Are Fender Custom Shop Guitars Really Better?

Fender Custom Shop Strat vs. Fender American Original Stratocaster - Is there a difference?
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Are Fender Custom Shop Guitars Really Better? That's the topic and comparison for today's video. I am comparing a Fender Custom Shop '57 Stratocaster versus my Fender American Original 50s Stratocaster.

The Fender Custom Shop Guitar is just under AUD 5000, and the American Original is roughly $2500 (approx).

I own the American Original, and the Custom shop is on loan from Sky Music!

Timestamps:
0:00 - My Statement
0:45 - Tone Comparison
3:56 - First Impression
5:26 - Isolated Clean Tones
7:08 - Clean Tone Impressions
7:41 - Isolated Dirty Tones
9:04 - Final Thoughts

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Please note: I do not take a cash payment from guitar companies, nor have I been paid by Fender or Sky Music to produce this video. If you want to help support the channel, please use the affiliate links to Sweetwater or Thomann. Many thanks!

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(Links to Sweetwater, Thomann, Amazon, B&H, Artist Guitars, and Walmart are affiliate links.
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[jeremybearden]

The Custom Shop sounds a little more resonant to me, but Shane looks more satisfied playing the American Original. Player satisfaction = what matters most.

[paulcaskey]

The lush tonality of the gold hardware is evident in the mid-range.

[kennygardner]

I like the Amer. original tone wise. Warmer and tighter mids. Less splatty with overdrive.

[SeaOrcRonnie]

The custom shop just has something of a bright sweetness to it that makes you go..yeeaahhh 👍

[iagobroxado]

Also heard the CS as being a little warmer, more compressed and lower in volume than the AO. It was easier to notice a difference during the intro than during the clean demo.

[Liamjholland]

I was hoping to find that they both sounded alike, but the custom shop just sounds so nice, so smooth... not saying the other one sounds bad, it doesn’t, it also sounds amazing... but the custom shop sounds even better

[miltonfmn]

The diference isn't proportional with the prices!

[danielphillipsmusic]

As a bassist I've owned and played vintage, and modern basses from all levels of production. The American Original Series don't play anything like a proper vintage reissue. I own a Custom Shop 55 Precision and an American Vintage Series 57 Precision. The American Vintage Series 57 had all the correct vintage appointments and plays and sounds exactly like a production run Fender should. The AO just plays like a Nash, or any other modern "vintage style" knock off due to the modern radius neck. Why pay premium price for an entry level spec? Save your money and get a used AVS bass or guitar. As to the custom shop. I own my Time Machine 55 P, and I've played real early 50s Ps. The Custom Shop is a perfect recreation of what those basses were with even better craftsmanship. Sure, they don't have 60 plus years of mojo, but my CS P weighs only 7.6lbs and is PERFECTLY balanced and absolutely sings plugged in or acoustically. The Handwound pickup is an absolute monster and can nail all the classic tones. Again, if you want correct vintage tone and playability, but not want to spend a ton. A used older Custom Shop Time Machine, or American Vintage Reissue will actually get you there for less money. The current Custom Shop models use a lot of year tags, but they lack the real neck specs. The American Originals essentially look and sound the part, but don't play anything like old Fenders. Just my opinion, of course.

[matthewf]

The American Original guitars really are fantastic. They are functionally equivalent to the team built Custom Shop guitars. Where the CS guitars stand out to me is the pickups, neck shapes and the fit and finish. Buy a used, team built CS guitar if you can swing it. I highly recommend the “Journeyman” line, the light relic lets you play the guitar without worrying about scratches and dings.

[Apocarion]

To me the custom shop had a more "vocal" sound, which I typically associate with vintage strats.

[ScottyBrockway]

I don't think there is any better here, just different and player taste. The pickups sound a bit different in the custom shop, but you can buy those separate.

[agusg.t.]

I have 3 fender USA and one Custom Shop, and being all amazing the CS is the best

[tronellefsen]

Nice playing! Some say it’s the quarter sawn neck that gives it a bit more chime, and snappy sound. I am perfectly happy with my AO.

[GuitarHouseLima]

Guy in the shop: American Original or Custom Shop?
Me: Yes

[maxhelli]

it’s in the fingers not the tool. great playing mate

[jorgerst]

IMHO heavier strats usually have a thicker tone, which I prefer, especially on overdrive. This video shows it very well. American Original wins for me :)

[sammyj.d]

A couple of months ago I bought a 50s AO Strat (same ash body/blonde finish, but RH) and it is absolutely FANTASTIC! The wood is lovely to look at, the fat soft-v profile neck is comfy and the pickups sound incredible. Smells good too!!

[brandonlesko]

In my experience with expensive guitars, that little bit extra you get in feel - and also the part you continually try to convince yourself of - is not worth it for the majority of players. I've owned some expensive guitars and they end up being like what happens if and when you meet your heroes.
They just don't live up to it. But, it's your money to spend. Hopefully the pricey guitar inspires you to play more and you get your money's worth.

[DMSProduktions]

BOTH sound great, as trad Strats go! However I thought the CS had a bit sweeter sounding pick ups. But apart from that there was LITTLE in it! DID the CS SOUND $3K better? NO way!
The playing experience is still paramount!
Nice 1!

[intheblues]

What are your thoughts on this high-end custom shop guitars versus my American Original? I share my thoughts about the feel and tone in this video!
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