The KING of STRATS! - This is No Ordinary FENDER!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

With the crown inlays and gold pups, this has to be the king of strats lol! Guitar info/link: baumguitars.com/?ref=315 Tones @4:43 Enjoy!

[@malcolmevans2437]

I like it but it’s too expensive for an Indonesian product. I think the Schecter Nick Johnston strat is a better deal.

[@b.rodclark334]

That particular 5-way switch is a megaswitch that substitutes what's usually the Strat middle pickup for what I call the Tele homage with the bridge & neck PU's together in the 3rd position. In fact, this is the same switch in the 'Stratified' James Burton signature Telecaster.

[@davidpaul6656]

I love the tone of the neck and bridge pickups together! I have a partscaster with three individual on/off switches for the pickups, so I can access that tone.

[@wildesage4172]

I think 3 toggles are the most sensible way to get really diverse switching options. You can run a 6-way switch, but... why bother? If you want the pickup on, turn it on. If not, flip it off. Simple. That's the way!

[@MichaelNeumeyer-n6q]

That has great tone! I like the quality parts in it and it sounds like one strat I would not change the pickup’s in !

[@kaz0271]

Love the lower bout cutaway...huge. I have issues knocking into those things with my technique, even though I have smallish hands.

[@jimhart1959]

Love the middle position with both bridge and neck pickup. I should try and wire my strat like that. Or just buy a Celestor!

[@bear1084]

If you don't wanna deal with the headache of redoing all the wiring, Obsidian Wire makes a kit that does that. Positions 1-5 are business as usual, but when you pull the tap on the rear tone knob, position one becomes neck+bridge, and position 2 is all 3 pickups together. I have it in my strat and absolutely love it!

[@davidkastin4240]

Or add a toggle switch to turn the neck pup on is what I did on a bunch of my Strats. Easy and inexpensive.

[@rickc2102]

@@davidkastin4240 My toggle turns on the bridge, but same idea; I love all three going

[@GCKelloch]

I use a P/P pot to engage thw bridge PUP. Easy mod. You could use another P/P on the other tone knob to swap the middle PUP phase or whatever. else you want. I use it to engage the master tone and Q-Filter I installed, and have a 220k R on the other pole to ground when it's disengaged.

[@k.h.1587]

It is much better to have a mini toggle or push pull turn on the neck pickup, so in position. One you get the neck and bridge and position 2 you get all 3 pickups, without losing the middle only, which is actually a good sound. Add a series/parallel switch and you have some serious options

[@volkerfriedritz8149]

... or simply use a freeway switch, which offers everything you mentioned and doesn't need any additional drilling. For app. 40 bucks, it's a really nice update.

[@andyt5559]

had 2 Cort G290 FAT guitars and wanted something different in the wiring, 1 a volume for each pot . 2 the ability to choose which coil was sounding, which was off 3 phase switchin the local guitar tech, going crazy, the super switch was the problem so it was replaced with a 3 way as well as adding another vol pot, 2 mini on/on/on toggles were added middle bucker forward screw coil on the neck,back slug coil, the bridge is the reverse, this was done on purpose its a visual indication of what 1 is in use! the phase switching he flipped the neck magnet!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

The tones are very nice.

[@rickc2102]

Yeah, and a different position 3 is cool, since most people don't use middle pickup alone anyway.

[@ragnakak]

I would say that Alameda Clam Shack you reviewed a couple weeks ago is the king of all strats. I think I"m going to pull the trigger on a sherwood green

[@PhilKelley]

I really liked the tone on this guitar and all of the features you pointed out. Very interesting that it uses so much brass. I don't recall seeing someone explore how different metals can affect tone, playability, etc. I have seen videos on pick-ups and how they affect tone. This guitar's pickups looked and sounded very interesting. What makes them so different (besides their superficial looks and the over-winding of the third one, which you mentioned)?

[@konradhof7318]

The back cover is inset so that the plate is flush with the body back, not sitting up off the back like on most S-types. They should all do that, as well as the combined neck and bridge pickup position.

[@11000038]

Pet hates. 1/ backplate sticking out. 2/ plastic jack plates

[@An_inquisitive_thinker]

​@@11000038Get a single ply cover and use flat head screws to make them flush with that cover. 🎸 ☑

[@robertdonosobuchner3129]

Baum has some really cool guitars. They have their own character and sounds. I like the Celestor because of it unique tones. In this price range you will find a lot of strat like guitars from different brands, but the Celestor sounds different in comparison with most of the other guitars. The massive brass block and the pickups let this guitar sound special. I really like the middle position of this pickup selection. I hope Baum is coming to the Guitar Summit in Mannheim in Germany this year.

[@SolitaryS]

Love the look of those pickups ! Unique sound. I looked around on line. I did find some Baum pickups, but none like the ones on that model. Really impressive fret work ! Is that a roller string tree? As much as I like that guitar, I'll never give up my genuine Fender Strat.

[@ironman-vx1qs]

The tones out of it reminds me of a G&L Comanche

[@clintwilson6380]

YeahItDoes...

[@bertdockery3606]

Wondering if the pickups are counterwound 3 and 3. Kinda wondered if it would sound similar.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Gorgeous Baum Celestor! Nice to see this brass block on this. Interesting pickup tones, not what you expect but sounds great. Around $2200CAD, pricey for Indonesian made but with these specs I can see the value. I like the Celestor colour choices, limited palette, but very natural hues. Nice find.

[@AussieUltra]

Thanks Darrell, new subscriber here. Really enjoying your channel mate, the coverage and detail you go into is spectacular. You’re also an incredible guitarist!

[@SeanDS1989]

I'm glad you subbed! Darrell's a great guy :)

[@An_inquisitive_thinker]

Looks like too late a subscriber. Darrell did a disappearance act and nobody knows why. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@betolicks4071]

​@@An_inquisitive_thinker Maybe he's on vacation

[@An_inquisitive_thinker]

@@betolicks4071 For over two months? It's better be a round the world trip then if it's this long.

[@papasmamas1]

He always have something funky to show

[@clintwilson6380]

I like some of those oddballs he finds, of course I can't really afford them....that Relish guitar I really liked.

[@Mattewithguitar22]

can you do a review of Washburn Wi26 Joe Trohman Signature. The white?

[@steverolfeca]

I’ve never been able to bond with Strats, but the liquid tones you were getting off the Baum pulled me in. But at $1,700 USD, there’d have to be Canadian dealer within driving distance before I’d take a chance on it.

[@tonepilot]

That’s one terrific looking guitar, well made and very chimey.

[@FingersOnAFretboard]

Full depth Brass blocks are HEAVY. It looks classy, sounds crispy, and ringing sustain is evident. However the added weight to the body of my Strat makes me undecided about keeping the upgrade. The shallower block required by a previous Squier mod weighed slightly less and was o.k. but I wouldn't recommend it for a standard Fender depth project because of the heft.

[@magic2506]

Thanks Darrell. I just ordered a Wingman and will consider this guitar too. Wanted to ask, tuning is stable? Does the neck feel chunky or have a thinner feel? I prefer thinner necks. Thanks for another excellent video. Your Wingman review was a contribution g factor to my purchase. Thanks!

[@bertdockery3606]

So are the pickups counterwound like a g&l or is that design cosmetic?

[@thiendipham828]

I don't think so. The G&L single coil pickup set are more like the Tetris block.

[@lestermobley1551]

Ahhh another Baum overview. Darrell I've seen all three and I'm very close, thanks to you to pulling the trigger on the "Backwing." Thanks for another outstanding review. Your influence on me is incalculable.

[@chromeboy5150]

5:00 Wow, sounds like a guitar, incredible

[@PeterMoore350]

On a guitar channel? Noooo 😂🤣😂🤣

[@PeterMoore350]

4:00 I like the switching combination. The two outers is the so called Jimi Hendrix mod. To have that stock is awesome. Although my Ibanez AZES40 HSS with its toggle switch gives you that plus more options. I might have to try one of these though Cheers from NZ 😎🎸🤘

[@OutstandingBill1]

Those pickups sound great!

[@boorob100]

Darrell the guitarist that thinks outside the box 📦 I just love ❤️ it

[@kyotosal]

Love the tones.......Sal : ).

[@numbersabcdefg]

Are you calibrating a warm tone or are those gold fish foil pick ups warm and rich low end?

[@RoadKing-ky2bs]

Darrell: When I quickly looked at the name of the guitar manufacturer for a moment, I thought it was your last name on the headstock 😅 Juat a few letters different 😳 I thought "Wow, Darrell made it to the big league now....his very own company!"😂 Silly me. Great guitar, sounds, and looks great.

[@Mikex0123]

$1600. I thought it would be less money for an Indonesian guitar. For $1800 you can get a Fender Pro ii or an HSS for $1850. The Fender I assume would be easier to resell.

[@jcows12]

1600 for an overseas "Chinese" guitar what a joke.

[@baumguitars]

Well, you don't buy a Baum to sell it again 😂😇

[@HardBoiledKafka]

I love Fender, but there is always so much to mod. It gets so expensive (and worth it) in the end. But I've experienced so many quality issues even with the american Fenders, it really is the time to try out smaller companies. I also like indonesian food, oh, and people are people. I dont see this as a contra. If you feel like the Baum (or many other guitars/shops) is not for you, you can send it back.

[@Mikex0123]

@@HardBoiledKafka I have heard about quality issues with Fender and for a lot of money. I don't say don't buy a Baum. If it's exactly what you want and you know you will keep it forever then it makes sense. I would want to buy a Baum if it had the specs I want though I'm not sure I'd pay the high price. Isn't the cost to build them low in Indonesia? Same with China. Someone in the guitar business recently said companies will charge as much as people will pay even if the manufacturing cost is low. We see Epiphone now has a 1963 Firebird V selling for $1699 made in China. They lowered the price from $1799.

[@HardBoiledKafka]

@@Mikex0123 I think in the end, no matter where the product parts are made, the mother company has such a wide range and mostly they decide to make to biggest money from it. I'm glad I got my favorite two guitars for relatively small prices years ago (japanese Fenders). Well its all not essential, so everyone can decide if they need (another) instrument. My only real problem is the quality check. If I'm willing to spend this modern high prices, no matter the factors, I want it to be in good shape. And I'm pretty disappointed with specially Fender (as these are normally my go-to-brand) in the last years. I ordered about four guitars (1000 €+), and I kept none.

[@Phrosch]

Hello Darell. Please tell me what for an amp did you use during your first part of the demonstration (clean).

[@13soulz]

The voice of the guitar is worth the price paid. Too many times I’ve seen costly guitars that just don’t have the right tone or missing something mid range, highs n such. The tone on that to my ears is perfect and with a voice of its own, In these days musicians are second to investment potential thanks for showing a guitar under 2 k that’s built for music 🤙🏾

[@europeanzorro4330]

I really like this guitar! 🎸 Great sound!

[@GibsonFender]

I like the middle position tone.

[@rjwhite907]

I would love to go through your guitar collection!

[@dstarling61]

I’ve always wanted a Strat with Tele pickup in the bridge position.

[@Netryon]

They call Yellowstone Walker the musician, keeping the mood in the ranch with his tunes and cheering up Rip Wheeler in a clean but maybe cold jump town night. Then you hear this 6:39, because we aren't with you in nights as these. Best tv parts are made elsewhere in a world so remember that.

[@clintwilson6380]

Darrell, any thoughts on the new Pearl Jam that was released today? Just curious...

[@smollande]

I wonder if the 5 way switch is a regular mechanical one or a customised pcb one (such as Alpha but with a special circuit printed).

[@mugoletti]

I have a Strat where a previous owner just put in single switches for each pickup. So you can have all combinations without losing others. You can even use all three. Never heard a broader sound on an electric guitar.

[@kaz0271]

The nut and slots are well cut too...omg!

[@mikewhitfield2994]

Their Carve is pretty cool too, sorta SG meets offset/Gibson P90s meet Fender scale.

[@zacharygarcia513]

Sending good vibes from Chicago IL, I was hoping you can make a video on the Squire stratocaster Debute series only sold in Amazon $119, I was stroke on the priece and what you get for your money breand new, I own several American fenders stratocasters, and a few squiers on my collection, but I just purchased a debute by curiosity, and I encourage you to make a video I think it would be good for your channel

[@treystone1993]

Love the look of the pick-ups but not the price. Looks like the quality is there but I'd definitely have to play it first to get a better read. Nice job on the review!

[@chrisbee9164]

Hi Darrell, PLEASE HELP!! I love the look and sound of a Strat, but my budget won’t stretch that far. I’m a beginner with a big belly so want something that maybe has comfort cut-outs. I also want good quality - something that will stay in tune as much as possible too. What are my options? You have so many videos I just can’t watch them all, I’d be in my casket before I finished them all lol. Your suggestions would be very helpful, maybe you have a handful of videos you can suggest I watch. Thanks in advance and keep up the great work🙏🏻🙏🏻🫡🫡

[@An_inquisitive_thinker]

The "Vintage" brand Strats are very good inexpensive yet quality guitars. Guitar Max reviewed them not too long ago.

[@matthewloughran5557]

I'll take the Sire S3 any day of the week! You're a fantastic reviewer, personality, and most importantly player. Love your work. I'm thinking you would agree the S3 is a way better value, and perhaps even guitar overall. Cheers!

[@kylebaker8619]

Honestly at the price would I get it over a fender? I actually think I would. I'm not eric clapton so I don't typically use the middle pick up. I like that it's different and almost tele like.

[@barrymiller2272]

This guy is a class act...Great player as well..

[@DosedLos]

You can hear how much better the tones are

[@chapichale1074]

Can you do a comparison between Sire S7 vs Yamaha Pacifica 612 ?

[@Padensperry]

Can you do a demo of a sterling by musicman axis?

[@rjb7569]

Nice sounding pickups. The company, Baum...first 4 letters of my last name should be worth at least a $1.98 discount.

[@rocinblues]

Honestly a nice guitar with outstanding tone, and appears to be made with high quality hardware. USD $1700, CAN $2445 , still out of sight for an import from Indonesia, real high. I would strongly consider the guitar even at $1700 but with N/S frets can't do it. For the quality and money, made in Japan: the Ibanez AZ Prestige line - solid, own two, and comes with high quality HS cases. Great review Daryl.

[@d3w4yn3]

That is some sweet tone coming out of this guitar! But then, you don't review or demo sub-par instruments! Now if only I could play it like you do!!!

[@rubendez]

I added an off /on switch for my bridge pickup so I could have the bridge and neck pickup, the 3 pickups or the normal 5 positions of the strat, those were lace sensors, had a 20 deicibel booster set at +8db´s so u could have full powerful clean leads or chords, sorry I sold her, beautiful tones on that Fender.

[@maxamgilbert]

My Player plus with the Noiseless PUs has a comparable switching?!

[@michaelolz]

Like those brass posts!

[@martinmartin8871]

what is the string spacing at the bridge?

[@AntonioCavicchioni]

Spectacular guitar!

[@jibankrishnamuhuri8434]

Cort G300pro vs Yamaha pac612 which one is better?

[@redielg]

It looks sick.

[@odiliomartinez6811]

Is there a reason why the used a plastic cover, is there no other material that could be used for the front cover and knobs, Although it looks great the plastic makes it look cheap,

[@jazzalmenasmusic]

Darrell, all great, but tell us the truth, you like it because it looks like it says Braun Guitars 😅 J/K, looks great, but I can do a GFS build for a fraction of the price. Can and have you done such budget build?

[@mrofnocnon]

Come on Darrell do a review on the Music Virgo classic.

[@svenwalther135]

Baum are very good guitars .. Love it

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I’m looking at a Jake E. Lee model Charvel. They seen to be well built.

[@HighVybeTribe]

Cool, but will it chug?!! LoL 💪😎👌

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

hair or crack @3:23 ?

[@OilCanHarry2U]

Snow Leopard

[@artamussumatra6286]

It’s a super exclusive “Tone Hair” from a Yeti’s armpit, part of the reason why this Guitar is so expensive.

[@JuxtaCrucem]

Tasty -nice paint. Sound wise, I am sorry to inform you that this title is incorrect in that I actually own the King of strats, and it's a HSS Mex one too.

[@HardBoiledKafka]

I already know how Position 1 will go awesome in my band context

[@place_desjardins]

Nice review.

[@ZENITSUHK]

PLEASE REVIEW MAGNA HERITAGE SC 450...PLEASE

[@TroyNiles-gj1wx]

anyone know the fret material?

[@jimdonovan8213]

How about a review in the better guitar made in Denmark?

[@DMSProduktions]

Bau Melestor!

[@Civanical]

Looks absolutely incredible, but there's no way I'm paying $1700 (1600€) for an indonesian Strat copy that no one really knows about, and doesn't offer many upgraded features past sparkle finish, proprietary pickups, and some brass hardware. I like to trade out gear from time to time and feel much more comfortable buying an American Strat for ≤$1200 when it comes to re-sale value. Nonetheless, another great video Darrell.

[@mikkooijala1683]

No stainless steel frets and locking tuners for this price ??

[@donbishop6994]

Not everyone like those features, but agreed, it should at least be an option at a small upcharge.

[@mahmam3128]

Might as well just go for a cort or yamaha or something

[@mahmam3128]

​@@donbishop6994yes sure, but you either have the name that demands a high price or the specs, this one has neither and some other companies do offer those options for half the price

[@donbishop6994]

@@mahmam3128 good thing nobody is forcing you to buy one. As I've already said, play what you like, if you don't like it, don't buy it. Speak with your wallet.

[@dstarling61]

No, stainless on a Fender and you don’t get locking tuners until you pony up $2300. I think it beats a Am Pro II.

[@Poptart2134]

Personally I dont like when a guitar has a middle single coil pickup that you cant use on it's own. PRS has that issue with the swamp ash special. Still a great sounding instrument tho!

[@webrbio3153]

Looks like a Made in Mexico 60's strat, strange headstock and arm recess.

[@PeterMoore350]

9:19 you said “overseas” about 20 times towards the end of the video there. ALL 11 of my guitars are made overseas. 5 Solars, PRS Tremonti , Harley Benton Gotoh single cut, Ibanez AZ Indonesia. Sun Dew Gold Ibanez Pia - Japan, 1987 Fender Squire strat I bought brand new made in Japan. 2020 Squire Affinity Strat made in China. All of those guitars have no QC issues unlike crappy Gibsons that cost way more than the minimum wages that they pay their employees. There’s nothing wrong with guitars made overseas. The fact that they are better than some USA companies means that those companies need to lift their game. Would i buy a Gibson ? No. Would i buy a Heritage? Yes. Why ?? QC and employees who care. But give me a Solar or Edwards or Eastman or PRS SE any day of the week. Cheers from NZ 😎🎸🤘

[@lewisbeeman]

Hey man, I hope everything is ok. It seems like you haven't posted any content in forever.

[@darwinsaye]

What’s with all the complaints in comments that this guitar doesn’t have - specifically - stainless frets and locking tuners? Is it one guy who obsesses about those two particular features, commenting under different user names? Or maybe is “lacking stainless frets AND locking tuners” the new in-fashion thing to complain about, like the ever popular “how dare they make an amp nowadays with no effects loop”? 😂🤣

[@sduos-ws6ov]

This is No FENDER at all!

[@baumguitars]

True!

[@dragan4658]

This Baum is a very nice guitar as it should be for $1600 USD for a guitar made in Indonesia.

[@bltvd]

Why would anyone pay more than a couple hundred bucks for a non Fender or Gibson?

[@robertvarner8195]

Great video! It's a nice guitar but for that price I can buy a Kiesel and it's made in the USA and I can buy a Vola for less made in Japan. 🤔

[@DesertRat332]

I think $1600 is very reasonable for this fine instrument. Not a budget guitar but well within reason compared to the fancy Les Pauls.

[@andra9694]

Production cost might be less than $300 so maybe not really

[@austinmorrow5147]

Anyone remember that badass prs silver sky that was literally just this guitar lol

[@TheTownspeople]

Darrell you ok dude?

[@mikestroud9969]

Good video As usual DB 😊. But I'd never pay that much for this guitar. In Espanol No Bueno 🤣🤣. Peace out ✌️✌️🎸🎸

[@snapfinger1]

A pricey boutique take on early ‘80’s ocean turquoise metallic Fender Strat or Ibanez Blazer.

[@igre0s]

I sense Cortek manufacturing.

[@stsgabe]

isn't it the Les Paul that is referred to as a Lester?

[@ik2476]

The headstock looks like a weird shoe. It would be more impressive if it wasn’t a Strat copy, and for the price, that’s exactly what I’d buy. A Strat. Or a Tele.

[@donbishop6994]

Reminds me of the starcaster headstock.

[@dstarling61]

I think it’s cool

[@davidkastin4240]

A Strat that you can't use the middle pup by itself hell no. The tremolo cover is hideous too lol. Otherwise I like it.

[@donbishop6994]

This is the only valid criticism in this entire thread so far.

[@TurfShifter]

well as your titile says it is no ordinary Fender as it not even a Fender so why have that in the title?

[@craigmcclanahan8693]

It looks like it is midway between an Ibanez Roadstar and a Stratocaster.

[@marko590]

For that price, I'd expect stainless steel frets and locking tuners. But that's still high-priced. $$$$.** !!!

[@jamesallen7093]

With brass block & posts this guitar will hold tune . I've owned probably 50 strats in my life and none had locking tuners , you know how to set up your guitar like it should be locking tuners are a waste of money , but that's just one guitarists opinion and I'm sure we'll both hear many more lol , main thing is , keep rockin !

[@darkiee69]

Probably made in the same place where PRS have their "budget" guitars made, and Harley Benton have their high end guitars made.