When FENDER invite you to their Factory, you say YES!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

What makes a Strat a Strat for you? Here are the guitars I mentioned at the end of the video : Fender 1954 70th Anniversary Strat at Sweetwater (US 🇺🇸) sweetwater.sjv.io/q49kWY Fender 1954 70th Anniversary Strat at Thomann (EU 🇪🇺) thmn.to/thocf/iho6odhjdx Fender 1954 70th Anniversary Strat at Andertons (UK🇬🇧)elkqr.link/andert1954strat Fender Ultra II at Sweetwater (US 🇺🇸) sweetwater.sjv.io/4P6OJM Fender Ultra II at Thomann (EU 🇪🇺) thmn.to/thoprod/595886?offid=1&affid=288 Fender Ultra II at Andertons (UK🇬🇧) elkqr.link/ndrk7

[@Smart-Alex]

Is this even a real question. Guitar players already know.

[@Longplay_Games]

For me, it's that sound. There's just something very iconic about it, but it's one of the first things I notice when I play 'strat-like' guitars is that the sound is different. Sometimes quite a lot.

[@Davidthestratman7]

The versatility, the feel, the sound, and like the great white shark, it doesn't need to evolve

[@-processdrone-]

congratulations on being invited, that's some sort of milestone right there.

[@Steven_SK]

From content to production quality one of the best vids I have seen.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thank you so much

[@victorthomsen8520]

This was a joy to edit! However getting past the finish line was a tough one haha

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Yes it was! Great work on this my dude

[@victorthomsen8520]

@@TheGuitarGeek Likewise!

[@fribersson]

So you're the famous editor! Great job, thanks for the videos, you guys are a great team :-) Merry Christmas!

[@GuitarTabsDaily]

Great job!

[@Jalapeno2107]

A Strat is ... a friend for life. 😎🎸

[@gorlagOv]

I love factory tours. Great video glad you got the opportunity to visit Fender!

[@BCarpenter2314]

IMO, the Strat is the most iconic electric guitar shape. When I hear someone talking about guitars, this is the first shape I imagine.

[@gorgon9786]

The fact that you are a their factory,. Great example of how you have made impact with your channel, congratulations!.. 🤩👍🙏

[@REDOPTICALCORP]

Excellent video!!! I want another on the TELE!! I wish you could have one for each of the styles!

[@Old-Skull.]

As a Fender guy just want to say to everybody at Fender thanks for making affordable guitars for all players around the world , thanks Leo , whatever you are, God bless your soul . Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everybody at Fender . Thanks Andy , easy the best video of 2024, a little bit short , but the pin-up girl foot thing was priceless , well done mate. 👍🏻

[@Longplay_Games]

Something I literally can't unsee now, it's wild.

[@davidkastin4240]

The Strat is my favorite guitar. Most comfortable, most versatile and easy to mod.

[@fribersson]

Thank goodness there is no one saying "only a strat can say what a strat it"! :-D Beautiful documentary, great job. Amazing how some bits of wood move us, carry the love and respect of the people designing, building and playing, and are making all our lives more beautiful. Thanks Andy!

[@metalhead7181]

I'm a strat guy , I have 4 Mexican players series and an American pro two, 2 of my players series are 70th anniversary guitars. They're all great guitars. Great video by the way. I would love to visit the Fender factory some day. 👍🎸

[@handofike]

For me a Strat starts with numbers 25.5 (Scale) 7.25 (Radius) 21 (Frets) 2 and 4 (Positions) 3 (Pickups) 57 and 62 (Years) There in is perfection The neck angle, the headstock that won’t break if you bump it, the contours etc Then there’s the players Jimi Jeff David Nile Stevie Eric (x2) Lowell Eddie It’s history under your hands and it makes you feel alive Viva La Strat!

[@pauldavid22212]

Great video Andy, what a brilliant insight into an iconic guitar. For me it’s the way it hugs into you and sits effortlessly in the hand alongside the multitude of tones you can produce. I’m lucky enough to have an early 70’s strat. I will never part with it.

[@perempti]

A Strat is - my first guitar, my first love

[@ruinerwithdecay]

I’m at work right now. Thinking about going home on my lunch break to play my strat! 😂

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I hope you do!

[@progressiveissueswoodstock8487]

Thanks!! The pinup girl headstock says it all!

[@markinthemix6055]

Well done. I hope there’s a longer more thorough version of this story. Blessings and Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@joermnyc]

What I find remarkable is: Fender didn’t come up with the 5-way switch until 1977! So 23 years of players figuring out how to “park” the 3-way switch to get the 2 & 4 positions, which are THE tones of a Strat.

[@drewp6126]

Excellent informative video - AMAZING! Its a real Strat with the mojo of dedicated American workers.

[@GuitarTabsDaily]

Amazing Andy!! Love this

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Thanks so much!!

[@zaneblack1132]

So much fun Andy thanks for the great content. I'm a Tele man myself, I get it from my Dad I think. But I'm a sucker for a sweet Delonge model. Thanks again.

[@douglaspate9314]

Just paid for a Fender Stratocaster Player II, HSS, Can't wait till it arrives

[@kevingates3494]

I did not have "Leo Fender was a foot guy" on my bingo card when I started watching this

[@judih.8754]

Andy that was an awesome tour and I loved all variety of correct answers! Thanks.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@telestratblues]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Good look in 2025

[@billytee8052]

Great video! I have a 2023 Fender limited edition American Professional II Stratocaster. It's the most beautiful guitar I've ever held. I've had hands on many guitars in my 54 years

[@Adamski1989]

I bought a player 2 70th anniversary strat and it's fantastic..the neck is incredible to play

[@ServingMyJesus]

What an insight to the best guitar, ever! I love the logo story. Thank you so much for this video.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

My pleasure!

[@keestoft250]

That was a great video, thank you. I sometimes wish I loved Teles more than strats, maybe because they are considered to have more attitude, but no other guitar shape or tone makes me happier than a strat, it's a life long thing. Thanks Leo.

[@PaulCooksStuff]

The comfort carves and the way it sits on you. I can't imagine how other worldly that shape and contouring must've been when it was launched. Initial revulsion?

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I’d love to have experienced the first year and what it did for guitar

[@toddjohnson3857]

Great job Andy!! I'm so jealous, I've been a Fender junkie my whole life..

[@rottalmusik6563]

The strat is a templed and a icon in one❤

[@FlyGuy457]

Fantastic video.

[@MatthijsKoningstein]

I agree with the 1056 neck. I've got Blackie right here (well, obviously not the real one). And it's been my favourite neck ever since I picked it up.

[@al271987]

Love a good Strat! A MIM Standard Strat was my first “real” guitar as a teenager (the super cheap Epiphone that came with the tiny amp as a starter pack was a means to an end, but that’s about it), hard to imagine that was over 20 years ago. I still love them, but I love most guitars. To me the Strat is the best Surf guitar available, and that’s what I like having one around for. I know most people associate them with the blues folks, but for me I’ll always associate it with Dick Dale and of course Hendrix.

[@iamanovercomer3253]

Since you were in the neighborhood, you should have stopped by the G&L factory 🎸‼️👍

[@MrGul]

A Strat is any guitar that Fender decides to put the Stratocaster name onto.

[@jackstonehenge]

This was a fun video to wake up to this morning.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

So glad to hear it

[@vasotoe]

Woowee this video was top notch. Thank you Andy!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

You’re welcome V!

[@Tonetwisters]

The bridge system defines the tonality of a Stratocaster, first and foremost. THAT ... from a Stratocaster player since 1963 (1954 Stratocaster, my very first guitar).

[@timmzahn]

The feeling that Mark described about the Strat, from before he ever learned how to play, is the same feeling that I've always had about the Les Paul. To me, Les Paul's are magical, and Strats are just "eh." But.... Thanks for the video Andy! Looking forward to more great videos in 2025.

[@andsoistopped]

Excellent.

[@goniseukurac5911]

What is Strat? The sound and the iconic shape.Even if you are not a guitarist you should have one .

[@Alan-zf2tt]

Well! Someone is a happy chappy! Nice seasonal present Andy! (and three, yes three, exclamation marks! okay ... 4?) 🙂

[@Krullmatic]

.....and so, the lowly and humble Strat went on to solve world hunger, made peace all throughout the world, won the Nobel and Pulitzer prizes, and is now head of the United Nations. Man! What a life!

[@son0fsocal]

I wish you would cover Bass more, there are many of us you know.

[@denislocs141]

Great video

[@MikeLute]

This should be on the Teli or a streming service of your choice. Great factory tour!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

That would be cool!

[@jamesthompson6726]

Andy in fender haven. 🤯😁

[@chip308]

Stratty strats are the best strats !

[@andresilva8444]

Fantastic! Loved it. But you forgot the picture of the pinup foot. 🤪 JK! Not one of those pervs.

[@hampusnilsson6950]

I think you might wanna keep that 70s anniversary strat. I've seen some review of It from some dude on youtube. It sounded really nice.

[@Chloes_Thoughts]

I don't think I'll ever be able to un-see that headstock now 😆🤣

[@shaunmcmilian418]

Man, Andy, you’re so close to me I live in Oregon maybe not so close. You’re about eight hours or nine hours from me if you make your way down to Oregon specifically Eugene, Oregon, you should send me a message because I would really really like to have a cup of coffee with you I know this is completely not gonna happen but hey, what the hell I figured I’d roll the dice. Cheers,Andy

[@montauta]

A strat is a strat because The body shape. Period.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Hmmm….. maybe

[@NorthBayRepublic]

Jackson / Charvel and the rest refute this statement.

[@honeyfrost3355]

So not the sound?

[@electricalife]

I always though the headstock was a silhouette of a Stradivarius violin headstock on it's side.

[@RussInCanada]

I'm surprised no one mentioned scale length.

[@OzziePete1]

Great video Andy. I have never seen a Fender Factory tour where they show how they make the pickguards or the pickups. Are they made off site, or, do they just don't want to show the machines at work?

[@matthewcyahoo]

Andy, you are right near my house and you don't call, don't come by??

[@lldaftikll531]

Feet.... Didn't see that one coming

[@GreenmanXIV]

I own 4 Strats, I love them all, but they'll have to prise my black hardtail from my cold dead hands.

[@thomasraven]

Please don't burn in captions. So distracting!

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I want to make this video as accessible as possible as I have viewers from all over the world whose first language is not necessarily English. KZbin’s subtitle system is broken and people deserve to know what’s being said.

[@victorthomsen8520]

@@thomasraven I’d also add to your statement, that the factory was VERY noisy and it would take more from the video than add, without the subtitles. However I do also find them a bit distracting, but what’s being said in this video is gold, and we didn’t want ANYONE missing it ❤️

[@Case_]

(I'm so used to watching stuff with subtitles - despite rarely needing them - that I didn't even realize they were burned in until I saw this comment ;) )

[@victorthomsen8520]

@ it’s also an excellent excuse to eat chips while watching this video! 😁😁

[@MrNatural_OG]

it was the first expensive electric guitar i bought, so.. 50th anni american deluxe ftw?

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

Strat is a good guitar but I like it in HSS

[@NorthBayRepublic]

For me the "true" Strat has to have 3 single coil pickups with the modern concession of a five-way switch.

[@fawkesandhound]

Who’s here from 2054? 100 year anniversary!

[@NoobOnATele]

A strat to me, is an organ

[@nigellacey559]

So from now on can we trust your reviews of fender products? Just asking. Not that I have a problem with fender apart from their prices.

[@TheGuitarGeek]

Trust no one. Take the information given to you and see how it correlates with info from others and then decide for yourself. Fender and I have been working together for a few years now. I’ll still point out then they make a booboo

[@MrGul]

What... Dude says he prefers Strats because "they're simple" and says he's tried "Teles and...[blanks out, can't remember any other models]"? I think it's an objective truth that the Strat is NOT simple, especially not compared to a Tele or any other 2-pickup guitar with a fixed bridge. 3 pickups, 5-way blade switch (with a fairly non-intuitive configuration), two tone knobs (again, not very intuitive in what they affect) and a volume knob, angle-mounted output jack, heavily contoured body shape (with two horns) and a 6-point (or 2-point) tremolo system where you have to keep the bridge in balance with string tension vs. spring tension, as well as basically having to open up the back cavity in order to restring is NOT a simple guitar. Compare that to a Tele which is is basically a slab of wood with 2 pickups, a 3-way switch, a fixed bridge (where if you want string-through, you don't have to open up a cavity), single volume and a tone knobs (very intuitive), and a side-mounted output jack. And yet he prefers the Strat because "it's simple"? Wow... I can REALLY not understand how he gets to that conclusion. Personal preference is one thing (I love Strats myself!) but stating that he prefers a Strat over a Tele because the Strat is "simple" is just way beyond logic reasoning to me.

[@mycosys]

I'm still laughing that the iconic Fender head is Leo's foot fetish. Does that mean a Strat is two feet long?

[@mattc2674]

always hated the goofy large CBS style headstock and it doesn’t do it any favors knowing it was designed that way exclusively to market the guitar on tv

[@TheGuitarGeek]

I’m a big fan of the large head stock, but I can understand why you feel that way

[@NicholasANappiNick]

The money they charge and the bodies are all pieces 😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@mickfaragher7897]

What a load of pretentiousness twaddle. Mass produced garbage. Leo was a cheapskate and nothing has changed.

[@lifeofthetheatre]

For me a Strat (USA) is too expensive. I’ve tried the Mexicans, they just feel lifeless. I’ve tried a Japanese, but it would not stay in tune. I’ve tried many alt brands super-strats..but they weren’t REAL starts…haha. For now I am happy with my Cort G260SE… 398 euros….2000 less than the Strat I would LIKE to have.

[@jmdyt3626]

Tbf you can get a USA strat second hand for good prices

[@RubyDimasStudio]

it is dangerous to visit that kind of places...mind start to think to much (GAS)