What To Look At When Buying A USED Strat.

[@chaddavis523]

This is the "buddy" Rick calls down to the pawn shop that "knows everything there is to know about fender guitars."

[@gvtshorts2024]

Imagine the look on the second hand guitar salesman's face when I ask to inspect the strat and perform that whole number on it. I love these type of videos btw

[@RC32Smiths01]

Dang, I really hope this goes into being a series! Would love to see work on how inspect used Teles or PRSs next if possible!

[@PhillipMcKnight]

I really like doing them and working on refining it.

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@PhillipMcKnight Ahh That is awesome to hear! It entices and encourages me to get into the gear aspect of guitars!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@FlamQ Dbltap Ahh I hear ya haha. Don't want to get Guitar Acquisition Syndrome anytime soon!

[@Shaun.Stephens]

@@PhillipMcKnight I'd love to see one of these on used Telecasters (having just bought one, lol). It has the skunk-stripe issue that you mention in this video and I missed it before I handed over my cash. It wasn't until I got home that I discovered it. :-/

[@PhillipBlanton]

@@RC32Smiths01 It's my favorite affliction

[@timmunro7313]

I don’t comment very often. Been playing over 40 years. Still in a working band. I very much appreciate your “straight to the point” information. Good job! By the way, owning 4 Strats is not too many :)

[@anthonystark5412]

You are 100% the best source of information when it comes to assessing, evaluating and judging gear. It's a bonus that you're engaging and provide entertaining content, as well as being a great guitarist. You're doing a great job, Phillip. Thank you. Thanks for the PDF. It's almost certain to see some use.

[@luschu5487]

Great video. These are not just good for examining pre-owned guitars. They are a good guide for giving one's own guitar a physical.

[@jimmydodsworth4851]

Very informative! Covered some items I’ve never heard of before. Also, I really like how Phillip is impartial (unbiased) and explains how some issues might not be an issue or can easily be corrected.

[@frankiec2765]

As an owner of 5 strats ( 3 USA, 2 Mexican) i was going to skip this vid butdecided to watch it. You were correct on all points and it was a good video.Good job Phil !

[@laurentiustratan7488]

Your videos are as relaxing as they are informative. This channel is a truly unique gem, thank you a lot!

[@grayaj23]

Fender's own video about truss rods on vintage shows it without removing the strings or neck. They loosen the strings, then unscrew the bolts so that they have a bit of play, then gently tilt the neck up which gives access to the adjustment screw. Then tilt it back flat, tighten the bolts and dial back in the strings.

[@exhoost_fume4646]

I bought a squier standard strat with a flame maple top and a flame neck for $150. The only scratches or any fault I could find on it were a few scratches on the metal neck plate and some uneven yellowing on the pickguard due to a sticker. It looked unplayed and felt unplayed, no fret wear, no scratches on the pickguard, it looked like it was just a display piece. Most beautiful guitar I've ever played and it sounded almost exactly the same as the Fender american strat I play at school during lunchbreaks with my band.

[@PhishyBongwaters]

This one answered a few questions about my road worn strat. The blank neck plate has bothered me for years. The screwed in tuning machines with no fender stamp bothered me but I found through other research that these are indeed what's supposed to be on that reissue.

[@rubydragon4563]

Please make one of these for telecasters. I’m in the market for one and I would love to be able to buy one used with confidence.

[@Shaun.Stephens]

Yes please! (Though I think a lot of what's in this video applies to Telecasters as well as Strats.)

[@godtoHrD]

i recently bought a MIM Strat. My first Strat. I wanted to know more about them. This helped a lot! Thanks!

[@zaz4667]

This video is guitar encyclopedia at its best! Phil is the best! Thanks for sharing!

[@RaviSingh-ph2uw]

Going back and watching this video, reminds me how amazing your content has been through the years

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Thank you, very kind

[@b.rodclark7349]

My MIM '95 Special has a swimming pool routing, my CIC '00 Squier Affinity lefty has a semi-split routing where the bridge/middle is whole separated from the humbucker portion and my CII '02 Squier Bullet hardtail's swimming pool routing looks like a semi-hollow center block...their necks are excellent!

[@40fit38]

Ive been a casual fan of your channel for some time, but wow this video REALLY opened my eyes to your knowledge. Thank you Phil!

[@mattmanley7118]

Glad you posted this I'm going to look at a used 2012 American standard Strat tomorrow if everything checks out it will be my first American fender. I think the American standard strats are a lot better than the new professional strats. Thanks Phil

[@justinpatrick9938]

I thought I knew what to look for in a used Strat but I learned a ton today. Thanks for the video. I would love to see a PRS version of it.

[@simontemplar3359]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. That's a huge gift, and it is so appreciated. These videos help to de-mystify a lot of things and I think the more the average player knows, the better a relationship they can have with the tool of their craft. Understanding the instrument is critically important and yet still foreign ground for a lot of players. Thank you for sharing these!

[@Skibble5150]

If it buzzes through an amp, it's a Strat. :)

[@lonerider92]

That's single coils all together tho.

[@echoguitarist]

If the bridge pickup sounds like absolute crap then it's a Strat.

[@riogrande163]

@@echoguitarist Was never a strat guy, but i always found it funny how people hate the bridge pickup on a strat, I've always hated the neck pickup sound.

[@dragoncove5308]

Nuh uh soundless EDIT soundless single coil suck

[@glenshort5123]

Love Love the Olive Green Strat. Thanks for the valuable info you have shared and the time to do it. Bravo.

[@girouxlp]

Don't stop making those, this needs to be a series! Thanks for great content. I'm wearing my new kyg shirt for the first time today!

[@douglaschristine8387]

Thanks Philip, you are one smart cookie when it comes to guitars. I'm fairly new to playing and all this information is something that every player should know whether your dealing with used guitars or not. Your knowledge is a godsend.

[@enoch5656]

Wow! Thanks for this video! I know it's one of your older ones, but I am a new sub and supporter. Been haunting craigslist and pawnshops in the Bay Area for a used Strat or Tele, and this is awesome info. Have a multimeter, just need a set of fallen wrenches to bring with me and a pocket flashlight. Thanks again for this awesome info, Phil!

[@benbirdsinging3275]

Nice video, thanks! For information: The Fender Highway one stratocasters have a chrome neck plate with no logo on it. Although they are American guitars. At least these guitars until 2005

[@dp9550]

Also the position of the truss rod hole on an American strat with a rosewood fret board the walnut plug will be into the fret board a little bit not totally in the maple as are most if not all aftermarket necks. also the side fret markers will be in-between the fret board and neck, Squier's can have this as well ..I have only seen Fender do this.

[@jonnyrochester1141]

For a vintage style neck, I would recommend using a flat screwdriver for adjustment over a Phillips. It is an X, but it's not really a Phillips screw, and a good sized flat screwdriver will cause less damage there and have better torque.

[@brucelee2309]

Great video Phil! Really useful! Just picked up a 2006 made in Mexico strat for £360 all original seemed like a good deal. Plays great and sounds amazing! Only thing was has a small finish crack near the neck pocket and a little paint chip on the heal but overall in good condition for 14 years old.

[@tonyhoodlass1846]

Mine has that too

[@robertramer6461]

ARMY Green! Thank you for your time! And your service! ;))

[@kirkscobey3031]

Robert Ramer yep I love that color too!!🤗🤗

[@robertramer6461]

If I had seen that color or knew someone who would nitro mine that color, I would be all in!

[@milliesdad8322]

I was told my truck color is Taliban Tan. Being a Veteran, I wasn't offended. 😎

[@TarshishedCactus]

I have a daphne blue rosewood neck strat too and I love it.

[@eliotlaver3414]

Hey thanks for the video! I don’t see that PDF sheet you were talking about was it removed?

[@bluesplanet2290]

It´s the first one after clicking the "show more"-button.

[@trevorhoward2254]

Free PDF, Nice one, Phil, thanks.

[@eliotlaver3414]

Hey. don’t see the PDF where is it???

[@kennethwhite7858]

@@eliotlaver3414 Beats me I could not see it as well!

[@buck7477]

I have a 2008 Mexican Strat with black logo and gold trim. Serial number does not come up in fender database. But it comes up under the Squier search as made in corona Mexico

[@drkmbadgley]

On a double fulcrum bridge, the posts for a Squire are a couple of millimeters different than an American made Fender, so the American bridge will not fit on the Squire.

[@clairegarlow6100]

Thanks for the tips that was a lot of fun. Im not a strat expert I was checking all the things you said on this strat I got off of a friend that he bought at a garage sale for $10 off of someone. I got the strat in a trade for drums( 3 tama rock star tom toms plus the bass drum and the mount for the bass i got for free and my friend offered me this strat, and a wanna be hofner beatle bass It turned out great what a deal I finally got. I put a new maple neck on it too. I never had any kind of strart. Its not my #1 love on electrics. Love my old u.s.a.tele 69 first and my( 72 sg the pods are 8/72) but I bought it in 74. and my fathers 67 gibson es125tc, but yes as the years went by I fell in love with the strart also. I just was so used to the tele that I picked up at a young age..and fell in love with it. from the feel to the looks to the sound..

[@lukerandle7406]

Another video about inspecting PRS and PRS SE guitars would be interesting.

[@rijosigns]

i grew up as a kramer ibanez guy...but as i got older and could play better i fell i love with a tele cause i would use it not pluged in sitting on the couch watching x-files back in the early 90's and gigged it and loved it for it's sound.so please do a tele inspect ty and hi from canada cheers long time fans we are here in alberta

[@Nonexistanthuman]

I'd like to see an Ibanez one in the future if possible could even talk about their gio guitars too. Thanks for sharing the knowledge :)))

[@drivinsouth651]

I have an Ibanez Gio; it is almost as good as my American made 1994 40th Anniversary Fender strat and stays in tune about as well, too. I bought it for my niece for about $120.00 new and I bought it back from her when she decided the guitar was not her bag. I bought the strat used for $750.00. I love The Japanese price and quality, in cars too. Great video & videos; thanks for posting, McKnight!

[@drivinsouth651]

@@lueysixty-six7300 She needed the money and I`m the cool uncle.

[@one-pu2rw]

@@drivinsouth651 RX Series??

[@drivinsouth651]

@@one-pu2rw Ibanez GIO Electric Guitar Candy Apple Red basswood body, maple neck with rosewood fretboard, HSS,

[@goodboyringo9716]

I have a 2000 Fender American deluxe fat strat that I bought new LSR nut never been worked on at all but new strings.

[@jjdillon2007]

I have an American Deluxe Tele (2014, with a maple board) that had a bad case of fret sprout, that I had to correct. So it's not just MIMs that have that problem. That being said, I've seen and played some new MIM Teles and Strats, that I could grate lettuce to make tacos.

[@peterumbriana1272]

Thanks for the info Phil, i have a left handed 1984 strat the neck is marked that year, checking to see if the date is marked on the body, also i will now check the to see volume and tone controls to see if they have the big pots and pin in the center. Good tips.

[@lexdemonica]

Going on Safari today. Perfect timing

[@harrydsouzamusic]

Hey Philip, Can you make a video on the Fender Player Lead iii? That'd be great

[@idealmethod]

check headstock for perfect lacquer and wood finish, also the neck should be a perfect fit to body, neck plate screws should be level, and check the neck where it meets the pickguard to see the true neck finish, is it cnc or cut by hand.

[@adamkempa5157]

Thank you ! Old Gibson guy - just bought my 1st strat.(USA Delux) My old Les Paul has P90's so i finally figured out I a single coil guy at heart. My Strat delux has the S1 switch on it, I Iike it - got more info on the S1?? Bought a Fender Aerodyne Tele with a P90 in the neck and "the switch in the right place and it felt like home". 9's on a 25.5 are easier on old paws than 10's on the 24.75ish(just saying) Keep Smiling

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

Before I finally bought a guitar there was this one in a thrift shop, an MIM Stratocaster from the 90s that I thought of buying but felt uneasy about because it was filthy, had mismatched pickups, the tuners didn’t look legit, nor did the neck plate. They had a $350 price tag on it. Over a year later, it’s still there! Well, now that I know quite a lot more about Stratocasters, it seems to me like someone dumped all their spare parts into it so that maybe only the neck, body, pick guard, and bridge are actually Fender, and the rest is garbage. So what I’m thinking is, go in there, see if it plays at all, and so long as the neck and body are OK, make an offer of $70 for it. What do you think?

[@pranavkamath4329]

I was in a lecture when I got the notification, and I had a strong desire to just leave and watch the vid

[@bipbipletucha]

Haha

[@michellecrickmore1180]

Also the cheapest of the cheap guitar the 'Starcaster' By: Fender has a full thickness body and the larger head stock. however, the finish on the body under the paint isn't quite flat on the one I have. The paint looks nice but at certain angles you can see small blemishes (like bubble dimples ans smudges) and the joins in the multiple body pieces. The one I have is at least 3 pieces and below the bridge you can see the lines where they are joined. As if it was not sanded all the way flat. The pick ups sound a bit week but, the tone is ok for as cheap as this.

[@vyger6336]

In 1986, I bought a STRAT made in Japan which I still have. The quality of this guitar is excellent however since I played the heck out of it thru the years now it needs a fret job. Would that be expensive to do..?

[@luciansirbu1784]

I'm not Philip, but from what i know it's about 150$-200$ for a refret job

[@nikojnemavakvo]

Thanks, now i know how to make the perfect copy of strat :D

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Use your powers for good not evil.

[@petebrown3715]

Awesome video Phil. Thanks for this knowledge.

[@brianlyall]

How about guidelines for looking at a used acoustic guitar? Could be any brand?

[@brianlyall]

That was quick! I'm 68, bought my first guitar 2 years ago. Wanted couch guitar, so recently bought a used Takamine G Series Electro Acoustic for $300 CDN. New ones are in 600 to 900 range, apparently. It was pretty good condition for 10 yers old, original strings, somer dirt on fretboard, a few light stains on the frets. Took a chance, cleaned it up with polish and fine emery cloth, added some Elixir Polywebs 10-47 (might go to 12's next time) and installed copper bridge pins. I play it more than my electrics now.

[@khankrum1]

I had an old 50s Strat in the sixties and it did not have fender on the neck plate, only the serial number which had a lot of zeroes on it!

[@tolkienboutstuff446]

That green strat is breathtaking!

[@jimobrien84]

The more of your videos I watch the more I appreciate my luthier. Mike at Players Guitar in the south suburbs of chicago. To anyone in the area the guy does awesome work at crazy low prices

[@larryn1875]

The main thing I look for is if the neck rises after the body; a truss rod adjustment won't correct that. Very informative video!

[@vinlander8484]

yes hump/swell of the board! I watched to see if this was going to get mentioned.

[@Bluesmusicno1]

Had that antique olive professional strat 2017

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

Everything I learned about DIYing my guitar, pretty much the only reason I play a Stratocaster, is because of you. I think it would be very interesting, after the pandemic, for you to check out my guitar after I go home to SoCal. I bought it used, in Japan, constantly working on it. I think it will be interesting to see how well I and others do with a low end Stratocaster per your instructions.

[@donniecox8847]

When you look at the hole in the micro-tilt plates for American Fenders, be sure there's a hole in the guitar body too. I have run into this where the necks and bodies have been swapped out and buyers don't notice this.

[@michaelthomas4156]

Thanks!!! If needing a "real" unbiased opinion based on real data, Phil is "The Man".

[@hudsondonnell444]

Back in the late nineties I had a Fender Custom Shop N.O.S. 57 reissue Strat. I went to a music shop one day while looking around for guitars and was offered real 59 and 65 models that were in pieces and missing some electronics. I wish I had bought both of them because they would have still been a bargain when looking at today's prices.

[@davidaylsworth8964]

Very helpful and timely video as I am currently shopping for a Strat. Thanks for the primer.

[@daggergblue]

I am still in love with that green Strat.

[@ipuya]

That Daphne blue strat with the rosewood neck!! 😍😍😍😍

[@McOuroborosBurger]

Hey Phillip, some MIJ fenders use a 4mm hex key actually. Just Japanese ones though.

[@PhillipMcKnight]

Yes, It should be all Asian imports. Im sorry if I wasn't clear on that one.

[@McOuroborosBurger]

Phillip McKnight I’m pretty sure it’s just Japanese. The modern player stuff is made in China and uses the standard MIM and US hex size.

[@JonFirstenfeld]

Phillip. I played Strat and Rickenbacker in the 60's and 70's I converted my right handed strat to left handed (obviously). I damaged my right hand and didn't attempt to play for 25 years. I have been trying to get back into it for some time now. I have decent Dean acoustic, but long for for that Strat neck from the my youth. Do you recommend any stores, either mail or local that I could trust to give me that classic strat grip that help define mu youth? I'm left handed with fairly small hands. My 67 strat was sunburst which I stripped to blond.

[@JonFirstenfeld]

It was only the neck which always draws me back to this guitar. It fit me precisely. The Rick was even smaller in diameter but lost those "push off" points then pretty much relegated it to an electric rhythm guitar (The best there ever was)

[@JonFirstenfeld]

Money is not an object

[@audiophileman7047]

Your tips are excellent, Phillip. Thank you for making this video! 👍👍👍

[@lechindianer]

A video on ES-335 would be nice!

[@mattilangofficial]

Ive got a 1990 American Strat, modiefied with Lace Sensor and EC- Booster. Now I wanna sell it. How can I proof that its guinue? Its first hand, I bought it by myself un 1990.. Good video!

[@keithwind4945]

What about the nut. How do I tell if its been replaced and cut to low or not enought

[@alexhenderson8356]

I've got a 1966 Rickenbacker 450-12. It's not a through neck, but a set neck. It needs to be re glued. I don't want to be ripped off. Approximately how much do you think a Luther would charge to reset a neck? I'm sure there are variables. Looking for a balll park figure. I'm on Long Island NY. EVERYTHING COSTS more here but I'm not wealthy. Thanks

[@geeeemn5010]

Great video! Thanks for all these great tips about used strats!

[@andrewransom6489]

Super helpful - thanks! I agree, would love to see a video on a Tele.

[@davidfrantz3473]

WOW is this perfect timing. FedEx delivered a used Strat to me a couple hours ago.

[@alfredorojasv3447]

That Nick Johnston signature look alike Strat is one beautiful thing...damnn

[@milehigh8382]

OMG people I just bought a EART brand guitar, amazing!!!! Polished stainless steel frets awesome wood and build , after playing this explorer 1 I sold my Les paul, buying an expensive amp!

[@minervameza2686]

You are the best, Phil. Thank you for this great info!

[@laurieharper1526]

Tele' is even easier to dismantle/tweak/modify, but point taken. The kit builder style of construction makes it difficult to be certain about any Fender style instrument.

[@SMAAAASHTV]

I tried a Fender American Professional Strat at a Guitar Center a few years ago that had terrible fret sprout. Was very disappointed, as I live in California about 30 minutes away from where the guitars are built, so there would have been no excuse for that kind of shrinkage.

[@bluesplanet2290]

I love your channel! Best hidden hint ever was to buy more amps, so we finally have a place for my daughter´s stuffed animals! 😉

[@GuitarTabsDaily]

That’s a great strat Phil! Played one and loved it

[@biscuitranchproductions4946]

That green Strat is fantastic!

[@cowtowncustoms2110]

Phil, I would like to see what kind of PRS guitars I should be able to buy under $600, and is it worth it?

[@vinlander8484]

most older se standards are under 600$ Ive never seen a bad one!

[@hezz74]

Great informative vid as usual Phil...I would just like to add; I've got 2011 American special(totally awesome) and it's got a non logo neck plate.

[@jonathanrupolo4726]

Thank you! This is a great video, very informative. Definitely worth saving, I would love to see more

[@Bloozestringer]

How about an Ibanez or Charvel with a Floyd style bridge and locking nut for another inspection video?

[@GeorgeHeil-ch3ro]

I've a MIM Strat I purchased approximately 15 years ago. I've not played her in quite some time, and have kept her cased. Is the MIM build quality comparable with the newer guitars ? Wondering if I should sell, or have my local " guy" ( whom has a tremendous reputation with working musicians ) give it a once over ?

[@p1st0ls44]

thanks so much. been eyeing some fender strats at a guitar shop near my house. decent prices too but i want the right one.

[@mikeadams4605]

Good video Phil....Just FYI, one correction...the Vintage Style Fender Tuning machines do not have an F or any Fender marking on them. These are standard on a lot of Fender guitars

[@cesargonzalez8260]

How about one for Fender Telecasters.

[@dp9550]

There are full thickness Squier bodies as well.

[@davidpomella6786]

Excellent summary Dr. Phil

[@fnersch3367]

Am building a kit so all this info is of great use. Thanks.

[@Delzona]

Please do a video on the TELECASTER!!

[@dannyfournier6657]

Hi Phil, I bought a MIM Stratocaster, don't know what year model it is . It has what looks like birds eye maple neck with bone nut and classic plastic where the entrance for the truss rod is , a screw on tremolo bar . Everything about the guitar is great sound wise , excellent. The back plate is a puzzle it only has two letters marked on it CE and otherwise its a naked plate . Its a black guitar with a sort of coffee pearl colored pick guard. If you have any idea of the year it came out please let me know . I think its a players series.

[@talrajuan]

i'd love to see a guitar collection video! love the channel

[@rodpolice]

This is why I would rather buy a new one. It’s good to know all this but nothing beats the peace of mind of getting a brand new instrument with warranty and all. Great vid, tho! Would love to see more. I subbed!

[@harryh212]

Where is the attached PDF download?