand beside those 3 fabulous guitars.

[@olearyml57]

Really enjoyed this episode Mary. I own a 1978 black strat...it weighs a ton but sounds great...I will never own another😊

[@VegetableMan1400]

I still have my 1979 Strat that I bought new in ‘81. Also weighs a ton. These days I also have a ‘73 and a ‘98 USA Voodoo but I’ll always keep the ‘79.

[@visualist6x6]

I recently bought a 70th Anniversary American Vintage II 1954 Stratocaster and LOVE it!

[@Cencio108]

Possibly my favorite video of yours yet, Mary. Your storytelling thoroughness, liveliness combined with your elegant playful diction and timing are beyond marvellous. And dare I say, I have never heard a Strat played more lovingly and warmly. Brava!

[@larrydrozd2740]

I have a 1979 25th anniversary model. Bought it from a friend in 1981. Granted, my 2012 Mexican strat totally outplays it but it was my work horse guitar for the first ten years of my music journey.

[@pa4tim]

I have mine, same colour, now for 35 years. Bought it new from my first paycheck

[@Dreyno]

I bought a Les Paul with my first (few) paychecks. We’re the same but different 👋

[@michaeleastes1705]

I was given a Fender acoustic/electric bass by a close friend. It’s the fifth bass that I’ve owned, and the tone is the best of them all.

[@kenster865]

Nice review!! I may pick up a 70th Anniversary Strat just based on your review, Mary. No stranger to Fender guitars, I've been playing Fenders since a young teen in the mid 60's (I'm an old fart of 72 years). I remember going into a small music shop for my first guitar lesson back in 1961. In the window... I remember this distinctly after all these years... a white Stratocaster was prominently displayed. I had no idea what it was at the time but it sure caught my young eyes. Today many, many years later I own several Strat's and Tele's, along with numerous Gibson's and a few others too. I love them all and it saddens me that I won't be able to take them with me when I die... but that's the way it goes. I pray that there are Fender guitars in Heaven, in some format we can't imagine. For a guitarist to think otherwise is unimaginable!!

[@TucsonBillD]

I ran across this video shortly after these came out, maybe four months ago. It’s interesting to note that this guitar sells today for almost exactly ten times its original price in 1954. For some cosmic reason I watched it again today which was exactly one day after taking one home. While I’ve owned a number of various incarnations of Strats over the last 40 or so years, and still have four here, this one is definitely the best one I’ve ever owned.

[@thedave2429]

Yet another wonderful video from Mary. Love your gear videos, even if this one is basically an ad for Fender. Considering I own a half dozen Fender guitars and a half dozen tee-shirts, hats, etc, this was a truly heartwarming presentation. That 70th Anniversary Strat is a work of art.

[@ThePreciousguitar87]

A very nice retrospektiv video about the man, who brought the sound to us all, that we love so much! From Hank Marvin, Mark Knopfler, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix, Ritchie Blackmore; to Yngwie Malmsteen and Eric Johnson! It would not exist without Leo Fender! A true pioneer and inventer! 💎🤘❤

[@stoneysdead689]

I've played guitar for over 40 years- but I've never been a very wealthy person, always had other priorities- so the nicest guitar I've ever had is my Classic Vibe Squire- and I was playing it through a Headrush MX5 modeler. Well- I finally splurged and got a UAFX Lion 68 and today our bass player brought in his real Strat- which he said was called a Texas something or another- kind of made for that SRV style of blues. Man- I fell in love immediately- like everything just lined up and the guitar melted away and- there it is, all that stuff inside me I'm always trying to pour into my playing- it's just flowing out like water. And there's just enough fight- just enough back pressure from the guitar- to clean everything up- perfect. I finally understand what guitarist mean when they say they like for a guitar to fight them just a little. It keeps you from slurring notes and like over playing- it's hard to explain but- ppl who have experienced it know what I mean. I'm kicking myself now for not making it a priority, for all those times I told ppl how a classic vibe was just as good, blah, blah, blah- it not guys, it's really not. If you ever get your hands on a good Strat that's setup properly and get to play it through some kind of higher end system- whether it's a real tube amp or a really good modeler like the UAFX stuff- you'll hear and feel what I mean. It's guitar heaven. I'm saving my pennies...

[@jasonl1942]

I just got my hands on a near mint early 90s richie sambora USA stratocaster, my holy grail I've been chasing for over thirty years. Of all the struts I own, this one is the prized favourite.

[@stevennaismith6289]

I got a 70th anniversary strat yesterday. I love it. What a great guitar.

[@MrPlayerPerson]

Great Video! I own about 10 guitars; the guitar I use most in my band is a Fender Stratocaster. My Fender Strat is a Ferrari Red 2002 Set Neck with Lace Sensor pickups. The guitar is a tank, it has reliable tuning and sounds amazing through my 1998 Fender Vibrolux amp. Although my electric guitar collection includes Gibson, Paul Reed Smith and Aria, the Strat is my go-to guitar, always in tune and ready to whether I'm playing live, in the studio, or songwriting. The 70th-anniversary guitar looks amazing, I am quite happy with my Ferrari Red Strat! Rock on Mary!!!

[@george.vasilev.reyner1916]

As a musician, I always look for inspiration. Videos like this are that inspiration. Love being reminded why i love doing this.

[@mbrown5494]

Nice concise history! One core reason for success, outside the great product, is when popular musicians use them. This fact is repeated constantly still today. "yeah, but plays it?"

[@musicman0024]

I love guitar documentaries. Although there are many on you KZbin, I love the personal stories of each musician such as yourself as to what guitar speaks to you the most and why. Love seeing how how Fender is treating you! Congrats the new Strat, happy for you!

[@jeffreydouglass7112]

What a lovely telling of the Fender story. I play a Pawn Shop Jaguarillo, MIM Tele and MIM Strat. I think I’ll play a little longer tonight.

[@somewaresim]

Love these documentaries. Always really interesting and clearly takes a lot of dedication to make. Impressed by the length of your takes. 😀

[@synonyx]

I recently got one of these 54's and I must say I was rather impressed. I unboxed it on my channel.

[@firebir11]

can you tell me which production line these are manufactured on? I have one and I'm very curious. thanks

[@larryvaught3053]

What a Mastermind ! What an incredible video ! What wonderful information ! I love how well you play your new guitar. The Pure Sound is out of this world ! As always, your speaking voice makes these videos such a pleasure to watch and listen to. Simply Brilliant !! ❤😎

[@thehonestguitarist6543]

I came here to hear Mary play her new Strat, and stayed for the lecture. Thank you, Professor Mary.

[@jjfalstaff]

The best short history of Fender I've ever come across. Well done. And that guitar is beautiful.

[@509brown]

Had two Fenders and a Gibson in my playing period. Loved them all.

[@judih.8754]

Mary your documentary videos are top notch. Thanks!

[@edwinstovall3334]

Appropriately, I happened to have the most "1954" guitar I own on my lap while I watched this video. Thank you for all the history. While this very guitar has taught me not to like the six-screw vibrato a great deal, your video showed me the commitment to quality that Fender stuck to by scrapping that first, bad-sounding unit. While there are things about the classic six-screw that insure that this guitar's unit will remain the only one in my collection for the foreseeable future, I at least can say that it sounds good!

[@voodoochild1975az]

Strat addict here. Look, Iove lots of guitars, but at the end of the day, for my taste in sound and feel ... Nothing beats a good a Strat. Specifically an HSS for me. I've owned MIA and MIM. Loved them all. Funnily enough my favorite is a Mexi I got used for cheap. 2nd fav was an MIA Lonestar.... At 4x the price. Shrug. Good guitar is good guitar. They are ubiquitous. Nearly cliche... But I can't help it. A good Stratocaster scratches the itch better than any other guitar I've played. Ymmv, but for me, guitar design basically peaked 70 years ago when this amazing piece of functional art was unleashed on the world. I am a meat and potatoes guy. If it's going to be one electric, gimme a Strat, HSS preferably. One acoustic? Gimme a Martin. Some classics are classics for damned good reasons. My Strat is easy to play, comically comfortable, sounds incredible (I have swapped pickups), and looks gorgeous... Best of all, I can get 95% of all the electric guitar sounds I love out of this HSS. One guitar, nearly every sound I ever want. And it's my best playing/best action. And it's my prettiest. Everything I could dream of asking a single electric guitar to be, she doesn't just do, but does incredibly well. I simply can't ask more of an electric guitar than she gladly gives me daily with a smile. This is what defines a player's Number One. Mine is a cheap modded MIM Strat. Funny how that works. Shrug. Fwiw, Fender being as cool as they were to you? I have actually had some business to business dealings with FMIC. I actually taught some computer classes at corp hq in AZ and some other dealings. Honest opinion? Easily one of the coolest corporations I have ever dealt with. Everyone I met was cool. Everyone seemed passionate about music. I have nothing but good things to say about them. Never got to tour a factory though....

[@TucsonBillD]

Mary, this was a nice succinct report on the history of Fender… speaking of the Broadcaster/Broadkaster kerfukle, I was in a guitar store some years ago and noticed that they had a Gretch Guitar amplifier that Gretch called a “Twin Reverb”. Hmmm… Actually it no longer matters in that Fender now builds Gretch guitars under license from the Fred Gretch Company.

[@tonywalkingstick8883]

Absolutely awesomely presented, Mary. I could listen to you describe these topics all day. Lap top steel, a hammer dulcimer, a xylophone, and my native American flute are some of my favorite instruments. Cheers.😊

[@brynjones7371]

Mary Spender rhymes with Fender. Anniversary Strat amazing that. You play so well, clear as a bell, nitro finish, wonderful smell.

[@Telewest792]

I am fortunate to have bought the 60th anniversary 54 strat which they made 1954 of them it is a great guitar and Mary you did a great job showcasing yours thanks

[@4034miguel]

Best spokesperson ever. Giving such nostalgic tone to Fender history

[@stephenbarnes8817]

I have a 60th anniversary custom shop. They had special pickups that only came in that model, which I love. My go to guitar.

[@billydworrell8259]

I saw your Fender factory tour, it was magical trip and enjoyed it very much. Keep up the great work.

[@barnaclerusty]

I love the Fender history, the birth of the So Cal Surf rock scene, and the many innovative artists of that time. Leo nailed it back then, but I like the refinements he made with G&L guitars… the tremolo is rock solid 🥰

[@markmcdonald5711]

Fender is a Corporation, G&L is a guitar company. If you want a handmade Tele or Strat buy a G&L. Made in Fullerton CA. on Fender Ave.

[@LMacNeill]

Wow, isn't that neat! You got to see this *exact* guitar when it was on the assembly line, and now it's in your hands playing your music! What a special instrument!

[@davidissel7980]

I used to own a Fender Stratocaster Elite (it had 3 push buttons instead of a 5 position switch) black with gold hardware, USA built with hard case. Good luck finding a picture of that one... I guess it was super rare. Had I known, I never would have sold it. It's worth at least 10x what I sold it for.

[@C_Dana]

As always love Ms Spender's videos, but this one is especially special! Always been a Strat guy and loved Mary's presentation of the early history of the iconic Stratocaster. The trials and tribulations concerning the tremelo bridge aka vibrato tail piece showed that you don't always get it right but perseverance and a lot of seat and tears prevails. Just got a link to Mary's first album and looking forward to getting it in vinyl soon! Beautiful necklace by the way! Almost as beautiful as a '54 Strat!

[@RockReynolds]

Excellent video. I'm fascinated with the "Fender" story, and Fender's relationship with the early Honky-Tonk sound, especially Buck and Merle. --- It took Nashville a looooooong time, to accept the upstart "Fender" sound. --- An event in my life that broke my heart, was when I had to leave my Fender, Model 1000, Pedal-steal guitar behind. I learned some very basic concepts, but never had the time to "Learn how to play". --- The "Model 1000", is probably the MOST DISRESPECTED GUITAR, in Fender history - Fender's "Edsel". --- The "Model 1000" may have been the HEAVIEST GUITAR, in ALL of History. Both necks were a "solid block of wood", held together with a CAST IRON FRAME. The reason I left the "Model 1000" behind, is that I was "on the run", and only took with me, what could fit in my 2002, 4-Cylinder, Ford Focus. The near-100pound (That's a guess) weight of the "Model 1000", was too much for the Focus. --- The "Model 1000" used "cables" underneath the necks to bend the strings, 8 strings on each neck. Later pedal-steals, like the ShoBud, which blew the "Model 1000" market share out of the water, used "rods" to bend the strings. One musician said that "Model 1000" cables were hard to keep in tune. Additionally, the ShoBud necks used "frames", instead of "solid blocks of wood", rendering the ShoBuds much "lighter", or maybe, not as HEAVY. Thanks for the Heads-up about the Strat 70th Anniversary. --- Retired for 10 years now, I'm FINALLY in a position in which I could AFFORD a "70th Anniversary" Strat. Currently, I own a 2013 American-made Tele. Good video! Rock

[@ststclair]

I quite appreciate these history vids that you do.

[@seancollins3106]

I have a 60th anniversary diamond edition strat. It's FANTASTIC. I'm sure this one is, too.

[@ericoswood1856]

I enjoyed your video. My first Stratocaster was a 1961 or ‘62 purchased in 1962. Yes, I’m that old. I still play daily and I have about a dozen Stratocasters now and the Vintage II series are wonderful instruments. The Stratocasters were and are incredibly versatile instruments. Enjoy yours. Cheers!

[@surfer5072]

I've listened and read many of these Fender background stories. This is a very fine presentation -well done. I firmly believe in the mathematical formula for "how many guitars (or just Srats/Tele's) should one own?" The math is this: (The # of guitars you have + 1 = the # you should own)....

[@harlanthejester]

Really enjoyed this video and nobody deserves that guitar more than you. Keep up the good work...

[@davidleinweber]

I love, love my 70th Anniversary Esquire, and it’s a true limited edition. Such a superb instrument - almost a custom shop for all practical purposes. If the 70th Anniversary Stratocaster is as good as the 70th Anniversary Esquire, you definitely have a keeper. The 7.25 radius is also a really nice spec, especially for those of us who want to play actual guitar chords on occasion, lol. Congrats!!!

[@Laguy211]

Amazing video on Fender's rich history and congrats on the new Fender. ❤❤

[@synthverkstad2093]

Love the storytelling! One of my favourite instruments is my Fender American Performer Bass, you can feel the craftsmanship when playing it.

[@Ripperx121]

In 1997 I bought a G&L Legacy. I will never sell it. I take very good care of it. Leo's last creation before his death. I grew up in 1980's a Telecaster was a "Old Mans" guitar to me. If it doesn't have a trem it's not cool. 10 Years ago I bought a Fender Telecaster. Boom! The light went on for me! Also it has a maple fret board which I never had before. I was shocked on well it played and how good it felt in my hands. Great history video Mary! I love these. I am jealous of that guitar! Boy in the case it just says "PLAY ME"!🤩

[@tdunster2011]

Leo Fender had nothing to do with the G&L Legacy. It's a Paul Gagon creation from 1991-2. Leo Fender was more interested in the S500 than covering old ground.

[@MrAidadirino]

We need to see all the videos of this girl, she has a beautiful voice, and is an excellent gustar player.

[@geraldponce8336]

Congratulations on your new Strat. Thanks for the history lesson. I still have my 83 telecaster I have been playing since I was 13. Have a few teles and Strats. Including my AVii Blonde 57 strat

[@jamesbruce8749]

Happy new Guitar day Mary ! That is a sweet guitar, it sounds so full and rich, soft and less harsh and thin then the modern ones. The new vintage pick up line Fender is making now are spot on to the old ones. Lower output and super clean !

[@ImYourOverlord]

The Strat's vibrato system is genius :)

[@yankeexpress]

Like hearing and watching you play your Strat.

[@paulelverstone8677]

Some shapes are just unmistakable: Supermarine Spitfire, E-type Jag, Concorde, Fender Strat. So much more than just a nice looking guitar...

[@grenenthomas8115]

I had a 1962 fiesta red strat. Bought it in 1962. It was perfect but now long gone.

[@Alleged_Mercenary]

I love everything Fender, thanks for a great video Mary.🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@ronburati257]

Very nicely done, Mary! Refreshingly smooth and concise hitting on all the relevant points. A+

[@nickk8416]

Well done and congratulations Mary on your new Strat! It's beautiful. I really enjoyed the video. I've been a Tele, Strat guy for many years ever since Clapton with Derek and the Dominos. I have a '92 Mexican Strat that plays like a dream and love those maple necks. Best Regards!

[@ScottVargovich]

I just got a Fender Player HSS Strat about 9 months ago and absolutely love it!!!

[@stephennelson226]

Hi Mary, you have missed your true calling. This was simply an epic video and your writing, direction and production of it was not just entertaining and informative, it was flawless! and I really enjoyed watching it. You must have put a lot of effort into it and it shows. Well done. It could only have been better if you faded out the ending with you, playing Sultans of Swing, which to my mind, is the most iconic Stratocaster song ever played. Thank you Steve

[@leeroy968]

I bought a Corona built strat in 2020...shipped from fender. USA baby, named "miss honey" ...the performer. Later found a '95 telecaster, USA, at a pawn shop. I slightly prefer the tele tone over the strat. Really like both. Later got a LP, and, it is getting dusty....but it's cool in its own right. 50s tribute, black with gold hardware and a white pick guard. I will never need another guitar if I hang on to these three lovelies.