We Were All WRONG About This Richie Sambora Signature Stratocaster! - The Story behind The Strings

[@andysutton8398]

Massive Richie fan. bought the black paisley from Richie himself back in the late 90s, came with a written letter signed by Richie. It’s one he played on tour, can’t remember which tour without looking at the letter, could have been these days 🤔 but it’s always been kept in the tour case along with the paperwork and photo..

[@ThomTranOnline]

Omg! I would love to see photos of Richie’s personal Paisley!

[@andysutton8398]

Once I get home I’ll take a picture for you if you’d like.. ? I’m away at the moment, and get back to the uk in November 👍🏼

[@mysterio7807]

It's definitely These Days.

[@DS76204]

NO WAY!!!!!! That's insanely cool!

[@redrocker1055]

Sambora and Phil Collen of Def Leppard will always be the two most underrated guitarists in my opinion. It would be great for Fender to reissue these, but it probably never happen. Anyway, I really enjoyed the video.

[@ThomTranOnline]

100% agree! Thanks for watching the show!

[@JojoFryrocks]

You are so right! Phil Collen is the musical genius is Def Leppard, exactly like Richie Sambora in Bon Jovi

[@joeguitar75]

In what universe Sambora is underrated? he makes it in every top list!

[@PrettierThanMatt]

YES! I love this video. I’m a proud owner of this guitar… bought it in 2020 right before the pandemic. Mine has the 50th anniversary logo on the back. I also own the Mexican Sambora, a prototype of his LTD (one pickup, no Floyd) and the Ovation Doubleneck. I was the American OG so bad but it’s so expensive now it’s unlikely I’ll ever be able to get it. But thank you for this and I’d love more videos of his other signature models.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Glad you liked it! Check out the episode I just dropped about the Ovation Doubleneck!

[@johnrowley763]

Love to see a video on the rest of the Sambora range.... I got in touch with a guy called JW Black a few years ago who used to work at Fender and worked on the development of the Sambora model with Richie; to my surprise, he replied to my email and gave me some great insights to the process of how the guitars were made and even commented on the rarest of all Sambora guitars.... the chrome bodied, ebony fingerboard one off, complete with all black hardware which Richie played live during the Keep The Faith Tour. He also mentioned that one model was made for Richie in purple as it was his favourite colour. If you do decide to investigate the range further, it might be worth a shot getting in touch with that guy. Also; does anyone else remember the tobacco burst flame top guitar with a black pickguard and rosewood fretboard? I'm sure there was a 2 colour sunburst model (kinda like a '57) with gold hardware too.... could've been on Blaze of Glory from the 'Evening With Bon Jovi' Video.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Check out the episode I did on the Sambora version 2, and I'm working on the script for the Mexican Made Strat that should drop sometime next month. Maybe. possibly April. Busy few weeks! Thanks for watching!

[@joehaley-xv8uh]

Great video I’m very impressed with your knowledge of this particular instrument!!!👍🏻

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks Joe!

[@AntonioCalvosa77]

Hi Thom, thanks for mentioning Fuzzfaced. Really a nice video, keep on rockin'!

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks for helping with the artwork! Glad you liked it!

[@StavK]

Thanks for this video, I drooled over these guitars as a teenager in the 90’s! I think I must have worn out the VHS tape of the Wembley concert from how many times I watched. I second other comments if you can do a similar history video of the cherry burst model! Cheers

[@ThomTranOnline]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you like the rest of the series. Working on another Sambora video soon!

[@TheGuitarCurator]

That’s a beautiful guitar, what a great find! I’m loving this series, thanks for sharing pieces of your collection and the stories behind them.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks so much! Glad you're enjoying it! I have some great episodes in the works!

[@iamjarrettdean9358]

This was excellent btw

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks man! Glad you enjoy it. Hope you like the rest of the series. Working on another Sambora episode now!

[@IamMedicine]

Great video.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thank you!

[@Javier-qk7ms]

I have the Lake Placid Blue MIM with the golden sticker as I think all Fender Guitars has in 1996. That was my first eléctric guitar and I still have it, with a few pcikup swaps. Would be great you do a video no the MIM.

[@ThomTranOnline]

If I can get my hands on a MIM I’ll make sure I feature it! I’ve got a white Series 2 I’m writing the script for soon!

[@stephen_donnan]

More Sambora Strats please!

[@ThomTranOnline]

More Sambora, it is! I've got a few other episodes on the schedule, but more Sambora it is!

[@littlerichieny]

I have all of those Sambora guitars except the gold version. I would love to find one

[@ThomTranOnline]

Omg I’d love to see that collection! Any chance you’re in Los Angeles??

[@MrSlushee22]

I’d love to see more about the Sambora Strats!! Particularly about the Active Boost, is it the same as the Eric Clapton Mid-Boost? Cheers!!

[@ThomTranOnline]

You got it! When I do the episode about the Mk. 2, I’ll make sure I give some love to the dB boost!

[@NYR2021]

Wow, that was a fantastic video! I really enjoyed it. I’m curious to learn more about the gold Stratocaster model from Japan!

[@ThomTranOnline]

Glad you liked it! I’m working on another Sambora video now by popular demand! I’ll add the Gold Japanese model to the this of upcoming videos!

[@countrycovers7055]

I had one of these exact guitars i got from Florida, but mine was a USA but still just like this one? Did someone change the neck to a USA or? & You said they was just 60 of these floating around? Mine burnt in a house fire so now there's 59 then sadly, just cant figure out why mine said USA though??

[@Maytherockbewithyou]

I have one of the OG Arctic White US Strats, it's a thing of beauty!! Got Richie to sign it for me back in '98.

[@kingandrews]

Very entertaining video. Greetings from Chile. Please make more videos about Sambora guitars.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks! Glad you liked it. There are 3 other videos up now and another in the works!

[@brokenchains]

What a great story and video. I love all those Sambora models. I own a copy and it looks cool on my wall but thats about it. Great channel, cant wait to watch more.

[@jamesedwards2855]

Hey man great video I really enjoyed it. But also if not more important thank you sir for your service. I applaud you and I have nothing but respect and love for you.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks man! Much appreciated. Hope you like the upcoming episodes I have planned too!

[@ddking4127]

Shout out from Anawalt Lumber love your work thom!

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks homey! New episode out soon!

[@samboraguru]

Hey buddy, Tommy from Italy here and huge Sambora fan and expert! Nice video! I got the US Cherry one. I want you to know that in February 1997 my dad bought me my first guitar and the Black Paisley was for sale in the music shop in Rome. Don’t know the price or the serial #, but they were definitely available in Italy as well. I’ll send you via PM some shots of Richie’s personal US Paisley he sold some years ago.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Yes, please! I would love some photos of Richie’s Paisley Strat!

[@blustulagu]

Id love to hear more about Ritchie's Strats

[@ThomTranOnline]

Working on another episode soon!

[@ekimasardika2595]

I think the Richie Sambora strat is combination of Eddie Van Halen's Floyd Rose style (non recessed, only goes down) and Eric Clapton's 25dB Active Mid Boost on HSS Strats.

[@dallionaire8947]

I was obsessed with the Aztec gold one. Wish fender would reissue the whole line. ESP the paisley

[@ThomTranOnline]

Yeah, those Aztec gold models were sweeeeeeeet.

[@valentinobianco8721]

That Black Paisley is absolutely perfect. It’s been more than 15 years that i’m looking to purchase this one !!! Can you make another video concerning the other Sambora models (espacially the gold one with the small stars inlays)? I wonder if this one has already been produced and sold … i don’t think Thx for the video !!! You rock

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks man! I hope you enjoy the series! By popular demand I’ve got another Sambora episode dropping later this month! I’ve got another episode scheduled for tomorrow.

[@joebelleymusic]

Please do a review on the serie 1 cherry sunburst Sambora Strat! This model deserves an honest review 😊 Love your video!

[@ThomTranOnline]

I’m currently working on a new Sambora video that drops later this month, but I need to get my hands on a Series 1 for the next one, but I’ll make it happen! I hope you enjoy the series! Thanks a bunch!

[@gavinbuckley9305]

If you’re looking for good footage and some close-ups of Richie playing his Black Paisley on the These Days Tour, check out Blood on Blood from Yokohama 96. It’s pro-shot and also features some stellar vocals as a bonus!

[@gheeyeholivares2330]

Please do the reviews of all of them

[@ThomTranOnline]

Will do! Trying to get my hands on a made in Mexico Sambora!

[@wildarren]

Love the videos

[@ThomTranOnline]

Glad you enjoy them! Thanks for watching!

[@wildarren]

@@ThomTranOnline can you do a behind the strings episode on Vito Bratta’s ESP and Stainberger?

[@bluematrix5001]

This is a gorgeous Guitar, congrats!

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks!

[@massimopascale4102]

I bought a japanese non export model. Serial number is Uxxxxxx, with a "made in Japan" and not "crafted in Japan" print. From the "Vintage Japan Guitar"' serial number decoder it should be one of the first made, in 1996.

[@rusty_shakleford3395]

Also Dude I don't know if ya know but you mentioned that you wanted to know if there were other pics of him with this guitar. Well after watching this videoi went and watched some of my favorite bon jovi music videos and noticed he plays it in the "something for the pain" video.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Awesome! Thanks dude! The Sambora comparison video in on the lineup to write & record!

[@sob7741]

What an amazing axe

[@JojoFryrocks]

Beautiful ❤

[@joeferla1555]

Please do a video of the specs of all the others.

[@ThomTranOnline]

You got it! Working on a few other episodes in the pipeline but the next episode to get scripted will be one of the other Samboras!

[@midnightrider8105]

I also have a sambora paisley Japanese model. Just a cool looking guitar. Mine has not changed color over time.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Awesome!

[@rocklandrevolution2139]

Great job

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks so much! New episode soon!

[@havardhedde10]

wow... thanks for this great video...i got one with serial no starting with a V and 6 digits.. how do i check if its real?

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks for checking it out. I would reach out to Fender Customer service and ask them if they can track it somehow. It’s a long shot but it’s worth a shot. Short of disassembly and checking individual parts, I’d say it’s more than likely authentic judging by the serial number.

[@CepkinTV]

Great strats, especially the 93-96 productions. I found japan production of the series 1 model in Japan. And that model has, Schaller Floyd Rose on it. Strangely... Maybe they were produced with the Schaller Floyd Rose model for a while. I think the story of Sambora strats is actually much more complicated than it seems. :) Thx for the video. ^^/

[@13vanhalen]

yes i want to see more of richie sambora's line also i want to steve clarks les pauls

[@ThomTranOnline]

Heck yeah! I’d LOVE to get my hands on one of this Steve Clark Les Pauls!

[@13vanhalen]

@@ThomTranOnline the thing i don't if Steve was endorsed by gibson at the time

[@jorgeferreira8903]

I have bought one of this recently. I had asked Fender about the serial number and they told me that don’t have right information about this model… Could you help me in your opinion? You seem very professional about this guitar.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Sure! I'd love to help. DM me on Instagram with some photos and the serial number and I'll take a look! @_thomtran

[@jorgeferreira8903]

@@ThomTranOnline I don’t have Instagram, but my wife of course. I will send you the pictures by her way, ok? Thank you so much for your early help and interested attitude 😉

[@frisealsco]

He used one on the yokohama concert in 1996 on Keep The Faith.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Awesome! Thanks for the info. I’ll have to check it out!

[@frisealsco]

@ThomTranOnline You're welcome, same show he used it on Blood on Blood too.. forgot that, can get a good look at it then.. love your channel.

[@RJ_HTx]

I am still keeping an eye for a USA Sambora Start for the right price. I know it will eventually show up.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Check out my episode about how to get a good deal and let me know if that helps! Good luck! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmfGoq2boJmsm6csi=gFw7LXoki9NTcqqs

[@GuitaristJesse2442]

It was a dream to own a Sambora strat one day....one day maybe :)

[@ThomTranOnline]

One day!

[@pasqualecostantino8635]

I own both versions: japanese 1996 and USA 1997 in the same cherry color. The japanese neck is thicker than the USA neck but both sounds great. Thanks so much for you video.

[@mel04083]

What brand was Richie's black guitar with the reverse strat headstock?

[@ThomTranOnline]

🤔 do you have a photo that you’re referring to? Richie played so many different guitars.

[@ericwright1985]

Most likely Charvel. He played some of those as well as Kramer

[@mel04083]

@@ericwright1985 Oh I see, thanks!. I thought it was a Jackson haha

[@rusty_shakleford3395]

That's funny about you wearing cowboy hats back in the day because of Richie sambora. Because I did the same thing except I always saw him wearing tank tops back when slippery when wet 1st hit. I was like 10 or 11yrs old so I bugged my mom to get me a bunch of tank tops. Lol. Omg.. I was a chunky kid. Short hair, I was not pulling off the look like I thought I was. Lol. Plus the tank tops were all different colors and were the fruit of a loom "undershirt" kind. So they were all tightish and shit.. Funny stuff. But he was my guitar hero. The shit we do when we're young. And yes I'd like to see a video with you comparing the different models.

[@ThomTranOnline]

HAHA!

[@evolvinguitar]

Thanks for this awesome video, i just got one of these. Mine has Made In Japan at the neck joint not Crafted In Japan ... so it means it is a domestic or export version? Thank you so much

[@ThomTranOnline]

Does it have an Anniversary sticker on it? If so, it may be an export model.

[@evolvinguitar]

@@ThomTranOnline Yes it has the 50th sticker !

[@ThomTranOnline]

@@evolvinguitar you’ll want to check directly with Fender, but I think you’ve got yourself a rare export model, dude!

[@rafalmeidas]

My favorite it's the version Ii, i have to get me one

[@arturotorrescardenas5727]

Great Guitar!!!!!!!!

[@GutoGibsonGuitar]

those guitars were made in 90s, so why we can find some american made with serial starting on SE and SN?? Thats something that I always wanted to know

[@ThomTranOnline]

That’s a good question. 🤔 I’ll have to reach out to Fender about it but I know that there was some overlap with parts in some instances.

[@GutoGibsonGuitar]

@@ThomTranOnline I did and they answered me. They said it happened with some signature models. But they are 90s

[@cate9095]

Black paisley

[@cate9095]

Thank you, and Richie Sambora is the most underrated lead guitar player in our time. He is the best!!!

[@BonJovi1987Fan]

I have 2 kramer jersey stars one in Alpine White and the other in Candy Apple Red because I'm a huge late 80s fan of Bon Jovi

[@ThomTranOnline]

Hell yeah! I’m trying to get my hands on a jersey star to do an episode about it! Also, you’re gonna like the episode that comes out this Tuesday! Hope you enjoy the rest of the series!

[@BonJovi1987Fan]

@@ThomTranOnline I'm looking forward for the new episode on Tuesday

[@BonJovi1987Fan]

@@ThomTranOnline I recommend zzounds if you are want to find one.

[@BonJovi1987Fan]

@@ThomTranOnline When you do the video about Richie Sambora's Kramer guitars, please mention the 1987 MTV Awards Show bon jovi livin on a prayer performance which has the white Kramer Jersey Star in it.

[@mettlus]

Please do Made in Mexico edition

[@ThomTranOnline]

It’s on the list of episodes to do!

[@BlackPaisley]

Wow, very comprehensive and educative. Thanks for mentioning the band Black Paisley in the video. www.youtube.com/@BlackPaisley/featured.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Thanks for being a part of the video!

[@eoinjames4018]

I ordered a white one in 1997 and instead the paisley one arrived and because I had my heart set on the original white I was traded it with another dealer for 2 Japanese Jackson dinky s I had no idea it was a limited edition 🤒

[@ThomTranOnline]

Ugh. That hurts to hear! 🫤

[@eoinjames4018]

I know mine was over here in Ireland and was crafted in Japan but I also had the cherry burst never got my og white, but great video and info many thanks

[@iamjarrettdean9358]

I had the cherryburst model. Nicest electric guitar I've ever played and owned. Kick myself for ever getting rid of it.

[@ThomTranOnline]

Those Cherrybursts were gorgeous!

[@futurexock4788]

Thanks for the video. Sambora definitely deserves all the respect, such an unique guitarist. Here you can see it in action kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZLao5Kams10jtE

[@ThomTranOnline]

Dude! I've never seen that video! Thank you so much for sending that along! I'm editing episode 3 right now! It'll be up in the morning! 🎸🤘🏼

[@Local11-m9r]

OG

[@frama7844]

OIh.... How I GASed in around 95/96 for that cherry burst strat. Unfortunately, no money.

[@timwhite5562]

I've been repairing guitars for almost 25 years, which is why i can say with confident that Micro-tilt is one of the worst features ever put on a Strat. Polyster shouldn't discolor, if it's discolored I'd be VERY wary. Urthane can, though it takes a while, but not polyester. BTW: dope genre for a guitar channel. 👍I forsee an ever increasing subscription numbers. And i entered the army in 1995.