Let’s Talk About Fender Strats [Sounds, Bridge Setup, Pickups & More] - That Pedal Show

Mick loves Strats more than life itself. So let’s get him talking about tones, setup, bridges and much more besides!
Life too short for long KZbin videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
Welcome to the show! Goodness this is a long one. I LOVE Fender Strats and I can talk about them quite literally for days. In this video Dan makes the mistake of asking me about them and the absolutely inevitable occurs - a really long and in-depth video. Ha!
Do be aware though that this is all just personal experience and opinion. After 30+ years of playing them - and playing pretty much all of them in terms of spec - I’m not massively interested in powerful pickups, two-point bridges, flat fingerboards, noiseless… in fact pretty much nothing, spec wise, after about 1968. I like the traditional designs so that's my reference point.
Please enjoy the episode!
Want a Strat?
Here are the Five Strats I’d Buy to suit all budgets… (all come in maple neck variants too)
• Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Stratocaster
UK: bit.ly/359worZ
USA: imp.i114863.net/b3kWLM
• Fender Vintera Road Word ’60s Stratocaster
UK: bit.ly/3gpblqK
USA: imp.i114863.net/WDOxbe
• Fender American Original ’60s Stratocaster
UK: bit.ly/2RKce4J
USA: imp.i114863.net/zaz6WG
• Fender Custom Shop 1959 Time Machine Heavy Relic Stratocaster
UK: bit.ly/3gjIvaY
USA: imp.i114863.net/ZdVP2z
• Fender Custom Shop Michael Landau Signature 1963 Stratocaster
UK: bit.ly/3viQH0B
USA: imp.i114863.net/oeNjAW
Pedals & stuff in this episode…
Signal order for the board:
Tweedy, Argo, OD9, D&M Drive, split…
Harmonious Monk, then Vent, both to Two-Rock only
Delay and reverb stereo to both amps
(All the drive pedals hit both amps)
TheGigRig G3 Atom takes care of all signal routing, splits wet/dry/parallel and stereo
Tweedy and Argo are outside of G3, before loop 1. TS808 is loop 1, D&M Drive is loop 2, Monk in 3, Vent in 4, delay in 5, reverb in 6. Switch numbers are +1. Confusing huh?!
• Schmidt Array SA525 pedalboard
www.schmidtarray.com/sa525
• Boss TU-3S Tuner
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2TN8y1i
Australia: bit.ly/3uOTfUf
USA: bit.ly/3rcyZO7
• Dan Drive Tweedy 5E8-A
Find Dan on Facebook and Instagram
• Mythos Argo
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2UT0EVw
Australia: bit.ly/3qt3Y4s
USA: bit.ly/3rNY81N
• Maxon OD9 Analgman Mod with Bad Bob Boost
www.buyanalogman.com/Maxon_OD_9_808_Mods_p/am-maxon-od-9-mods.htm
• Keeley D&M Drive
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2oTblU1
Australia: bit.ly/2pUDUAE
USA: bit.ly/3E2Eqmw
• JAM Pedals Harmonious Monk
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3pEkgHC
Australia:bit.ly/3rJBJAb
USA: bit.ly/3p4En2Z
• Neo Instruments Mini Vent II
UK & Europe: Try the Micro Vent too, bit.ly/3es67v0
Australia: bit.ly/38l8KYS
• Free The Tone Future Factory FF-1Y RF Phase Modulated Delay
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3oFVZ4j
• Chase Bliss Audio CXM1978
Australia: bit.ly/37R8McD
• TheGigRig G3 Atom
www.thegigrig.com/g3-atom
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
0:00 Intro playing
2:21 What are we doing today?
4:45 Strats in Mick’s world: rosewood
5:50 Are all the guitar heroes Strat players?
8:35 Strats Sound Weedy, Don’t They?
9:15 Today’s amps
10:10 Adding mids with an OD pedal
12:35 Tube Screamer sounds
14:25: …and more with D&M Drive
16:00 Positions 2 & 4
18:15 Tone control on the bridge pickup
25:45 What about volume?
28:30 Dan, Dynamics & John Mayer Strat
35:15 Single coil and JB humbucker compared
39:15 Humbucker and P90 compared
42:20 Bridges & tremolos
45:20 Bridge problems
49:15 String bending vs floating bridge
52:40 More springs, trem on body
54:27 The springs have reverb
57:04 Mick’s fave bridge setup
1:00:40 Saddles?
1:05:20 RWRP?
1:15:00 Neck pickup fun
1:26:50 You can’t bend on a vintage radius
Guitars in this episode:
• Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster - Mick’s vid at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6S0hqmNfb2tbZY
• Fender American Vintage ’59 Stratocaster - no specific video yet
• Fender John Mayer Signature Stratocaster - no specific video yet
• Fender EOB Stratocaster - Dan’s video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHa5fqduaqyKi8U
• Karl Longbottom S-Style - find Karl on Instagram
Amps in this episode
• Two-Rock Custom Reverb Signature 100/50 with 212 cab / TR1265B speakers
Marshall 1987x and Zilla Custom 212 cab with Celestion Alnico Ruby speakers
• We hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to our channel.
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We are on Patreon - crowdfunding for creatives
www.patreon.com/ThatPedalShow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop bit.ly/3nUVJQF

[@darrenc8776]

Dan is one of those rare humans that just seems to listen to what ever shit you say and always looks interested And makes you feel better about yourself. I think we can all learn a little from that. Cheers Dan

[@hafstrat]

Legend. They are a perfect pair. They seem like lovely human beings as well as highly talented and gifted presenters. ( if that’s the right word)

[@garyjones7044]

Conmen are great at that,

[@hafstrat]

@@garyjones7044 so are empaths. Listening is a skill.

[@fender4brad]

I really enjoy the contrast of these two great players, personalities. Dan really is a great example of having his cup half full, not half empty. I find this show really inspirational, makes me want to be a better player. Easily the best time spent on youtube to me. I've recommended it to many guitar players.

[@diggdugg2169]

@@hafstrat 100% agree.

[@adamfstewart81]

I love how Dan is such a fan of Mick's guitar playing

[@ThatPedalShow]

Dan’s a fan of literally anything and everything. It’s why he’s so awesome.

[@ellahorses5436]

I was lucky enough to speak briefly to Dan after we saw Mick play at the venue formerly known as Colton Hall in Bristol, doing a big Hendrix set - he was SO EXCITED about Mick’s playing and rightly so

[@benjaminhooper6493]

Stunning playing man, I’m so envious!

[@johniresearchist7263]

very talented is Mick. Best guitarist on YT. A skilful session player

[@jamesdonahue6466]

To be fair everyone is a fan of Mick's playing.

[@robinmiller7958]

The reason the Strat is so popular is that you can, with pedals, make it sound just as aggressive as a Les Paul or any other humbucker style guitar while at the same time getting all the tones that are exclusive to the Strat. Plus, in my opinion, the longer scale gives you more integrity tuning wise especially with the hard tails I favor.

[@jessewallace3647]

You can do a long show if the content is good. The content of TPS is amazing. I'll very likely watch this whole episode again in a few months and I will undoubtedly learn new things when I do. The care and love you both show for the instruments, the music, and for each other is brilliant. Heartfelt thanks and don't limit yourselves!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Jesse!

[@lbrimble100]

I fully agree Jesse I’ve already watched it twice in a week 😃

[@9418matthew]

I keep coming back to this episode since being on a strat journey thing...love it. Dan and Mick are so good 👍

[@kurtisr2339]

Gents: this week I received an email from Wildwood asking how I'd like my Sonic Blue 59 AVRI Strat set up--which came as a total shock as I'd ordered no such thing. But it was the closest thing to Mick's "Blue" that my wife and kids could turn up. For Father's Day. Mick: my family knows Blue. And how much I love TPS, clearly. Dan: they know Butters, too. That's what they call my 53 blackguard now, thanks kindly. Me, I may start calling them "Mick" and "Dan". Have a great weekend!

[@JamesOnGuitar]

that's amazing! what a wonderful thing for your family to do!

[@gainbear8853]

Own 3 Wildwood guitars. They are simply the best retailer. Good luck!

[@kurtisr2339]

@@JamesOnGuitar thanks, James! It's the loveliest Father's Day gift I've received. Absolutely stunning. Cheers!

[@JamesOnGuitar]

@@kurtisr2339 i think i shall leave your comment on full view on my ipad in the kitchen 👀 but seriously, enjoy that - and i am sure that guitar will have pride of place for the rest of your days!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ah man, that is TOTALLY AMAZiNG! What a wonderful gift. Enjoy that!

[@guitarsimon1]

Dan: ‘Let’s just talk about the neck pickup’ Mick: *gets misty eyed* ‘Ah, tis a thing of beauty that lad’

[@ThatPedalShow]

Hahah!!

[@smokepeddler]

Neck pick up on a strat is vocal like a violin. A true thing of beauty.

[@Newbyrock23]

Dan and Mick are both spectacular players, no matter what they say. It was genuinely a pleasure however to watch two great players (and more importantly friends) just hang out and create. Top notch mates

[@ThatPedalShow]

You’re too kind, cheers matey 🤓🙏

[@keesketsers5866]

Man, I love this channel. There's just no "I will now disclose the secrets of the universe to you, oh mortal" , but just two really nice guys exploring music, gear and guitar, while I'm in the room just listening in. It's great!

[@BenTothHU]

You guys should film an episode when Anderson’s reopens where Mick buys a Tele and Dan buys a Strat!! Dan on a Strat is something I need more of in my life

[@Auxend]

I would watch that, comment, and go to the VCQ 🤘

[@fossilmatic]

YES. This. Been thinking this for awhile, but hearing Dan playing so “unchoked” on that Olive Green Strat today made me sit up.

[@margarethouse404]

No , we really need to shake things up . Give Mick a Nashville Tele , and Dan a hardtail Strat , and watch each of their heads spin .

[@iDannyism]

There's nothing I love more than watching a guy nerd-out about his favorite instrument. Agree, don't agree, whatever. But you can't help but love the enthusiasm AND if you take the time to listen you almost always learn something.

[@jacobbentley2562]

So when do we get the "Dan talks about Teles" episode?

[@latchodives]

And maybe a guest for Les Pauls and the holy trinity would be complete :)

[@kristiandawe85]

If they do that I really look forward to it.

[@joshbrown8098]

This x1000!

[@mattgilbert7347]

Add Gretsch and other semis like a 335 and the pantheon will be complete.

[@justinmarrington8039]

While I’d enjoy that, sort of the beauty of Teles is…there’s just not that much to talk about? They’re the closest you can come in an electric guitar of ‘just a chunk of wood with some strings nailed to it’. They’re not a highly complicated instrument kept in (somewhat precarious) balance like a Strat is.

[@geomalwag]

This really hits on something that has a profound impact on my own music making: turn it up loud and play/sing softly. As a singer, I've found it's a whole new ball game when you get the mic nice and hot and then stay away from it - it opens up a whole new dynamic range. The same holds true for guitar. Daniel Lanois is an excellent example of this approach. What an amazing resource this show is - it goes way beyond shredding and geekery and really gets into the point of the whole thing: inspiration. Much love from Charleston!

[@CarlyonProduction]

Totally agree - it is a timbre thing as well as a dynamic thing. The tones one can achieve through singing relaxed and gentler are velvety and richer. I find exactly the same with the guitar

[@BigSh00tsie]

This is "Classic TPS" content here, and i couldn't be happier.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you!

[@RMosack]

Dan is a great guy. That’s the basic building block. Of course, it certainly doesn’t hurt that Mick is a tasteful player, especially in Strat land!

[@samford7271]

Yes chaps! I feel like this is the culmination of all of Mick's discoveries in his strat journey in his blogs rolled into a single tasty episode.

[@ThatPedalShow]

It’s some of that!

[@RegieFilho]

This is probably the fourth time I watch this and every time I learn something new. Thank you for the fantastic content.

[@NewPraetorianBlues]

Same here, and the tele video as well! Constantly pulling from the wealth of TPS knowledge

[@MizzLeone]

I just bought myself the Fender Ultra Luxe it’s my first Strat and I love it so much! Thanks for this cool show, from Ottawa Canada!

[@MichaelStriano]

Don’t forget Buddy Guy! If you’re going to mention Hendrix, Clapton, SRV, you have to mention the man who inspired them all.

[@theoverunderthinker]

also Rory Gallagher, Adrian Belew, Ry Cooder, Lowell George, and Robby Robertson as well. there are literally too many to mention them all (but it's fun to try)! 😊

[@lexbro]

Jeff Beck

[@jorgeorozco-cordero6255]

They did

[@yulmp2]

Don’t forget Nile Rodgers

[@HiVizSmiley]

Hour and half strats episode. What did we do to deserve such a treat?

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ha! And here we are worrying about long episodes wanting to make everything short. Ha. Almost didn’t put this out. What’s wrong with us!?

[@gwalker7744]

Half hr per pickup

[@kurtisr2339]

Right?!?

[@billgreen3629]

@@ThatPedalShow You guys seriously need to get over that. Sure, people new to the channel may watch 20-30 min. and tune out and move on, but the TPS audience watches all of it, even if it takes a few sittings to get through a full episode. Just because I have to watch it in 20 min. chunks does not mean I wish the shows were 20 min. Keep in mind that data showing people watching 10 min. of old episodes is probably your loyal audience looking for insight on a specific pedal from an old show rather than new people watching a few minutes and moving on. I know the shows seem really long when you are editing and rendering them, but I have never felt a single episode was too long.

[@MusicFillsTheQuiet]

@@billgreen3629 seconded! Especially the part about going back and watching just 5-15 minutes of an old episode. Particularly "Dan and Mick's Pick'n Mix" shows I will go back and watch just a segment of if some new pedal you gents are using reminds me of when it first got a few minutes of love.

[@daviswiltonbader4807]

If there is more to be covered, "Let's Talk Strats, Part 2" would be welcome!

[@TheHumbuckerboy]

Perhaps including the topic of securing the bridge for those of us who love Strats but don't care for the trem.

[@erpringle]

@@TheHumbuckerboy just tighten the springs and it will set on the body like a hard tail. If you really want it to be stable put 5 springs on it and tighten them down.

[@kshitijdhyani111]

@@erpringle thanks for the tip Randy, and also for your delicious potato treats!

[@mstreech]

HELL YEAH!!!

[@bryanhamner]

Definitely

[@alipaulstagram]

I just love watching an enthusiast talking about what they are enthusiastic about. It doesn't really matter what it is, but the excitement is infectious.

[@gerongrahamgg]

Nailed it!

[@firdeye2681]

Wow guys, the amount of work with the timestamps is outstanding.

[@blues61]

I finally understand why Mick loves Tubescreamers so much. I play Tele. Don't have a Strat so I'm not able to duplicate his experience. Every episode of TPS never fails to enlighten me in some small or large way. Thanks guys.

[@joequintana5546]

Yep. I watched the entire episode. I was a Strat player for most of my life but some years ago I found this one particular Tele that became my #1 guitar and the Strat just became a backup. This episode made me grab my Strat again. That Tele will surely still be my #1 always, but I'm sure my Strat was pleased to be played again after so long. Thanks for the episode.

[@basvredeling]

This was easily the best episode in recent months. Learned a lot, thanks for sharing!

[@DavidDyte1969]

To me, the visuals of the Strat are just so good. It looks like you think an electric guitar should look. This design is from what, 1954? And it still looks futuristic today. Immortal. Before you even hear the thing, you want to own it.

[@xx-ip7ej]

This episode proves our experiences with guitars are often more about our experiences as people-trial and error, unexpected discovery, falling in and of love, patience and understanding, and ultimately finding your own voice.

[@davidhamma8744]

Possibly my favorite episode yet. Thanks guys! I love Strats and I love Mick's enthusiasm for them. I learned a lot about the difference between floating and flat setting of the bridge. Very cool!

[@chipneal]

So cool to have a platform like this were the guys can just go super deep on a topic they love! Super intriguing- keep up the great work!!

[@willgoodfellow3144]

What does Mr Myagi say when he plays a strat with a tube screamer? ... Maxon, Max-off.

[@ThatPedalShow]

YES! Bravo!

[@hafstrat]

🤡

[@marcpaola1371]

Absolutely, I've got a Maxon vop9 that has been main od pedal for the better part of a decade. It's a great pedal with a little less of a mid hump than most tube screamers, a bit more transparent. I've tried many others but it's still my main od, I do use it with a Timmy every now and then.

[@thesullivanstreetproject]

I’ve always loved Mick’s playing, and now I know why. He totally understands his instrument; it really is like an extension of his own body considering he knows it quite literally like the back of his hand.

[@ThunderFalcon333]

One of the best shows on strats I've seen in a long time.Sweet and mean tones. Nice playing too. I say bring on part 2...👍

[@jacobbartelt4480]

Straight GOLD of a show! On my second time through the video & soaking it all in.

[@MarceloDurham]

NOW WE ARE TALKING! :P STRAT OVERDOSE BRING IN! (watching with my fiesta red on my lap)

[@Ganache30]

Don’t spill anymore on your lap!

[@MarceloDurham]

@@Ganache30 Just noticed I wrote "first red" by mistake 🙄.. FIESTA RED (my strat)

[@amandahammond2691]

I really hope Dan does a video like this for Teles. Also I finally bit the bullet recently and bought a nice American made Strat off of Reverb after resisting for ages, and I ended up loving it so much.

[@risteardohaodha23]

Same as. Have for years had just LP’s. I remember trying out a Strat in a shop many years ago and found it weird and that left a lasting impression. Forward wind to a couple of months ago and I fell in love with the 2 & 4 positions on a friend’s Strat and consequently bought a 20 year old American Strat. Never been happier and more inspired to play 😊💜🎸

[@amandahammond2691]

@@risteardohaodha23 My big thing is that modern strats just all look and sound the same to me, so I got in to PRSs that are a bit more unique. Then I tried the wife’s MIM HSS Strat and loved it, started digging in to the gear of my guitar heroes and it got me hunting a Strat of my own. Found a 1995 American Standard in Electric Blue for a smoking deal and have been playing the everloving daylights out of it

[@risteardohaodha23]

@@amandahammond2691 we’ve seen the Stratolight 🤣 Enjoy!

[@ArnoldsIOS]

I did the same about two years ago with the Yosemite pick ups and wow I never looked back! I wanted so hard to be a gibson fan but last night I had a realization that… IM A STRAT PLAYER. not looking back. 😅

[@karabinerstudios]

This might be the most instructive content I’ve seen on KZbin. I will be watching this multiple times with a strat and pedals in hand and working through all the tonal and setup ideas.😮

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

I always loved the way Blackmore would play a phrase on the bridge pickup then flip to the kneck pickup and answer it

[@davidevans3175]

This episode is a treasure for Strat players.

[@confusedscreaming9727]

Killer; this episode should just be called: "Mick."

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ha! Thanks! All the Dan fans (most of you) would storm off in disgust!

[@confusedscreaming9727]

@@ThatPedalShow We are TPS fans my friend 👍

[@jonda2282]

@@confusedscreaming9727 Nah, I'm more a Dan fan!

[@aroy761]

A calm composed attitude with beast mode Mick terrified all of us with tonal beauty. Awesome Mick inspired me so much.

[@obumbrata2k7]

30:25. One of the best from Dan. I actually looped this over for a while today at the office... was glorious thank you Dan and Mick!!!

[@plectrummx]

I got my first Strat last week after years with an Epi Les Paul and a PRS S2 Custom. Rewatching this with an entirely new focus. I find there is a lot to learn… the personality of the pickups couldn’t be more different. This is awesome content; surely helps getting up to speed faster.

[@davidtomkins4242]

Hank marvin recalls the first strat he saw as looking like it came from outer space. It was the most modern thing out there for a lot of our heroes when they were starting out

[@thehoboroadie905]

I have been trying to adjust to the jarring modernity for fifty years. Imagine my horror when the guys I worked for started putting in the Floyd Rose tailpieces. I recently started in with light strings and the Classic Strat bridge. A whole new world. 😁

[@sixpenske1940]

wow love how in depth you guys go in your videos, great info thank you!!

[@NasserSharaf]

Doesn't get any better than this. Great job Mick and most informative. The Strat world is definitely a rabbit hole - worth traveling!

[@tonyg6158]

You guys have any idea how much some of us love you guys? You are like my best friend I never met.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ah, cheers mate 🤓🙏

[@andyw6026]

Gentlemen, as a 30+ yr Strat player, thank you for the indulgence. what a great insight, for me, one of your best ever sessions and as Dan said, beautiful playing too....

[@xman5b]

This has been fantastic and truly educational! I really appreciate this video, Mick. Cheers!

[@mattsaysvideo]

You guys are my heroes! This hasn’t been long enough. I would pay for a part 2!

[@humbucker1414]

"Let the guitar do the work" this is reminding me of what Tim Pierce says about how to get a big guitar sound: crank it up loud and play quietly.

[@Brucaleeffo]

Relaxing and playing less aggressively, while improving your dynamic range options, also helps immensely technically. You get speed, you get fluidity, you avoid tensing up, you avoid injuries and whatnot. Playing aggressively should be a technique like any other that you put in your toolbox, while there should be a conscious and constant effort in trying to be relaxed so we stay there all the time when we grab the instrument.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yeah nice, totally this.

[@gazpodmore2398]

I could listen to mick play and talk strats allllllllll day!!!! Thank you guys!!! Awesome stuff!!

[@gregclarkreasons]

This couldn't have come at a better time. Thank y'all, TPS!

[@mattheweastel129]

Fantastic information here, I’ve been playing strats for 25 years and thought I knew most things, but I learnt so much. The resonance with being tuned lower is a beautiful thing. I turned my first cheap strat into a kind of baritone by putting 13s and tuning to B and it feels very alive

[@JaredScharff]

This was a masterclass in Strats. Loved it

[@danielr8932]

Terrific episode! As always, it was fun to watch and I learned a lot. (I’m considering getting a Strat and now I know so much more.) Thanks to Mick for sharing information and wisdom learned from 33 years of Stratocastering.

[@rybieudka]

You just HAVE TO make a "Part 2", no other option. Such a great video! You can sense both knowldege and passion in every word you say and every note you play. Great watch! Thank you!

[@thromboid]

Mick's playing is phenomenal of course, but damn, Dan's Dan-isms from 30:21 are divine! :)

[@ThatPedalShow]

You’re too kind 🤓🙏

[@MrBladle]

How has no one brought up Rory Gallagher?! Monster of a strat player!

[@davidhawkins9206]

Here here. Especially the whole super boosted sound and controlled with the volume pot and dynamics

[@ThatPedalShow]

Absolutely! We didn’t mention Knopfler either. Terrible omissions!

[@majchx5352]

@@ThatPedalShow ahahah you forgot a lot, and, so i need again to say : STEVE HILLAGE ....well, maybe you dont like him .-)

[@uttherkunst3806]

@@ThatPedalShow you also missed Jeff Beck.

[@OlderGuyLearningGuitar]

Ahem guys.. JEFF BECK!!

[@vicenteziegler]

Awesome vid guys!, keep posting this kind of content we love

[@dutchi15]

Dan’s summation of this presentation said it all for me. Thank you Mick for the myriad of possibilities and things worth thinking about. I play both Strats and Teles and love them both. Thank you so much to you both as always.

[@chrismahermusic5142]

I have an 82 hardtail. I love my strat and I am also committed to buying my first Tele because of Dan's ethereal moving chords. I've learned so much from your show. Both of you guys are in my top 25 favorite players. Mark Knopfler is at the top. Can't thank you guys enough. Cheers.

[@ThatPedalShow]

No way! Chris, thank you so much!

[@mstreech]

This is the best episode of a guitar show I’ve ever seen. The oozing enthusiasm and love is just contagious. The follow up telecaster episode was equally amazing. Very cool.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you M!!

[@mstreech]

@@ThatPedalShow most welcome!

[@NisseHesedingMusic]

I got a Fender American Vintage Reissue 62 Fullerton Stratocaster from 1982 in sherwood green with grey bottom Pickups. I got it as an heritage by an old friend of mine who passed away by cancer three weeks ago. May he rest in peace. 🕊️ The guitar‘s the best guitar I‘ve ever played in my life! And I PLAYED MANY! It has these bass-y sounds on the middle and neck pickup with that fat punch in the highs. The Bridge pickup sounds so bright it’s just beautiful and undescribeable, how well it sounds. 😱😍😍😍

[@highvoltage032]

Mick completely in his element.Just awesome.Learned a ton TPS is better than ever keep on keeping on!!!

[@JakubKazmierski]

It's price, it's that simple. American made standard Strat(now professional) are much cheaper to buy for a younger player than a Gibson LP, PRS, etc.

[@Kaisermb1]

I had a love/hate thing with strats for years until I really found the right one and found the pickups that fit it well. Oh, and tuning it down half a step made a huge difference for me as well.

[@antoniojosevidelinares8236]

This is PURE GOLD, seriously!!! Congrats!!!

[@bawbwhoa]

I made it to the end! I got my first strat a few weeks ago (after playing only humbuckers for years) and this is SUPER DUPER USEFUL. Make another video to cover the middle pickup! I need more information and you guys are amazing at portraying it. Thank you for being awesome!

[@PhilippHerget]

Talking about most guitar heros playing Strats: I think it has a lot to do with a strat needing space in the mix. To me it just sounds so unique, it instant makes the band sound like its centered around the guitar. For me playing a tele for example, is more like a sideman thing, cause it sits in mix nicer, and is more capable of filling spots.

[@DanEtch]

I've already had to stop the video twice to play my strat. Always a good sign:)

[@yosephmcjoe9575]

So informative. Also couldn't stop laughing at the end, love you blokes. Would love strat pt 2 or a tele episode!

[@jesusjm6055]

This is the first time that I watch your videos and I love them. You're awesome, guys. Now I am subscribed

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

I'm in love of vintage style strats in exactly the same way. But you said lots of stuff I never thought of why. Awesome and deep knowledge about strats from the user perspective. Great great stuff. Cheers

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Nuno!

[@fraenkiboii]

You're not seeing this, but I thought it was worth mentioning: I'm watching this full of excitement with my surf green CS61 on my lap. Playing some pentatonic licks in between the lines.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Yessss!!!!!

[@metsafox2986]

Have owned my strat for 13 years, have loved every moment and after this vid I finally know how it’s works.

[@mikehouston6456]

Thank you so much for this- watched it twice back to back, just fascinating. Learned some stuff, reminded of stuff, inspired by stuff. I really really need a strat again. Yes, need. Thank you!

[@mikeschirber8184]

Great episode! I’ve been playing Strats for 40 plus years. Maybe the attraction is the fact that they’re almost impossible to nail down. I’m constantly tweaking, wrenching, soldering, sanding, bashing and screaming! I’ve come to the realization that a Strat is like a “Badass Hotrod”! Are you ever going to stop trying to make it faster? None of my Strats are perfectly dialed in; each of them fight me in their own way. I love my Les Paul’s, but they don’t argue with me like my Strats. They don’t demand my attention.

[@gunkanjima3408]

Great comment. I think that’s one of the reasons I enjoy Mick’s vlogs when he puts Blue on the workbench. I’ve owned LP’s and SG’s that never needed a single thing done to them - yet like you mention - There’s always something else to do to a Strat. For me, I think it’s because Strats are higher maintenance when it comes to tone. Anyone can click on a gain pedal and chug power chords but can anyone make a Strat sing?

[@VKMcMeister]

Thanks Mick, great advice and stellar playing too. But can I just mention how great Dan sounded as well with the dynamic versatility of the strat. I could almost hear him thinking “oh dear, this is going to be bad for my bank balance.”

[@jimkiousis]

Your show is awesome ! Your passion for tone etc . It keeps us smiling in strange times .. Now . We need Strat part 2 and also the same with telecasters !! Tele seems to be loved again the last years and well deserved. Thanks guys keep up the quality content . Cheers from Greece

[@krum41]

Very informative and inspiring One of the best of your many best shows! Thanks!

[@holyronin]

Just got a Strat yesterday and boy was I happy to see this.

[@Auxend]

Congrats! 🙌

[@matiasarrala3447]

Can you guys get Steve Hackett on the show? He’s very open about his gear & techniques and would most definitely have some amazing stories to share!

[@mavainfigatomareva]

That would be epic

[@johnks4002]

Thank you Mick for giving us the benefit of your hard earned knowledge. Your playing and tone is extraordinary.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you John, super kind!

[@repomanband]

I learn a ton from you guys whenever you talk about guitars. Thanks!

[@lifelongfan07]

Jeff Beck has said it all! On Strats…,,”the most expressive”…..I’ll take HIS point of view! I feel that strats cover more ground than any other genre. The middle position IMO is the most organic sounding Another thing, you’ve doing JAZZ on a Strat!

[@adalbertoschuckjr.1509]

RWRP part: In question of position 2 and 4 sound, if the 3 pickups have the same specs (same resistances/inductance), the effect will be more prominent. But If you put different resistance/inductance pickups to compensate the volume because of the position of the pickups, the desired inbetween effect will be diminished. Dan can understand this cause we are talking about pickups IN PARALLEL (resistances/inductances in parallel). That's why blue doesn't have the same sound as Blackie. My own experience when I entered in this rabbit's hole, thanks to Mike :)

[@chrisr530]

This was perfect with my coffee today, thx guys. Incredible playing Mick, loved it

[@sirchtheworld]

Among the most engrossing hours I’ve spent in a very long time. You’ve taken TPS to yet another level with this episode. I listened to the show while cooking a birthday dinner for my spouse. It’s a labor of love and so, quite evidently, was this week’s show. Thank you!

[@ThatPedalShow]

Happy birthday!

[@jamesglaubitz3574]

I haven't watched a tps show for a while, forgot how much I loved them

[@277southtombob]

I’ve played Strats for a long time although recently I’ve been playing Gibson type guitars (335, Les Paul, SG etc.) quite a bit as well there’s something about a clean Strat in the in between positions with “too much reverb” and a little delay that just makes me happy. There’s something about that jangley, springy tone that’s just good for the soul sometimes. I always jumper the middle pickup to the neck tone when I move it’s tone to the bridge. It lets you have a tone for all 3 pickups.

[@eddejager2007]

I always love to see you guys reach for knobs, hardly touching let alone twirling the knobs and suppose you have another sound.Very amusing.Keep up the good work!

[@boatingforbeginners7949]

Loved it guys.. Could watch & listen to Mick chat n play strat's all day long, always entertaining, interesting & educational.. Just Awesome!

[@ThomannsGuitarsBasses]

Strats > Literally everything else. Kris won't like this, but it's true. //Guillaume

[@AndrewMooreLearningLicks]

Get in Guillaume 🥊

[@ThatPedalShow]

Hahahaha!

[@ThatPedalShow]

You beauty!

[@fraenkiboii]

Kris, Kris, Kris, ... it's that guy with the non-strat guitar, right? :P

[@kurtisr2339]

Bwahahaha. But watch your six, Guillaume. Kris is muscled up from all the 12 lb. guitars.

[@fanofthewylde2933]

Loved what Mick was playing in the beginning, that was cool.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you!

[@keithlabonte2547]

Really good riffs and intuitive play

[@robertrubio1552]

One of the BEST guitar videos on the world wide web! Thank you guys!

[@bradubow]

Best video yet … loved and absorbed every second ! Keep at it men ! ! !

[@voiceofexperience]

In the old days (mid '60s), decent sounding overdriven tones were hard to achieve, especially at lower volumes, which is why humbuckers and in particular Les Pauls became so popular. Now with all the pedals and built-in OD fx it's just so easy that the ability to maintain clean & semi-clean "headroom" at higher volumes is actually a more valuable characteristic for a guitar.

[@Smitty_Werbenjagermanjenson]

Title should have been "Let's talk about Strats, baby!"

[@ThatPedalShow]

Okay, I’ll change it.

[@david_cummings]

I think I wrote the first verse

[@trioguitar]

Just wanted to say that I saw and enjoyed this when it first came out, but it just came across my feed again, and I decided to watch it again, and I'm so glad I did! Wonderful vid and so much interesting and useful info there (as always).

[@stevestarr6395]

I really enjoy The Pedal Show and how Dan and Mick dig deep on the construction and all the parts of the guitar that are integral to their sound!