The Fender Bruno Mars Stratocaster - WHY?

The Fender Bruno Mars Signature Stratocaster is here...but why?
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[@TomButwin]

Check out the Bruno Mars Strat HERE: www.zzounds.com/a--3980673/item--FEN0116862

[@zackstraining3494]

Trying to order those specs from the custom shop will result in a price tag between $4500 and $5000. I don't care whos name is on it, this guitar is for me.

[@TomButwin]

Outside of the finish and stainless frets, which other features wouldn't be attainable? Maybe not this exact configuration, but you could definitely do some relatively inexpensive mods to a cheaper, American version and get close. You've got a good point, though. It's akin to a CS Strat for a discount.

[@Bat_Dad_116]

Bruno Mars is legitimately an incredible musician. His voice is his best instrument but he’s no slouch on the guitar or the drums.

[@richardwhite4923]

Not know for guitar. 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@Bat_Dad_116]

@@richardwhite4923 so what? His voice, singing, songwriting and dancing outshine his guitar playing but that doesn’t mean he’s not a good player. He might be great and we just haven’t seen it yet. Look up some videos. He’s quite good. His tribute to Prince is great and he nailed that solo. Saw some small live acoustic jams and he was really good.

[@hathatsfunny1911]

​@@richardwhite4923and keanu reeves isnt known for bass either but here we are

[@Mexxx65]

George Harrison had guitars made for just him. Why not Bruno Mars then?

[@saxwastaken]

@@richardwhite4923 He's pretty fucking good for someone not known for guitar.

[@DbiPro]

Bruno mars is an amazing musician. I know he has good taste in instruments and is able to see what so many different things you put into a guitar would sound like.

[@nickpoprocky]

Someone who likes Bruno Mars enough to want this is probably more likely to be a beginner than a gigging artist, right? I feel like this should be a Squier or MiM, not some expensive rival to the Silver Sky.

[@TomButwin]

That's actually a good point I hadn't thought of. Maybe they can make a cheaper version too?

[@JM-uw8vz]

My viewpoint as well. Jeff Beck and Eric Johnson Strats can have insane price tags because their fans while not nearly as numerous as Bruno’s, are on average likely to be seasoned guitarists willing to shell out whatever it takes to sound like their hero. The average Bruno Mars fan (not a diss) isn’t likely to be an advanced or even intermediate guitarist and therefore won’t dream of shelling out $3k on an electric guitar. An affordable Squier with Bruno’s name on it though would be more likely to pique their interest as a gateway into learning guitar or using it to play his songs using basic chords. From a marketing standpoint, this is brilliant. A major pop star collaborating with your brand is never a bad thing and something that Gibson would kill for with most of their fanbase being Baby Boomer city. From a business standpoint however, with the price of the Strat as it is, that’s where this becomes a head scratcher.

[@stoneglad]

I bought one today!! The specs are outrageous! Lightweight Ash Body with Ultra Luxe carve, custom nitro paint color with no poly undercoat, custom Shop closet classic hand relicked and really amazing nitro check marks all over the body, nitro Neck with’59C carve and 9 1/2 to 12 1/2 radius board, stainless steel frets, 24K gold plated hardware, ‘54 custom shop pickups in neck and middle, single coil size custom designed hot humbucker in the bridge, custom shop G&G case, cool leopard skin strap and limited edition/ not many made. I think this is actually an incredible bargain! Basically a Fender Custom Shop for $2,500 (that’s how much I actually paid today, so got 15% off retail. Also, mine weighs 7 pounds 5 ounces!! And I’m DEFINITELY NOT a Bruno Mars fan, I’ve barely even ever heard of him! I’m a Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, SRV fan etc

[@bearfamily2636]

I just mine and I could not agree more! Honestly, I could care less that it is an artist signature 😅 If anything, I am impressed with the specs Bruno chose! Definitely unexpected.

[@TomButwin]

Well, I think you've both sufficiently answer my question of "Why?" I'm convinced! I'm allowed to change my mind, right?

[@bearfamily2636]

⁠​⁠@@TomButwin Absolutely! I do stand behind your comment about the artist potentially hurting the guitar. Lots of comments in forums about many people not a fan of the guitar simply because of the artist. If Gary Clark Jr made this guitar, I am sure the rhetoric would be different. Either way, I am happy that they made it and I got one.

[@jasondorsey7110]

​@@bearfamily2636Well Bruno Mars is thought of as a singer/songwriter, it's weird that they chose him to collaborate with, but he's pretty well known and most "real" guitarists simply aren't

[@bearfamily2636]

⁠@@jasondorsey7110 agreed! Bruno is an amazing musician, singer, songwriter and entertainer. Marketing made me look to be honest. I personally am very glad I did 😊

[@debbiw4382]

What sold me was the headstock Logo.... They actually added "with synchronized tremolo". When it comes to CBS era big headstock logos they usually only do "Fender Stratocaster".

[@mjtejero]

good thing they didn't put his name on the guitar. but the guitar looks awesome :) GOLDEN!

[@jayplaysthestrings]

Objectively, yeah cool looking strat…but that’s it. It’s the kind of guitar you’d see hanging up on the wall shop, and say “hey that’s pretty cool” and then just walk away and never think about it ever again.

[@TomButwin]

That’s it for sure. I like the configuration and what it offers, but you’re right.

[@OrbitlynX]

As a owner of one Bruno Mars and 27 other great guitar, this is certainly one fo the best

[@TomButwin]

I’ve heard really great things about these guitars! Hope to play one.

[@LucaTalkinBout]

I had the same exact reaction. Love the color n stuff, but who is this for? Here in Italy it's listed for 3600 euros, which makes me even more perplexed

[@bearfamily2636]

I might be in the minority here to say I really like the guitar and I am happy Fender made it. My fondness has nothing to do with Bruno Mars either. I like the guitar for the specs. I love Strats but finding one with the specs that I want without going the Custom Shop route is difficult. For example, finding a guitar with a Strat with a Nitro finish in a color you like= expensive. Usually Nitro finishes are reserved for the Custom Shop. Sure there is the American Vintage, there was a Highway one or Roadworn models BUT do they have the heel carve as the Fender Ultra? Do any Fender Guitars with a heel carve come with a Nitro finish? How about Stainless Steel frets? That is reserved for the Ultra Luxe and Custom Shop. Compound Radius? Ultra Luxe and Custom Shop. How about neck shape? There are plenty of Artist Model Guitars with a neck shape that I actually do not like. There are many Artist models that are glorified Player Series Strats. Sure some might have special pickups but pickups can be changed. I have found many amazing Strats but it is difficult to find one that has everything that you are looking for without going down a rabbit hole of customization or the lifetime hunt to find your perfect set up. This guitar is basically the baby of a Custom Shop and Ultra Luxe. And it is priced right in between the 2. In some ways, this guitar reminds me of the Eric Johnson Strat. Really amazing specs, (quartersawn maple neck, v shape with a 12 inch radius) Nitro Finish, special hardware with a very hefty price tag (especially now). That guitar is widely regarded as the cheapest Fender Custom Shop that you can buy… I agree with your comment in the video where I think the artist name gets in the way of an amazing guitar. When I saw the announcement of this instrument, I thought it was a prank. Bruno is a phenomenal musician and showman. He is one of the few artists that write, play, sing and perform their own music (and write and produce for other artists). While he is not the guitar virtuoso that typically receives a signature model, I am VERY impressed with his choices to have in his guitar. Honestly, his specs are better than the Silver Sky (and John Mayer is a better guitar player and a more vocal guitar nerd than Bruno). While I patiently wait to see if John Frusciante ever comes out with a signature Strat (which I hope he does and is very deserving of one) I would only consider buying it if it matches some specs that I want for my instrument. Honestly, I will be purchasing this guitar. Not because it is Bruno’s signature guitar, but because this has everything spec wise that I have been searching for and much cheaper than going the Custom Shop route.

[@charlesbolton8471]

I completely agree. This seems like a really great Strat from the specs.

[@stoneglad]

Bought one today and I 100% agree with your comments

[@bearfamily2636]

@@fibonacho I just bought one and I am very glad it doesn’t cost as much as a Custom Shop 😅 As my wife said, “some great deals still come at a high price” (wise woman).

[@SteveSterlacci]

I love the specs and color. Pickup situation is awesome. I guess its hard for Fender to innovate such a simple design, but its cool. I'd never buy a new Fender though. In the 3k range, I think many other make better versions of strats and teles. As far as Bruno, any cover band thats not exclusively rock has played at least 4 of his songs, so I think he deserves it. But I won't buy one 😁

[@TomButwin]

You're not wrong about the cover band thing. Also, lots of people have (rightly) pointed out that the spec sheet reads closer to a CS Strat, which would be significantly more expensive. I'm still not buying one...

[@jeffcenters2073]

I like it Fender keeping up with the younger generation better than anyone else it's a sweet looking guitar 😎🎶🤘

[@yargnad]

Because it sells guitars. That's all any guitar maker wants. That's why.

[@TomButwin]

Simple, but true.

[@floydnaziel7783]

Nitro finish, and big headstock would be hard to get in an ultra guitar?

[@richardwhite4923]

Snoop Dogg Signature Stratocaster.

[@fiddleandfart]

My dog Signature Stratocaster...

[@HD-Daddy]

Can’t wait to see his doggy style

[@rexnhogz]

I think it's mostly the nitro paint that you pay for it takes a long time to do

[@JonDeth]

*I hate being a reverse gear snob, but $3,00?! Really?!* I've known many luthiers over the years and for a grand, I could get a far superior one of a kind stratocaster and they would even pirate the headstock for me. I have a $65 Mahogany Chinese Stratocaster I've heavily customized that would put this thing in it's grave! *If money is no object though, more power to ya.*

[@TomButwin]

Does it have the original neck? Fretwork is usually where these things suffer.

[@audio5552]

It’s a great strat. Bruno is a legend in his own right. His name will bring more people to play guitar not less. Like the fender billie ukelele. More people playing the better. Fender is killing it right now. Only snobs care about this shit.

[@cMaslow]

Such a weird comment about John Mayer. He is a guitar virtuoso and the sales for PRS silver sky sky rocketed just because of his name. The dude inspired many people to play guitar.

[@TomButwin]

100% agree with you. Check out the rest of my channel and you’ll see I’m a massive fan. What I’m referring to is the guitar forum keyboard warriors that lost their minds over it in 2017/2018. Fretboard radius, Strat-copy, scarf jointed neck, etc were all things people “didn’t like,” and the Mayer-haters (and there are many, for some reason) came out of the woodwork. He’s incredible and so is the guitar.

[@cMaslow]

@@TomButwin hey thanks for replying. I guess I didn’t have context to your other work. Will check out your content, great stuff!

[@Yojikudou03]

Bruno mars’ next album (2024) is gonna be rock themed. Bruno is dropping hints to us. It’s coming!

[@TomButwin]

You heard it here first!

[@30smsuperstrat]

The tiltback headstock gets in the way of a silver sky . A Strat and Tele are utilitarian guitars. I don't need to be worried about a broken headstock 😏.

[@brianb115]

Agree 100%

[@TomButwin]

Well, thanks. I might already be changing my mind thanks to this comment section, though! haha

[@jasonhayes1653]

Really awesome

[@myhapylife]

I dont understand stratocaster signature models at all. I mean like fender is having so much stratocaster signature models, and all it is another strat guitar with few mods.

[@bradsmithstudios8881]

I don’t have an issue with the John Mayer guitar, I’m no fan of his pop stuff, but he is actually a very skilled blues player. This is a strange choice for a signature guitar.

[@TomButwin]

As an aside, I’d challenge you to listen to his last two pop records. I think you’d be pleasantly surprised!

[@gmangacula7296]

yep, I bet you wouldn't have any qualms if it were the Tom Butwin strat :P

[@TomButwin]

I'm in no way qualified or deserving of a signature guitar, but I appreciate that!

[@Bluesmusicno1]

It's a beautiful guitar I love 70s guitars n fsr 70s I hate silver sky's and 3k for bruno mars put rory Gallagher name on it

[@Iam-4-God]

If i had the money im down

[@cowboygypsey]

Isn't he some sort of teeny popstar? What would he want with a Strat?

[@johnw4659]

Reminds me of the Gretsch BONO signature model.

[@TomButwin]

I didn’t know they made one! Lol

[@gregmize01]

pretty sure it's the $3K price tag that hurts the guitar. And it's BS regarding the PRS, it's been a top selling model since it's debut because of his name.

[@HexagonTL]

Yea I didn't even know Bruno played guitar. Fender is just throwing signature guitars to everyone these days. It's not special anymore. Plus, Fender quality has gone down imo.

[@charlesbolton8471]

Why should it have be “special”? Fender (like another company) is in business to make money. Fender has been trying to reach different buying demographics for years now, and that is exactly what any business that wants to stay successful needs to do.

[@cmonsterz]

You nailed it. It’s apparent that at least some of Fender’s management needs to be replaced.

[@charlesbolton8471]

@@cmonsterz Why?

[@1ouncebird]

@@fibonacho Wait. Does this mean Fender is going to do an Oprah Stratocaster Signature model????? 😮 Oh dear.

[@jesselawson224]

I definitely think it’s an appealing guitar and his name isn’t on it, which I definitely thinks a plus for a signature guitar.

[@andyortiz2800]

Does Bruno Mars actually play guitar?? The Fender video has a different artist playing it, chosen by Mr. Mars himself. I’ll wait for the re-issue, when it’s at a lower price. I love the color, and the off-white meant pit guard that they claim it comes with. Other than that I would not spend $3000 on a guitar hell, I check my head when I see a $1500 guitar.

[@michaelholmes9153]

I am shocked and dismayed they put out a guitar of a pop artist that is not a known player.I have found vids of him playing and he is no John Mayer! Is Post Malone next for aguitar? WTF? I do like the guitar though with the stacked bridge pickup and 70s appointments with the bigger headstock and black pickguard. The Mocha color is a worthy contender to other classic finishes like Aztec, Shoreline or Firemist Gold. They should have just made this a 70s reissue AVRI with the proper bullet trussrod and leave Bruno out of it and sell it for $2000.

[@roviverdandelarosa2181]

I think John Mayer has more fans than haters. A lot of people buy the Silver Sky because they're fans. If his name isn't attached to it, nobody would buy it because it's just a Strat rip-off from PRS.

[@sinnerboy6009]

Lmao Atleast Mayer can play mars wtf 😭💀

[@steelysam7189]

I think Bruno Mars is a phenomenal musician and a great vocalist. But guitar player? Not as influential really. Just enough to write songs. I think this will fancy the Bruno Mars fans more.

[@DbiPro]

3000 is not a lot of money

[@DbiPro]

We have some and they’re cheap

[@ElQuintoViernesAzul]

To expensive!!!! He needs money 😢

[@kevinkailher6131]

Yes it's nice but his name jacks up the price for no reason

[@TREVORJB101]

I'd rather have an American Vintage for $1000 cheaper and way cooler.

[@amillpecord3719]

the juanes stratocaster is better ................

[@UncleRicoOSU]

God I can’t stand music snobs.

[@cmonsterz]

I don’t like Bruno. Not for me and whichever marketing person that thought that this was a good idea is absolutely lost in the jungle. If Bruno were an accomplished guitarist appreciated for his innovative guitar playing, then I could see this. Since that’s not the case, I think that we have proof that Fender has some of the wrong people making important decisions.

[@TomButwin]

To be fair, there are plenty of other head-scratcher Signature models out there. lol As many have pointed out in the comments, if you look beyond the name, it's actually a decent deal for the price.

[@cmonsterz]

@@TomButwin I get that and actually don’t appreciate Fender’s “signature” model “thing” with the “sort of guitarists”. And even with a good spec making the guitar a better deal, if I were to buy it, that tells whoever is making the decision that they have the right idea when they just don’t. I think that most of us have ideas about new models that would sell better than something with Bruno’s name on it. Of course, I could be wrong and maybe this is the kind of thing that really young players want?

[@TomButwin]

@cmonsterz I guess time will tell!

[@ericfleischauer5863]

What is your favorite Bruno Mars solo that he played? Yeah exactly. If you have to list off pickguards, a strap, and a single pickup for why it’s 3k, that’s not a great start to justifying this.

[@TomButwin]

Well, to be fair, I did say it wasn’t for me. So, I wasn’t justifying it lol. Maybe you meant Fender trying to justify it.

[@JG1995WPG]

Bruno was too busy losing $50 million gambling to show up for filming 🤣

[@brooklynboy1000]

Bruno Mars is fake. He’s not a guitar player. His producers do all the work. He sings and smiles and dances around. But we don’t need more ba overpriced guitars. I don’t give a crap about bs nitro finish. It’s bad for the environment big time. Guys who paint guitars with that get cancer too.

[@dickgitaar2012]

Who is Bruno ?

[@crazed1x]

Surprised at how many people don’t know Bruno mars plays guitar… also plays bass, drums, sings, composes, writes… literally does everything. Maybe rock guys don’t realize guitars can be used for different kinds of music. I see a lot of live shows were bands are playing funk, R&B, and top 40.. im pretty sure those players would love it

[@DbiPro]

That’s stupid to say a name ruins something.

[@gregkuper1387]

This just looks like a great Strat. Honestly, I love the color, nitro finish, SS frets, compound radius like on the Ultra line-just an awesome Strat in and of itself. That said, I am Bruno Mars agnostic and have never associated him with the guitar, though he may be a good musician overall. I would probably never have been aware that Fender had released such a cool guitar had I not been confused enough by the Bruno Mars association to look into it just to see what the heck was going on. In that regard, mission accomplished for Fender as long as the signature on the guitar is small or non-existent.

[@TomButwin]

By all accounts and the spec sheet, it’s actually a pretty cool take on the Strat.

[@plamenpenkov2865]

Just want to point out Janick Gers does NOT have a signature strat...but Bruno Mars has one...

[@matthewtaylor1798]

First of all, thanks for the video Tom! Always glad to see new content. Honestly, at the end of the day, Fender made another Strat that somebody famous plays and it costs a lot money. It does seem that if anyone famous music person so much as looks at a guitar fender be like "you need a signature guitar!". But like someone else said, it is a business, and there must be enough of market for it. It would be interesting to see a list of every fender signature artist guitar over the years and see how many of them are actually considered guitar players...

[@Aguirrethewrathofgod]

I also think it's not just about the market of Bruno Mars sig. It's about the image of the brand. By including these younger artists(compared to 80s guitar heroes, I know Bruno is 38 now), Fender also shows the brand to younger audiences. A teenager starts to learn guitar might not buy a Bruno Mars sig, but by recall the memory of seeing Bruno using the strat. They might choose to buy a Squier strat and if they keep going on their music journey, there is a strong possibility that they will buy more Fender

[@TomButwin]

It's certainly a marketing move, but like a lot of people have pointed out, the guitar's specs are actually pretty unique and good for a production model. Still expensive, but an argument could be made that it's a cheaper way to get Custom Shop-ish Strat. Appreciate you watching and commenting, as always!

[@ericfleischauer5863]

This will probably be a fantastic guitar to buy used in 5 years especially with some of the labels on the headstock scratched off.

[@TomButwin]

Great call. Would be cool if it became this sleeper hit in the used market with Custom Shop-level specs.

[@BrileyNeyenhuis]

I think when presented with the question of do we NEED this?….No. Although he’s an incredible multi instrumentalist, for of some god forsaken reason, the music industry pushes pop musicians away from performing with an instrument in hand. So having a signature guitar seems unjustified. Because of the reason stated; a Bruno Mars + Stratocaster association simply will never exist. But is it cool? Is Bruno Mars a “real” guitar player? Does Bruno Mars having a signature guitar inspire more people to pick up the instrument? Absolutely.

[@Robowx]

For me it seems like Fender is reasching for the bottom of the Barrel Artists to make Signature Series for. Bruno Mars?!?! I'm personally not a fan and the clips I've seen of him on TV, he wasn't playing a Strat! I never associated Bruno Mars as a guitar player, let alone a Strat player! So I'll pass. That price point is way too high. For me the only thing it's got going for it is the color and no I'm not spending 3K for the color.

[@conradcosey1636]

It’s same as any “Signature” guitar if it has specs that appeal to you.

[@TomButwin]

Very true

[@S.Lang7]

Oh I am sorry, I had no idea that he even plays the guitar. Seems like we just can’t ran out of these very limited runs. WHY? He is the only one who would catch a grenade for ya! Sorry , don’t need to! My wife already got me a Dad joke- bad joke mug..

[@TomButwin]

You have no idea how many Bruno Mars lyric Dad jokes I've wanted to make. Thank you for doing it so I didn't have to lol!!

[@richardwhite4923]

I didn’t know Fender made a 15” scale guitar for midgets.

[@davidvitagliano3994]

John Mayer is a great player; Bruno Mars not so much.

[@TomButwin]

Very different artists and tough to compare. Straight up guitar? Obviously Mayer is in another league (than almost anyone, honestly)

[@Bluesmusicno1]

Why too

[@jltrem]

Because when I think of Stratocasters, two names come to mind...Jimi Hendrix and....Bruno Mars.

[@TomButwin]

😂

[@drewgraysonxoxopanda]

This looks like Fender Ultra Luxe spec strat with BM picksups...

[@TomButwin]

The finish on the Bruno Mars Strat is what really sets it apart.

[@drewgraysonxoxopanda]

@@TomButwin I've never seen that color on a strat. Very cool copper faded red.

[@ej1_drew]

good video and valid points and personally i think that the specs on this guitar are going to help it sell more than the name bc this thing is badass however not the biggest fan of the colour / relic. personally love Bruno Mars' music but not sure this collaboration made the most sense but it's unique and got style so A+ guitar right there.

[@S.Lang7]

I did a search on YT “Bruno Mars guitar”, uhm ….” Bruno Mars, Morris Day and The Time - Tribute a Prince “Yes, he does plays the guitar there, definitely maybe.(He is actually a pretty good acoustic player as much as I can tell ) but the next recommended video. OMG! “2021 Remaster "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" with Prince, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Steve Winwood. Tom, please make a reaction video on that! Prince is just so freaking awesome, also the last 10 seconds of that video. Lol

[@TomButwin]

Love that video! Maybe I’ll do a revisit and reaction

[@dukenukembubblegum7311]

Honestly I thought the same thing about HER strat, but I think they are just appeasing the woke. I’ll wait for the day when the frusciante signature comes out lol

[@spaghettimeatballswow]

80% of people don’t even know Les Paul was a real musician or even enjoy his music, yet the guitar that bears his name is popular for all kinds of genres

[@TomButwin]

This is, unfortunately, true.

[@FckYourFeelingsYT]

I’m embarrassed for Fender.

[@fiddleandfart]

I totally agree. Do we want or buy a Strat because some guy (famous for now) endorses or influences it? No. It's because we want a Strat for its tonal qualities and sheer playability. And entirely agree about the appeal or, otherwise, of its named endorser. And whether anyone truly, is going to boast to his mates, "Hey, I've just bought a Fender Bruno Mars Strat!" And wait for the reactions: "How much?!" "You crazy?" "Why?" It's like buying an Eric Clapton Strat. For some guys that would be cool. For others, not so much... I agree: limited appeal, and really, rather pointless...!