Fender Elite Stratocaster Guitar | An in depth close up review | All of the features | Tony Mckenzie

[@piperofsimms]

I have an Elite. I have had the volume knob trouble. This guitar is so well made and the ease of those tuners is a joy. Thx Tony !

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

The Elite is a really good guitar... and hey thanks for watching.

[@RoachDoggJr2112]

I love your reviews, Tony. They're the most in depth I've ever seen! You go over every little screw and bit of plastic on the guitar. Absolutely fantastic! Regards from Maryland.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks for that... appreciated. I do try and cover everything I can... sometimes I get it wrong a little, but not that often hopefully. Ah Maryland... a great place in the USA... I have not been there but no doubt some time I will. Thanks for watching... its guys like you that I make them for.

[@MrAaronzero]

finally someone that tells you what you need to hear !!!! no bullshit , no beat around the bush just straight to the point. thanks for you review mate

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

That is an observation that reflects what I try and do. For far too long I watched all sorts of stuff they called reviews and got fed up of the sales hype and what amounted to distractions from the truth, or simply guys that played and did nothing else... so here I am :) I have over 200 reviews on my channel check them out. Thanks for the kind words and for watching.

[@joshporter08]

I really enjoyed this review. You're very entertaining, and I like that you take your time and don't rush through the specs

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Great to know... and of course thanks for watching. Check all the other 200+ on my channel.

[@kbschulze]

Nice review, thanks for taking the time to do it

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

More importantly... thanks for watching.... no viewers and its all a waste - thanks.

[@davidcasey7828]

Great review! I purchased mine prior to your review, but mine came exactly as yours. I bought a SBM that had been returned, and I received a significant discount. I thought the previous owner had set the guitar up to have the bridge almost 1/4" raised at the rear. I lowered it as you did and I hope enough people see your review to get a proper set up on their guitar. I have the same hole, but it doesn't bother me. The volume i hit all the time so I am going to put some foam under the knob. I absolutely love the new neck! The neck pushed me from the American Standard to the Elite, well when I found the discounted Elite for only $240.00 US more, I jumped on it! I do love this guitar! Thanks for the time invested!!!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes the setup as from the factory was not correct by any means and if yours was the same that probably confirms more so that's how they come. Well done on the price drop :) The neck and pickups to me are wonderful. The volume knob is absolutely too slack (even if guys like violin stuff) and I as you are took steps to solve the problem. It would cost fender virtually nothing to address that. Thanks for watching and always good info from owners as it tells others about your experiences.

[@jasonkrahn2318]

i just got a elite, amazing neck and finish, that compound radius is really good, makes me want it on my teles. good pickups, great bridge and trem arm, locking tuners are nice touch, great truss rod adjustment, poor volume knob placement and poor feel on the volume itself. s1 switch is ok but i wish they had taken that money and improved elsewhere instead. i am going to remove 1 tone pot and move volume down and make a master tone. good review thanks.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes that neck is really nice. The volume knob suits some guys but not me... it's always been too near the strings and gets knocked a lot with my playing. You can buy pots now with 'harder to turn' features... and while my neoprene washer works... unfortunately on the elite the 'hard to turn' pots won't work because of the s1 switching :( Good idea on moving the pot around. Thanks for watching and for the info from someone who owns one.

[@jamalabdul2009]

I would consider buying it, if I didn't already have two.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

:) that would not stop me :) What would is this woman here... my wife says they are 'all the same' - but I explain that they are like women... all the same but completely different :) then she goes 'quiet' :)

[@goodboyringo9716]

Jamal Kareem... sell those you have and buy another one.

[@donaldtrump2078]

Just Like a woman - One is to many and a hundred ant enough!

[@johnnymiller8766]

Thanks for your in depth reviews you actually do some great inside and out reviews and nobody does it like You ,which is really cool.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks Johnny for watching and your comments are appreciated.

[@catdumpling]

Tony, if you ever want to adjust the angle of a trem arm, it's simple. They're generally not hardened steel, and will bend with a little coaxing. Get a scrap piece of wood about 3/4"-1" thick and clamp it down firmly to something (bench, a table you don't care much about, etc). Then drill a hole the same diameter as the trem arm (a hair larger is fine too), all the way through this scrap piece of wood. Insert the arm into the hole so that the right-angle bend is _just_ above the surface of the wood; now you can gently (but firmly, it's still steel) pull up on the arm if you want it to point slightly away from the body. You can bend it down to be closer to the body too, but that's usually not the problem. The arm should keep the shape you bend it to, even with heavy trem use, because it still takes far less force to move a trem than to bend the arm itself. I used this method on my Jazzmaster trem arm, but it works just as well on any other round trem arm too. As far as the Elite's new neck joint, I actually prefer the older Jeff Beck/AmDeluxe style. That slope on the older heel is more comfortable than the "hard stop" of the new Elite joint IMO (although they're still both better than the old square joint.) The other thing I like about the older JB/Deluxe style joint is that it uses a standard neck pocket: looking down from the top, it's the same pocket Fender's always done. The only difference is in the back, where one edge has been rounded over and one neck screw was moved. It's easy to retrofit that style onto a square heel with little work and a new neck plate. On an unfinished body, it's as simple as plugging that one hole with a piece of hardwood dowel, shaping that corner and drilling a new hole in a different spot. I've done it to a couple of my guitars now, and I think it's one of the best (yet simplest) design changes Fender ever made; why they don't just put it on everything is beyond me, because it's _much_ more comfortable than the old style! I also agree with Fender's volume knob placement. It's always annoyed me, especially because I've always been a trem girl. A couple years back I put together a parts Strat based on the ones Alex Lifeson played back in the early to mid 80's, and I decided to go with a master vol/master tone, and only use the two lower pot holes. Warmoth makes ordering a custom pickguard with this layout easy, and I've since changed my other Strats to that too. The volume is still close enough for the occasional volume swell, but doesn't get in the way otherwise and all my Strats from here on out will have this layout. Now I know why all the "super-Strat" companies like Charvel starting doing that back in the 80's!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I have bent the older ones :) but was concerned re this new type they look harder metal. Thanks for the tip on that BTW and that will help many other guys also I'm sure. The Jeff Beck joint did seem better to me too and I pointed that out to the Fender representative at the Fender demo at the dealers... but they don't always comment really. I agree about that joint. Fender is capable of making a far better neck joint than any of these we're talking about... check here (one of my websites) and check the neck on that guitar www.dreamstrat.com so it shows they can do it. It's different of course but there has to be batter ways of improving .. its well over 60 years by design and they could change it. They are probably driven by tradition I think often. That volume knob is a pain. Ha that is EXACTLY what I did on a Strat I built... I also left off the traditional pot and it improved the guitar no end. That video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJioYqywjsunY80m22s I know you will say 'that's a telecaster' but I built it around the Stratocaster controls layout and in that state it is perfect. So I 'get' why you did that... the volume is real crazy on a Strat for me and it's almost like Fender did not listen... some guys on this section have commented about adding a 'felt' washer under the volume knob itself and that sounds a really good idea and one I have not heard before so I'm going to try that out... maybe you should check it too. Thanks for the comments and for watching - always appreciated.

[@sienieckymark1462]

Hey Tony, many guitarists use the volume knob as an advantage for volume swelling. Its a matter of adapting. Its a great guitar that can play almost any style of music with a wide variety of tones to play with. Enjoy your new toy.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes I know... but this volume knob is IMO much slacker than some of the others for some reason and more easily knocked and from 10 to 8 (a short distance) makes a massive difference to the output (indeed as it should). If you use many guitars though the volume can be difficult for some and I was surprised really that there was no attention to any 'fix' that could please both types of players... and honestly that knob is so slack - compared to my 2008 USA Strat there is a big difference on this one I thought. But good point - as many have said also... thanks for watching.

[@JackieMcGruffster]

Tony; Thanks for posting another thorough and informative review. Good to see you back after a bit of an absence. Keep up the great work !

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Blame the Gravity Waves CD for that absence - I was on that (again) since early January... and when you see the video I am going to make about 'how it was made' you will understand why that was a massive distraction that really should not have been. Thanks and thanks for watching.

[@JackieMcGruffster]

Fair enough. Keep on keepin' on with the excellent reviews.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Sure will thanks.

[@thomasrobinson182]

I liked the 1983-1984 models with the pushbutton pickup selectors. I wish they'd bring them back.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I think that was the old Fender 'Elite' of the time. I have not seen any for some while but they seemed OK to me too - some did not like them. Stay safe.

[@comment.highlighted]

I absolutely appreciated your very detailed & honest review. I’m picky and critical about my gear so I loved how you went through it step by step. Subscribed 🙂

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Ha great name 'comment highlighted' :) I love it. Ha you sound like me re the gear and I'm also very choosey and careful about the stuff too. If you liked this one I have loads of other very similar reviews here: kzbin.info/aero/PLEECCBA95315E63B6 some I made, but also guitars like PRS, Fender, Gibson Ibanez etc. and they are all worth a look. Thanks for the sub too. Appreciated and thanks for watching.

[@PeteCalandra]

FYI, i think that the tone control locks into place on the bridge pup because at that setting it bypasses the tone control completely.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Correct... I just referred to that as I wanted something similar on the volume knob. The click would have been nice on that volume knob but alas they left it slack. Thanks for watching...

[@PeteCalandra]

i enjoy your vids BTW.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks Peter...

[@andykenny5674]

I’ve always loved Strats for the shape and comfort, but heartily agree with you about the volume knob - I “grew up” playing Teles, so it was always a real bugbear of mine when playing a Strat. Also (and I know it sounds strange) the middle pickup gets in my way as well. Still love them though.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Strats are harder to play :) But since I saw the white Hendrix one I was always a lover of them... but that knob really is misplaced I think too. I watched Buchannan with that tele and his little finger on the volume... masterful. Stay safe.

[@Zombieweener]

Great review!! We have these in our store now. Looks great and highly ergonomic. Do believe we are still waiting to receive the Fender Profs. series.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Glad you liked it... and I really liked this guitar in general. Increased price is painful but I guess that's the BREXIT effect here in the UK... thanks for watching.

[@KellySharkey66]

Hi Tony, upon watching your very useful and honest review of the Elite Strat, I contacted Fender and asked them if the hole near the bridge was a CNC machine mistake. This is what they wrote back. .” Yes this hole is correct, it is part of the bridge on the guitars tremolo cavity - it is essentially a floating tremolo bridge, where you attach the whammy bar / tremolo bar - it allows the bridge to raise/lower to bend create the tremolo effect.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I have always had a question over the 'hole' that is plain to see in the tremolo cutaway. I understand their comments of course. But there remains an anomaly. If you go and check a strat that is solid finish, and one that is like this one, you will find that there are differences. Some you can clearly see the hole, and others you cannot. While their answer is fine of course, it does not answer why the difference with basically often different finishes? It's just a thought and check this yourself in any guitar store - when I did I was really surprised about that and I've never heard any definitive answer to date. Thanks for posting Fenders thoughts about it, but somehow I think there's more to it.... but exactly what I really don't know.

[@tecnoline57]

Hello, Congratulations on the tests. I would have to choose between a new STATOCASTER VINTERA 50 MAPLE NECK and a STATOCASTER AMERICAN ELITE MAPLE NECK ex demo (with guarantees) at the same price. Music genre: CLAPTON - GILMOUR - KNOFLER. I'll proceed to the tests anyway. Which would you choose? Thanks. I always follow you

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

The Elite because the neck is substantially IMO a better place. I also like the v4 pickups. Hope it helps and stay safe.

[@tecnoline57]

@@tonymckenzieofficial Thanks, I'll try it together with the VINTERA 50. If I were to buy the VINTERA 50 I will replace the pickups with FAT50s. Happy Holidays

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Well big cost saving for sure... and like you say, options to change stuff. Yes have a great Christmas time... and stay safe.

[@leonelsarmiento7]

Hi Tony, amazing review, thank you very much! I am in the search of a new Strat and of course the Elite Strat is on my list. Have you ever tried a Suhr Classic Pro Strat? If yes, how does it compare to the Elite? Thanks a lot

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Hi Leonel... I have tried a Suhr but in passing I'm afraid. They certainly are well made and I have a few friends who crave after Suhr a lot. Maybe better assembled... but for me the Elite was a pretty good guitar also. Sorry I can't really offer any other info on the Suhr... but thanks for watching.

[@leonelsarmiento7]

tonymckenziecom Hi tony, thank you for taking your time and writing back to me. Maybe you could help/advise me with something that I am struggling a bit, and I am just not sure if I should get the model with the HSS or the SSS. I mainly play “clean” which I guess I would be better off with SSS, but can I also play nice clean tones with HSS? And if yes, then I guess is it better to get the HSS so in case if from time to time I want to use the humbucker to play rock or so? Cheers, Leonel

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I have had the same struggle for a long time re which pickups on a Stratocaster would be for me. Actually in my case I have always bought or assembled/made/built Stratocasters and Telecasters with single coil 'holes' where pickups go or had SSS on my guitar when I bought it. A long time ago the hum used to drive me mad and I purposely was driven to humbucker pickup guitars such as Ibanez and Gibson. But those days are long gone thankfully. I play from clean to very overdriven so flexibility matters to me. However on some of my Stratocasters I have single sized humbuckers fitted and that allows me to get the drive I need. The Elite for example, has noiseless V4 pickups which are very good, but also they can be combined in serial serial parallel with one output so they can drive more than older stuff. The truth is though, that there is no compensating for a humbucker with two decent coils... the output is generally higher and that drives the amp more as you will know. If you only have one guitar and you want 'that' Stratocaster sound (I love it myself) then stick with the SSS. But a more flexible guitar IMO will be the one with the HB option. It all comes down to what you play, what 'sound' you want for your guitar and indeed as you suggested... whether you might want heavier driven over time. Ask yourself very carefully about all of that... I have. If you buy the SSS you still can later change that if you want to easily enough and you could buy the HB version and change that later too... but best to get a guitar that fits YOUR needs and requirements. We're all different for sure. Hope it at least helps a little.

[@johnroberts838]

Hi Tony, thank you for taking the time to make an honest review of the Elite, personally I was shocked at the gap at the Tremelo route and the Tremelo arm height and lack of clearance from the body, pretty poor seeing this is one of the most expensive models, the next model up is Custom shop/ Artist model/re-issue, they are retailing here in Australia for approx $3500. Really loved your playing, you and the Elite sounded brilliant, thank you again.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes the hole surprised me too... and I only noticed really when I started to analyse the guitar. I don't know of anyone else anywhere that has shown that hole either. Just FYI there are other models where some are like this and some are not. It is strange really. Glad you liked the review and thank you very much for watching.

[@Thomasdgolden]

tonymckenziecom tony, that hole is pretty shabby. I played an 07' Deluxe last week and it's basically the same thing and that silly S-1 system. I would expect a $2000.00 guitar to be "elite". So they Made the "tubby" pocket deeper, a deeper radius, changed the spot of the truss rod and pickups. Too bad the Hole wasn't on the "A" string. Then it would be an "A" Hole....haha

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Classic :) but I looked around at many Stratocasters... even my 2008 USA Strat had the hole.. but not as bad. If you check lot's of Strats you will find many with the hole and many without... it IS weird. It is too expensive for sure... I got mine cheaper but only just - then they went up dramatically here.

[@purplegreenredyellow]

I suggest cutting out a small round disk of felt with a hole poked in the middle, and placing it between the volume knob and the pick guard. It will provide a bit of stability to it.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes a number of guys have said similar to what you have so I guess felt is a good choice for this. I did get a sort of neoprene rubber washer that works but has a high drag rate. Perfect for me but some guys won't like that. Thanks for watching.

[@Steve-B1965]

Thanks for taking the time to review the Elite in so much depth. You probably covered every aspect a potential buyer wishes they had done before they leave the shop. I am currently on the horns of a dilemma as to upgrade my Mex plus to an Elite or perhaps go for the now defunct Deluxe which apart from the N4'S and true rod adjustment is a similar machine ?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

The Deluxe is a good guitar - I had one years ago and always loved the 'rolled' fret ends - brilliant neck. But the Elite is good too but is it worth the difference in price between the two? Maybe not, and as you said the main difference is the pickups and that elite neck. But I did sell the deluxe some years ago and did buy this elite even though I have plenty of Strats... its all a matter of what you want I guess and if you have the dosh to splash out. But I would not pay the UK list price which is horrible now. Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words re the review.

[@Steve-B1965]

I had forgot to mention the deluxe was used, No more than 12 months old but just over half the price of the elite however that deal seems to have gone south so if I'm buying new ill plump for the Elite. It'll be a keeper (famous last words i know) best UK price is £1,487.00 Thanks again for the insight Steve

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes they went up to £1550 in the UK list price and like I said in the video I got mine for £1370 less £100 by way of a voucher so it was about as good as anywhere I could buy... from my local guitar store, but they can't do it now. £1487 - painful and even if you look around you will find that all the prices are the same! Hmmm I'm making a video presently where I'll be discussing fixed prices as it seems to be getting more of a trend these days and it also seems to be all the same stores... it's against the law but they all seem to flout it... and I dislike that sort of thing because without competition we all get well and truly screwed. BTW My last guitar... has been bought about 100 times over the last 40 years :)

[@robertclarkguitar]

The style your playing ..even the backing. That's my cup of tea. I write so it's been fun finally trying to learn to play leads while writing my own atmospheric backing tunes. Lovely.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks. Tha backing BTW was just a few short bars of Joe Satriani 'Wind in the Trees' live... it sounded cool that way so I just improvised the guitar... The backings can be crucial as you will know to offering inspiration when you play. Check that track frm Joe... I think it was from Montreal live... the keyboard guy on that track was incredible, but so was Joe. Thanks for watching.

[@robertclarkguitar]

tonymckenziecom agreed my friend.

[@fjonesjones2]

Great review Tony, yes I find the volume knob is in the wrong position on Strats, but I love playing them so I normally just pull the knob off, then it looks awful, but is better for my playing?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Others have said that one too :) good point... I just knock it all the time so made this video to combat it (its not definitive but just something that works for me) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn3We4GahNl-qdE and thanks for watching.

[@philipdowns4176]

Awesome to see you doing videos again Tony! Still loving the reviews!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes I'm still on them. I was distracted for some time because of the CD I have just completed, but over the last ten days I have posted at least ten videos so I have not been sitting around. Glad you like the stuff Philip. Next few are really about that album. I'm making one that reviews the music on there and talks about the tracks, but the other one is going to be taking the viewer through everything I did to get that CD made... from start to finish and I can tell you there were some really weird and difficult things to overcome. It will include the software and procedures of what I did and all that sort of stuff too... in fact that video for anyone who has not actually released a CD will be gold dust and I'm really looking forward to making it. But it will be a few weeks there is a lot to video. Anyway.. as always thanks for watching - appreciated.

[@kevinfitzgerald4561]

Excellent review - well informed and I learned a lot thanks. Sets a new standard for KZbin guitar reviews.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

That's a very kind comment you made and I appreciate it. Thank you for spending the time to watch it and check my channel there are so many reviews...

[@Hahnsoulo]

The volume knob rotates very easily and is in that location because Fender has taken feedback from pro players and that's what many of them wanted. It's a fairly common technique these days to curl your pinky around the volume knob while you are playing to do volume swells. Joe Bonamassa is one of the masters of this technique. He makes his guitar sound like a violin by volume swelling each note. Basically, you can't please everybody. The people who want easy volume swelling want the volume knob as close to the strings and easy to turn as possible. Then many people like you find it irritating and in the way in that spot.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes but on this model it rotates far more easily than on a regular Strat and that was part of my point really... watch when I play... it goes from a 10 to about an 8 on the video. I'm sure you are right about the feedback too and volume swells have been there since well before I started playing back in 68. If I want a volume swell I simply use a pedal... its even easier than the pinky route :) (well it is for me). I do think bearing in mind it has never moved at all over the years that clearly some guys who have always used Strats won't have any problems with it there, but the guys like me that 'hop' between different brands of guitars probably will have trouble (indeed there are comments on here showing that). It is surprising though, that a design developed for an entirely different playing mode and styles from the early 50's has endured so long and been 'strapped' in to modern playing simply because on the Stratocaster there is no alternative really. With thought even I could come up with something that could please everyone who loves it the way it is or indeed has the problem that I and others do because of the 'slackness' on this particular volume pot and reasonably easily fix it so that both types of players could 'have their cake and eat it' so to speak. It is a little surprising to me that Fender did not 'really' get down to brass tacks and try and actually please all of the people all of the time :) so to speak.. it was a perfect opportunity but in reality that knob is even looser than my 2008 USA Strat. Yes I love Joe and his music as I know a lot of people do and I have all that music too :) But I always think of Joe as a more Gibson player and I guess if we tot up all of the tracks there are far more Gibson (read humbucker) guitars on there than Stratocasters, but I would agree that the Strat has over more recent times increased its use in his music for sure. Thanks John for that input and I'm sure it contributes to the video and readers. Thanks for watching too.

[@raytorvalds3699]

Great review as always, Mr. McKenzie. I thoroughly enjoy them. And you don't need to be so modest... I could listen to your playing all day (and it inspires me.. I usually end up playing my guitar after watching a video of yours where you play). Thank you, sir :)

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks for all the kind words. Appreciated. It's an interesting guitar for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@ddude1212]

I’m trying to decide if I want a Mod Shop or an Elite, or just something completely different.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I would strongly recommend you try each guitar and see what you like the best. Bear in mind the style of guitar you play too, because that will have a huge influence over which one you buy. Thanks for watching.

[@ddude1212]

I forgot to mention how helpful and informative this video is, by the way! Thank you!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Appreciated.

[@terryshrk]

Do you still own this guitar? it sounds great

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Indeed I do. I put it down to those N4 pickups myself... and recently installed a set in another guitar that I have here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6a6i4SNaJd0bq8 and later in another video I disassembled the N4 pickup to show what's in there here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnqreZ6rqNdsmNE This guitars neck is also one of it's best features for sure. Thanks for watching.

[@brianfromoregon2244]

I purchased the new elite Telecaster and have to say the pickups are great as is the new neck. Otherwise it's a tele. It's being taken to gigs weekly so we will see how it holds up to the tortures of life on the road. So far so good. Love your videos Sir

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks Brian for that report on the Tele version... I have not tried one of those and all comments from users are useful. If you get any issues just post them on here. Thanks for watching.

[@robinjgill]

Hi Tony, first thanks for all your posts. Very very infomative and useful. I'm thinking of either buying a new strat or tele or building my own (long time Ok guitarist but never built before). How does the straight from the box strat elite compare to models you've built yourself in terms of quality both sound and finish and playability?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Great question. The elite IS a good guitar of course, and I can refer back to my 2008 Strat of the time (Its reviewed on my channel) and they are both very nice. But most of the guitars I have bought are good right out of the box. The aspect of building (assembling et al) makes things different. I believe that you need a really good plan before you buy a bean. It's true that a Strat neck is a Strat neck of course, but some are suited to certain styles better than others I believe - like the Jeff Beck neck is a really good general all round and really well made neck I have used a few times. Actually I am starting a brand new build coming up in about 6-8 weeks and that's because the parts are being made. But I already know EXACTLY which pickups, neck, style, body, tremolo, tuners, switching and more choices before I bought a thing. If you just fling any old thing together then these Fender guitars right out of the box WILL leave you with a not so good guitar in comparison IMO. It's the difference between success or failure. Every thing matters... and it could be all to easy to simply get a few parts and hey ho. But the result would or could be worth less (or worthless) depending on that result. And it might play bad or sound not too cool.I actually aim these days to make the very best guitar I can. I am hyper critical about every last aspect and when you see that next guitar you will see in it really careful planning etc. I specifically aimed at buying critical stuff that is either Fender, Fender authorised (Warmoth) or other things (like the pickups in that case) that are at least as good as the genuine article but likely better. The pickups are a great example... Klein pickups of Fender 69 and actually laboratory analysed to achieve EXACTLY those 69 (think Hendrix tones) pickups. I have used CS Fender 69 pickups that are wonderful, but I reckon these will be the dogs... here: www.kleinpickups.com/p-36-1969-epic-series-stratocaster-pickups.aspx and they were chosen for exactly the reasons on his website.Because generally I aim high with the guitars I build/make/assemble for myself I do not think that mine are 'inferior' to the real deals. Indeed, Fender these days to get something similar is probably at least double the cost. Indeed as I said many/most parts are either Fender or Fender Authorised.It's all down to what YOU want from a guitar. It really is an awesome thing to develop an idea and make it work as you intended in the first place. I probably failed to date two times (one way before my channel) and one very early on because the neck was not really 'right' although it was a Warmoth neck. One reason why often Fender necks are so great... in my experience they are always really nice.Anyway, hope my comments help you to decide exactly what to do. Thanks for watching.

[@robinjgill]

Thanks for the detailed reply, I guess the only way to find out is to have a stab at making one. I imagine it's very satisfying if it turns out well and frustrating if not. I know very little about pickups but reckon with a bit of surfing on the web I'll be able to find a good setup. Kind of like a Knopfler or even Gilmour Strat sound - not that I can play llike them. Got the message about Fender/Fender authorised parts. I noticed Warmouth do a Tele hybrid -a Tele body with Strat pickups and pots routing, which I find appealing. I don't know whether in real life it's a practical distribution, that volume knob right next ot strings on a Tele too! Intonation setup is something that I woudl like to know more about. It'll be very interesting to see your next build. All the best.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Hi Robin. Warmoth will make almost any combination between strat and telecaster... or leave things off (more so than adding things they don't typically do). On some of the telecasters I have made, I had a strat neck pickup size routed because the tele original for me was wimpish and the drop in volume fine for the 50's but less so today. Barden made a set of 'Danny Gatton' pickups - and they are great non hum pickups but retain an awesome tone. Their tele neck (strat sized Danny Gatton) pickup is wonderful and those pickups I swear can play almost any style well suited I think. They can also route the neck as strat in the body... or take a strat and route the neck pocket as a tele! all interesting stuff. On the new one I'm making I left off the strat volume knob hole and had just two tone holes and the switch in there. That way I have control over where the volume knob can go later... whether as standard or custom... or even drop off one of the tones and use the hole for a volume pot (that also works for me). Anyway, if you make one you can always get hold of me and I'm more than happy to help if you get stuck. Thanks.

[@robinjgill]

Thanks a lot Tony. That's very kind. I've decided what I'll do first is get a cheap body, neck and pickups to get some basic experience of building and soldering. Very likely the guitar will be useless but the know-how and confidence is what I'm after and that way I won't blow a few hundred quid on quality parts when I don't know what I'm doing. The proper build will come later - probably a winter job. I like the idea of just one tone knob because I usually have tone switched up to full brightness anyway. Any tone adjustments I do on the amp. The less clutter the better. I see too that Seymour Duncan have lots of circuit diagrams , which could come in handy, and there's loads of wiring tutorials on youtube.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Anyway... stay with it and let me know how you go on ;-)

[@gunsandguitars6678]

Do you like scalloped necks? And I agree the bridge volume knob should be moved down so we don't bump it. Good vid thanks for the posting,

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I've had a Malmsteen Strat and they are 'interesting' to play :) whether it really does make a huge difference I could not say, except that if you press the strings hard the guitar goes out of tune. On the volume there are many that like it there... so I did this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn3We4GahNl-qdE and that works. Thanks for watching.

[@UberZenMaster]

The volume knob is supposed to work faster then the rest for quick volume manipulations, cuts etc.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

You're right of course. However, you might be surprised how many guys actually knock it hence I made the video thinking I could not be alone :) And I'm not... its about 40% that claim the knobs in the wrong place and it gets knocked. The thing is, that just a 10% knock on that pot with single coils and the drive has deteriorated dramatically so this was my answer. Not for everyone agreed, and some guys love the volume knob there. I just knock it all the time. Thanks for watching.

[@vinceanthony7046]

Will you be reviewing the Fender Professional stratocaster as well. You do a thorough and bang up job. Best review ever.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks Vince. I was asked by guitarshoppro to review one at their shop but have some problems right now. I may well do that later.

[@TimmyP1955]

The bridge is meant to be set up for the amount of upward pitch bend that you want from the whammy. Some like none, some want a half step, some want more (which may or may not be possible).

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Remember I requested the guitar under review NOT to be checked by the dealer as I wanted to see exactly what came from Fender... and it's all there on the video. It's true that different setups are for different guys of course but most settings seemed easy enough to adjust in there at the time. Thanks for watching.

[@producedbydale6359]

The volume control placement is perfect for volume control performance technique with your pinky instead trying to use a volume control foot pedal to match your attack with your hand.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Its a well tried and tested position for sure... but if you read the entries below you will see that actually it does not suit all guys playing styles. I knock it and because of the often low output of the pickups on a strat just a 10% turndown affects the guitar substantially particularly for rock stuff. But as you say, its perfect for some players... thanks for watching.

[@amaiorano67]

I bought a fender elite a month ago maple neck and the Shawbucker humbucker and 2!single coils I paid 1250$ used but in mint condition with all the case candy and manuals and I will say I play mainly lespauls but I always like to have a strat in my collection and I used to have a American deluxe strat and really liked it , anyway I will say I really love my elite and find my self playing this guitar over all my other guitars 🎸 I like the s-1 options and like the button mine has to bypass everything and go to humbucker direct with everything on the 10 the sss model doesn't have this anyway I love it and I would say look around for a used one and the price isn't so bad to me they are nice guitars and I don't see or feel any flaws at all so mine is a keeper hope this helps anybody who is thinking about one

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes thanks for the comments - they are always great from owners! and thanks for watching.

[@havsingh]

Very good review, as always. I'm looking to buy one, however i much prefer the colours that come in the SSS configuration, I would want to swap out so it is HSS config. Do you know if the pots are 500k or 250k rated and if the pots would need to be swapped out also to make this change?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I can't confirm this, but I would guess these are 250k - but you could change them in no time. You would be changing the scratch plate for the bucker anyway. Thanks for watching.

[@michaelluczak3019]

Good review. The only explanarion I've seen the fully explains the S1 switltching sytem.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks Michael... and for watching.

[@ExtremelyOnlineGuy]

Why did they get rid of that neck format. It’s so aesthetically pleasing and I feel like it’s very functional

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

It breached someone else's copyright regarding the truss rod adjustment. Thanks for watching.

[@ExtremelyOnlineGuy]

@@tonymckenzieofficial jeez that’s heartbreaking, very informative video posted the comment before watching. Thank you very much sir!

[@leftymadrid]

I ordered a lefty Elite. the adjustment from factory is how they think it would sound as it should. then people make their personal adjustments... I find that mine was tits up on how it was adjusted and set up. the thing I found after playing around 30 times was the input for the cable on guitar, got loose. And that the strap top screw kept getting loose too. Simply putting a longer screw took care of that. overall I think it is a keeper for sure, the feel, and sound through a clean amp, or dirty, is incredible! Stays in tune forever too. I sleep with this one lol. I believe the Standard US Strat will be my next 2nd guitar...which is a great strat too! But the C-to-D neck is very comfortable. Nice review bud, take care.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks for watching... and your conclusions are pretty similar to mine too :) its a pretty good guitar there is no doubt.

[@vincebellisano1347]

I just got my elite strat. The tremelo is higher than yours however I used a magnifying glass and still see that hole although much smaller. I like it Tony

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

:) that's great to know and someone obviously set it up. As I said in the video it's no reflection on the supplier as I wanted to see 'how they arrived' from the USA on the one I bought. The hole is more (or less) visible on many Stratocaster models but not all, it just seemed to me that mine was 'enthusiastic'. Thanks for letting me (and others) know you like the elite.

[@donharrold1375]

Love Strats. Never had an issue with the volume control I’ve got to say. Like it close for volume swells.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Not sure if you tried one of these... but its a really good guitar and the neck is so good. Thanks.

[@donharrold1375]

tonymckenziecom I’ve got a 2004 American Deluxe which is very similar. The major difference is the pickups. My American Deluxe has SCN pickups which I really like. Lots of people drone on about the fact that they don’t sound like Strat pickups. To me they are like Strat pickups but a bit louder and thicker. All the great Strat tones are still there.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

@@donharrold1375 I had a deluxe some years ago - a green one (ash) and that was very nice - the neck in particular I remember well. The Deluxe IS a good guitar no doubt. I have 2008 Olympic white standard too which is also very good and they have decent pickups too. Thanks Don... Tony

[@MarkJohnsonJams]

Great review Tony. I had the predecessor to the Elite, a 2014 American Deluxe and I found I never used the S1 switching. It had the N3 noiseless pickups which I found to be kind of bland. Glad to hear the 4th gen are better. Enjoy.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I had a deluxe from some years ago and that was not a bad guitar. The S1 stuff seemed to work for driving the amp harder. Yes check the 4th gen out if you get a chance I seemed to get on with them OK and the amp was not a highly driven amp but it stuck there with the sustain. Thanks for watching...

[@guitardudeguy3139]

Its been called Sierra burst and also Tobacco Burst as far as the color.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I bet it has... after a while they all look the same :). Thanks and stay safe.

[@frighteningfact2330]

Hi, thanks for the review, I like that it was done with a main focus on the cosmetics or quality standard of the build/assembly, I realize your a humble man in the actual playing department ect, but it would be good to also to demo the variances available via the switching and pick up selections too, just a clean standard amp setting would be delicious. I learned a bit more about the importance of attention to build detail thanks to you via this and I'm in the process of considering obtaining an American Deluxe Strat as my preference in having previously owned a new one a couple of years ago, I had an amber ash with a rosewood neck and I'm missing it big time unfortunately. I think the S1 tweak is very good with the N3's and my preferred style and personal playing technique requires I return to the deluxe.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I don't think you are wrong re the Deluxe... I had one also - years ago though and mine was a green on ash body... very nice and the neck was great. Often on these videos I don't particularly play that well... but that's not always the case and you should check this playlist out that shows some of my better playing :) here: kzbin.info/aero/PL0E9260509F18DF9A where indeed I do play better :). Just FYI I recently completed a new CD called 'Gravity Waves' and you can hear samples (and explanations of the tracks) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anvSfJSMYsh-h9k As I said the deluxe is a great guitar no doubt. The 'Elite' does offer differences though and should also be considered... but with the price of the deluxe dropping that is probably just as good a choice as the elite. Thanks for watching.

[@WECification]

I can't get enough of Strat and Les Paul reviews so keep it coming!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I could run out any time soon :) Thanks for watching.

[@regev1970]

Very pleased to see you again Tony

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I was here all along... but have been on a diet :) ... that did not work :) check my channel for new videos there are many new ones. Good to hear you too... and thanks for watching.

[@1961jscofield]

Thank you Tony, for real. I've been hoping for someone who doesn't sell these things for a living to do an HONEST appraisal of them and we can always count on you for that. Cheers!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Hi JH... I know exactly what you mean there. More recently I have tended to stop watching many reviews they are often riddled with sales patter. It never really reflects what you get as an ordinary guy... they claim this, claim that etc. but this video showed exactly what I got - the good and bad points really. The dealer was not at fault though - I asked for this to be delivered as I got it and wanted to see exactly what you might get if the dealer did nothing. I still liked the guitar - but it could have been so much better with just a few little improvements... and that hole by the tremolo was weird. I'm going to check if others have it!. Thanks as always for watching.

[@alonsodei1491]

Hello, thank you so much for the review. Have you heard any issue with the tunning. I have taken mine to a professional but it doesn´t tune anyways.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks for watching. No I have not had any issues with tuning myself? Hmmm look close at the setup as it should be fine. Anyone else on here had any tuning issues? Let Alonso know... and if you cured it how?

[@kelldammit]

Probably a bit late, but just in case...mine was fine for the first month or so, and then I started having trouble even just getting it tuned at all. The solution was the usual for plastic nuts and string trees: lubricate the nut slots and the bottoms of the trees. If you don't have proper guitar lube, chapstick works in a pinch. Just put a bit in the nut slots with a toothpick, and smear some onto the underside of the string tree. That should help (it did me).

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

@@kelldammit Thanks for posting your fix for fixing a guitar that will not tune properly.

[@kevinpaul1719]

Hi Tony, thank you sir for all of your videos. A fella can learn a few things from you. I ordered a set of Lace for my maid in Mexico Stratocaster. They should be here mid week November 9th I hope. My 1968 Strat was picked over when I got in 1973. It has Duncan's in, I bought them when I just finished senior school long ago. Those days the Japanese Strats ran things, cheap and good. I have enough parts to build an old Brownie. I have been playing my crazy collection and slowed on the work. Thanks again for the inspiration sir!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Lace are good pickups though Kevin. For that 68 I would without a doubt obtain a set of those Fender Custom Shop 69 pickups - they are truly incredible sounding pickups and I have them in some of my guitars. I have not really found others that come close to that sound. Jap guitars are certainly far superior to the Chinese guitars - I just coined a phrase for the Chinese Gibson copies rather than 'Chibsons' I call them 'Fibsons' :) because they lie :) in fact I bought the domain fibson.com to make some website dedicated about what NOT to buy :) ... but the Jap guitars are near enough all cool and the Jap fenders have a great name.

[@robinjgill]

Great review. Thta volume knob would probably bug me. Just too near the strings. Any impressions of the Tele Elite?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Sorry I have not checked the Telecaster Elite. But the volume knob on a Strat (any of them) has always been a pain for me and I'm not alone regarding that point. Thanks for watching.

[@duncanwakefield6579]

Thanks from Down Under, really great review, just wish there was more playing 😎 I'm looking at either this or the American Professional Strat. Can't decide which one though. I've played to Pro and really liked it, but haven't tried the Elite yet. I really like the Sky Blue Metallic in the Elite, the idea of the S1 switch and noiseless pickups, the description of the neck and locking tuners. Have you played the Pro since this review and what were your thoughts compared to the Elite? Regarding the different coloured wiring on the pickups, it looked like the different colours went to the tone controls so guess it's how you control the tone.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I have not tried the pro yet :( Best features on this? Neck for sure, and the N4's… switching??? not for me! Thanks for watching....

[@collinh8907]

I'm in the market for a strat too. Honestly I think the best thing to do is go try a ton of them and find a special one that sings. For me, there's qualities that are a must. I'd like a humbucker in the bridge too. But the main thing is just to find one that feels special. That's how I found my Tele. It's an American standard 2013. I was shopping around for a strat when I found it and it shut out everything else in my price range. So long story short, still hunting for the strat

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

You're exactly right. I talked about the 'feel' of a guitar when you're playing it... and got the usual diatribe that I'm 'bonkers' :) - maybe I am (don't agree :) but when that guitar is 'the right one' you really CAN feel the difference. I made a review comparing the Epiphone LP Plus with a real Gibson Jimmy Page and the JP actually felt so different. Some guys said 'it's the same' but in reality they were pretty much different IMO. So looking for one that feels right for you is the way to go. On the guitars I built I made sure that they were each exactly what I wanted from each differing specification and I can say that 'for the specification of the guitar' each one was perfect for me but for others they might dislike it. Thanks.

[@collinh8907]

@@tonymckenzieofficial a lot of that comes from the laqured neck and polished frets that you get in the USA standards on up. All the special strats I've played didn't have that real professional feel to them. I have played a high quality MIM with the cherry burst and flame maple 2 piece body and polished neck, etc etc, but at the time I refused to buy anything that wasn't American. Lol but yes. The feel

[@HBSuccess]

So did you purchase this "Elite" or was it donated for review? Sorry if you already answered in the video - reason I ask it seems pretty negative - so wondering why you'd buy something you weren't in love with? Personally, the last thing I'd want is a volume knob with detents (how could you do 'swells'?) - and I love where the volume is located - that's one of the best things about a Strat. But that's one guy's opinion. The 2-point bridge is a huge improvement over the crude standard trem - I've played a G&L F100 since 1980- has that 2-point design back then. Having never owned an actual Strat at that point (or any guitar with a whammy other than a Bigsby) - I was clueless how much better the G&L design was. A year or two later I picked up a 'standard' Strat and could not believe how crude/cheaply made it was by comparison. No wonder Leo was looking for a better way - it's a miracle anyone can play the standard 6-screw trem... I found it literally impossible to keep in tune and wound up disabling it. Neck joint- hard for me to believe that shortening up the distance between the screws is going to be good long-term. If Fender really wanted to make an "elite" bolt-on, they'd get rid of the cheap wood screws altogether and go with machined inserts in the neck, and actual bolts. I've converted a bunch of "bolt-ons" to actual inserts/bolts - unreal how much better they sound and stay in tune, for (at most) $20 and an hour of work. Trem cover - My G&L has a chromed steel cover - and it's slotted in such a way that you adjust the claw WITHOUT taking the cover off. So much better than a cheap plastic cover. The over-routing of the body etc... there is no excuse for that. The "one size fits all pickups" is bad enough - but the over-rout at the bridge is just manufacturing slop. Again - you won't find that kind of gooch on a G&L. Finally electronics - I do like the S1 switching. Haven't purchased one yet but it gives you a nice variety of sounds while still having the "classic" strat sounds available. My G&L was one of the early active models - it has a wide variety of sounds also but none of them sound like a Strat. My point of all this... maybe it's taken Fender Inc 30 yrs to come up with what Leo and George Fullerton cooked up at G&L ? Dunno- the workmanship alone would stop me from dropping $16-1800 on this guitar - a Mexi-strat can be had for less than half - do a couple quick upgrades (bridge) and voila ...

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Hi 'Tioga'. Firstly as 99% of the equipment I review I bought it with my hard earned money and no there was no discount. It's not a negative review? I gave the guitar an 8 out of 10 so hardly negative - negative stuff usually is 5 or below in my reviews. However, the volume is subjective... for every guy that says it's placed perfectly... as you will see below there are many guys who have issues with it just as I do - so you are right it is subjective and even some posts describe a 'fix' for the slack volume pot on the Elite. The two point is an improvement there is no doubt. Leo did not come up with any new idea of the tremolo while he was either owner or worked at Fender though... so making a two prong in another company could be read as 'we can't use the old design because of either patents or trade marks'. Of course that's just my opinion on that one :) But tell Hendrix that the 6 screw tremolo is rubbish :) and I guess he might disagree if he was still here to tell us. It's all relative I suppose. There are also many 'cheap' two prong tremolo's that are really not good and while they 'look the part' they are far from the good stuff out there. Machined screws are of course one answer that I too have seen many times before. But the joint is rather similar to the Jeff Beck neck joint and I don't know of any issues with that to date. But the inserts I'm sure also will help as you say. The problem is that the word 'Elite' is not easy to live up to and maybe that was an error on the part of Fender MIC. I completely agree with the over routing of the body by the tremolo which should not really be there - it becomes something that once you know about it, it nags you. I have since checked many other current USA Stratocasters and different models though, and even my 2008 USA Stratocaster has a hole albeit smaller (about 1/8 inch). I just wonder about the earlier stuff than 2008. It's clearly a nasty issue and detracts from the 'Elite' name of the guitar without question. But the good things on this Stratocaster are still there. For example the pickups are excellent and an improvement over the V3. The neck is a massive improvement over every Stratocaster I have ever played. Sure I 'could' nit pick behind the pick guard/scratch plate body routing but its not seen there and to be honest it does not affect the aesthetics in the way that the tremolo routing does... hence a reduction of points I felt was very in order at the conclusion of my review. It is an expensive guitar and I agree that the current retail price of the unit is too high... especially here in the UK. It appears that Fender and it's dealers want these guitars all to sell at a universal price throughout the dealers and that also reduces competition to zero - not something I condone and that is bad for customers especially on a guitar that has some issues. The Mexican Stratocaster would NOT have the pickups, it certainly would not have that great neck either... the rest I generally agree, but the neck and pickups (IMO) are the heart and soul of the Fender Elite. BTW I have never even spoken to Fender MIC ever about their equipment and really I don't care to be influenced by either them or other reviews which I intentionally try not to watch until later. I do feel that my review was rigorous and robust but entirely fair to the manufacturer, while not holding back about the issues that I felt were detrimental to the customer who ultimately is paying the price for the guitar. I have never seen ANYONE mention that tremolo hole before I did - but they all reviewed the guitar... go figure why... it's simple, for the most part they are either biased towards the brand or have some financial gain from good reviews. I have absolutely none of those and indeed I don't have any bias for or against G&L either. Every brand is basically subject to at least the same attributes of my review. Remember much of what I have concluded really is just my opinion... and I am a paying customer which in itself gives my review credibility right off the bat. Trust me, if this guitar was rubbish I would be saying it in the review. You made some very useful points and I just wanted to put across how I felt about this review bearing in mind that you might have thought that I did not pay for the equipment. I did pay for it in full and it's now with the other equipment I have been buying since 1968. Thanks for watching BTW.

[@markc2761]

Thanks Tony, lovely honest review. It keeps the big company's on their toes !!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Hopefully... but I guess they will pay no attention to me. Thanks for watching.

[@frighteningfact2330]

The other thing that was quite an eye-opener regarding the peek underneath the front, was the fact that Fender have already pre-cut both the neck and bridge pickup cavities to put standard in your face humbuckers, -that's incredibly inviting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wonder what it would sound like with a monster at each end. Maybe Fender are eventually planning the move. hmmmmmm

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

It's not a new ploy I don't think... if I remember the 'deluxe' was similar... but you are right its easy to change to HB's :) Thanks for watching.

[@pedraw]

1999.00 USD in the States. Sounds great though Tony. Thanks for your time and effort.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

So expensive there too... oh well... thanks for watching.

[@helixworld]

If you want to identify the pickups as being the same type it would be better to measure the resistance of them. The numbers on the circuit board probably just identify the artwork used in manufacture of the board. They could easily wind them a with different number of turns.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

There are Fender part numbers on the pickups for sure so I would have thought they would identify each pickup if different? Of course I'm just guessing that and you are right that measurement might well show them a completely different pickups. Yours is a better way :) but I was too idle to go and get a meter out... suffice to say I wanted to screw it all back together without tampering too much :). Thanks for watching the video.

[@helixworld]

Thanks for posting your video. Its nice to see all the details in close up.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Don't forget to check all the others :) near enough 200 on my channel.

[@MrAlexhollins]

A roller nut would have been nice and staggered tuners might have negated the string tree. Great clip and great playing.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks Alex glad you liked it all. Yes not a bad Strat... but a little pricey these days especially in the UK. Thanks for watching.

[@ernestochang1744]

my opinion about rosewood is that it is a nasty type of wood, when you're playing along the neck and sometimes the sweat in your fingers actually touch the finger board it is just so weird and gets dirty after a while which is why i would go for maple that reason alone is enough to go for maple but to each their own i guess

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes I also like maple too... good enough for Hendrix at Woodstock then certainly good enough for most :) - I think it has a tendency to be a bit more toppy too, but that could be 68 pickups which had that awesome tone. Thanks for the info and for watching.

[@FelixIsMyName]

Hi Tony, hope you are well. I've just sold my beloved car and I have a 1979 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe inbound next week and I'm currently looking at a really nice Strat to buy (possibly a Strat Plus) and put some cash away. Not a bad way to recover from my back operation!

[@FelixIsMyName]

I've been looking at these guitars Tony. Very close to getting one in the Cherry Burst or the Mist Blue colour they are doing them in. I am either going to get one of these or go for a Strat Plus in metallic blue/ Ocean Blue/ Candy Blue that are up for sale on eBay right now. If I don't get a Strat I want to get either a black or white Les Paul Custom, to go with the LP Deluxe I am getting. Would like to chat to you about making sure I am getting the guitar that is being advertised, so I don't end up paying for something that is not worth the price asked.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Dan... trust you are OK... and very nice to hear you. I had a Strat plus - they are not bad at all. Take it easy dude... and just be careful with that back.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

If you email me then we could arrange that... I wont put my details on here :) I like the Elite because it has great pickups and a very nice neck - and its light in weight! Listen, watch the weight of the LP customs... some can be heavy... The deluxe should be nice... I ALWAYS think Scott Gorham :) he was awesome with one of those back in the day... he tends to play Strat's now though I think (as per Gary Moore Video in Ireland). Yep email me and we can talk. Thanks foe watching.

[@FelixIsMyName]

I now have a vintage cherry 2002 Deluxe Strat to go with my Skyburst Metallic Elite Strat. I was amazed how much lighter the Ash body felt and it's by far the prettiest Strat finish I've ever seen.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes ash is a nice wood that I like too - seems more resonant than alder somehow. The Deluxe Strat version is one of the better models I reckon.

[@douglasvaughn9349]

Love your in depth reviews ! Keep em coming

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thank you Doug, I'm glad you like them and I really do try and offer the most info I can to viewers of these reviews. Thanks for watching.

[@georgerudinsky489]

Great review Tony, thanks, whats the backing track you playing at the end of video?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Hello George... its just 4 bars of 'Wind in the trees' by Satch. I did not intend to play it 'his way' because I can't :) Thanks foe watching.

[@KellySharkey66]

Hi Tony, i got an agent from fender sending me an email. Here is what they wrote...There is usually a small amount of the bridge rout visible around the bridge of the Elite series guitar (on the tremolo arm side) but this is part of the design to allow the tremolo to function as intended - is this what you're referring to? I'd be interested in seeing the CNC issues that people have run into - and it would be very useful info to pass on to the team in Corona to try to avoid any such issues in future. i have sent them the close up shot of you pointing out the hole near bridge as they have requested and now wait to hear what they have to say. Your video is an honest review, Please keep doing your videos..👍🏻

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks for the info and I'm sure if there are issues with it then they will take a closer look. It is a little weird. Thanks.

[@craig2468ful]

Yet another fantastic and informative video tone thankyou very much indeed sir and please keep them comeing

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Glad you liked this video. The guitar is pretty cool overall and I posted another video today of the guitar shop where I bought it from... they show a couple too. Thanks for watching.

[@waynewatson1273]

I've had a look at my bridge and i do see a very slight gap , but it's nowhere as big as yours!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes I was surprised about the 'hole'. I later went to a number of guitar shops and checked out many guitars. It seemed to me that many 'regular' Stratocasters did not have a hole showing, and mainly on the Elite the 'solid' coloured guitars also seemed to show very little of that 'hole'. However, on these see through type of finishes there it was. A bit weird for sure. But overall the Elite is a great guitar as you probably know :). Stay safe.

[@TR-zf6io]

Damn. That is the EXACT guitar I want. The colour I want, the model (elite) I want, the rosewood fretboard. Everything exactly as I would choose.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Ha there you go. Thanks for watching.

[@thekuban]

Its an amazing guitar. Well worth the money

[@123danvc]

I have been trying for days to find information on fenders website about the adjustment wheel at the heel of the neck on elite strats & teles. They’re (fender) so busy espousing the virtues of their adjustment wheel that they left out the most crucial piece of information, which direction does the neck move (backward or forward) when you turn the wheel clockwise, and vice versa. I’m throwing this up to you & hoping in your infinite wisdom and experience with the elite & hoping you may have the answer before I perform a botched lobotomy on my new kinda expensive strat.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

The Fender Elite has a Bi-Flex truss rod so it can change the neck relief either way... to learn more about the Bi-Flex system go here: www.fender.com/articles/maintenance/what-is-a-bi-flex-truss-rod-and-how-does-it-work and I hope that helps a little... thanks for watching.

[@jchavins]

Everything comes down to personal preference. Would I buy one ? No, I would buy an American Standard and add $2 switch to turn on the neck pickup making it a 7 position which probably is more than I need but it's cheap. I'd add a $10 no load tone pot so that I could add the bridge pickup to a tone pot without cutting the highs that sometimes happens and sometimes doesn't. This may be the case on the Elite which would explain the tone knob locking you described. I put one of these on one of my Teles. The one thing I really like about the Elite is the truss rodd adjuster--no more allen wrench. I've tested the Elite and I don't care for the C to D shape. I have a Tele with a D shape neck. I almost never take it out of the case unless I'm recording. As far as the compound radius fretboard, this is a real improvement but is not new. I have a 1996 Korean Squier with a 12-16" radius neck. It is the best neck I've ever played. Since I work on my own necks I have figured out how to make a 9.5" radius fretboard into a 9.5-12" with a fallaway in less than an hour...some of the artist versions of Strats come with a compound radius. I don't care for S1 switching. You're right about the volune know position but I ended up taking the knob off and found that I really liked it this way. Totally different feel with easy access but doesn't have the volume lowering problem. I don't think you can do this with the S1 setup. Like I said it's all personal preference. Very good review....

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I also have an American Standard from 2008 and its great. TBH for me the S1 did add a bit more - reason being I play rock stuff and that extra bit of drive (when in series) did show itself as useful... but not by a great deal. The Elite does have a no load tone pot and I just did not say the words :) silly me! Yes I liked the truss rod adjuster too... some don't but I did think it was a worthwhile improvement too. I take your point on the neck too... but I think the neck profile is incredibly good and solves many things that were historically hard work. I liked the neck top too where it is bevelled more near the body joint and you can feel the difference on that. I can't easily do a rework on a neck though and I guess many guys could not either - you are lucky. Good answer to stop knocking the volume - take it off :) now that's what I call thinking on your feet :) it's so obvious! and I have never tried that one... but now... maybe I will. I made a short video with my answer to it and it does work here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn3We4GahNl-qdE Thanks for the info... and as always thanks for watching...

[@jchavins]

I enjoy you videos and your wit.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks JC

[@JIMJAMSC]

I picked up the copper colored Tele Elite and it plays very effortlessly,sounds great but not "Elite"'. Just a few issues. The high E kept popping out of the nut. Found another lower guide. The S1 switch is substandard. If this were a gigging guitar I would not trust it. My bridge pu started making noise and failed. With a magnifying light I found the wire thats smaller than a hair was severed. The new pickups are impossible to find but rather than deal with Fender replaced it with a aftermarket. A few other minor QC issues. The binding on top where it meets the neck appears to have a slight kink. The grub screws as always are all wonky and slightly different sizes so expect to strip a few. Super nice playing neck and sound but its not a $1800 guitar. Find you one preowned/demo and let the orig owner take the big hit off its orig value.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I was surprised you had so many issues? On the pickup I would have had that replaced by Fender under warranty right? But I agree it is not worth the asking price either here or in the USA. And good point on the second user gear too... Thanks for this info and for watching.

[@daveyboy8907]

I like it but you would think that a "elite "model would be a one piece body...Very nice guitar the color is great..Another thing that surprised me is how the tremolo came..You would think that they would have a standard setting for those..I set my own guitars up and that's the first thing to setting up a good reliable strat..I cant believe people block the trem and say it stays in tune better..If the trem is set up properly it will stay in tune just fine..My fender holds tune better than my gibsons and its set up about a 1/8inch to 3 /16ths off the body...Take care great video...

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Me too - I was surprised about the two piece on a top of the line Elite too. The setup (direct from Fender) was not that great so a dealer if they are any good just might be worth the effort! Thanks for watching and the info.

[@michaelluczak3019]

Also I think with the S1 system you really don't need the Sawbucker pickup offered on the Elite model also. I'm surprised they didn't offer the LSR roller nut.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes I liked the LSR and have a few dotted around mainly on Jeff Beck necks which to me are incredibly nice.

[@demantoid418]

the noiseless pickups sound nice. I didn't like the bridge cut out what were they thinking there? the neck with a compound radius sounds like the way to go to me. I liked the staggered tuners. the locking tuners could be made staggered I guess. all in all I would not throw it out. thanks for the vid Tony.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes the pickups seemed very good. The hole was free :) and the neck was very nice indeed. BTW they did make the tuners staggered and you can buy them on the net if you fish around a little. I can't fix the hole for sure, but the rest was not bad at all really. Thanks fore watching.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes the pickups seemed very good. The hole was free :) and the neck was very nice indeed. BTW they did make the tuners staggered and you can buy them on the net if you fish around a little. I can't fix the hole for sure, but the rest was not bad at all really. Thanks fore watching.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes the pickups seemed very good. The hole was free :) and the neck was very nice indeed. BTW they did make the tuners staggered and you can buy them on the net if you fish around a little. I can't fix the hole for sure, but the rest was not bad at all really. Thanks fore watching.

[@stevewhiteley9249]

Interesting! I bought one of these, actually the magnificent 7 one with a flame maple top. I loved the look and feel of it over the other strats in the shop and I was very impressed with the pickups and electrics. Mine was set up with the trem hard on the body and the action wasn't very good. I have tinkered with it and set it to float whilst also dropping the action and taking some of the relief out of the neck. As you say, dealers should do this but often (usually) don't. Fortunately, the neck was true and the frets even so now it plays really well. The trem is not as good as the usa musicman one; although you can tighten a grub screw to stop the arm wobbling, by the time it's tight enough, the arm won't come out. Still I like the guitar and generally agree with the points you made about its various minor shortcomings.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

They look cool for sure. I had not heard of that version but checked when I read your note. Nice. Yes I liked this guitar really, and while there were little things with it that were not perfect, overall it remains a pretty good guitar for sure. I requested mine as supplied from the factory just so I could see how it left there and it's better to get a dealer to set it up but in my case I requested that for the review and of course I was inquisitive as to how they were sent out. Thanks for the feedback re yours and thanks for watching.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

Nice review thanks :) I like your playing style as well - cool feel 36:10...

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Glad you liked the vid and I just improvised over a Satch track... but completely different style really. Thanks for watching and the kind words.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

@@tonymckenzieofficial you're welcome :)

[@dalepal]

The Fender Elite sure has some nice features and sounds great but I'm not so sure the elite price is worth what they are currently charging. Given the price point one would think there will be sales available soon enough.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I completely agree Dale. I'm not sure where you're from but they cost more in the UK than in the USA and somehow I can get deals in the USA and can't often here. Hence the Fender dealer shindig WAS worth going to... before I went I was in too minds but glad I did go later. Yes a dropped price to $1200 or £1000 would be nice :) Thanks for watching.

[@erikisderek]

Thumbs up to your very detailed review, Tony. Always like how you nit-pick and scrutinize your purchases. A bit puzzled as to why Fender called this 'Elite' . No where does it share any resemblance to the early 80's version. But I do take a little umbrage to your 'crappy' opinion of it since I presently own one. Ty Tabor would also, lol.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Ha... I'm sorry :) it was not intended to offend anyone... but was a talking point really... making videos can be lonely :) so that's my excuse. I don't know why they called this one an Elite either... it's not like an Elite - and back in the day the Elite really was at the top of the tree in price in particular - I think it was one of the most expensive Strats they made. I could be wrong on that but that's how I remember it. Glad you liked the way I checked this Fender out... I did like most of it actually and it is not that bad unless you want vintage which it clearly is not... I could tell because on the vintage Strats they don't have a hole by the tremolo :) that was a little eye opening for sure. Thanks for watching and glad you liked it.

[@waltz9230]

How hard is it to customize this guitar? Say... if I wanted to remove the top tone knob, and have just the one at the bottom control the tone for all 3 pickups, is it possible to do that and leave the electronics nice and tidy as if it was made that way in the factory?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I don't have a diagram but I reckon that doable. Check Seymour and/or dimarzio for example wiring which can be adopted for strats - I have used a few of those over time.

[@James57AOL]

I d be happy if it can do what the other strat single coil have yet to do for me. That is equalize some of the tone giants with a dial in adjustment on the Strat instead of spending a lot of little adjustments to dial in and add aid in pedal and amp dial up

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Check toneshapers.com

[@stephenturner8102]

I've been looking at getting one of these ,I especially like the compound neck but I have no need for the S1 switch. what I have noticed on the finish on quite a few examples is that the final paint finish seems rough, if you look in the light you can see a like over spay rough finish as if it's not had a final buff.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I thought mine looked OK on the finish but to be honest I have not really looked extremely close. The neck is truly wonderful... and the S1 switching I also think is an acquired taste. You could remove it though... but its an expensive guitar to fiddle with and if the S1 is problematic I would consider a different Strat and maybe save some money. The necks can be found on www.stratosphereparts.com (I think that's right). Thanks for that info and for watching.

[@andrewpolitano]

I had a real hankering for an Elite a few months back and have a good connection for a maple neck, triple single coil tobacco burst for something like 1250. The more I thought about it though, the more I sort of want an ever so slightly older Standard. I think I'll wait until more fools trade in their 2014-2015 Standards for this 'updated' model. The Standard truly has everything you need and none of the bells and whistles that Fender thinks command such a high MSRP tag. OTOH, the N4 pickups and the compound radius DO hold an appeal for me as my hands are a bit smaller. The newer neck DOES feel better to me and the myriad of switching options are enticing. I still don't think it's 1700 enticing, but if I can't score a Standard for $800 in minty condition, I'll definitely pick up an Elite for 1300 out the door. Would never pay 1700 though.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Ha I agree it IS over priced these days. The draw for me was basically the same as you said.. pickups and neck. The switching is less important to me but the neck is really nice. Thanks for your comments and for watching.

[@ruscoelee]

Another great video Tony. Thankfully no chorus, the only nit picking I can find is that, I would have liked to ear what those pick-ups sounded like played clean. The way a guitar arrives set up is a difficult one. If we liked the same gauge of string and string action it wouldn't be a problem. At the price you paid, the shop should set it up to your requirements as an after market service.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

It's a good point. In fact I did record a little bit of clean but just did not put it in the video... I should have... and you are right on that for sure. BTW these Elite Strats come with 9's on there as standard - something I simply did not mention. 9's are perfect for me but as you say not for everyone for sure. The shop would have set it up... but I requested that they did not because I wanted to see what Fender shipped exactly and how it arrived. They were blameless and would have done that by default... but I really did want to see how it was shipped. I 'almost' did use a chorus on some of the clean stuff that was relegated and quite interesting that you mentioned that... I guess its because Strats sound so good with chorus. In any case thanks for watching. I just might do a quick video of my 2008 white strat and this one in comparison of tones with the same settings etc. as a comparison probably through a Marshall at some stage which should be worth checking.

[@dennislynn2955]

I wouldn't mind owning one, It looks like a great strat.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks for watching Dennis.

[@BrianHadley35]

Some of these have "Made in the USA" on the back of the headstock along with the serial number. It may be later models. I got in early in 2016 and it has it.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks Brian for the info. This one as you saw just had US as the start of the serial number. This one was on the sea to the UK when I ordered it so I guess its sort of June 16 time or somewhere near that... I did not see any date internally though so it is a guess. Maybe if you're in the USA? the domestic guitars are different? Hard to know from here... but thanks for that... and thanks for watching.

[@BrianHadley35]

I've seen both being sold in the US. Mine has the same kind of serial number, with the US at the beginning of it, but under that it says "Made in the USA". On retail sites where you can see the actual guitar you are buying I was seeing both for a while but last time I looked most do not have it. I was wondering if it had to do with rules about how much of an instrument is actually made in the USA. Maybe it has something to do with where the wood comes from.....I remember this about Martin Guitars: "California's Unfair Competition statute states that for an item to be designated "Made in the USA," "any article, unit, or part thereof," has to be "entirely or substantially made, manufactured, or produced" in the U.S. The California Supreme Court has interpreted this rule to mean that a "Made in the USA" designation requires that 100% of every piece of every part in a product must be made in one of the 50 states. Martin guitars, despite the labors of 600 craftspeople in Nazareth, don't make the cut because they incorporate imported woods, Asian and European built tuners, and synthetic nuts and saddles from Canada.

[@BrianHadley35]

Love your videos! Very detailed. Also love the Elite...check out my You Tube channel, I have a playlist with a lot of clips and sounds.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

The 'Made in the USA' thing does relate to where its made and I don't think the wood comes in to that equation... but from what you show there maybe it does! Thanks for that info... very useful.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes I did check it all out and subbed :) good stuff and nice playing too.

[@obriantomlinson2776]

So what would you say the best versatile electric guitar is?

[@tonytouchzz]

O'Brian Tomlinson id say the elite is the most versatile I ever tryed. You must try it yourself... Im wondering too if I should buy a bunch of AVRi or this one and right now I think the elite would be better

[@obriantomlinson2776]

Colonel Gayfur Colonel Gayfur but have you listened to Paul Hurley play? I love the way his guitar sounds, any of his videos where he's playing that black guitar with that gold looking pick guard.... Google Paul Hurley-unfaithful Rihanna cover....while I wanna be able to play blues too I want my guitar to sound rock like his too....I think that one in the video is a fender too but idk or what pickups are on that one. It sounds amazing! To me...???

[@tonytouchzz]

O'Brian Tomlinson the sound in this video is mostly his pedals, the elite is great for blues and will achieve what you want with the Hurley video you linked, just gotta find the right pedals that gives you that sound.

[@JustinHallPlus]

I stick a rubber O ring under my volume knob, it keeps it in place better. I learned on a start though, so I probably don't hit the knob as badly as many.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes that will work of course. But an 'O' ring has only a very small part of the rubber touching the body surface and the under knob surface so it might slide a bit. The wider idea I showed here stays still on the body and the knob slips around on the top... But thanks for the info - I think maybe someone else also commented on the O ring... its still a good idea of course and as you say it depends on how much the volume gets knocked. In my case it is a lot. Thanks for watching.

[@robertclarkguitar]

I went with MIM. Standard...The special Edition ..50s logo sync trem etc. The color of gilmours line. Close. Anyway probably how they tried to push them. Without calling it that. None the less I purchased it because of the color and the price I got it for 2017 like month ago. Has new case. Pro set up from the guy and he sold it wanting more bass gear. He had impulse buy...

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Oh I agree on the price for sure and the guitars from Mex are pretty cool. Ha you probably got a bargain :).

[@danvanbelk1]

Hi Tomy, as I understand it, the tone that seems to lock into position, is actually a tone bypass, to give you a true pick up sound. Just wondering, if you also have a Tele I don't think, the volume won't get in the way of your style of playing on a Tele 😊 I enjoy your vids, keep up the good work😊

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

It sure is and when it locks it does indeed bypass the tone from the circuit they say. Yes the telecasters are different. But I did build a telecaster with Fender controls (seemed a good idea :) and see what I did here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2qtZ3Rvqrh3fdE and for me it's the perfect Fender Stratocaster layout on a Telecaster :) Thanks for watching these videos too its always appreciated.

[@danvanbelk1]

+tonymckenziecom cheers Tony, I'll look forward to watching that, I'm a Tele man at heart 😊👍

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I know what you mean... but my idea of a telecaster is the link I gave you :) it's not what most might call a tele :) Overall I made three of them and still have two. The first one I sold to a really incredible pro player and you can see him playing the guitar I built here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e17OaZ9-ms6imNk He's Glen Proudfoot and an awesome player... but really it's a telecaster that I developed and as you might guess it's a tele that breathes fire :) anyway... there you go.

[@dennisjohnson2519]

Nice one Tony, That hole would drive me crazy, I was thinking of buying one, now I'm not sure

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Actually the hole is viewable on a few strats! Always check because you could be surprised. I have a 2008 USA strat just the same but never noticed it before this review. Thanks for watching.

[@waynewatson1273]

You can also get ebony fretboard, as mines is, Ocean Turquoise with ebony fretboard, and BTW it is mother of pearl dots on fretboard!!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

At the time of writing the review (when these guitars first came out) I don't think ebony was an option, I too would have preferred that of course also. Yes real mother of pearl and nicely done too.

[@frankvriale4534]

I bought one looked great, I loved the neck that type should be the evolution of Fender. I have a Fender which I dearly love. I put Emg pickups on it just great . The new one I gave back, just couldn't justify the price, more importantly I didn't like the pickups. I asked a guitar teck," what is the difference between an American made Strat and a Mexican version, " he said," 50 miles ". I bought a Gibson Standard 2016. Gave it back Static all over the neck and the weight relief I did not like. Beautiful but./ So I went with a great Platform PRS SE and never looked back. For this price point and a great Teck, Carmine Street Guitars. in NYC. Wow.

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Yes the neck is good for sure. The Elite is really over priced I think too, great if you can get a second user one (but hard to find) and I liked the pickups myself so no issue with them. But that price is off and I agree completely with that. Ha 50 miles is a brilliant comment :) but not sure you will get an Elite neck from Mex. (at least not yet). The fact is, that different guitars and setups suit different guys for sure. The PRS SE are OK for the money from the ones I have seen and a good basis to work on IMO (but that's just my opinion) but others might disagree with that. Whereas the low priced Epiphone (and lots of other guitars at the price range) have a lot of work to improve. Good info and thanks for posting. Thanks fore watching.

[@mervevans5930]

The volume knob seems even looser than the normal ones or is it my imagination, anyway I always take mine off and glue a rubber/foam washer to the underneath of the knob. Although it does slightly increase the height of the knob it produces sufficient resistance against the body that should you hit it,which I always seemed to do, the knob doesn't move from your desired setting. No guarantee but it works on mine. Great video again, always very entertaining and informative. Ps. No I wouldn't but one ;-)

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks for that tip... you are the second guy to tell me that - so probably the second one who also has had that problem... good to know I'm not alone :) I will be trying it. Yes it does seem loose for sure and is so light to turn. Glad you liked the video - they are made for you guys and I just really like doing them on a good piece of gear and this Elite was a refreshing change to be honest. If I had the chance to buy a neck later I would... and maybe find those pickups. Then I probably would not need an Elite. But it was pretty reasonable because I got it before they increased. Thanks for watching and for that tip - second guy or not its these sort of little things that can help many guys and always worth posting.

[@diegovasta8755]

I would love to have a grandfather like him, would play his guitars for hours

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Not the first to say it :) Thanks for watching.

[@Halliday7895]

Father Mckenzie, Do you darn your socks... in the night...when nobody's there?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Well all I can say is.... 'Man I wish I had written that song' :) Some say I sound like McCartney, but sadly my bank account is different than his :). Thanks for watching.

[@bobbyberetta4206]

It's a beautiful guitar however the only reason I would purchase the elite vs a standard is the neck, love that neck .

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Good point on the neck for sure... it is pretty cool and I liked that immediately. Thanks for watching.

[@adam5744]

it's got a nice sound what settings are you using

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

What of the amp or the guitar? for the guitar I did put a few on there... let me know if you want the amp settings... and thanks for watching.

[@adam5744]

+tonymckenziecom yes please the amp settings thank you i appreciate it

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Adam I'll check this... but if I forget just come back to me... really busy.... but I will do it.

[@markussther5326]

As always, your videos are the best!

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

Thanks Marcus it is appreciated. Thanks for watching.

[@doolapew]

Hi. What do you recommend, maple or rosewood fingerboard (for clean sound)?

[@tonymckenzieofficial]

I would describe the maple as a more 'toppy' sound than rosewood. As the Stratocaster is toppy anyway I often shy away from it. I don't really think other than that extra top end that it particularly is only on the clean sound, but rather there with all the sounds... but not by much. So... more toppy get maple. Thanks for watching.