Why Fender Stratocasters Are Not My Favorite 😳

Since the Fender Stratocaster was introduced in 1954, it has become one of the most iconic guitars. With its 3 single coil pickups, 5 way switch, vibrato bridge, super comfortable body shape, and nearly endless modification options, its versatility spans many genres and is certainly one of the most played guitars. Many guitar heroes throughout the decades have played a Strat. Even more bedroom players play them. It’s one of the most sold guitar models ever. Fender has many different models of their own. Most other guitar companies have their own versions as well. It’s fair to say that a lot of people love playing a Stratocaster. But it’s also fair to say, I’m not one of them…
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[@DadRockAndGuitars]

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[@bumblefritz]

I'm polar opposite on all of your points except for the floating bridge. I use the vibrato bar a lot but I keep the bridge flush to the body. All of your points are valid though, some guitars a person just doesn't gel with. The worst part abour Strats is that I always want another one.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Thanks for watching @Bumblefritz ! Out of curiosity, what genre do you mostly play? Sounds like the Strat works well fo you. And yeah, when you find something you like, it's hard to not want more 🤣

[@bumblefritz]

@@DadRockAndGuitars A blend of various rock styles. My music has some grunge, surf, & blues influences too.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

@@bumblefritz Awesome! Thanks! The Strat is great for all of that 👍

[@elnico135]

Well its funny because most of the reasons and points you explain in the video are the reasons of why I like strats 😅 I love the middle pickup and I use the volume and tone knobs a lot. I only wish they were made with a bridge pickup tone knob

[@johncook7286]

hi, I think it's quite an easy mod to rewire the tone knobs so you can change the tone on the bridge pickup, something i'm thinking of doing for my strat

[@drummerboy1390]

I agree with you about the volume control and the middle pick up. I just suck it up. I’ve played everything and end up back at the Strat. I need versatile and that’s the Strat. You play great. Everything you play in this video would sound awesome on a Telecaster.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Absolutely, if the Strat is your sound, then there's nothing better than a Strat. The minor inconveniences are not that big of a deal and there are a bunch of ways of modifying if needed. Thanks for the compliment and thanks for watching and commenting!

[@lone-wolf-1]

I also don‘t like the volume knob and blade switch placement. As for the middle pickup, having very small hands it‘s not in my way while palm muting. I usually replace the volume knob on every guitar if it‘s to close to my strumming motion with an on/off button for kill switch or neck split. On SSS guitars it‘s for controlling the neck pup. This way I have also two additional sounds: neck+bridge and all three pups. I can live with just a volume knob (middle pot) and a tone pot (wich I like to wire to neck and bridge, but not to the middle pickup). On strat type guitars I usually cut a new pickguard where the placement of the blade switch slit is moved back and at a flatter angle. I also bend the blade of it at 60 degrees downwards, so it is even further out of the way but with better grip to switch when needed. The least on a strat I like the size of the body wich feels strangely too big for me short guy. That‘s why I like Ibanez or Cort guitars. My Slick SL57 I will cut the outline smaller by 1,5 cm. Cheers😊

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Wow, sounds like you've figured out a lot of modifications that work for you! The new pickguard with the switch moved sounds like a good solution 👍 I may end up doing some mods on mine as well at some point. Thanks for sharing your ideas!

[@lone-wolf-1]

@@DadRockAndGuitars Glad you like it! If you cut a new pickguard you could consider placing the middle pickup towards the neck or towards the bridge, so it’s not directly under the picking hand. If moved towards bridge, you have all the free picking space between it and the neck pickup, and also if you don‘t like the bridge pickup because of shrill and thin, the really close to it middle pickup will sound warmer. 😊 And for a humbucker like sound you can wire middle and bridge in series.😜

[@dancompton1728]

As a fellow lefty, the right handed pots is such a handicap for the Strat. The reason I like my Strat so much is the ability for it to be so dynamic with the volume controls and tone controls. I have a 2007 American Standard that had the same issue, but I got a left handed wiring harness and it made the bridge pickup a lot more usable.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Yeah, that seems to be a thing with a lot of left handed guitars. Makes those controls a lot useable. I’m going to be putting reverse pots in my guitars that need it. Where did you get your wiring harness?

[@dancompton1728]

@@DadRockAndGuitars I got it from Starr Guitar Systems. He has lot of stuff for the for lefty players. The soldering job was great, and the only critique I have was the 5 way switch he used was a little loose for my liking. Nothing flimsy or anything, but if you played a new professional model from fender the switch they use now is solid. He was responsive when I had questions or issues. He seems like a decent guy.

[@hannanathan564]

But… the volume knob placement is an advantage. So is the switch angle. Pick hitting the middle pickup, don’t expose as much of the pick, it’s more efficient anyways. Floating trem, agreed. I hard tailed that sucker years ago. Bridge pickup, agreed. HSS with S1 switch. Life changer.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Thanks for watching Nathan! I've definitely considered switching to HSS. Listened to a couple of your songs on your channel. Really good stuff!

[@hannanathan564]

@@DadRockAndGuitars thanks man! Really enjoyed the video, should have mentioned that before. Looking forward to more

[@davidsixstrings]

in the other hand, the tele is a pain in the ass when you are in bridge position and one to do a quick change, the volume knob is on the way to the switcher

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

That's a valid point.It would be nice if there was a little more separation there. Thanks David!

[@kitoyobeni1]

I have some issues with sss strats as well. I tend to move the volume down to the 1st tone position and use a single global tone. I also really am not a fan of the bridge position single coil, typically replace it with a Duncan strat sized humbucker. I also deck my trem. I would recommend a hard tail Squier Contemporary Steat Special for most of your issues, but I don't know if they make a lefty?

[@RR-ho5ek]

I like strat sounds, tele bridge sounds, and a hard tail bridge, solution, Nashville telecaster, it really is the best compromise.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

There you go! Definitely a great option 👍 Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

I agree completely with all of your issues. I do like the sound of a Strat, but it's not something I need in my own playing. I like HH or HS pickup configurations with coil splits on the humbuckers and that's all I need. I'm not much of a fan of neck humbuckers, but I do like neck single coils so I can do a single in the neck. I've done the comparisons between split coils and single coils (video on my channel), and they sound so similar that I don't need a dedicated guitar with only single coils. Once you get the guitars in a mix with everything, no one will know the difference. I do have a Strat on my rack though, and I got it specifically to not be a Strat. I was using an Epiphone Les Paul Special II for Eb standard to dropped C tunings, but something about it ain't doing it for me, maybe the scale length, but all my other guitars are Strat style. So to go with the "chugging on a classic design" idea, I got a blue MIM Strat. It's not easy to get a left handed Squier or Fender in anything other than black or sunburst for a low price. 😂 Just gonna slap a single humbucker with a volume and tone on a parchment Tom Delonge pickguard. Should be sick. Anyways, great video, very well put together!

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Watched your video. Good and interesting comparison 👍 I've thought about doing a humbucker in the bridge and single coil in the neck of my Strat and getting a different pickguard. Kind of the best of both worlds. And yes, the lefty selection can be hard sometimes 😅 Thanks for watching!

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

@@DadRockAndGuitars Thanks! You should give it a try, I like the look of a Strat but just not the function. I have no problem with my HS setup though! :)

[@DanRelayer_Ukraine]

yeah, it sucks that one cannot do double stops on a strat with the floating bridge, but hey. What you CAN do is place the picking/struming hand as if for palm-mutting but actually start pressing gently on the bridge and releasing it, which will yield some of the coolest chorusy sounds you'll ever hear. Never got the problem with the master volume knob. As for the switch - yeah, happened but only a couple of times. I wanted a tele initially but after some consideration and seeing THE perfect strat model, I realized that Strat is the perfect bang for the buck guitar. Middle pickup is great too. You can get so many sounds out of this one,

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Thanks Dan! That's a cool idea with gently pressing on the bridge for the double stops 👍 You're right, the Strat does have a ton of tone options. Which Strat model was the perfect one that made you decide to get a Strat?

[@DanRelayer_Ukraine]

@@DadRockAndGuitars initially I wanted a pro (gen 1) all natural ash tele. Then I saw a Strat Pro (1st gen) Sweetwater Exclusive with all roasted maple neck, locking tuners, and CS 69 pups (instead of stock vmods). A bunch of cool upgrades while costing not that much more expensive than the base model at the time. Got it in 2019. As for tele, I have a distant dream of ordering one from the mod shop - mahogany body, all rosewood neck, gold color hardware and tortoise shell pickguard.)) Looked swell in the picture.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

@@DanRelayer_Ukraine Wow, that sounds like a really great Strat! Definitely some great upgrades on that! I have designed more Teles on the Mod Shop than I care to admit lol! As a lefty I have limited options for what's offered from the factory, but I could get anything that's available there. It's very tempting. 🙂

[@chetlockwood1491]

As a beginner, a 71 year old beginner, I wanted that Strat Sound, but I also have a Telecaster, Les Paul and a 335 style semi-hollow body. I wanted to be able to replicate the tones and characteristics of the music I grew up with. There are days when I want that Strat Sound and the same applies to all the others, they each have sound characteristics that are unique to the type. Your annoyances are also found across all the others to varying degrees, variety is the Spice of Life, most of the time, we make a movement or misstep that brings that little annoyance to the forefront, I generally position my hand by placing my little finger at the high end of the bridge, it gives me a consistent location to only interfere with the things I want and help me get to the strings I want to be wanging on, Just Saying.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Thanks Chet! Absolutely - no guitar is perfect for everyone 👍 They all have their little things and sonic character. Like you said, it's great to have all these options and we can choose what works best for each on of us. It's a great time to play guitar! What are some of your favorite artists/tones you're looking to replicate?

[@chetlockwood1491]

@@DadRockAndGuitars , Sultans of Swing, Beatles, Jackson Browne, Rolling Stones, Beach Boys, Heart, I’m trying to head towards a few riffs and solos, but the reality of needing a better understanding of music, I have a copy of Total Guitar Tutor, it pretty much slices and dices everything down to the point of being competent musically.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

@@chetlockwood1491 That's great Chet! There are a lot of good resources on KZbin as well. One channel that comes to mind is Justin Guitar. He has a bunch of great (and free) beginner lessons on his site. Plus songs and all of that. www.justinguitar.com/

[@toddbonsang5802]

I couldn't disagree more. Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan just rolled over in their graves. And floating tremolos are a problem too? Well Eddie Van Halen just rolled over too. All the reasons you don't like them are easy fixes. 1. Customize your pickguard and only have one volume and one tone knob. 2. Get a hard tail strat. 3. Learn to finger pick and stop picking like your mad at the guitar. And if those don't work then don't buy one Fenders doing fine without you. Thats as nice as i can be.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Although I started on a Strat I have always struggled to play one. My best guitar is a Strat but I would trade it for an equivalent tele any day. It’s the crowded controls and the middle pickup for me

[@kurtz1993]

I like to hear other's opinion on stuff and I enjoyed your video! For me, I love the strat body shape and the vibrato system. I do not like the SSS sound as well, and I tend to prefer super strats with humbuckers, which eliminates the middle pickup and enhances the volume knob position 😅.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your comment 👍 I agree the body shape is quite comfortable. I went for the super Strat thing with an Ibanez S470L back in the day. It had two humbuckers, but still had a single in the middle! 🤣

[@taymalloy1604]

They sound so good though! :) and feel good too! The volume knob is very close and middle pickup is in the picking place! Tele's might be better for that kind of style and if you strum a lot! All about adjusting though too! Love Tele's a lot too!

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

The curves of a Strat definitely make is super comfortable to play! Thanks for watching!

[@Vector-X777]

As a Strat owner I have to disagree on all of your points good Sir. I never found the volume knob to be in my way nor the middle pickup. All guitars are different and require some sort of adjustment. For example it took me about a week to get used to my 50s Telecaster bridge cause of the sharp edges but thats not a big deal. As for the floating bridge problem. Why buy a guitar with a floating bridge in the first place? Each of my guitars have their uses for different genres. Just my thoughts on the subject. I for one absolutely love Stratocasters and thank you for this video anyway.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

I agree, every guitar has it's quirks and feels and plays different. We'll all have our preferences and what works for us. As far as why I would buy a guitar with a floating bridge, this was my first guitar that I got way back 1995. Back then there were no online stores and my local shop only had one left handed guitar. And this was it. Plus, I didn't know anything about what I liked or didn't like. I appreciate your comments and thanks for watching!

[@Vector-X777]

@DadRockAndGuitars Ah yes, I guess you did mention that it was your first guitar from a long time ago. That makes total sense.

[@GretchZ]

The lack of a tone control on the bridge pickup in the classic wiring really irks me, but the reason I prefer tele and other single-cut guitars is my body shape and playing position. (I wear them Beatles high) Strats tend to poke me in the boobahs. It’s not a huge deal on a Strat, but the strap and strap button are less comfortable than a Tele and LP-alikes. Then you get into Ibanez RG and the like and ow. Just ow. I use one strap button on my jazz bass (I’ve never played one that has The Tone other than the very one I have). I hang it from the upper horn. It’s a bit neck heavy anyway. Not a problem for everyone, but yeah. My personal issues.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Yeah, the bridge pickup on mine doesn't have a tone control either. Seems like of all the pickups that need one, the bridge would be it. It can be rewired obviously. I just haven't done it. Also, a lot of the newer Strats have a tone wired to the bridge pickup. Like you, I find the Tele to be very comfortable. But I guess not everyone does. Thanks for watching!

[@Lomoholga2]

Your black strat must be the Australian version it seems to be backwards

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

It’s actually a ‘95 Squier made in Mexico. It was probably made on a Monday morning before they’d had their coffee and they accidentally made it backwards. Lucky for me, they decided to just sell it anyway 🤣 Thanks for watching 👍

[@ZackAttackP1]

I don't currently own a Stratocaster. I do enjoy many guitar players, and some of my favorite players like Ritchie Blackmore, Steve Morse, Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, and Eric Johnson currently use a Stratocaster or have used Stratocaster at one point and get great sounds. But I've never been inspired enough to get one, and I tend to play more harder rock and metal music, which many of those players don't use Stratocasters. I also find the look to be about as generic as possible and it's just mostly not my cup of tea. That's why I don't currently own one or don't gravitate towards one. Maybe someday, cuz I do like some tones, but I don't find it to be versatile or to be my thing rn.

[@hammertownpavao]

The Problem isn’t the Stratocaster - the problem is you !

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Thanks Paul. Have a great week.

[@JamietheEmperor]

I'm just at the beginning of my guitar journey and I'm not big on strats yet, who knows where this will take me

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

That's awesome - welcome to the journey! This Strat was my first guitar. Back in the day, since I'm a lefty, this was the only option I had, but it served be well for many years as my only guitar. Have you found a guitar that you like?

[@JamietheEmperor]

@@DadRockAndGuitars to be frank, there are so many that I like and so little I wouldn't wanna try sometime.. I'm leaning heavily towards either semi-hollow guitars for their supposed unique sound or the telecaster for the versatility it offers from what I heard much like the strat, except that it seems a bit more beefy and possibly more akin to what I'd want in a guitar (ergo, heavy, versatile and stylish) and it all just comes together well on the tele, plus I'm a huge jazz and jazz fusion fan.. makes trying to decide that much harder

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

@@JamietheEmperor Very cool! Jazz guitar is a bit outside of my lane, though I played trumpet in jazz band in school! ha ha A semi-hollow or Tele would both be great choices for jazz. The Tele may be more versatile if you wanted to do some other things outside of jazz as well. Julian Lage plays some killer jazz on a Tele. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6OZiIaLoduEaJI

[@sgholt]

I have 3 strats.... : / It's all good.... :)

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Awesome! Nothing wrong with a good trio of Strats!

[@MrChopsticktech]

They have the most comfortable body shape to me (besides Jazz basses). My Les Paul and ES-335 have that horrible binding that pokes my forearm

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Strats are super comfortable! Can't argue with that. Thanks for watching!

[@user-sf7ve9fm2t]

I agree! I've tried so hard to like Strats, just because so many other people do, but I never understood the hype about them - similar to how I never understood why so many people liked the Seinfeld TV show lol. I just never "got" it. Les Paul, all the way - nothing else feels right to me.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Not every guitar is for everyone. The Les Paul is definitely a different feel and vibe than the Stratocaster. Thanks for watching!

[@terrybillington2482]

A strat is a strat. If you are a good guitarist. And learn the ergonomics of your strat. Or other guitar. It's not a problem.. You obviously are not . Give the guitar to me. I like and can play. With no complaints.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

I appreciate the offer, but I'll be holding on to this one because it's my first "real" guitar that I got back in high school. 😁 Thanks for watching and have great week!

[@lone-wolf-1]

@terrybillington2482 A strat as genious Leo was and as good of a guitar it is, it is still not perfectly flawless… and is still maintaining stubborn all the flaws till today… Sometimes it makes more sense to alter a guitar to fit your needs, before struggling to adapt your body to the non fitting ergonomics. It‘s like with shoes for example: before you alter your feet to fit the shoe, it‘s always better to find the right pair of shoes that fit your feet. 😊

[@golaguy]

I’m sorry, but I actually find your lack of satisfaction with the Stratocaster has to do more with your lack technique and experience. If you do not believe me, go listen to Jeff Beck.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

I agree, Jeff Beck is a fantastic guitar player. No argument there. Thanks for watching Guy!

[@dcamnc1]

I don't like playing strats. They look great, but I don't like them. I've had a few, including some american ones; they just don't click with me like a tele or les paul. Just imo.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

That's pretty much where I'm at too. Though I have friends who don't like Teles and absolutely love Strats. What's with that? 🤷‍♂️ ha ha Thanks for watching!

[@claudelussier1678]

I didn't like the Strat either; now I know why!

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Can't trust you, you are left-handed...😜 I am playing my Les Paul Tribute while I watch so I will stand with you brother🤘🏼

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Ha ha! Thanks for watching!

[@rhettg24]

These problems you're having with the strat are nothing a couple of lessons from a guitar player couldn't fix.

[@aperezdeal]

Sassy.

[@maurosaverio]

…and i tend to say that pros plays everything in every ways. ;-)

[@felixayala05]

Valid complaints. Fixable, but valid.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

I agree, they are certainly fixable at the end of the day. I just don't have to fix them on my Tele and Les Paul 😅 Appreciate you watching and commenting!

[@seanmiller7187]

Do you want some cheese with your whine?

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Yes, please! lol Thanks for watching Sean 👍

[@Distinguished_Djentlemen]

Can I have your strat?😊💙

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Sorry, I'm keeping this one for sentimental reasons. It's my first real guitar that I got back in 1995. It's a made in Mexico Squier. We've come this far together, so might as stick it out. 😅 Thanks for watching!

[@Distinguished_Djentlemen]

Loved your video.

[@fordhammie]

There's more to life than FENDER! ehh hem... PRS, Squier, Schecter, LTD, TOKAI, Ibanez etc!

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

Absolutely! Personally, I don't get into brands as much as specific guitars. I have/had Squier, Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, G&L, Epiphone, and Schecter over the years. Most of them great guitars! Do you have a favorite guitar that you've played?

[@fordhammie]

@@DadRockAndGuitars 100% agree... I have a Cherry Tokai Goldstar Sound (Korean) that I find to be the best strat ever; So deep and vivacious and is the only guitar that havent ever had to perform any upgrades to it and whatnot.

[@DadRockAndGuitars]

@@fordhammie Wow, very cool! 👍 I haven't had a chance to play a Tokai, but I've heard a lot of good things about them!

[@forsterplantenga6787]

"Promo SM" 😪

[@mazklassa9338]

Volume pot