Three New Strats For Mick?! [1961, 1970, Fender Custom Shop & AVRI Compared]

Vintage and Custom Shop Strats against old Blue - aren’t they all just the same?
Life too short for long KZbin videos? Please see the ‘Interesting bits and go-to sections’ information below.
Welcome to the show. In this episode Dan and I are embarking on the latest leg of a long and, at times, torturous journey. Back at the end of 2018 I began the search for a new Strat to take over #1 duties from my old faithful, Blue: a 2001 American Vintage model.
Very long story short, I’d been lucky enough to play a bunch of old ones and the unfortunate truth is that dear old Blue simply doesn’t cut it in terms of tone or feel next to the better of the old Strats.
The videos in between now and then tell the whole story, but fast forward to Summer 2022 and I now am lucky enough to own three more guitars that hopefully bring the story to some temporary closure. This video documents where we are now. Please enjoy!
Guitar info…
• 1961 Fender Stratocaster. All original except refinish and one pot change. Not RWRP
• 1970 Fender Stratocaster. Nitro refinish, many refrets, original pickups and electronics. Not RWRP
• 2020 Fender Custom Shop ’62 Relic Stratocaster, Andreas Kloppmann ’60 pickups. Not RWRP
• 2001 Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster, Seymour Duncan Antiquity Texas Hot set. RWRP
All guitars were restrung before filming with Curt Mangan/TPS 10-5-50 Mick Set, available here: www.thatpedalshowstore.com/co...
Pedals used in this episode…
• Boss TU-3S Tuner
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
Australia: bit.ly/2B06quU
• ZVEX ’59 Sound
www.zvex.com/guitar-pedals/59...
• Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer (Keeley mod)
No longer available
• Mythos Argo
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
Australia: bit.ly/3qt3Y4s
• Klon Centaur Professional Overdrive
No longer available new
• JAM Pedals Harmonious Monk
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
Australia: bit.ly/3rJBJAb
• Free The Tone FF-1Y Future Factory
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
• Chase Bliss Audio CXM1978 Reverb
UK & Europe: bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
Australia: bit.ly/37R8McD
• TheGigRig G3 Atom
www.thegigrig.com/g3-atom
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
0:00 Intro playing
1:35 Welcome!
2:43 The flying beast caper
3:23 Recap on the story so far
6:45 Custom Shop ’62 recap
9:42 Aynsley and the ’70 Strat
11:45 The original ’61 reappears
13:28 Vintage Strat tone generalisations
17:10 Mick’s current board & today’s amps
18:33 All four guitars, neck pickup clean
20:57 All four guitars, position 2
24:00 And with a Tube Screamer
27:06 Dan has a play on all four
30:33 What are you hearing?
31:23 Adding some more overdrive
35:18 More gain again, all four guitars
38:50 Back to clean tones
40:30 Conclusions so far
46:24 Dan has more schwang
49:53 A final play
Guitars in this episode:
• 1961 Fender Stratocaster - no video yet
• 1970 Fender Stratocaster - no video yet
• Fender Custom Shop ’62 Relic Stratocaster - Mick’s video here: • Mick’s New Strat - Fir...
• Fender American Vintage ’62 Stratocaster - Mick’s video here: • That Pedal Show - Our ...
Amps in this episode:
• Two-Rock Classic Reverb Signature with Two-Rock 112 / EVM12L speaker
• Fender ’65 Deluxe Reverb reissue with standard speaker
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
/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/3zaTX5Z
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf

[@brentporter9324]

The absolute best part of this weeks episode is the truly honest shared joy Dan has for Mick. It's so easy to be caught up in ourselves, but there's no guile or jealousy, just sheer happiness for a good friend. That lends a great vibe to this video.. It's a very faith in good people feeling. Congrats Mick on the lovely guitars, and thank you both for an enjoyable hour.

[@superdupes987]

I agree, its a blessing Dan is so open and enthusiastic! I do find it irksome that it can be a bit cagey in the other direction for things Dan is more enthusiastic about.. just different dispositions I guess, but the show holds together anyway :)

[@lukasbelinski1268]

yup

[@stevenwalton5722]

Absolutely! I love how they’re such different players and react differently in behaviour! Mick has a decent poker face when something is good. Dan on the other hand can’t hold it in! He gets so excited!!! Why I love watching these videos!

[@kcsvantasticvoyages9729]

Mick you were sounding awesome on that Strat in intro ..props!

[@grahamrobb5615]

Congratulations Mick, we're all very happy for you! Dan, you missed a trick not suggesting 'Strat Pedal Show'

[@soulisthegoal96]

I know I'm late to the party, but the Custom Shop strat (Copper, as I like to call him) is the one that stands out to me. I'm working on a very boring spreadsheet right now and I only look up when Copper is played.

[@jensschettler1732]

Yep. This one shines.

[@richbowler4111]

The 61 strat is timeless and has the frequencies that benchmark the strat sound. Everytime it gets played it's just so 'right'. The clarity is next level and you just dont hear that clarity in the CS or Blue. The 70s strat to me is the one to use for clean sound because it has a different kind of clarity but mainly a sweetness that none of the others have I think it's a certain magic in the bass range and the upper upper mids (lower treble lol). You are a lucky lucky boy mick and you deserve it. 👍

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Rich!

[@bocollins1222]

Came for the Strats. Stayed for the Mick. You're such a gem mate. Thanks for the continued inspiration and positivity.

[@nickreedman7360]

Totally. Dan’s genuine delight for Mick is heart warming

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Bo!

[@SomeKindOfMadman]

@@ThatPedalShow as I stated above, I’d love to give Blue Strat a home. It’s a lovely instrument. Just isn’t finically viable for me right now. Someone will come along and enjoy owning that guitar. Either that, or time to get a glass case and retire it. Still a work of art.

[@SuperBatiskaf]

@@ThatPedalShow Can you clarify a bit the settings on Deluxe Reverb? Before 38:52 and after. Are you removed the bright cap on Vib channel? Speaker the same? Your DRRI sounds every time better and better.

[@galants528]

Counterpoint; they all basically sound the same and we have all lost our minds 😂

[@ThatPedalShow]

There is that!

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

L.M.F.A.O.! Reminds me of an Ask Zac shirt: "It's a sickness"

[@Tyetheberious]

It would make life more simple if they did, albeit less interesting, haha!

[@Sid-np3hf]

Yeah but he obviously has the means to get both a 61 and a 52 year old guitar. Much cooler and I agree not much difference in tone.

[@jagtone]

I can hear differences, but they are fairly subtle, and can probably be reproduced or even swamped with eq or swapping pickups.

[@ellleigh1216]

Blue just always has my heart, whether I’m hearing with my eyes, or mick’s just so comfortable playing blue, that everything just sounds like he’s feeling it a bit more, it just sounds right to me

[@leeyoungun]

Blue has always been one of my favorite sounding Strats, new or vintage.

[@conan218]

I cannot be happier for Mick on getting to where he is on his musical journey. Bravo, Mick! Much love to Dan for being such a bro to Mick!

[@fanofthewylde2933]

You know what is so cool about strats, especially those vintage ones, they sound like the pickups pickup every little thing that's going on when you strike the string, so you get a very clear and detailed sound. And that in turn leads to the personality of the individual player being able to come through the guitar, SO FREAKING COOL!!!

[@larrylampshade1734]

Yep. You can’t fake the front on an old strat either…if you are a subpar player or phoning it in they will expose you real quick

[@fanofthewylde2933]

@@GCKelloch That's an interesting insight mate, you've given me a lot to think about as I'm looking around for strat pickups

[@nicktilliros9021]

That custom shop is insane, not to take anything away from the vintage strats, that '61 is something else...

[@musicalSFCat]

Fender Strat owner (two C.S. from '89 & '94) of four lovely distinctive voices. Hands down, that beautiful vintage '61 Fender strat sings like a magical bell. Real keeper. Delayed Congrats. Cheers. 🎸

[@DavidDantePhoenix]

That '61 is glorious. Lives up to the hype and then some.

[@mob0274]

I have a theory about the surviving old gear. It sounds good because it was good in the first place. The stuff that didn't sound good has long since been relegated to landfill.

[@njt2347]

A tech who used to work on my guitars had that same theory. Either that or they got parted out with only the good parts surviving.

[@kieranblacker]

I have always said this, Not every old guitar is good, Most likely most of them weren't! But the ones that were good have survived and been looked after while the bad ones haven't!

[@Ottophil]

@@kieranblacker i think a strats a strat. A 2022 USA strat will sound and play like a strat would. They are all the same. I think people like one strat over another but, its all in their head

[@3rdmm]

In the late 70's, you'd buy a Fender or a Gibson and go straight to the luthier to have it put right. Some of the crappy axes went through a whole evolution and became playable and maybe even ended up fine.

[@davidtomkins4242]

@@Ottophil some truth in that, especially with modern CNC built guitars. But the old guitars weren't built by machines. The did have tolerance jigs and they got good at making the same parts over and over. There are small differences in neck shapes and body sizes, depending on how enthusiastically they pressed them up against the belt sander. Then checked for tolerance, if it was within acceptable limits, then it went out of the factory. So a player familiar with them will perceive small differences, but overall you're right, a strat is a strat

[@jamesdonahue6466]

This one is a long time coming and well worth the wait! There is just something about how the '61 takes overdrive that is absolutely magical! It seems to carry that caving in sound with a grace that the others can't. So happy you got your vintage Strat, it was needed!

[@TheDotyboy]

One of my favorite episodes you’ve had in a while! Loved it! Stratacular! So happy for Mick that he got those two lovely vintage strats!

I just need to say that I genuinely love you guys, like one loves family and old friends. Cheers!

[@NINEWALKING]

It was long time coming but bette late than never. Congrats Mick on all of them but especially on that 61! That one was always doing something to you and making you play even more special. Not to be forgotten TM Gold top also came about. Another epic instrument. Congrats on all!

[@drewharris4206]

So glad for you Mick! Since beginning of lockdown you have inspired me to start my own strat journey, having been mainly tele or les paul for 15 years! I finally procured a new American pro 2 sunburst strat 4 weeks ago. Completely hooked, but am having to completely redesign my pedal board, the gain structure is so different! My tele and les Paul like similar drive pedals, but with the strat I am leaning more heavily on a TS than I ever have done. Keep the videos coming!

[@zachjohnson4346]

Thank you for all the strat videos, Mick! One of the best experiences in the world is listening to someone talk about what they love and are passionate about.

[@jthatcher962]

I could literally watch you guys play and compare Strats for days and days. Love these episodes! I still love Blue the most. Maybe because the other ones are completely unattainable for a hack like me.

[@Daryl_Sweet]

It must suck to be in that constant state of dissatisfaction. I recently bought a 75 quid harley benton tele and have been lost in playing into a thr10 ii, no thoughts on upgrades and little worries about tone. Just jamming. It's nice not to have to worry about the other bits, one of the reasons I avoid TPS these days is the risk of getting pulled back in to all the 'in between' me and music stuff that doesn't really matter, but can get in the way - obsessing over gear and tone. I like the bit where a pedal, amp or guitar inspires playing, I hate the bit where the details get in the way

[@jonathanbishop6996]

I appreciate this comment. It's a human thing to want the better thing. Historically it served to benefit the man with the better axe, or the better bow. Now it's material things like cars, your body... or your guitar. And I think confirmation bias, in this case, is a powerful thing. And it's not take away the joy from others, because that's not right, but to reassure those of us without £20k lying around that the differences are negligible and very personal. You hear what you want to hear - I couldn't hear any difference really with very decent speakers. I'm happy for Mick, but I'd also say to others that it also doesn't matter. Just enjoy playing.

[@MrKleaner]

Great show! I am so happy for you Mick! The best part of the video besides the sounds, is the love and respect that you and Dan have for each other! Keep being great friends, it’s a true blessing

[@uuoriginal]

I'd love to see you guys use a frequency analyzer to try and quantify what's going on with the '61, and then use EQ to try and bring Blue closer to the same response. It could be really useful for those trying to chase the sounds without access to the real thing. Thanks for all the great videos

[@williamwagnon2809]

Spoken like a real engineer. I would LOVE to see that data.

[@Matt-Wolf]

Was thinking the same, where exactly are the differences and how big are they. It would explain the sound and indeed easier to dial in that sound using an other guitar.

[@zbyszekolko3998]

Nah. Guitarists never use frequency analysers and don't use words like inductance, resonant frequency or Q factor talking about pickups.

[@stuntkiwi]

Exactly, EQ a tiny bit and turn the volume to match.. too easy to get drowned in cork snobbery

[@bluwng]

@@Matt-Wolfcharacterizing it is easy , duplicating is the hard part.

[@bobrg1459]

Very enlightening and well demonstrated. The subtleties in the midranges were clearly evident in the video. I found myself seeing the EQ differences graphically as I heard them. The '61 is strat nirvana! Now i have to go back to my CS '56 which doesn't measure up to the '61. Great job and many thanks.

[@GuitarTonePro]

Awesome episode, much love for the Strats. Went through a somewhat similar Strat journey myself going from an American Standard I swapped pickups on, to a vintage '59 which I sold later. Bought an SVL to try and replace it as well as a Silver Sky, both of which I eventually sold to buy back the '59 from the person I sold it to. It is now 'my' Strat and not going anywhere even with the crazy prices they can command right now.

[@chrisegg7936]

when i first started watching this show, this was the sort of episode i’d maybe put off or watch a couple weeks or even months later. Now i feel like i’m gonna watch this at LEAST two times before next week. A fascinating comparison, some lovely playing, and some guys bein’ dudes. Love it!

[@AlbusBand]

As glorious as they all are, the inspired feeling the old girl gives off is palpable (and infectious). Sending all my love; thanks for the great tones and great playing.

[@jorgearturovasquezmaldonado]

It is weird. I’m not a strat person, have tried several times to like them, but never quite bond with them. So this episode for me is not about tone or the guitars. But man, is so rewarding seeing Mick happy for the entire show. Glad for you!! Enjoy your well deserved guitars!

[@thenameless3271]

I'm the opposite, as much as I like the idea of other guitars, the strat is just too practical to pass up.

[@kennethc2466]

I literally know 7 people who always wanted a Strat, yet after they bought one, sold it shortly after. When I see rock players say, "I need a Strat", I tell most of them, "go play a Tele, and thank me later". I love my Strat, but it is not a versatile as my Tele.

[@ChrstnSmrvllMsc]

It's SO, SO hard to find one you bond with (even AS a Strat person!), but when you do, it really is next-level. I've played *SQUIER* Teles that have made me like curse being "a Strat guy" bc they give up the goods so easily, but I'm still stubbornly thinking thoughts like, "OK, my Strat gets a bridge saddle upgrade next, then upgraded output jack..." bc sometimes those Strat stars just align, ya know.?. Fingers perpetually crossed 🤷‍♂ lol

[@iamthat787]

20 years ago had some extra cash and got a 2001 strat ultra, hated it! Then in 2007 bought a beautiful 70s RI strat, hated it (sounded dead). Then recently, grabbed a 2022 American Performer body w/ orig Yosemite PU's and put a MIJ neck on it, totally sings! It's rather perplexing, but some just sing.

[@horizonishere]

It’s been a hard week and this is exactly what was needed. Always have felt the 61’ is just something special.

[@amirpooyasadeghi4368]

I have to say Dan's little play at the end was so beautiful. Truly blessed to hear and enjoy that. Thank you

[@citizenk5050]

Gentlemen: Great show, as ever! I am happy for you, Mick! You now have four excellent Stratocasters, each with a distinctive voice and tonal balance, giving you a sonic palette of exceptional subtlety. I join your good and true friend Dan in wishing you great satisfaction in your pursuit of your sonic ambitions. With your exemplary selection of amps, not to mention a likely un-equaled roster of effects pedals, you should be set for life. Play on!

[@CHlEFFIN]

I’m in love with these videos - 2 intelligent, articulate man sharing their RADIATING PASSION for their instruments. Keep’em coming!! Cheers from Texas lads🤠

[@less_concerned1221]

I really enjoyed this video!!! I like them in this order… ‘61, gold CS, ‘70, then blue. They all sound incredible though. I was kind of surprised how much I liked the gold CS. It was the most balanced IMHO, but they each shined in different applications.

[@TheBeriking]

Dan’s face when you first connected the ‘61 to the “higher” gain rig said it all. Unbelievable sound. Congrats Mick on attaining “the promised land”, and especially on having the gumption (and the support) to go for it (it can be terrifying financially to be in that situation, but it’s plainly worth it!) We all can only hope to someday meet “the one” (or three ;-) and have the opportunity, presence of mind and financial capacity to hold on to it. Hope you enjoy these singularly awesome instruments for many years to come - I know we TPS faithful will vastly enjoy hearing them on a weekly basis. Cheers!

[@pauljolstead2752]

The BEST thing is seeing Mick rediscover his joy of playing a little. Like you guys are fond of saying, if the gear inspires you to play more…this surely does. I haven’t heard you stretch out like that for awhile. ❤️

[@brandonbock4763]

I feel like I, actually all of us, have gone on this journey with you. From your talks about mental health which meant the world to us, to this journey of Strats, it’s been a fantastic ride!

[@tadmorrison]

Dan is an awesome friend.

[@periloustemple8290]

I truly enjoyed this and love the whole story. You both played brilliantly. Dan is scaring me. I heard some of that SImon Jarrett when he had those strats!!! Love it.

[@kjneese]

First off, I can't tell you how happy I am you finally own the 61. And listening to you play that Strat...HOLYMUTHER that is the tone of the Gods! And YOU ARE WIELDING IT! Kudos to you Mick and thanks for sharing this incredible journey.

[@Paul_Abbott_Landsraad_Project]

Oh Mick, the sadist in me hopes that the journey will never end haha. Man, you have managed to pick up a few life partners to accompany you on it and I welcome every update. Thanks Dan for pushing for this video and the shocked joy on your face when the stacked gain happening is legendary. Great episode and really happy for you Mick 👍

[@DRChevalier]

Listening through hifi speakers, I found it easier to hear differences when played clean. When any OD or distortion is added, so much gets lost, which is where I am quite blown away by the 61 because while I hear the overdriven tones, I can still distinguish the clean notes. For my preferences, this is ideal. I have always liked the sound of Blue in Mick's hands but I preferred it by far when it has the Ron Ellis pickups. The current ones definitely sound like there is a filtering of the highs, and while not bad, detracts from its sound. I continue to subscribe to the premise that it is the player more than the guitar. While both the 61 and Blue are consistent between Dan and Mick the other two are very different. The gold Custom Shop sounds very good with Dan's playing and picking style, superior to the 70 every time to my ears. However, when Mick is playing, the 70 is the clear winner, even after the replacement of those Texas Specials that came in the CS, which do not appeal to me, I do not think that the CS is favoured when coupled with Mick's style. Obviously these are my opinions and will differ from others. Thank you for the interesting and informative episode. Be well!

[@sugarmama212]

The 61 has the nectar-there’s a balanced audacity to it that’s difficult to replicate. It’s got that humble rumble.

[@ThatPedalShow]

Balanced Audacity & Humble Rumble! Sounds like me and Dan. Hahahaha

[@cloydibones1709]

Mick's vlogs are what I came for and you two are what I subscribed for. Love the content you guys put out. Would love to see tone journey vlogs from either 🔥

[@josh_baymee]

Such an enjoyable show! Glad I didn’t skip the beginning part. So happy for Mick and all his recent acquisitions, congrats! All the strats sound different, but I think they all sound pretty magic! Looking forward to more strat vlogs.

[@sols.2525]

You always know when you are truely best mates when you are happy for your buddy when he gets something he has wanted. My best buddy has always wanted a Martin D41 and he finally purchased one last week that he is receiving tomorrow. I think I was more happy for him than he is for himself lol. Mick, I see why you wanted that 61 so much. All those strats sound great but that 61 was just like "haha I am here!" Personally I am not a fan of the larger headstocks of the 70s. I much prefer the smaller headstocks.

[@SvenBroos]

It’s not just you Mick. The ‘61 is truly special. So happy it found its way to you! ❤️

[@ERICKATERLE]

Congratulations on all of your wonderful strats Mick! I’ve been on a stratastic voyage for decades! I love all the different eras of your strats. The 61 sounds super awesome!😊😊😊

[@mariosjosephidou1170]

This is why guitars take you on a journey of discovery and why it seems the journey never ends! Great video as always, truly inspiring!

[@vl292]

I agree about the evolution of strat tone between 59-71. 50s ones are also pretty special. Woody and spanky. When i had change to test several old strats at the same time one -62 really spoke to me. Next day I was thinking about how spectacular the guitar was. So much so that i forgot to watch rw mirrors and reversed my car into a concrete pole. Ended up buying that thing. The gtr, not the pole.

[@Telewest792]

Always great to see two friends enjoying a common love for great tone, I’m more of a Tele guy like Dan although i do have three strats a 54 reissue one of 1954 made ,a 57 50th anniversary and a custom shop 60s stat with Abby wound pick ups which is an amazing sounding guitar, they all are awesome instruments but my original 67 Tele that took me a long time to find and able to afford is just wow. As always love the show happy for you Mick that the good things are finally a reality and for Dan and his 65 Tele how wonderfull for the pair of you just always remember where you came from and give back to those less fortunate.

[@keoshodi0914]

Congrats, Mick! You’ve been studying vintage Strats and looking for your own for years, so I’m happy it all came together. Cheers!

[@weschilton]

Watching this in my new 'Play Loud' t-shirt, which arrived yesterday! Love it! Man, what a show! Hearing these guitars side by side is eye-opening. Straight up clean, the differences were apparent for sure. But what surprised me the most was once you started playing them through the overdrives. Wow. I thought it was the high end that was changing the most, but the mids too, especially with the tube screamer. Gonna take a few viewings to process this.

[@christianstevens9804]

I love how committed Dan is to the Tele but man his playing is amazeballs on a strat!

[@eaglerayrob]

I love the 61! What I hear that makes it special to me is a perfectly balanced tone from bass to treble combined with a harmonic complexity, and that harmonic content decays perfectly into the fundamental. And every string does this in perfect harmony with the other strings. Magical tone!

[@josiasalvarado2571]

Mate I'm so happy for you , congrats , crazy but everything that Dan was saying at the moment he was explaining what differences he was able to pick , I was thinking it too. Enjoyed this a lot.

It is fascinating to watch you guys over here in Australia with my morning coffee on a quiet Sunday morning. Thanks very much 🥰

[@glennromano9053]

Who here wants to see a follow up video with Aynsley so he can show us what guitars replaced that 70's Strat?! Dang that was epic. So ends the Strat journey.... or does it 🤔

[@atanastsvetkov1530]

Interestingly, I liked the gold CS sound the best. It is what to my ears the classic strat sound is. Congrats on the purchases, Mick - all great sounding instruments

[@horsehead]

This video is so me it hurts! Thanks for everything you do in this one

[@BrandonMarsella]

This was beyond a joy to watch. Mick's strat video blogs inspired me to build a strat during quarantine. Ironically it looks at lot like the 61' (but I doubt it sounds nearly as rad!). Ron Ellis pickups, proper aged pick guard and knobs material, refin fender neck. I really worked hard to build a guitar that I would love. And it paid off! Keep doing what you're doing. You guys are really inspirations to tone seekers like me!

[@TheGhostGuitars]

Now we need see a vid on Dan's best vintage and newer Fender Telecasters! 😉😁👍

[@crissmith2911]

As a Strat guy, that was a real treat! '61 is truly special, and it comes across clearly in the audio. I think your Custom Shop Strat comes the closest to it. I have a Custom Shop Roasted Tomatillo Strat with the Josefina Hand Wound Tomatillo pickups in it. That guitar has a very similar low-output sweet roundness with an airy top end. 9.5" board, but also a '63 C shaped neck, which is Fender's fattest at the 12th fret and has a nice taper. It feels like an old pair of jeans, and I highly recommend it to anyone in search of approaching vintage feel and tones who can't acquire the real deal.

[@kassandjohnbolles3522]

I've been watching your show for a long time and I don't think I have fully appreciated until this episode what absolute masters of tone you guys are. These Strats sound incredible!

[@thechannelforeverything2170]

What a great episode. What I've been learning recently, is you just gotta go with what your heart tells you. I'm on the hunt for the perfect Les Paul for me. Cause after all the guitars I've tried. The Les Paul is the tone that's in my heart.

[@julius2790]

I've had a blast seeing you both get your dream guitars. And they both sound soooo good. Some instruments are just magic and you both hit the jackpot.

[@northof50now]

The guitar that surprised me the most was the 70. I'm NOT a big headstock nor gold guitar type... But, there's no denying it had a great tone. The CS sounded very "new" as compared to the others. My guess is, it sounded much like the '61 or '70 would have sounded new. Congrats Mick. Long time coming. Enjoy. :-) Many here in the peanut gallery enjoying vicariously. Rick

[@davedawgtanyun3985]

Listened to this rather than watched as working from home. Every time I heard that ‘wow’ sound I looked across to see the 61. The others sound great but the 61 stands out, at least to me. You’re a lucky man!

[@rj_connor3779]

How awesome, Mick! This episode elevated the joy of guitar as per usual! 😊

[@ChessGuyMichael]

You two are life goals in a friendship!! Cheers fellas!

[@ivojirgala9052]

The 61 sounds amazing. As for the rest, I'd pick the custom shop in a heartbeat. A close second to the 61 - full and rich, yet retains plenty of sparkle and definition. At least from what I can pick up through my headphones.

[@AB-ye6cl]

That was an awesome demonstration of how a Strat should be played by both of you, not only the differences in each guitar but how the same pedals react to each guitar a great reference to how a tube screamer, klon, delay or reverb sounds on a stratocasters covering a 60 year period. Love how you articulate the intricacies of the sound of each guitar and effects through words and expressions. Love ya work from Australia

[@NonalignedVideos]

I loved this episode. My "pedalboarding is not a crime" t-shirt arrived. it is a good day. I just replaced the Seymour Duncan stacked humbucker pickups in my 1983 Fender '62 Reissue Strat with a Bare Knuckle "True Grit" set and it's nice to have a classic Strat sound back again. Sometimes pickups make all the difference and sometimes they don't.

[@SilasRNold]

Mick, there are a few moments through TPS where your tone made my jaw drop. The first was hearing the Kingsley Maiden D in your old pedalboard video. The next was when you put the '61 through your Fuzz Face and then boosted it with the Klon. But the '70, to me, is the best strat sound. Cheers, and congratulations on the new and new to you guitars!

[@vincet68]

Don’t know if it’s a mid-scoop thing, but the 61 definitely sounds like it’s got more bass in the tone than all the others. Very happy for you, Mick!

[@fossilmatic]

Wow, over KZbin I perceived the exact opposite. Ears and tongues, eh?

[@limoncr5205]

@@fossilmatic and eardrums :)

[@Sammywhat]

Being left-handed, I suspect I will never get a chance to do what you guys did here. I cherished every moment of this! Great work fellas!! 🙏💖

[@petelewis6920]

Fascinating show. It always amazes me how different the same type of guitar, in this case a strat, can sound and feel. Even strats from the same year. So many variables make for so many different lovely instruments! Nice one guys and glad Mick has such a lovely bevy of strats.

[@metart93]

Would have been really interesting to hear Blue with the Ron Ellis pickups in this lineup. I remember seeing and hearing it with both the '64 and 50/60 sets in some of your earlier vlogs and it sounded wonderful, even next to the '61 strat. I think you ended those videos talking about how much happier you were with it, and how much more bonded to it you had become, while now it seems to have lost its place in the pecking order among these other guitars. Funny how times change!

[@stuart_rose]

Another Strategic show! I’m a Tele player but you might be making me Strat-curious. 🤓

[@rafalstachura]

Do you mean: now they have yout Strat-tention?

[@stuart_rose]

@@rafalstachura Yes, the ‘61 has my full Strattention

[@rafalstachura]

@@stuart_rose There are not enough Strat-djectives to describe how good it sounds. I'll see myself out.

[@DavidGarcia-kw4sf]

Strategic thinking; I like it.😎

[@rockonrory1]

Fantastic video as ever!! Really pleased that you’ve acquired your dream guitar Mick. That 61 has a great transparency to it that the others just don’t seem to have in my opinion. Even when demoing the 61 your playing seemed more inspired!! Congratulations once again Mick.👍

[@AlexanderPetrov]

Thank you for this amazing episode! That's so illustrative and I agree with all your ideas about the tone of these Strats! I love how Dan reacts to your playing, Mick, and how precisely he describes nuances of the tone! Congrats with this vintage Strat to you, Mick! I am so happy for you, and sure for us to be privileged to hear you playing it! :)

[@ThatPedalShow]

Thank you Alexander. I had it refretted yesterday and it’s now absolutely amazing to play and even more resonant too. Video upcoming on that. Cheers!

[@AlexanderPetrov]

@@ThatPedalShow Oh! Sounds exciting! Thanks for let me know, Mick!

[@onehotrocker99]

My ears prefer the tone of "Blue". It just has a fuller, more well-rounded tone. The gold one sounds pokier in the high end. The 61' Strat sounds closer to the tone of "Blue". Great video, guys! Love the story behind these Strats!

[@bleeknoir]

Amazing show. As somebody who’s collection is pretty targeted towards a very specific thing, I really respect Mick’s position in having very clear variations on the thing he loves.

[@michaelarthurmusic307]

You guys are the best. Would love to see a video on guitar pickup height, tilt etc. Cheers!

[@chrismikan2631]

Made me want to go play my Strat. Congrats, Mick! Absolutely awesome.

[@djdnz39]

Brilliant comparison. I have to be honest that for drive tones I really dig the way the CS Strat was bigger and fuller but I do see what you’re saying about the 61 carrying a little more definition. All four sound good with Blue being a little more lifeless which is an unfair description because on its own it’s a great sounding guitar. You’re a lucky man Mick.

[@eaglerayrob]

I loved the segment toward the end when Dan is going to give it go and starts "ordering" effects like food from a menu. I'll take some '59 and a touch of Tube Screamer with extra reverb please. Such a great episode! In addition to the stable of great Strats that pedalboard really spoke to me too.

[@MarkDelsing]

The flying beast sequence just made my day. Thank you. ❤️

[@bryanakcasu]

I'm so invested in Mick's journey. I have had similar trials in finding the right guitars.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

Also, I am quite excited to see Blue back again. I am very fond of that guitar.

[@pfr94]

They all sound fantastic. To my ears, I think that the CS Strat is the most "rounded" tone of the four in that the palate is most broad and therefore would be the one I'd take a gig if I had to take 1 guitar. That said, they all have their place and are incredible instruments each and every one.

[@ImNotOld_ImVintage]

I was listening without watching so that my eyes wouldn't affect my ears. I would occasionally look up to see what was playing what I was hearing, but at some point I got a little distracted and hadn't looked up in a bit. Then I heard tones (I think into plate reverb) that literally sent shivers down my back. I looked up it was the '61. I liked them all, though the CS I thought sounded a bit dark when clean (comparatively), but that '61 is a mythical, magical beast.

[@dobster5819]

Thank you for today’s brilliant video, this was a fantastic Stratocaster journey.

[@dontassumemyfender9866]

The playing at 27:14 hit me directly in the feels. Beautiful stuff. I've not watched the video all the way through. But that 61 really sings. I listened to it through headphones and the screen facing down to eliminate listening with my eyes. The 61 really stands out. Congrats on your new guitars. I have not watched your channel for a while as it tends to encourage me to spend money on guitars and pedals..... first video I have watched, now I am eyeing up a CS strat. 😂

[@ThatPedalShow]

Ha! Thanks for that, but sorry to hear about the spending. If it’s any consolation we’re still exactly the same. :0) Thanks for watching!

[@dontassumemyfender9866]

@@ThatPedalShow I can see you're the same, hence all the strats you purchased in quick succession! Really happy for you, the 61 is on another level. One of the nicest sounding strats I have heard (through a speaker!) Another name you could have gave this video...... "Strat pedal show." Il get my coat.

[@markbrowne9306]

For me (knowing nothing about them really... which rules out confirmation bias)... the 61 just as you put it had a massive harmonic depth/more rounded fuller sound (to my ear) and the other 3 (unless I was watching the video) I couldn't really tell them apart... But I'd go 61 (by a mile) then Blue, 70 and Custom Shop but again I didn't really notice much of a difference between them as there was between 61 and the rest

[@periloustemple8290]

There must be a real thing about resonant peak that makes that high end magic. Who knows how that 61 sounded from then until now, but either way: makes me rethink my life decisions. My number 1 strat has a very slightly overwound bridge PU (nothing crazy). I like the p90-ish quality it adds, but wow, I may have to try my Fat 50 again just to find out what I love most now. You boys remain an inspiration and wow factor - every show ever!

[@jfturner67]

Thank you gentlemen for another hugely entertaining show. Though not Strat got myself, in the right hands there’s a magic that happens, which we got to hear in this episode. I think all four have very nice, very different sounds, but when a player is playing a guitar that has that special something to them, it really comes out, which is why I think the 61 sounds so good in Mick’s hands. He’s obviously feeling that mojo, which you can hear in that last jam with the fuzz.

[@liamballsculpture]

The 70 sounds best overall to me?, to be honest the difference is quite subtle between them , I’m mean they are all very straty with different mid characters to my ears , there all good! I think the feel of the guitar sways one towards certain instruments, ironically that custom shop had probably had more thought gone into it than the others as they are just standard production models from different times .

[@nathanward3888]

I could see that. But I bet in the room is the only way to tell the real story. The compression from KZbin hampers quite a bit.

[@hafizimranYT]

Granted I’m only listening through AirPods and not some super hi-fi system, but the differences are too subtle. Especially when I’m not looking at the screen. A person who has an extra 5% skill would be able to push any of the four to the top spot against a less skilled player.

[@thesunabsolute]

Poor blue. She’s like the girl you dated before you got famous, then got kicked to the curb for the harem of supermodels on the yacht.

[@ThatPedalShow]

That’s about the middle and both ends of it. No kicking tho.

[@stignordberg2828]

So happy for you Mick! Feels like this is the happy ending, or best possible outcome EVER... of an emotional journey we've all been lucky to be part of. Thanks a lot for including us!! Except... it's most definitely not the end, just the beginning of a whole other journey😁🥰 Or chapter, if you will.. I'm also happy that I've been too busy to watch this until today (Wednesday), or saved it if you will.. which I usually never do. Just picked up the first parts for a little home studio, so this was the first time testing the studio headphones (DT 770 PRO) and, at least to my ears, the differences are clearly coming through in the audio. Blue just sounds muffled in this company, in fact...they all do compared to 61'. It's like a carpet is taken off when you play that guitar and all the air, clarity or whatever.. shines through (everything you stack after it as well) and it just sounds more open all through the frequency spectrum, especially the very top end. But also in a balanced way. Where the others are more different, like carpets with holes in different places are put over them. Blue might have some mids for sure, but the CS is just on fire! Love it for it's punch, volume and eagerness to punch you in the stomach. The 70's comes closest to it, in terms of punch, but with more defined top end/high upper mids, balanced and open.. punches you more in the face. The 61 might lack some of that "loudness button", volume and specific strong areas the others might have, but just because it is so good all over! For sure more HiFi-sounding in a way, easily heard when played clean'ish. At least, that's my observations from where I'm at.. Keep them all, for what they are😁 And please bring 61' the next time you come to Norway, I'll bring the old TS-808 (S/N 10094x) for you to "try"... 😘

[@coryburns13]

This was one of my favorites you guys have done. I bet I’ve watched this 5 or 6 times