I Tried a Fender Meteora From Japan

[@Wilco1972]

Its nice seeing Trogly doing this as I have the Limited Edition Meteora that we got in the USA. All black with anodized black aluminum pickguard and Ebony fretboard. I love love love this guitar!

[@Fastskull]

It's nice because there isn't really much information about this Japan limited meteora.. I was mindblown when I saw it on the Fender site but couldn't find anything about it online. BTW - I also have the limited black meteora, have you left it stock? I decided to put strat style knobs, P90s, and a tort pickguard on mine.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

Dead cool guitar. They will go through the roof in value in 10 years.

[@Wilco1972]

@@Fastskull Yes for the most part mines stock. I would be interested where you got an aftermarket pickguard from though.

[@trogdirtheunburninator2037]

Hardcore agree. I really wanted to get it (still do) but ended up getting a JR Strat. 6 of one, half a dozen of the other haha.

[@wlb-85]

Those extra routes under the pick guard are to identify the body as MiM. USA guitars never get that.

[@chrisludwig7964]

They're like that because they're made in Mexico.. it's not made to identify as that's what the first m is for on mim. the extra routing is done by a CNC router. They're all made like that. It's faster, so cheaper.

[@wlb-85]

@@chrisludwig7964 Yeah, that's the point I'm making, they're made in Mexico so they have the extra routing so you can't neck swap them and pass them off as a USA guitar. At least not with the pick guard off.

[@mdominic]

Oh its MIM mot MIJ. The title is confusing.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Exactly!

[@frankwren8215]

This kind of crap makes Fender such a pain to deal with.

[@Wilco1972]

Trogly is the one who made the mistake here​@@frankwren8215

[@britts3006]

Make these with matching headstocks and i'm sold

[@davidwilkins5932]

For a roasted neck, it’s not particularly “roasted”. Looks more like a lightly tinted varnish.

[@unknownguitars]

I'd be super keen with a shorter scale length to knock out some of that string tension

[@jonnyf9049]

In my world the fender scalelentgh is easier to play🤓😆

[@nitodelgadillo9029]

Always good when we get an actual Fender for Fender Friday

[@ilhadi]

Anyone else noticed that the fretboard on the 9th fret look a bit dull at 12:24? Kinda like the lacquer is a bit off.

[@Wilco1972]

9th and 16th fret both look oddly dull.

[@Shredward-dl2gp]

So happy that you are playing the Alman Brothers. That is what you need to play on all your demos Austin. It has a mid range tone that your demos have been missing! Well done!

[@sonicaids]

this body shape would be perfect for a metal style version. all black, ebony fretboard.

[@joermnyc]

There is a USA limited run in black with ebony and I think the pickguard is black anodized aluminum too.

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

They need a Floyd! U would leave all else alone. They need to be a rebel not a ''me too'' Metal guitar.

[@jonnyf9049]

Google jim root meteora. You wont be sad!

[@rcyalater...2305]

Maple fingerboards are so sweet though

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

The Firebird -X comparison is hilarious , the ' X' or plus sign carved under the pickguard is mysterious , the guitar has an interesting shape yet the pickguard is weird , it makes me want a Jazzmaster instead , hee-hee , sounds goot ! Thanks Trogness !

[@billwyatt2449]

I like it. Covers a wide range of sounds. thanks

[@buzzbomb67]

When they first came out, with the Telecaster setup, thought it was SO COOL looking! Not too long after, I found a Meteora style bare body on eBay. Bought it, had it routed for buckers, got a Warmoth Mooncaster (Starcaster) neck made for it. Used a Schaller bridge (no whammy), tailpiece and tuners, electronics by 920D, Pearly Gates pickups. Painted it kind of a Cobalt blue metallic, very like this one, but not translucent. Everyone who plays it absolutely loves it! Right about the time I finished it, they came out with the dual humbucker version lol

[@ohmtronseedling]

Fender/Squier have been really good with releasing new designs. Meteora, Toronado, Pawnshop, Offset Teles.... really good, comfortable designs. i bought my Offset Tele speciffically because it didn't have the blocky Telecaster shape, much more comfortable. Nice choice, Trogly!

[@recklesstoboggan]

The Fender Meteora is actually the Fender Reverend Billy Corgan BCZero1 Meteora. They make A LOT more sense if you think of them that way. Billy Corgan played a Fernandes Decade (a Fernandes modification and modernization of the Fender Jazzmaster design) that looked almost exactly like a Meteora (in the Adore ear tours, about 20 years before Fender "invented" the Meteora) as Billy transitioned away from Strats (BC Signature Road Worn strat circa 2009-2012) and eventually developed his many guitars with Reverend (which also resemble that Fernandes Decade). The Meteroa tone and volume knobs can make the split pickups sould like a strat neck and a tele bridge, similar to the (often hard-tail) strats Billy used. In humbucker mode you can go full modern Pumpkins. And this is even moreso with the new Ultra II series Meteora that use the same volume, tone, and bass cut controls that Reverend uses on its Billy Corgan models. If you think about the Meteroa in this way, with the dynamics and versatility and variety of the full depth of the entire Pumpkins catalogue (and not at all associated with Linkin Park's Meteora album as many erroneously do) these guitars are absolutely killer from clean to pretty to mean to fuzz to doom to ambient and epic. Not affiliated, just a fan with a few Meteroae, that ended up here because, unfortunately after much trying, I simply don't get along with the Reverend BC necks.

[@wiseguy9202]

Love this model!

[@joermnyc]

I’ve found a bunch of recent Fender MIMs have heavy bodies and featherweight necks… weird.

[@hkguitar1984]

Fender has some fantastic pickups, Gibson too for that matter. Love this guitar's shape, something fresh.

[@silvernuggets1285]

Little bit of knowledge for you. Wide range pups, were created by..... Seth Lover! The creator of the Gibson PAF. In the 60s he went to Fender

[@zanzabar4ky7]

Those are not wide range pickups. Wide range have magnetic polls, and those do not. They just have the wide range cover on normal pickups. Fender only does wide range in the cunife line and very expensive/uncommon custom winds.

[@silvernuggets1285]

@zanzabar4ky7 thank you.

[@hkguitar1984]

Little bit of additional knowledge for you. At Gibson in the 1980s Tim Shaw was tasked with designing the first reissue humbuckers. Tim Shaw, like Seth Lover before him, moved on to work at Fender where he has been responsible for many of the current designs (these Fireball Pickups included). I'm just amazed at how History has sort of repeated itself concerning pickup designs at both Gibson and Fender, and we all win from these notable designers. EDIT, for years I chased tone trying different pickups from all the different manufacturers. All my guitars are either Fender or Gibson. Over the past 10 years I've switched all my guitars back to either Fender or Gibson made pickups. Due to my changing amplifier choices, the original Fender and Gibson pickups just seem to work perfectly for me these days.

[@zanzabar4ky7]

@@hkguitar1984 now that modern amps have unlimited gain, getting every bit of output is not needed. Everyone seems to be moving to hot paf instead of super distortion

[@dylanlamarre3768]

This is the only body shape that I get excited about other than the Yamaha Revstar. Very creative yet balanced and timeless.

[@ralphwest8156]

Those Fireballs sound superb ' ...split too, Maple neck looks nicely comfortable and with great access to the higher frets. Visually, I'm struggling with the exaggerated lower swoop on that pick guard ...maybe a tort guard would work better ?'

[@MinhTran-lz8nk]

Used but they kept the pickguard sticker on the whole time?? Pretty dorky

[@coffeedudeguy]

My biggest gripe is that you can’t just lean it against anything, I need to hang it on my guitar stand on stage. I have an early batch Belair Blue dated 2022, around the time Fender fired many of their builders and hired more after that 🤷🏻. There were QC issues alright, scratchy volume knob, pickup selector sometimes cuts out, unpolished frets, some sloppy neck finish.. but headstock is great, body finish is spot on, pao ferro fretboard is interesting, and most importantly it plays and sounds great! Heavy body for sure, but neck feels feather light. Hopefully Fender has ironed out the quality control (and treat their workers better!)

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

12:49 Can someone name that chord? So dreamy! 🌃

[@Madakalim]

Great sound demos today

[@brooksroman2918]

The 2018 Telecaster Meteora was by far the best. It feels like the true Meteora to me, and I wish they would do it again.

[@darrenlivy]

I got a Silver Burst Meteora a couple of years ago and it had the lacquer crack at the neck too. I guess it might be a weak point? It doesn't affect the guitar in any way other than cosmetically.

[@ScottfromBaltimore]

There's a lot of room to roll off the tone knob, especially with the split neck pickup. All that treble might be handy when rolling off the volume to clean up disruption or fuzz.

[@robsterTN]

Love the body shape! I wish they made more of the models with darker fretboards. I really like the silver burst, but it doesn’t look right with the light maple fretboard.

[@ericbgordon1575]

Even though I have more or less lost my interest in new Fender models, I would potentially make an exception with this one.

[@EliasGraves]

I’ve made about 20 meteoras now. It’s a terrific design.

[@tedpikul1]

Put rosewood fretboards on the non-US model, and maybe add another color option or two, and I'll buy one. I'm very impressed by my Vintera II tele deluxe, and I now trust Fender with non-US 2-humbucker builds.

[@Iggxzy]

Just got one 2 hours ago from Fender Europe, it's not so nice as this one but I have a very satisfying first impression.

[@AndrewAHayes]

I think I would prefer a full colour finish considering the body is a 3 piece, and the walnut replaced by plastic where the truss rod nut used to be is a sin IMO, Fender should be reducing plastic use not increasing it! I really liked the split coil sounds, they actually sounded like single coils, there was a little drop in volume but nowhere near as some of the guitars I have experienced.

[@jimcoppa6946]

I absolutely love your channel every time I watch it it's like Christmas day thank you so much Austin for the most awesome channel on the internet good luck in your future endeavors thank you again

[@jimcoppa6946]

Thank you trogly

[@MechanicCactuss]

It seems to be available here in the Netherlands

[@lostlandmarks8305]

Buying one real soon

[@Techead78]

thanks sassy cat

[@paulmgregory3666]

I love the style of that thing ! It also sounds very Gibson esque to me .😊

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Ever tested a Washburn Falcon? Had one since the early 80's and it's still astounding.

[@dp9550]

9:43 No Trogly those screws are not inset like you said they are perfectly inline , they are however offset , I think it is a visual trick on the eyes .

[@AbeTheBabe6233]

I'm getting one of those sapphire ones for my birthday, this is the first review I've seen for this colour

[@86HAWK1]

I wish they kept the hardtail and block Inlays.

[@BCBridger]

Player plus is a great line, the necks are so sweet for the price

[@basildog007]

Thanksssss... Sassy CAT 🐈

[@jonnyf9049]

The meteora is so damn comfortable to play

[@Viper505repiV1]

I don't know why but those pickups just feel incredibly weak with the coil split to me.

[@angryroostercreations5194]

i wonder if they have an hss planned with slide switches in the upper horn? It looks like the toggle switch is routed to accept a bank of slide switches.

[@DouglasMcLaughlin-kq7hk]

For limited run Fender Strats, review the TexMex Specials from 1997. Evolved out during the Jimmy Vaughn's TexMex. Some have rear FENDER stamped humbucker, others 3rd single... Check it out...

[@StreetPreacherr]

Been getting into the Allman Brothers, or watching Top Gear? lol

[@michaelm9211]

I played a candy apple red one with a black pick guard back when they first came out. I didn’t have the money to buy it, and I still think about that guitar. It’s the only guitar I have ever didn’t buy that I still think about. If I found another I would scoop it up.

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

Reminds me of a ' Fano ' guitar , them space out ones with day glow plastics...Thanky !

[@Bast6]

Well, I love the look of the Modern Flying V… (and the Fender Meteora)

[@rigodon97]

Hey Trogly you should really try out a G&L Comanche one of these days, really unique sound and design

[@cloversgood_luck9290]

The design isn't unique but the sound certainly is

[@metalmig]

those are great sounding guitars !

[@rigodon97]

Sorry I meant pickup design*

[@StephenLight-oc3tl]

Hi can you or someone explain what that small circular router hole is four or about. I've never understood what it was there for.

[@Wilco1972]

I think your talking about the one with the green sticker in it? I believe I've heard that that is to mark that guitar body as a Made In Mexico body. Kinda strange that they use it on this model, because at the time Made in Mexico was the only way to get a Meteora.

[@crispysyd9190]

It's to stabilize the body in the CNC machine.

[@StephenLight-oc3tl]

@@crispysyd9190 thank you. I have always wondered about that.

[@Wilco1972]

@@crispysyd9190 So I just looked at a Trogly video of a Made In Japan Fender and there was no circular route under the pickguard. Is it possible that yes this is for CNC stabilization, but is also exclusive to MIM Fenders?

[@Trog]

Depending on the era - there are select USA-made ones that also have it, but as a general rule of thumb, it can be used to help recognize a MiM body

[@rustedElch]

I love the look but that volume knob placement drives me crazy just looking at it.

[@steveparish9210]

Sounds good looks good. Hey trogly demo the new double neck Martin!

[@papasmamas1]

Gibson puts out a new body shape and all: 🤮🤮🤮 Every other brand innovates: 😍😍😍👌👌👌

[@chris_2714]

Wish they kept the block inlays and hardtail bridge, but otherwise a cool guitar 👍

[@georgeoh-well8116]

Something you might want to check out Austin; Sell Us Your Guitar in the UK has a 1979 The Paul with a Les Paul Custom headstock which they reckon is factory !

[@Trog]

I disagree with what they believe.

[@donkeyboy585]

I’m really liking the shape and how it sounds. Trogly getting me interested in a Fender. There’s some irony there lol

[@rolandoluna6141]

Mr trogly, is that a better or worse sound than Gibson?

[@robhorsey9906]

Neat guitar, something different from Fender is always appreciated. I was thinking it might look cool with a Starcaster headstock, something about the Jazzmaster style headstock looks off to me. Great video as usual!

[@dw7704]

The Fiesta Red and Silverburst look the best, but that would only be a factor if other stuff is more or less even I have played them, they feel odd to me, and I love how Jazzmasters feel. But I could get used to it

[@clarkbabin9799]

Jeffe do you know what it means to have a plethora...I really didn't care for the first iteration of the Meteora. The newer look is better. It might be interesting to have that center route. Maybe a stacked humbucker or just a hot single. Maybe the cross is a CNC alignment route. Having seen that this has a trem system unless this is really thick maybe a single coil would be more correct in the center. This guitar sounds like it could play a wide range of genres . Its clesn tones are great for cool jazz and its biting in the bridge pickup sounds as if it could run all the way to some metal. But in the middle do great swoops and drifting sounds of progressive rock like Pink Floyd did so well. Apparently it can do some blues tones as well.

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

Titel should have been 'I imported a Mexican Fender Meteora from Japan' !

[@oceantree5000]

I really like the look of these

[@SonOfaGunn_YT]

Should have better shielding around the pickups for that fender price. Least is has a roasted maple neck.

[@PlatinumBlack90038]

Blue Fenders look and sound the best! 🔵🔵🔵

[@magarnaglest]

More Fenders on this channel please

[@247Dognews]

Hey Sassy Cat thanks. Nice looking axe!

[@random_name-44]

Thank you Sassy Cat! A very interesting shape, beautiful finish. I liked the look of the Firebird X, if only it weren't a robot guitar.

[@monkofwar]

Can’t wait to get my own Meteora

[@danielbreaux1842]

16:49 Trogly likes the Neck! Everyone has to take a drink!

[@jbrethel]

Damn........I really like your take on Jessica. Nice playing on the whole post.😊

[@anthonyphillips111]

It's got you playing things I'm not used to hearing from you, Austin. That's a cool guitar I bet.

[@TheAtariCreep]

I wonder if that cross under the guard is to show it was a Japanese exclusive? If fender sells those pups, I might grab a set. Put them in an Epi Les Paul?

[@ChrisShortyAllen]

Surprisingly good.

[@cloversgood_luck9290]

I contemplated getting this however the translucent blue saphirre killed it for me i opted for the trad 60's Lake placid Blue Jaguar from Japan instead

[@GuitarDaze2023]

Finally fender makes a guitar that catches my eye,how many versions of the tele and strat they have is anyone guess, but a new design is something else and a welcome sight, I kind of like it,my tele affinity is the same color,what’s with fender not offering certain guitars in certain markets,after all this is US fender we should have access to anything you make right. 🤣👍🎸🆒🇺🇸

[@leviathan_is_me]

Seems like Fenders take on a Firebird/Explorer mash up.

[@monkofwar]

That’s the best sounding guitar I’ve seen on your channel

[@ereimul1444]

love the review. always wanted to try meteora. btw, Trog lets try Thorne guitar some day yeah.

[@kathrynhobbs1082]

Is it me or does 9th fret finish look different than the rest?

[@BillyBlackwell-p8u]

I'm getting early 90s charvel surfcaster vibes. A good thing.

[@Steven-re3tx]

Happy Friday from Alaska.

[@miserychannel69]

Don't point out what is seen at 3:04 and 10:08 .. it got me a warning from the overlords. Pause it and read the letters. lol

[@doctoribanez]

Made in Mexico surprised me. I thought it would be made in japan.

[@s.t.0.p]

Hey Trogly! Sorry if you already did this and I missed it but it would be neat to see you document one of the EVH brand Frankenstein guitars!

[@Trog]

I'll do you one better kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y3TRimaYYs5qY68

[@s.t.0.p]

@Trog I know you reviewed that one I would like to see the differences between the custom shop and regular! But thanks for the response 🙏

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

This really looks like the next guitar Fender should have made after doing the Jazzmaster and the Jaguar. I think it will stand the test of time, It looks totally Fender. The PU's are a Mr. PAF ....Seth Lover design. no doubt modded over the years but the offset coils give it a fuller sound. Gibson would not let him do one soooo...

[@rcyalater...2305]

Sounds and looks killer. It's a winner

[@SuperFurry100]

Top marks for 'Jessica'!!!

[@drhall343]

Those humbuckers have some nice bite.

[@vincentrandles8105]

I've always great idea:; REVERSE METEORA!! 🤘🤘 Now THAT would be 😎 Kool! (If you must, just imagine Hendricks playing one upside down....) headstock & everystuff.

[@jcwoodstl]

Suddenly I want a silverburst meteora….

[@RevGerryRM]

Ebay has plenty of those blue ones!

[@sdd28772]

IMO, would look better if it had the larger 70's headstock.

[@zombieparrot2606]

I loved the original iteration of these, after watching Jim Root play one when they were first introduced. I wish they had kept the block inlays instead of the dots, it looks so much better imo.

[@ChloeG1984]

I'd love the "ebony" black special edition of this (but too much money rip)

[@mikemurdock5632]

OOf how bout fender moving the standard to Indonesia instead of mexico??