ULTIMATE Stratocaster Comparison! - From Squier Affinity to Fender Custom Shop!

[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

Let me know which Strat you thought sounded the best, and which one you'd spend your hard-earned money on! Enjoy :)

[@israelgarciaramos1225]

who won the ibanez?

[@agch771]

catch em all

[@kianguitars2537]

I wish someone give me a cheap electric guitar😢

[@groovedoggy]

I know it's not technically a Fender but I would throw a Shijie in there. Apparently they're absolutely incredible guitars. For a little over $1K they'll rival a custom shop. Stainless frets locking tuners and really good hardware.

[@MyButtsBeenWiped]

Play Authentic !

[@smrititrivendra4884]

squier affinity 10:54 squier classic vibe 11:05 fender player 11:17 fender professional 11:30 fender select 11:42

[@diujay]

Thanks a lot

[@theguitarclubonline]

I did a blind test for my student between my 'Classic Vibe' & Custom Shop. Said the Squire sounded better :(

[@monmixer]

Every ones ear is bit different. Don't fret it.

[@lostreb]

@@monmixer Thank you for the laugh, and well played!!

[@PragmaticDany]

It's all about playability and looks. There is nothing like a bad sounding guitar being made anymore.

[@grinne2975]

Squier

[@mandubabulam]

tbf the classic vibe is a really great guitar

[@cityofghosts4037]

Your videos are so good. Concise with no waffling you say just what needs to be said, and you seem like a super passionate and nice guy. Thanks.

[@maciek4671]

Let's be honest, soundwise, the Squier Classic Vibe series is nearly identical to the Fender Player series.

[@karlcarlsburg9641]

The internet is not the proper venue for honesty. Lol.

[@laketownmusic]

Yeah heck the classic vibe has an actual bone nut, so all you gotta do nowadays is replace the electronics (not the pickups because they’re great for the money) and you have basically a slightly better player strat

[@isaacpaolino718]

Yeah I wanted a player series because I thought a fender must be better sounding but when I played the two guitars I couldn't tell the difference.

[@kreechrr]

I love my 50s CV. Swapped the switch, bridge (for the thick block) and pups to a 57/62 for "added authenticity" There nothing like that chime in clean tones Plus the body is alder, like my Charvel DK24 over 2x the price; even if it's not as thick as the fender equivalent.

[@omarvillegas7071]

One big difference its the wood of the body, in squier you get poplar, and the player is made with alder

[@RC32Smiths01]

In many cases, a Strat is simply a guitar's best friend. Always feels awesome to play, and have a range of versatility. Cheers!

[@darphbobo55]

Isn’t a strat a guitar lol? How is it a guitar’s best friend?

[@upshitdownshit4200]

@@darphbobo55 Gibson's got lonely

[@olivereaster2778]

@@darphbobo55 think he meant “guitarist’s”

[@christopher-miles]

@@darphbobo55 nerd.

[@sotg1167]

This is a sick video idea, I hope that you do more like this, with other types of guitars.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Just rehearsed our set tonight with my 70s Classic Vibe Strat. I bought it this past February and it is presently my favorite guitar to play. It just fits me well, I love the classic look and feel, offers quality above its price point.

[@leonedantonio]

There's also an American Professional II Series with the new pickups and push pull as well as contoured heel. And following up this is the Ultra Series which do have locking tuners but come with noiseless pickups.

[@ClintsCrypt]

The Elite/Ultra Series have the compound radius fretboards. My American Professional does not have a contoured heel. The Pro II does have one. So does my Elite. My Elite also has a S1 switch.

[@dsholt]

I was also wondering why he jumped over the Ultra from the Pro to the Custom Shop. Could have given a shout out to the Original series too.

[@robertdonosobuchner3129]

Yes I agree. What's about the other series from Fender...?

[@thesullivanstreetproject]

@@robertdonosobuchner3129 yeah, there are a bunch more. I’m assuming he didn’t cover them because he doesn’t own them?

[@arn999]

@@ClintsCrypt If you have a Pro II, it does have a contoured heel (just less than the Ultra). The Pro I, which I have, doesn't.

[@rahardyanaldi]

This is the topic that we're all waiting for!

[@rayschoch5882]

When I bought my Squier in 1986, it was the only "budget" model Fender made. It still looks decent, and sounds good. The high-end model in Darrell's demo sounded the best, but not thousands of dollars better than the Affinity, which is a close 2nd in my book, and you can put high-end pickups in an Affinity to get the same sound quality as the high-end one for a lot less money. I don't much care where the guitar is made, and have instruments from Japan, Indonesia and Korea that all sound just fine.

[@guitar_fed]

Oh good, at least I am not the only one who thought that the Squier affinity sounds impressively good! I would put Custom and Affinity as 1st and 2nd as well!

[@beefnacos6258]

I'm with you. At the end of the day though it's not all about the sound it's about how the guitar actually feels and plays.

[@LukeLX]

The affinity definitely sounds closer to the top models than vibe and player

[@ptrisonic]

You can also get thick, Brass (or Steel) BUT shorter trem blocks..... easy upgrade too.

[@MarkLong-t4v]

I just got a squire kit that comes in a big box with a amp for 298.00 fender gig bag fender cord and picks .I sanded the sides of my frets for a Smoother neck , the action is like a real fender, the expensive fender guitars have THE BEST NECKS in the world

[@randallcl9925]

I bought that exact same Aged Cherry Burst Player Strat last year and it is gorgeous and fantastic in every way! There is no reason to replace the trem, just get the Fender springs that drop into the screw hole and you can adjust how tight or loose the trem lever is.

[@user-of9ut1hd9q]

I have the exact same one as well and am beyond in love with it. I was actually wondering about the trem bar springs, so that’s good to know they’ll work. Are you using the fender branded springs or the strewmac spring/ball bearing? Edit: I just now saw you said Fender springs

[@randallcl9925]

@@user-of9ut1hd9q Yes it is a fantastic guitar, worth every penny! The resale value of Fender is so high that I could sell mine for what I paid for it (on sale 18 months ago) or more. I love the pickups too, Fender makes so many Strat pickups but the alnico Players are great and it's not worth the expense of upgrading. He did not mention how the bottom tone control works the bridge pickup and how much that improves the sound. This is my main Strat and as Darrell said I will keep it forever. I bought a bag of 12 Fender trem springs for less than $6US online.

[@stephanskogen3817]

I also popped a spring into my 2013 Player (which I believe in slightly different than todays Player), and I have no issues with the trem arm after that

[@gavinw5469]

@@stephanskogen3817 the difference is that it is not a player strat. Player strats didn't exist back then. Just a made in Mexico standard. Also worse quality than the new player series.

[@Chrsly]

The Player Series is fantastic! So so sweet.

[@LucyLeheilleix]

Love your channel so much! I just started playing again after a 15 year break. I think the classic vibe is the one I’ll get.

[@heavybrett-al4082]

I recently brought a squire 70's classic Vibe Strat,and it plays and sounds better than my Mexican fender.

[@unacuentadeyoutube13]

Sound test: Affinity: 10:53 Classic Vibe (in my opinion the best for the money): 11:05 Fender Player Seriers: 11:18 Fender Professional: 11:30

[@44scoots]

In my opinion, the Player series will last longer than the CV.

[@unacuentadeyoutube13]

@@44scoots but you are almost doubling the money, and there are other guitars at that price (yamaha pacifica 612) that are better. Of course, the "fender" brand name is something they consider to set its value

[@rafaeltorresbatista]

thanks!

[@44scoots]

@@unacuentadeyoutube13 better?

[@ssm445]

I've had a Squier CV and it was the worst sounding and playing guitar I've ever owned, not even worth doing a better setup. It was really in the league of a $80 Harley Benton Strat style, just much worse. I am pretty sure I had bad luck with the model I received, but one should be aware that these can be decent or junk even in 2022.

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I just bought a Fender Player Plus Top aged cherry HSS strat that is identical to the one used in this video. I swapped out the tuners to Fender's Locking tuners and had a professional luthier do a setup on it. I also had him change the nut to a Graph Tech nut because I though the string height was to high, and I installed a Graph Tech string tree. this guitar plays like butter now and I love it...

[@theshimmeringcarnelians]

Thanks Darrell. 10:53 sound comparison

[@TexanUSMC8089]

It makes no sense for the MIM to have a plastic nut. A bone or graftek doesn't cost that much. What's $5 when you're already spending $700+.

[@pablo9364]

Exactly

[@BluesCat1980]

Anywhere they can save money, they'll cost cut. You take $5.00 multiplied by thousands, Fender is saving at of money.

[@golfhound]

@@BluesCat1980 yes they are saving, but the cost cut to Fender is not worth it. Put the bone nut on there and raise the price. Also, locking tuners. Both changes would make the player series far more attractive.

[@PragmaticDany]

@@golfhound Fender executives talked about this for days my man. They decided that saving the extra $5 per nut a in a year of production is going to allow them to buy a new porche each. Believe, they know what they are doing. They know that we are still going to buy into the logo, whatever they put in it.

[@edwardglyons]

Marketing. If the MIM gets too close to the quality of the American models, it gets harder to justify the price for a USA strat.

[@richardcooper7935]

I have a Pacifica 012 and will be looking to upgrade to a fender very soon so I’m always looking for comparison videos - most of which talk about tone. This video is the most comprehensive I have seen in terms of hardware and what you’re actually paying for.

[@johnwelch557]

I've never had tuning issues with the Affinity. The six screws are just pivot posts. Back them out 3 turns minimum. Thanks Darrell!

[@artamussumatra6286]

I prefer the 6 screw type. I’ve played both, and imho, the supposed superiority of the 2 post is just a placebo effect myth. It’s all in the set up, and both types benefit greatly from doing a correct one.

[@chrisraatz6672]

Agreed. The 2-point/6-screw comparison is usually pointless. Set either up well and you will have no issues.

[@theWARMJET]

I have had some tunning problems on mine, Affinity, but after putting some vaseline on the sadles and graphite on the neck it holds tunning quite well. I have a thing for my Affinity Indonesian Strat

[@davep2945]

Last year my dad was asking me about my electric guitar which was a 30 year old Peavey Predator. A good guitar for the $200 I paid for it 30 years ago but the pickups had gotten iffy and the pots were basically just there to fill holes in the pick guard. But I rarely played it anyway, almost always choosing my acoustic instead. Well, we got to talking and he asked me what would I get if I were to ever replace it. I told him a real Strat instead of the old knock-off. Well, a good friend of his who is a life long player and Strat lover was behind the scenes advising my dad who has never strummed a guitar much less played. All of this unbeknownst to me. His friend is a made in America guy and so is my dad so when he came to visit one day he had in the back of his truck an American Professional Stratocaster as a surprise gift. Needless to say I was speechless but extremely grateful. I would have been just as happy with the Player series but when I found out who was giving my dad advice I realized the two made in the U.S.A. guys wouldn't have it any other way. I love the thing. I play electric a lot more now and thought it would only be fitting to give it a new amp to play through so I went out and got one the next day. I've been into plenty of guitar shops both before and after getting this Strat and I guess I'm just a traditional guy but for me it's Strats number one, Les Paul's number 2, Gretsch hollow body's 3, and Gibson 335's 4. Can't go wrong with the classics.

[@TheDanification]

Didn’t mention the American Performer series. Around $1,100 for a Strat or Tele. It’s the lowest price point for a new USA made Fender

[@ahelmste]

I love my performer Tele and I’ll probably get the performer Strat. They really check all the boxes.

[@max98-e3y]

@@ahelmste Same, I have a limited edition performer serie telecaster in a butterscotch with a maple fretboard. Absolutely love it.

[@weaponload6427]

Me too, I have an all black AM Perf. Strat with HSS configuration and it‘s literally the best... does everything, beautiful tone and marvelous playability Edit: Did I mention that I didn‘t need to tune it for almost a year despite constant playing and carrying it through different weather conditions? Yeah, they hold tune wonderfully.

[@rsuazon]

I just wish the Performer series had the Deep C neck profile like the Pro's do. I would probably have a performer strat by now if it did

[@weaponload6427]

@@rsuazon I never noticed when playing... I am not that familiar with neck shapes, what exactly is the difference?

[@loubadabin420]

Great demo on the various Strat models, thanks.....

[@LiesThatBind]

There are actually three lines now that are made in Mexico: Player series, Vintera and Noventa. Personally, the most interesting one for 2021 that is MIM, is the 75th anniversary which is basically a Player series with the Vintera 60's pickups, a matching headstock and a gigbag for little more than a what a Players series goes for.

[@omarvillegas7071]

And the deluxe series

[@LiesThatBind]

@@omarvillegas7071 True I forgot about that one. So many choices nowadays.

[@kentfuqua9634]

I had a MIM strat that I could kick myself for ever trading for a made in America. Tone was great and each position was great. I have a Gretch today-semi hollow and great tone.

[@Ndlanding]

I'd buy it just for the gig bag! Not.

[@LiesThatBind]

@@Ndlanding no one would, but it's still better than none. Vintera 60's pickups, matching headstock and it being a limited edition(collectible) are the main draws here.

[@DaringDan]

I dropped an American Pro I loaded pickguard in my Affinity Strat and love it. After 3 years on the beginner Squier I was ready to up the quality of the sound but still loved the feel of the Squier. It was a great upgrade and only cost me a few hundred bucks on stratosphere.

[@slowpoke7888]

What about the "Performer" Strat. My personal favourite. Just love the jumbo frets and Yosemite pickups. I gig with one and have a classic vibe as a backup.

[@arn999]

Yeah, there's a bunch missing. It's all a matter of preferences really. I don' love jumbo frets, so went with the Professional with its narrow-tall frets. Of course it's not great value for money (well, it is compared to Gibson!), but it's the guitar that fit my preferences the most, at a still non crazy price.

[@taildragger53]

YES!! VERY affordable and , together with the older series, (the jumbo fretted "'American Special,) my all time fave. LOVE the frets, can obtain a superb low action because of the fret profile, and the pups are brilliant for a vintage Blues vibe and even jazz.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

I love the specs of the Performer series. But I just don’t like the 70’s headstock.

[@slowpoke7888]

@@MrSpeed-lt8gr Yeah, I have to agree but I am growing more accustomed to it. Though I still prefer the smaller headstock.

[@nevaagainwee]

@@arn999 What’s the difference between jumbo and tall frets? Obviously I understand the physical difference but I guess what’s the pros of each?

[@chiefobeef]

As a very casual Fender fan out of the loop on what's what with the current landscape, this video is a great overview, thanks!

[@connorberohn9310]

The player is literally the exact guitar that I have, same color and everything and I love it so much

[@93greenstrat]

The Player Strat is basically what the old American Standard Strat used to be. A great bargain, IMO, and very much a professional quality guitar.

[@strawsparky33]

but its not American....

[@iused2bfast153]

You got it, its a pre-2008 Am Std with stamped saddles and 1.65" nut width. Even the bridge assemblies are identical and even weigh the same.

[@yurawylde7212]

no!

[@soserchristianguitar9202]

​@@strawsparky33ammm.... a question🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 Mexico is a Europe country??.... no more coments

[@judih.8754]

Great comparison with your honest comments. I liked the short back to back playing segment. I agree with your assessments of the two choices. I'll stay with my Pacifica though. Cheers.

[@MustafaBaabad]

You just make me more convince that Pacifica is the reasonable choice. Cheers from Indonesia.

[@judih.8754]

@@MustafaBaabad a nice selection in various configurations and price points. They've always been seen as value packed. Darrell has done a few videos on Pacificas. Check them out. Cheers.

[@Clintthecoolguy]

I'm digging that funky playing on the comparisons!

[@scottreynolds6317]

Great comparison!!! Love my American Professional Strat!!! Agree that MIM Player series gives the best bang for the buck.

[@SpiritOfHalloween31]

I spent $860 on my Player Series Strat mainly due to the humbucker pickups it came with, I wanted an HSS configuration so I could have more versatility. I really love the guitar. Not only is it my first real Stratocaster, but its such a huge upgrade from the guitar I started out with, which is a Starcaster by Fender guitar. I'm not even sure if that guitar can even be called a "Strat." I am also happy to hear that the Player Series is a lifetime guitar. I still say it is well worth the money. On a side note to newcomers who buy the player series, make sure you buy a case with it too. It does not come with a case. I already have a guitar case but that's because I also own a cheap guitar.

[@happygolukky]

Wow classic vibe strat was a wake up call! Thanks for the comparison!

[@kushanisiwara4058]

I am happy that I chose to buy the squire classic vibe 50s strat as my first electric guitar. I have been using it so far and is the only electric guitar I have. Feel happy that I can use it for live shows without worrying too much

[@atb1325]

Squire Bullets are the base model. The Affinity's are the next tier. I bought a Squire Blackout HSS LTD edition last year and it is a great guitar! 129.00 dollars free shipping from Guitar Center. I have the trem edition and the hard tail was 60.00 dollars more at that time. No fret buzz, nice action and good build quality. The Indonesian CORT built are very good for the money spent. I'm a Les Paul guy and bought this affordable Strat just to delve into Stratocasters. I must say that I was very impressed with way it played and build quality right out the box. It has become one of my favorite guitars to pick up and play. The neck is so comfortable with the light satin finish. Great affordable guitars!! I have guitars that cost 5 times as much and I must say that Squire makes some very nice guitars for the money.

[@bigwavedave8492]

I've been loving made in Mexico Stratocasters since 92 when I got and still have my first one they are without a doubt the sound and feel of a strat ... I suggest constantly to friends that want that tone to just get a player model

[@harveywhitehead303]

The player series 2 point trem has a screw in bar. If you want an instant upgrade that requires no tools, buy the tiny trem-bar spring. You simply unscrew the trem bar, drop the spring in the trem bar hole. Reinstall the trem bar. You will feel the spring tension on the trem bar. It actually holds the trem bar where you want it. The spring is tiny but beefy. It does a great job.

[@ptrisonic]

Plumber's teflon tape works as well.... I'm always losing those springs so keep a few in your gig bag. Pete.

[@deadppqqqq4822]

@@ptrisonicI’m sorry but how do you lose them?? Lol you’d have to constantly unscrew your trem bar frequently. Like OP said literally just pop one in and forget about it

[@jimm8594]

I had a MIM Strat and an American Strat at the same time, the difference was significant. The weight, neck profile, tone. Night and day.

[@muhammadghur]

@@confrex4256 Nope, MIA non-CS are mostly made of 2 or 3 piece. The MIM are 4 piece, if you are lucky, you will get 3 piece. I have both MIM & MIA, and yeah the tone is different if you played it in person.

[@markspinner2402]

Deluxe Roadhouse Strat. Noiseless pups, locking tuners, and much more

[@vbrowning1756]

Agreed. I have one myself and love it. Think the value is the best with all that comes with it. Wish it was part of the video.

[@marksmith7789]

Just bought a player and I love it, the pick ups are sweet enough for me I have to say. The nut I can live with. The trem is kinda not good enough but I did know this when I purchased and I will up grade. Fantastic guitar for me, cheers.

[@ApeLikeCreature]

Best sounding in order: 1) Fender Select Custom Shop 2) Professional 3) Squier Affinity 4) Fender Player 5) Squier Classic Vibe I can't believe how close the tone of the ceramic magnets in the Affinity are to the $3500 Custom Shop Fender...that is NUTS! Although I HATE the feel of the Affinity. And it never stays in tune, it needs that upgrade, which is no biggie, you can spend another $60 on good tuners. You can play in that neck eventually. BTW, fantastic video, thank you!

[@artamussumatra6286]

Ceramic pickups are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay underrated. Imho, threy’re actually more versatile than alnicos - full out, they have a hot P-90 like sound, but turn the guitar’s volume down(while turning up the amp to compensate) and they easily nail the vintage low output tone. They key is to get the height adjustment right, ceramics are more powerful(and permanent) magnets, so they need to be set a bit lower than alnicos, so they don’t pull on the strings. Once correctly set, and dialed in, they are fantastic.

[@rixz66sudsy]

Love the 10-14 compound radius and locking tuners on my SSS Ultra..... my Deluxe Lonestar HSS with rosewood fingerboard is another favorite.

[@garygosse5747]

Loved the video and it just happens i have a Classic Vibe Strat and a MIM Tele love them both.

[@taildragger53]

Wonderful video, as are all of yours.-- With regards to the Professional series "'Diminishing return for your money"' is SO TRUE! Personally, I have never been a Fender lover having purchased a Strat wayback in March 1974 (still have it in very good condition). Wow, they'd made a few errors on that one! LOL But I got them rectified and now it plays like a dream.....BUT, i'm being biased here, there were TWO series that Fender introduced fairly recently that blew me away and both were highly affordable, just above the "'Player"' price range . The "'American Special"' & "Performer"' series (possibly long deleted now but I had to mention this). I suddenly became a Fender enthusiast! Jumbo frets on both series which enables me to get a nice low action, fantastic feel of the neck, incredible range of tones from either Texas Specials or Yosemite pups, and i'm a jazz musician but a warm tone can be obtained. Anyone with smaller hands can really skate on the "'Performer"' and "'USA Special"' series. But HERE in this video I would agree with you on the next best option, the Player series. Many thanks DB>

[@weedyguitarstudio1715]

Is it worth double your money "Heck No" - Darrell Braun

[@3kil0w4tt]

That's Dah RELL Bra OON...LOL But seriously, thank you, Darrell, for doing these kinds of comparos and really all you do with regard to gear, you're one of my top three that I go to for research. Thanks again!

[@whatspadethinks]

Golly, if I knew Darrell was going to start going all Howard Stern on us I certainly would've plugged my ears. Really Darrell, you don't need to work blue...

[@bluepedalsrock9271]

This is an essential video I feel every guitarist should see. Excellent work my friend.

[@miguelmachado2006]

Great review and explanations as usual! We will be very happy if you can do the same analysis on LP!

[@bebluebop]

Dude you are doing something that robot can't 🙃. Thanks for all kind of help and inspirations. Stay Blessed. Peace Man👊

[@dsholt]

The $1500 for a Professional series strat is definitely a jump up in price, but when compared to other US-made flagship guitars, it is still a bargain.

[@mikewilson0077]

and it includes a hard shell case

[@winteroutside7014]

itsa bolt-on neck not a neck-through like Agile has . usa sucks . imitation les paul by gibson , last gibson les paul made in 1960

[@aphotosyntheticworld]

Even more of a bargain in the Mod Shop. Can pretty much make an ultra without noiseless pickups for 1900 with a great combination of materials and colors to choose from. Couldn't be happier with my 1 of 1 strat.

[@VFCproductions]

From the title of this video alone I knew what your recommendation would be! You are a wise man and my Player is amazing for the price

[@brayandoctor182]

For brazilian people, have a affinity is a great conquer, here the guitar costs 3 times the minimum wage, and the cheapest fender is more or less 10 times

[@Adi-ok3rg]

Really thoroughly love your channel!! Especially the comparison videos! So detailed and spectacular!

[@FayyazAhmed]

No mention of fretboard woods, which is one of the major differences: Laurel, Pau Ferro, Rosewood . No mention of fret specs. Professionals having arguably the best frets, 6105 narrow talls. And should have reviewed the current generation Professional ii. They have heel carve, S1 switching etc

[@DougMen1]

The current CV gutars all have narrow tall frets too

[@faethe000]

This is kind of long, but I figured you might like hearing how you've inspired me to keep going with my lessons. I'm a non-traditional player as a Gen X woman, and I hired a teacher about 6 months ago. Bought myself a Fender strat and an amp and went at it. My teacher keeps concentrating on theory and technique and I know it's necessary so I do it, and sometimes it's interesting. I'll be glad to know it all later. But god it gets hard to stay focused on practicing that stuff. When things I'm practicing are really hard or really boring and I want to quit, I honestly come watch your gear reviews. I don't actually care about the guitars you review other than enjoying looking at them. I'm satisfied with my guitar. But it's your playing. I really love your playing in your videos. When I hear your playing and how comfortable, familiar and easy it seems for you (which I know is from practice), I think to myself that one day maybe I'll be able to play like you and I can get back to practicing. So thank you, from a struggling student :) P.S. to answer your video's question, I bought a Fender American Pro II.

[@musenw8834]

The Affinity sounded warmest of the Squier tiers surprisingly - and even the professional came close but not as warn

[@24MusicCarats]

Bingo! I been doing my tests and theres something about the affinitys ceramic pick ups they feel very well rounded full bassy warm with bell tones. Where the rest almost feel thin harsh and metallic with no soul.

[@elzafir]

Content like this is why you're one of the top 5 guitar KZbinr.

[@derekclacton]

Moral of the story - costing twice as much doesn’t mean a guitar is twice as good. You get what you pay for / play for and can upgrade if you feel the need. At the end of the day, if you like playing it you will and a cheap guitar will always sound better through a good amp than an expensive guitar played through a cheap amp …

[@danielhartman5086]

I just got a Squier affinity strat. Plan on moding the whole guitar. I love the way it plays and feels as well as the light weight.Just little mods at a time will make it a much better guitar.

[@utecastronoova863]

They play and feel diferent. I like the worn in feel of the vintera Road worn, especially the 70s tele with 12'' Radius. Deluxe series has 12'" Radius too. I also tried the boxer Japan strat and playa great and sounds great unplugged. Gotta play them before You Buy one

[@richardgrassia5225]

Hi Darrell! I purchased a pack of little springs for a couple of dollars that hold the trem bar in place! you can still move the bar but it stays wherever you want it to!

[@richszmal1653]

The base model squier is the bullet series and not the affinity series.

[@philipchau6019]

Not necessarily. Bullet series doesn’t make lefties and more places carry the affinity than the bullet series guitars

[@jimtapia8836]

@@philipchau6019 what does that have to do with it? The Bullet is the base model.

[@myopicautisticmetal9035]

@@jimtapia8836 it's called a bullet because most people riddle them with bullets when they upgrade!

[@cuda426hemi]

Or the no name Mini series or the no name ones in the starter kits. I think the gist is the Affinity is the cheapest popular line you could get away with for use. Pretty sure Darrell has heard of Bullet series. 🎸

[@TexanUSMC8089]

The bullet is the lowest cost. A lot of people prefer the bullet in Tele, and Affinity in Strat though. They're both very low cost. They're great for the price, but don't actually think they compare to a CV or Player. There's a big difference.

[@psh_]

I got myself a Player series and I love it. Watching your video, I feel like the Classic Vibe is also a really good choice for people looking for a new guitar, I really enjoyed how it sounds.

[@Smilenol]

Let's not forget the japanese made Contemporary series from the 80's. I own a 1985 model with the system III trem and the coolest lever action locking nut .

[@captainbuck5969]

I bought a PS Strat for my travel guitar. I normally play Gibson, but my Fender PS has really grown on me. Very happy with it.

[@MegaChang9]

You are a fair reviewer. You should be a college professor; you explain things very well. I do agree with your recommendation.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

I love that MiM, Darrell, if ever you want to sell it. Nice comparison here, and I tend to agree with you on the value proposition of both the MiM and the Classic Vibe.

[@zacharymiraziz4585]

I own the exact same player series that Darrell showed in this video, as well as an American Professional series, to me the difference is mostly apparent in the sound of the pickups. The American Pro sounds incredible, the Player series pickups, not so much, but that’s just a simple upgrade :)

[@insufferablethrashelitist9305]

I got a green flame maple player series that I love. Couldn't get quite the distorted richness I wanted from the bridge so I ended up putting a Seymour jb trembucker in there, then eventually a jb jr in the middle and hotrail at the neck. Put staggered locking tuners and graphtech stringsaver saddles on the bridge and it's just awesome, for far less than any American strat and in my opinion vastly better.

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

Great video. I liked the tone of the classic vibe the best.

[@darphbobo55]

Aww yesss I am thinking about buying a Stratocaster thanks for the info

[@billydworrell8259]

Thx so much for the very clear and quick breakdown of the 5 strat club, I'm seriously considering the Squier Vibe series and thought it looked great and was a quality piece and in the very affordable good bang for the buck product. And the versatility you get from the Strat perspective is always a positive selling consideration. Once again really enjoyed your assessment and presentation on this video.

[@stevenpipes1555]

I baught a Jay Turser tele copy for 50, and even that had locking Grovers on it. Lol. Its awsome too by the way! New pots, with a treble bleed and a good tone circuit, some squire pickups, crown n polish and set up. . .and i swear that cheapo guitar is alive!

[@elihue_redneckreview]

I've got the hss player series, and it is quite the player indeed. Looks great, plays great, sounds great. I'm happy with it.

[@Deebz270]

Wha about the 'Ultra' - The latest in the 'Elite/Deluxe' series? I've not played one yet, but the specs are virtually identical to my 2006 'Deluxe' - with S1 switching, noiseless pups (mine are SCN's), compound fretboard, 'D' profile neck with rounded edges (mine has a single piece maple fretboard/neck), locking tuners, single acetate pickup plate, two-point floating VIBRATO with push-in arm, top grade CTS pots and Switchcraft 5--way selector. Bone nut and modern style string guide/tree. Double-acton truss rod and easy-access chamfered asymetric neck joint. And that all so cool chrome/gold raised Fender & Stratocaster logo. The only problem I've had was some paint delamination around the heel, caused by (abuse) stress points created by Fender's 'achillies heel' - those woefully inadequate pathetic neck screws (all models). I always modify the neck join by adding two extra high-tensile steel neck screws located out of sight beneath the neck join plate. Makes a world of difference to the sound too, as the neck sits tighter in the heel pocket. The Elite/Deluxe came fitted with 'micro-tilt' (the Ultra does not...). I don't bother with this as the neck sits fine in the pocket. . No Fender Strat review/comparison is worth anything without mentioning the Ultra.

[@christophercloudstrider5877]

Hmm. I never thought about that. It makes a lot of sense after reading your explanation. I think I might do that to mine. Thanks

[@pokedrive17]

the base model is the bullet but was waiting for this video from YOU for a loong time lol

[@arkram_68]

How About Some Telecaster's Darrell That Would Be A Great Video

[@colin_a]

Darrell.., love your reviews.. I don't even play guitar!, which is a bit mad, but you just do such an informed well-presented review... All the best from the UK.. 👍

[@spencerfreed6947]

Fender now has a US made series in between MIM and the Pro series, it's called the Performer Series, and runs about $1,150. I love mine with a Penny finish!! The pickups they designed for the series are great! Only downside is the poly finish if you're into a more thin nitro finish

[@Maxwells_Silverhammers]

Simply the best comparison I've seen on here so far! I have an early 2000s mim start, and was hoping to get another. Thank you so much! I'm getting the player series. As much as I want to get the select, I'd invest it on other gear xD

[@darrenhunt7838]

I have the American Professional 11 in HSS and in my opinion it’s a big step up over the pro 1. The V mod 2 pickups sound great. The neck feel is very obviously a big step up over the player series. I tried all but the Squiers and preferred the pro 11 over the Elite. It all comes down to the size of the wallet and personal likes I guess.

[@jackb3159]

This is the video I’ve been looking for since i started guitar

[@tdalb8985]

So the sweet spot is the most expensive Squire, & the cheapest Fender. Seems about right. I was obsessed with up grading for years, now I'm come to the conclusion the a Player Strat is all anyone needs. Still I'm proud to own a Made in USA guitar.

[@skyplaysbass]

Awesome very informative video thank you! Im a professional bass player wanting to step in to the guitar world to make some NOT awful demos for my bandmates, and its great to see theres really no wrong choices! My takeaway is almost the same for when I pick my basses, the sound is DIFFERENT, not better or worse, as long as the soldering isnt terrible, no matter what teir you'll have a great time

[@TheLastFraudster]

What about the performer series? What's the difference?

[@TheStobb50]

I have a Squire affinity which I bought in the 90s I’ve got to say I love it, I use it for demo recordings as I am a drummer and a bass player. My goto bass is a Squire 50 anniversary p bass which I also bought in the 90s and is better then most Fender p bass Ive have tried. Thanks for all the work you do on this channel I love it

[@budgetguitarherogeartv4143]

A lot of changes have been made to the affinity recently. New pickups, hardware etc. Still a great modding platform. Remember that people pay big bucks for the privilege of a thinner body at the custom shop.

[@24MusicCarats]

Do you know exactly the difference between the older and newest neck pick up in the affinity strat? I have an older version and it has that warm punchy rounded tone that i love. Where everything else by Fender has that thin metallic chimey tone

[@budgetguitarherogeartv4143]

@24MusicCarats I believe the affinity pickups are still ceramic magnets but they have been re voiced to sound closer to traditional strat pickups. That metallic chimey tone is what a strat is famous for

[@SilverWatcher.]

Thank you so much for this awesome video you made for us to drool over. I have a lake placid blue American performer stratocaster I simply adore it

[@chrisggoodwin777]

I wasn't surprised I liked the Custom shop sounds. I was surprised my 2nd favorite was the classic vibe... It's amazing what less money buys these days.

[@lunarsoundstage8327]

Just got one of the new 2021 affinity strats I might just be lucky but I own a mim fender and a 70s strat and this one is right up there with both them they've upped all the hardware on these new squires

[@lonspangrud5992]

Swap the hardware out and the Affinity is nice actually.

[@DoktorLorentzBig]

CV is good as it is

[@kl6711]

@J B Jr it is like an Affinity Pro Max

[@xsteveconwayx]

That’s what I did with my Affinity tele. I replaced all the electronics, pickups, tuners, and rolled the edges of the neck a bit. It sounds great now. I got it to try guitar modding for the first time. It was a smashing success and I play it more than my Gibson LP Studio which plays like a dream.

[@hariboproductions]

You may as well have said the wood is good

[@Ndlanding]

@@hariboproductions Yeah. Everyone replaces everything except the tone screws. Some non-standing players even leave on the strap buttons, but that's betting against fate.

[@teknomanning]

Thank you sir! I live in Las Vegas,Nevada,and yup the Ensenada factory is like one hour across the border.

[@garymcaleer6112]

Darrell, to me the black affinity was the most pleasant to my ear.

[@KyLesCaster]

so you like the sound of ceramic pickups. nothing wrong with that. they are definately bigger.

[@artamussumatra6286]

Me too. It’s such a shame that the Ceramic pickups are so criminally underrated. They have a full, rich tone not too far from a P-90, and if you want the low output vintage Strat sound, simply turn them down a bit, and/or lower the adjustment screws while cranking the amp to compensate.

[@CraigGriffiths]

I have to agree. My wife got me a HSS player. I love it. I have a MIM Blacktop Jaguar from 2008 as well. I really like the Mexican Fender gear. I might not be good enough as a player to feel the difference to a USA made.

[@artamussumatra6286]

The biggest difference is the prestige factor that the American models have. But performance wise, they’re all great.😁👍

[@BenRobsonMusic]

The mahogany body on that CS strat made me do a double take. Cool look, and not something I'm used to seeing!

[@SkipRides]

Quality video man. Short and sweet, very impressed brother

[@sumi_plays_games]

I think I really prefer the player to classic vibe

[@AffiBlues]

The Fender Pro is so nice sounding, but it's not for my shallow pockets as retired. I'll go for the Classic Vibe - Hank Marvin style. Well, I actually did, and I did two small....yet major upgrades : The pots have been changed and a friend of mine had a spare trem block. Since I'm 67 y.o. this will be my guitar for life, and I enjoy it everyday from early morning to late night plying some deep blues. Nice comparison, Darrell. Greets from Denmark

[@Rastcao1984]

Any updated thoughts about the 2021 updates, specifically for the affinity hhs and hh with the two point trem? Does the difference between they and the classic vibe narrow or is it still a cheaper trem system?

[@briannelms158]

Great in depth comparison Darrell! The Affinity series comes with 2 point trim this year!