What Squier Would A Fender Master Builder Buy?

#knowyourgear #sharpenmyaxe #mcknightrepair
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Tools used in this video
Squier Affinity Strat - Competition Orange
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Squier Classic Vibe '60s Stratocaster
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Squier Contemporary Stratocaster HH
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Radius Gauge with slots
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Fret Rocker
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Precision Notched Straightedge
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The Music Nomad gauge I use
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Digital Caliper
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Digital Multimeter
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Nyon test Socks
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Clip On Tuner in this video
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My Favorite set up tools
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Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb
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Friedman Dirty Shirley Mini head
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Engl Fireball 25 is now at Sweetwater
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Keeley Caverns Reverb Delay pedal
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Snark tuner
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The mic I use for this and my podcast
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[@ronthorn7299]

Thanks for the chat Phillip and thank you for so many kind comments!

[@christianolmeda]

RON THORN I learned more from your appearance in this channel than I have from droves of KZbin guitar videos in the last year. Thank you!

[@MK-oz2lf]

I've watched this video three times. Hope all goes well with your class later this year.

[@MrTrendkill2]

I think you taught all of us something, fantastic!

[@oafguitars3136]

Great video! Thanks Ron

[@NolanZewariligon]

This was very heartwarming. What a wholesome sight, an expert luthier enjoying guitars regardless of the price.

[@adambrown6930]

Love to see someone that is a master of their craft be that down to earth and unpretentious! No snobbery or BS. That guy really represented Fender well!

[@ronthorn7299]

Adam Brown Thanks, Adam!

[@LookingForEntertainment112]

@Adam Brown That's how all the proper/great luthiers I've met are. They're usually very zen, humble and LOVE their craft.

[@insaneinthebrain1978]

Supercool Dude! Dont miss that T. R. A. I. N. 10:05

[@nickcoulter973]

I agree... Fender is well represented when Ron Thorn is interviewed. It makes me trust that the brand is actually focused on understanding what makes an instrument good. That’s certainly not the case with, ahem... some other brands.

[@matthewcarroll5047]

I could listen to Ron talk about fenders all day.

[@teddydavis3504]

An old adage: You’re a pro if you can explain it to another pro, but you’re a master if you can explain it to anyone. You can tell, this guy is a master.

[@ronthorn7299]

Teddy Davis Thank you, Teddy!

[@tomterry2662]

@Bag you can like them. They are for people who are learning. Then later get the fender.

[@shawnshipstad9281]

I agree, he seems like a genuine person.

[@DaveTaste]

I've been trying to tell people this for years.

[@kurdtjohn]

They don’t call him Master Builder for nothing.

[@aleks2194]

His enthusiasm is so pure, they gotta give this guy more screen time cuz he's making fender look really good

[@SM-dt1pr]

Ha! He's making Squier look too good!

[@laa0fa502]

I think that dude was genuinely happy to see the company he works for building quiality affordable guitars... he's gonna be a squire master builder after this.

[@JohnOShaughnessy]

yeah, I got that feeling too 😎👍

[@dunebillydave222]

Or, he works for the company and part of his duties as a Principal Master Builder is to be an ambassador for Fender. So if he came right out and said "Jeez this thing is a stinking heap of horseshit!" it might not bode well for his career. Just a thought. Then again, he might really like the guitar.

[@liquidsnake6879]

having master builders defeats the whole purpose of Squier, Squier's master builders are metallic and work 24/7 for no pay lol

[@RockmannMusic]

The Fender company very well & positive represented, super likeable guy

[@BillDerBerg]

Has Scholz Research & Development sued you guys for copyright infringement yet?

[@RockmannMusic]

@@BillDerBerg Well, smart arse. Different spelling & our family business name is 100 years older anyways

[@ryanbazail]

can't say the same about Gibson these days lmao

[@TJRatfink]

Ron seems a good guy and has valuable input. where is your store located?

[@johnjarmsen9754]

he can rock with joe carducci

[@aquasloth6832]

Oh man, that T.R.A.I.N. tip is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time.

[@peterzelaya9948]

Tune, relief, action, intonate, noodle right?

[@aquasloth6832]

Peter Zelaya I think that’s it, yeah! Great tip!

[@kanealson5200]

Plus the word Orther, learned that was a word today too! 11:36. ( I'm assuming it means either/or ).

[@daleykd]

Where does adjusting the nut fit into that?

[@clamus68]

@@daleykd under Action.

[@bjornwolf6653]

What a nice Guy, who is having the most expensive Guitars in his Hands on a daily Basis and taking this low Cost Examples serious. Thumbs up.

[@johnnybgood774]

There only expensive when there finished

[@QS-si3cq]

@@johnnybgood774 *their and *their

[@johnnybgood774]

@@QS-si3cq thx for the spellchecking brother💪💪

[@Calbuick666]

@@QS-si3cq *They're and *they're 😂

[@cleawox]

I could see a seed planted here: where a young player buys a Squier and later in life splurges for a Custom Shop because they remembered this video.

[@bstan565]

You can tell that Ron loves his job. He was so excited. Such a wholesome dude. Great vibes.

[@slowcuber309]

‘Lots of colours and choices to pick from’ Hysterically laughs in left handed

[@LittleGenevieve]

do you mean 'cries'

[@crsantin]

We get black

[@Kobejp8]

Carlo Santin white and red is a blessing few brands can offer for such lefties

[@templategaming275]

Laughs in left handed, what does that mean , I think you meant laughs while being left handed

[@danielcannon3511]

I once taught a guy to play some guitar chords and progressions. I'm right handed, he was left handed. Just play right handed like my friend Fred did. It took him a few minutes but he eventually got the dexterity down.

[@kevinbarr7991]

I like that this is a guy who could play ANY guitar in the world and give an accurate, valuable critique and he's geeking out over a Fender Contemporary. I get he idea he really loves guitars

[@LowEndMarauder]

You can't fake that kind of enthusiasm. When you come across people like this in any field, you can't help but be inspired or feel like they brightened up your day a bit.

[@hopfrogg9599]

I like the fact that his #1 is a Squier. No pretense even though he's Fender's master builder.

[@MrBladle]

@@hopfrogg9599 I also loved that the video was about to finish but he wanted to play the guitar first!

[@euge1210]

@@hopfrogg9599 I own a 1985 Squier Strat like the one he´s talking about (a MIJ ´57 style, black basswood body and maple neck/freatboard), changed the tunning pegs and replace the original pickups with Alnico V ones, It´s been my favourite axe for many years too.

[@Mikenperu]

I like that he can understand people have constraints. He worked with what he was given.

[@DanishingAct]

This guy was great. Fantastic video.

[@cherrysunburst828]

If this guy started a YT channel I'd definitely watch him, he must have tremendous knowledge of guitars

[@aaronenix6418]

@Dan K, yeah it was great. These two had a lot of chemistry.

[@dariusbroughton3917]

Ron Thorn is the man. I wanted one of his carved top telecasters before he joined Fender. One of the best luthiers on the planet.

[@jbognap]

He's the Strat Whisperer

[@dragonmodel9262]

True tone kings interview was great too.

[@redcomn]

I like his approach on choosing guitar. Neck feel is extremely important

[@joebodynobody764]

Agreed. However, I've found that different feeling necks can make you play differently. Sometimes that's a good thing, sometimes not. I myself like variety.

[@redcomn]

@@joebodynobody764 agree tho most of the times it's the pickup that made all the change. I tend to choose what felt good in my hand regardless of the profile hence why i never buy geetah online. All his assessment were spot on tho.

[@xfallofmanx]

When I was younger I really only cared what the guitar looked like. Now that I’ve played for a while and been through some guitars, I don’t give a crap about that. I ONLY care about how that neck/fretboard interact with my hand and the “sound” the guitar has overall. If I go with a Tele or Strat I want that sound. (I used to be a Gibson guy but I’ve slowly made my way to the Fender preferences....after the video Gibson put out the other day threatening literally everyone who uses a Gibson guitar to make music, I’ve sworn them off.)

[@FrecklesOpenMic]

@@goshdarntootin why aren't we talking about the mouth feel?

[@adamredmer]

@@xfallofmanx what video are you talking about? I'd be very interested to see that.

[@LesAventuresDeTigRRe]

I love how he doesn't really know what to say at the beginning and then just nerds away, sharing amazing tips and taste. 18 min felt like 4 mins. That's quality content right there.

[@jordanfender3085]

Ron is an example to follow what you love. This guy looks so happy and healthy and u can tell he’s doing what he’s passionate about. And thank you so much Phillip, I’m on a binge of your content!!

[@priyonjoni]

We got a Brian May fan in the store noodling away.

[@kaspersloth5099]

Finally somebody who wrote it XD

[@truthxbl]

😂

[@TheAngmarwitch]

hehe 10:53

[@BassOutcast]

Also notice when he's playing the blue one in the end, there's a guitar that looks like a Red Special replica on his right

[@josephhutchins8]

You hear him play Whole Lotta Love too?

[@175epi]

Truly enjoyed this: a guy who makes high-end guitars taking time to examine the kind of instruments I can afford, explaining what he's looking at, and sharing his enthusiasm. Very helpful, and fun to watch, too . . . thanks!

[@mickb69]

Well said

[@GeoZero]

Phillip, this is the best video you've made. The Fender dude is awesome.

[@johngaudesi521]

This man is the real deal. Unbelievably talented, dedicated, kind and humble. One in a million. A music industry legend in the works. JG 😺🙏🏻

[@gavinaston5716]

Without a DOUBT my favorite KYG video. Ron is the BEST Fender salesman I have ever seen. Honest, cool guy, loves him some Fenders! Thanks Ron, you are a great interview. Awesome video.

[@customshopbacktalk2026]

gavin aston Thank you! Wait....”salesman”?!?! I just make ‘em. ;)

[@gavinaston5716]

@@customshopbacktalk2026 Salesman as in your LOVE the Stratocaster shows on your face and makes the rest of us love and desire those guitars from just watching and listening to you. You make them better than anyone and your love what you do sells them. I have a BEAUTIFUL American 1986+/- Strat that has but mods. Fender locking tuners and Fender Custom Shop 69 pickups. I've played guitar for 45 years and have Les Paul's, a 68 ES 335, a PRS, and some vintage 1966 Hagstroms among others but my blonde Stratocaster is the love of my life! Thank you for all you have done to keep the Fender brand alive and kicking from the 1950's until today.

[@jokkon13]

I love how happy he was. Once hes plugged it into the amp... LOVE IT

[@martinfederico7269]

jokkon13 😂😂😂😂

[@aliveandfit]

Great video highlighting a master builder saying a Squier can be a very playable and enjoyable guitar. Some of the comments on this video are mind blowing.

[@tomterry2662]

Yea their mind blowing alright.

[@chrisriceca]

That dude playing the whole lotta love solo in the back ground nailed it.

[@72dodge340]

Yeah, that was sweet. Funny, I read this comment right as he started tearing into it.

[@kennyleejohnson5253]

Great video guys. I’m really amazed at how impressed a Master builder is of a $350. Guitar. Shows the quality Squire is putting into their products.

[@zazoomatt]

Ron you made me appreciate my first & 2nd Fender squires MORE . Learned how to set them up and work them ! Phillip you nailed this Guys.........Thanks....

[@stephenchow5161]

ron thorn is an a plus person period. ive interacted with him way back when he was a custom builder under his own brand. always gracious i feel lucky to have known him.

[@ronthorn7299]

Stephen Chow Hey Stephen! Great seeing you at NAMM, thanks for the kind words.

[@foadrightnow5725]

Awesome video, Phil! Very enlightening, for sure! For a $350 guitar to put that kind of smile on a master luthier really speaks volumes as to its overall build quality and setup!

[@foadrightnow5725]

@Everything - I don't think he's "doing it for the camera...obviously"! He seems genuine about his impressions of the guitar. Especially considering the price point. He's used to dealing(and building) with guitars that cost ten times as much and more. And I don't think he's going to burn bridges with anyone giving his honest opinion of a guitar, be it good OR bad! Cheers!

[@darkus2015]

The guy is very genuine. You dont become master being fake.

[@foadrightnow5725]

@Everything - Sucks even more to be a cynical hater!

[@johnnybgood774]

@Everything facts ...when there is money involved

[@Cerberus4982]

Everything - yeah I was thinking, what if he said “I would NEVER play this. Hate that bridge” lol

[@redrider0151]

Its AWESOME to see Ron chattign away!!! For those that know him.....this is EXACTLY how he is with everyone he ever meets....nicest guy on the entire planet, BAR NONE!!! Awesome to see him at the pillar of success, he deserves it like no other!

[@docdoc8556]

The interview was close to being ended and Ron had to keep it going because he was genuinely interested in how the guitar sounded. Imagine that, THE MASTER at fender being excited by an entry level model. Its hard to find people as talented as this and still have a passion like this guy has, a real credit to Fender. One day i hope to have a masterbuilt by him, hopefully hes still at fender in a decade when ive saved enough for it haha

[@jameskamboouris9561]

Yea ron,Ron, owned a few lefty e5 e6 and e7 squire. Made in Japan. I feel validated due to a person of your caliber. Infeel you are a very modest person.thanks,Jim k.

[@avielkharrat5788]

Super nice! It's amaising to see this Fender MASTER builder getting so excited on a guitar, and especially on a low cost one. This teaches me something : when you know your business, you don't need "labels" to be happy with the gear you get.

[@MacPro8CoreMan]

You are correct... And the point that his #1 guitar is an old Squire tells a lot about what's really important to him. He could build anything he wants, and these inexpensive little gems put a smile on his face.

[@RWulff007]

Yep, know your gear 😁😋

[@juanadames3312]

What a down to earth guitar guru. I love Ron's vibe! One of your best KZbin posts.

[@suereed]

I think we could all listen to Ron Thorn for three hours straight. Really really good video Phil.

[@archierival6678]

Definitely need more Ron Thorn on KZbin. That was great.

[@jtblackwell7462]

that smile on his face when he plugged in was great.

[@TruthSurge]

affinity is made in Indonesia. If you get a good one, they are really butter to play. The frets are rounded and the satin finish and higher radius makes it a really sweet ride. I bought a new one at a pawn shop and had no idea what it was other than a strat style cheapo but I played it and it was just all about that fretboard. The pickups sound decent. Doesn't stay in tune well enough, tho. no idea about those other two.

[@collecter3456]

Mine is made in china, and is the orange one they showed in the video. and it is very close to a real strat. It is just a little bit slimmer body and neck wise.

[@nealdewar9959]

Mine is made in China too the neck on mine is as good as it can be. Im very happy with it. 👍

[@cakenbolls442]

@@collecter3456 if it's made in China, it's probably old stock. Btw mine's also China made

[@CyberneticArgumentCreator]

Ironic, guitars from this part of the world were utter shit in the 90s. I guess they got their factories tightened up over there.

[@Mainancepatsaji]

@@CyberneticArgumentCreator I'm from Indonesia, and I think they already have good enough experience cause they have been working for decades since the 90s

[@andyinwards2119]

If it's possible to do more of this kind of thing with other master builders at Fender, Gibson etc. that would be great. Thanks Phil.

[@djm.6322]

Gibson would just sue him for using their name in a video. Hell I'm surprised they haven't sued you and I for using their name.

[@Wells306]

@@djm.6322 In that case, do PRS. They've already dealt with the G****n crap.

[@djm.6322]

@@Wells306 Yeah lol I've got no idea what they're up to over there but I don't think it's working and they're just ruining their already bad reputation. Which is a shame really, although it has created some entertaining content (especially the Spectre Sound Studios parody of their video)!

[@brogoram]

u want a master from Gibson to do this? He will lose his job and maybe get a lawsuit letter from Gibson's lawyer.

[@aheartthrob]

Gibson wouldn't dare. While there's a noticeable difference between Fenders and Squiers, a Squier is a solid, fun to play guitar that sounds pretty damn decent, although the electronics (solder maybe?) can get a bit finicky after a year or so. OTOH Epiphone Les Paul necks are like playing a baseball bat, at least last time I played one. The tone was a bit too dark as well IIRC.

[@Pokey7317]

Hey Phil as a fellow Squire lover myself and as much as your videos have helped me. THIS IS BY FAR THE COOLEST VIDEO. Great idea to have a guy like that pick an affordable guitar. AWESOME and keep up the good work...

[@bookemdanno5596]

You heard it here. A Fender Master Builder's #1 guitar in his collection is his Squier. Just goes to show you that you don't need a $3000 (or even $1000) guitar to sound great. Eat your heart out, guitar snobs!

[@flatline42]

My pop did a project a few years ago where he rebuilt Clapton's Blackie basically from a squire and it sounds really great. Probably doubled the cost of the guitar but it sounds like it's a lot more expensive than it was.

[@Ironworthstriking]

True. Though 85 squiers are at another level

[@LucaLindemann]

@@Ironworthstriking exactly Tyler. Infact, the japanese 80s Squier/Fender instruments are superb and they got their own "vintage" market and history. I had several Jazz Bass from the late 80s and 90s: they're terrific instruments that can't be compared that much with the Indonesian or Chinese lately made (that are indeed good instruments for the price).

[@mattwilliam4803]

@@LucaLindemann -how's an Indonesian '04 ?

[@gutsrage9616]

Adding parts does not up the value of a guitar 🎸 $100 dollar guitar with a $1000 bucks in parts is still a $100 guitar even if you try to sell it BUT it does add enjoyment to the player which in my opinion is priceless did the same to mine totally worth it 😃

[@vocalsg13]

What a great, genuine and kind man. Knows his job damn well too. An example to look up to.

[@keithbirdsong1036]

It’s hard to get access to these people. Great job. This is high quality content!

[@larryward2347]

As a guitarist of over 30 years it was amazing to see what's important to a master builder. Great video!!!

[@kenhall6525]

At 10:50, someone is jamming to Queen lol Great video, cool dude too

[@PhillipMcKnight]

It is Kifr Ochaion. He is a amazing player. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJjbdoSfmreKd6s

[@firefist8511]

He plays Zepplin after that.

[@glumpy6079]

Love it

[@AngusNB]

@@PhillipMcKnight I had not heard Kifr before. Great first example. Thanks, my ears enjoyed that. 😃

[@mrslugboy1]

there's a Red Special in the amp room

[@DerekLand]

This is one of the best guitar tuning/setup/etc videos on KZbin. I continue to come back and review. Basic for some, but there's a lot of solid info in here. Congrats to you Phil for this.

[@Rompler_Rocco]

You took the words out of my mouth! Just yesterday I found myself running through "T.R.A.I.N." in my mind- Woah, wait a sec! But I never _said_ it!! 😳 🤔 It was only a *thought* !! And now suddenly it's back in my feed?? What IS this algorithm?!?!

[@RichardGarcia93]

Ron Thorn’s enthusiasm is infectious!

[@bikeboysyd292]

Ron just loves guitars. Great to see him excited about a Squire when he works with the best of the best

[@acidburn_]

Super enthusiastic I bet this man absolutely loves his job.

[@peterdebad1]

Wow! A amazing insight from one of Fender's top custom builders. Trying to absorb everything he was saying about set ups and playability. I will need to watch this over several times. This was a special one Phil. One of he best in a long time. Glad you were able to film this at Gearhead University. Thank you again!!👍👍👍

[@doogledog1740]

Every time I watch this video I get a smile on my face. Seeing a bloke like Ron clearly enjoying checking out some Squiers is good for the soul. It also packs in a lot of very useful info.

[@jameskamboouris9561]

Ron,I'm with you!I got a e7 squire. It's a lefty. It's my baby. I had several,but this is the roughest. It sounds and plays incredible. I'm so proud to know what I always suspected! You have validated my thoughts. I'm grateful , Thanks Jim K.

[@Synic42]

This was such an entertaining and informative video. Nice to see how a master luthier can be so excited by a Squier. The quality is indeed so outstanding compared to 30 years ago.

[@leoh1885]

Man, I hope this guy thinks about releasing some videos through Fender's channel, he is really great Thanks Phil!

[@danmar007]

I want Fender to build me a $5000 custom and put Squier on it. :)

[@GrimYak]

in some cases a high end squier is better than a low end strat. in some rare cases the lower end product sometimes beat the mother brand, just ask Epiphone and Gibson :)

[@gunhedd5375]

Jay G • Case in point: I have an 08/09(?) Epiphone Elitist 335 I bought in 09; as good or better than any production Gibson 335 I’ve seen. (Have had at least 3 out-of-the-blue offers over the years.) I also have an AmStd Tele and a PRS 25th Anniversary Mira yet the Epi is my favorite. I will never get rid of this guitar. 😎

[@paulpennington6492]

Damn!!! You WIN BEST COMMEMT AWARD! PLUS free trip to Customer Shop. Ooops, were out of plushies. And the shop is on vacation. X2 oops.

[@danmar007]

@Paul Pennington You had me happy and sad inside 3 seconds!

[@paulpennington6492]

@@danmar007 Wow for 3 whole {record!! 😊} seconds... I'll have to aim for happy or, Elated-to- near-nirvana-state I can do it in 4 tho...

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

This makes me want a fender…something I have not experienced since the 80,s. Thanks guys!

[@kevinmorris7722]

Very cool to hear a maker talk about what he's looking for. Perfect. Thanks.

[@bluesborn]

Phil you should definitely have Ron back on the show and ideally (from my perspective at least)make him a regular feature. (once a week or every 2 weeks maybe?) You guys have a great rapport, both of you being easy going, witty and of course sharing a love of guitar like the rest of us maniacs. The useful info that came up in just one segment was quite impressive. More please.

[@mikecullerton]

What a great video, Phil. Ron was the perfect person for this. Humble, and great insight. It's cool he actually plays a Squire. It reminded me of Jack Pearson. Thank you.

[@FloridaManMatty]

There’s a certain Fender competitor that could learn a lot from videos like this. Rather than threaten their base, Fender has gone and turned one of their guys loose and *gasp* he’s just a regular guitar geek like the rest of us, not some cork sniffing, elitist douche nozzle. You hear that Gibson? That’s the sound of your market share taking yet another nosedive.

[@FloridaManMatty]

ROCCO SMURF More disappointment than hatred. Gibson needs to get back to making the best guitars around, not putting all that energy and capital into being a “lifestyle” company. Gibson and Harley Davidson are going the way of the Dodo and the execs are doing fuck all to sort it out. It’s just a shame.

[@benjaminbarrera214]

@ROCCO SMURF For me, disgust more than hatred. In the early to mid-90s, they were pretty cool but they've gone crazy since then. Fortunately I'm not a Gibson person so I really don't care how much they exploit their customers. Go capitalism!

[@CyberSoulLover]

ROCCO SMURF price gouging? How?? They are literally the exact same price as other guitars

[@drieslambrecht8611]

@@CyberSoulLover They've gotten their act together with the 2019 line in terms of pricing. But before that with the other CEO pricepoints were way too high.

[@ZIGSVIDS]

@@benjaminbarrera214 They go back that far do they ? Gibson on It's worse day kicks Fenders ass.

[@williamcarson5505]

This is one of my favorite videos on the internet. To see Ron get so excited about these guitars after all of his years as a master Luthier really shows his passion for the instrument. Great job guys.

[@andygranatelli8809]

What a cool dude. Love that he first did a visual on the colors and then the deep dive. I absolutely love the first two.

[@charleshultquist9233]

What a kool guy! So down to earth and unassuming....not a snob. Great vid! I'd love to see a similar vid with Squier basses.

[@JagaegII]

I’ve got a “Factory Special” Indonesian Affinity Strat, and there’s just something about it that makes it feel sooo good to play. Better than some other guitars twice the cost. Honestly blown away

[@FlowtnWitWalden]

I have one or two Indonesian Ibanez's that play just fine too!

[@zaz4667]

9:45 Finally got the order of things! Thanks Phil. I asked this question on KYG live on Fridays a few times! Phil comes through again! T.R.A.I.N. 1 Tune it 2 Relief adjust the Truss Rod 3 Adjust the action 4 Intonation adjustment 5 Noodle play guitar and then start over again

[@BrianCanavan]

Brilliant vid. Thanks. Love the enthusiasm and the lack of snobbery around a cheaper model.

[@UnRealGoSho]

Fender should have this guy doing Fender of the Week. Where he just talks about modern and classic fenders for 20 minutes on there build, hardware and history. I'd pay money to listen 🤣

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Enjoyable and Educational! Great to hear a pro builder give tips and Advice! Thanks for sharing brothers!

[@kc117mx]

That guy has forgotten more than I will ever know about guitars.

[@OscarAbarcaChinchilla]

K C man what a fucking great quote.

[@mr.anonymous5501]

@@OscarAbarcaChinchilla it's an extremely common expression lol

[@yanan3681]

Fml

[@precisionbrown6829]

I am Not T6IX9INE I never heard it repeatedly

[@FerSpada]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jimmarinella9455]

Can't say enough. This is how PR is done. Great video

[@shawnrrbssshluhm8293]

Great one Phil. Excellent interviewing too! It can be told, you arrived prepared for this one and I enjoyed it tremendously. Thanks, also, Mr. Thorn for the insights into what would be your process. Much appreciated fellas!

[@samunden]

Love the TRAIN acronym for setups...I'll remember that forever!

[@conormchugh1797]

I love how excited Ron, a master builder, got for a Squire. Fabulous video.

[@petebrown3715]

Thanks Phil. Great video and a different way of looking at Squires. My 04 Squire is really good n quacky.

[@joaco190]

Mine too. Its weird because many people tell me it also feels really good to them, plus it has a fantastic resonance.

[@davids9192]

It’s Squier 👍🏼

[@whatsup9260]

getting back into guitar and your appearance was super informative. great energy in this interview. thank you so much.

[@stuartmcdonald4345]

Best video I have seen in ages. His enthusiasm is infectious

[@mccloskeyjamie]

It's really great to see someone with all that experience, knowledge and wisdom come on here and be honest, down to earth, and seem to really have a good time learning about these inexpensive instruments. The enthusiasm Ron showed in this video overall is so cool to see nowadays. Thanks guys!

[@joeybusnardo5866]

16:11 Philip: Ron, I want to thank you for doing this.. Ron: Oh my pleas WH WHAT?! Philip: ....and,... what?? Ron: Errwarwurr Philip: What? Ron: I WANT TO PLUG IT IN! Philip: Oh! Ron: I WANNA HEAR THIS THING!

[@RCBandit25]

Greatest comment ever.

[@mopanda81]

it's a shame he couldn't compare the guitar he wanted some setup time with to the one he said was good to go off the wall

[@danhworth100]

That was my favourite part. And he said his baby is an 85 squire strat. Nice to see a master builder appreciating an entry level guitar.

[@DzoniMakaroni]

@@danhworth100 An 85 Squier is not entry. I have an 86 Squier Royal Contemporary Strat and I can easily say: It's better than 90% of Fenders. Factory USA pickups, a switch for each pickup, Fender Gotoh tuners, just amazing. Pro tip: If you want an amazing guitar for cheap, just buy a MIJ Squier

[@donkanboy]

Yeah that was an epic moment!

[@fransterhorst3694]

Learned something important from this : Train! thanks a million ! great stuff.

[@jaarriaga1978]

This was all pure gold, lots of good information.

[@Bruce_Lee_22]

Ron Thorn! Such an awesome and humble guy! A delight to watch and listen to the vast amount of knowledge he has! An overall chilled out dude! What a legend! 😁😎

[@joegalford2319]

I like that dude. Seeing him still enjoying guitars after working on them for so many years is really cool.

[@-Thunder]

I feel a lot better about loving my Affinity now. :-) Plus TRAIN and Carnuba Wax. Great Video!

[@The_Fat_Turtle]

I wish there weren't gear snobs out there, but you can't convince them that a cheaper guitar can sound and play well, it's either top of the line American Fender or nothing at all for some. This guy is the dude who builds their dream guitars and even he loves the cheap Squiers.

The Affinity is sweet. I'd be pretty happy with that or the Contemporary. I have a G&L Skyhawk -- an early G&L "Strat" knockoff by Leo. It's ash, I think, with a smoooooth maple neck, but it weighs two tons. I don't think Ron Thorn would love it.

[@ApolloTchize]

@@The_Fat_Turtle There are others as well. I own some custom shops from Fender and Gibson and still think, Squiers (or Epiphones) are great guitars you can easily choose to gig with. But I'd never exchange my babies. There is much more to a custom shop guitar TO ME (apart from being build with love and an acceptable salary than from a machine and people working their ass of for a few bucks). Handmade never meant being better in every way. But it is and always will be more expensive. Put it this way: A watch for 5 Dollar might do its job better than a Rolex, but put some enthusiasm and / or heritage, love or whatever you are up to into it and you'll buy the Rolex (which I wouldn't, as I am not into watches, but I understand the difference). You can love a Squier and it IS a guitar you can easily live with for the rest of your life playing fantastic music. Whatever idiot tells something different is ... just that. *lol*

[@luizspindola]

I've never played a bad affinity. I'm sure they exist but the overall feel is great. They're the entry series and people say they would be the worst... But I fell like they simplify everything on the guitar to make it easier to play for beginners

[@semiografo]

"Ohhh! Quacky!" 😁 That's what a real strat player look for.

[@Jecool242]

What a great guy, so enthusiastic and energetic about guitars! Really nice to see!

[@Steven_SK]

Truly one of the best videos I have seen in a while. It didn’t hurt that I was looking at a new Squier as we speak and the master builder was close enough to the Affinity that I want. Thanks!

[@davids9192]

Superb video. No one can argue with an assessment made by Ron Thorn. Squier bashers should take note.

[@JM_utube]

he's a master builder, top of the food chain at fender, knows just about everything there is to know about guitars, and still starts narrowing it down by pretty colors and looks :)

[@KSeguraR]

Great video and a really nice guy! Thanks for the "TRAIN" tip!

[@SeanFication]

"The neck feel is the most important, and that's very personal' ..... That seems like the important point to all this, much of what makes a good guitar comes down to personal taste. Some people like a big, thick, wide neck and some people don't, and there is no right or wrong answer to which is best, it's which is best for you. You could even say the same about tone .... one persons "Too bright" will be someone elses "Just right".

[@ronthorn7299]

SeanFication So true.

[@chrisfrank6449]

I just bought the same Squier contemporary as Ron picked. Absolutely love it. It's my second Squier Strat (a Standard) and I will never get rid of either.

[@Snek03]

Man, that was so cool to watch! What a genuine and knowledgeable guy!

[@jhagenseker]

I love how he’s been playing so long, and works with guitars daily, and still gets so giddy about playing gear. I love this community.

[@holotape]

10:47 Brian May is in the background wailing away

[@pmdinaz]

First video of yours that I've watched. That guy Tom was gobsmacked at how good that inexpensive guitar was, and he owns it's Grandpa! Excellent reaction. A genuine reaction. Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@adamcogan211]

He looks like he’s having so much fun! Very enjoyable to watch.

[@DucatiDave68]

Ron Thorn ... what a great guy .. I love to see a master of their craft with such enthusiasm and whilst also being a thoroughly nice down to earth fella 👍🏻 well done to Squier guitars too

[@rogerledoux4741]

First time I have seen someone not like the classic vibe but to each his own

[@sugarlife485]

classic vibe is just ok way overrated

[@rogerledoux4741]

@@sugarlife485 with all due respect that's your opinion and I disagree. Now as the price keeps going up on it yes there will be a point it is no longer good for the money you pay. But at it current price point it not only good its great.

[@AnnihilatingAngel]

Seems like a hell of a nice guy. Tons of knowledge. I'm definitely going to look into the Squire Contemporary now.

[@jjim0437]

Squiers are a great value these days, and with a few modifications you’ll have a very good instrument. This guy (a Fender master builder)seems genuinely blown away by them!

[@s9plus20]

What a pleasant fellow. Its always nice to be around someone who smiles a lot. Great info from a knowledgeable guitarist!

[@mattcwatkins]

This aged well! I'm sitting here watching four years after it was done and I've got that exact Squier Contemporary to the right of my TV screen. I still can only do a couple of chords and it takes me a minute to get to each, but doing the deep dive on electric guitars itself has been a joy the past half decade. Thanks Philip for a great vid!